High Paying Scholarships in Canada Nigerians Can Apply for Now

When you think about studying abroad, especially in a country like Canada, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is cost. And rightly so. Between tuition fees, accommodation, healthcare, flights and living expenses, the bills stack up fast. But here’s the truth Nigerian students need to hear – there are high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now that not only cover these expenses but in some cases, leave students with surplus funds. We’re not talking about partial discounts or small stipends.

We’re talking about life-changing, fully funded scholarships that pay for everything – tuition, books, living, even travel – and then some. And the best part? Many of these are still open, accessible and made for students just like you.

There’s a major shift happening in Canadian education. Canadian universities and the government are increasingly targeting students from Nigeria due to their proven academic strength, work ethic and contribution to global research. As a result, a growing number of high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now have emerged over the past few years. From PhD-level fellowships worth $70,000 annually to fully funded undergraduate awards that cover the cost of your degree and accommodation, these scholarships are not rare miracles – they’re strategic investments from Canadian institutions.

For Nigerian students with ambition and the right information, the opportunity is not just possible – it’s ripe for the taking.

But here’s the issue: most Nigerian students either don’t know about these scholarships or they give up halfway through the process because the information is scattered, unclear or too academic to understand. That’s why this guide is different. We’re not just listing random scholarships. We’re breaking down the most valuable, high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now, analyzing who they’re for, how much they pay, why they exist and how you can secure one.

Whether you’re a fresh high school graduate aiming for undergrad studies, a master’s degree holder targeting a PhD or a young researcher searching for postdoctoral funding – this is built for you, with your background and challenges in mind.

This isn’t theory – it’s based on real Nigerian success stories. We’ve studied applicants who’ve gone from filling out forms in cafes in Lagos or internet cafés in Owerri to boarding planes to Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Halifax, funded by some of the highest paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now. These individuals weren’t always the class valedictorians or born with privilege – they simply applied with the right strategy, the right documents and most importantly, the right information. If they did it, so can you. It’s no longer just a dream – it’s a roadmap you can follow, starting right here.

So, before you scroll away thinking “this is not for me” – think again. If you’re reading this, you’re already closer than most to accessing high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now. This guide is going to show you where to find them, how to stand out in your application, what mistakes to avoid and how to start applying today – not next year, not someday.

Now. The Canadian opportunity is open – and this is your moment to grab it with both hands.

Top High Paying Scholarships in Canada Nigerians Can Apply for Now

Let’s break down the most rewarding scholarships, from government-funded programs to university-specific offers. These are not just about prestige – these are about money in your bank and freedom to study stress-free.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS)

This one is elite. And it’s one of the most high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now.

• Value: $50,000 per year for three years
• Eligible Degrees: PhD (or combined MA/PhD)
• Deadline: Varies by university (usually July–November)

Why It’s Special:

• Covers almost every field – health, sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities.

• Prioritizes leadership and research excellence.

• You can apply through any eligible Canadian university.

Pro Tip: Choose a supervisor in Canada before you apply. It shows initiative and boosts your chances massively.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at University of Toronto

• Value: Full tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for 4 years
• Eligible Degrees: Undergraduate
• Deadline: November–January (varies per school)

What Makes It High Paying:

Not many undergraduate scholarships are this generous. This one is fully funded and gives international prestige, making it one of the top high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now.

Only One Nigerian Student Per School Can Be Nominated. So, you must get your secondary school to nominate you.

University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program

• Value: Full cost of tuition and living expenses
• Eligible Degrees: Undergraduate
• Deadline: Mid-November (school nomination), January (application)

This scholarship program includes:

• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

• Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

UBC’s scholarship program is need-based and merit-based. They want brilliant minds who are financially disadvantaged. If that’s you, this is a must-apply.

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

Value:

• Master’s: $14,000 per year (up to 2 years)

• PhD: $18,000 per year (up to 4 years)

Eligible Degrees: Research-based Master’s and PhDs

Why It’s High Paying: UMGF is widely open to international students and Nigerians make a strong applicant pool.

This is one of those high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now that reward academic performance, plain and simple.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

• Value: $60,000 per year for three years
• Eligible Degrees: PhD in Social Sciences or Humanities
• Deadline: Usually late October

Why It’s Different:

• Includes leadership training

• Funding for travel and research

• Access to influential mentors across Canada

It’s not just about funding your studies – it’s about preparing you for global leadership. And that makes it a premium high paying scholarship in Canada Nigerians can apply for now.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

• Value: $15,000 per year
• Eligible Degrees: Master’s and PhDs
• Offered By: Universities in Ontario (e.g., University of Ottawa, Toronto, York)

Why It’s Valuable:

• You can stack this with other funding sources.

• Easy to apply through your institution.

• Often renewable.

You’ll find this scholarship available through most Ontario-based schools and it’s a solid mid-tier high paying scholarship in Canada Nigerians can apply for now.

University of Calgary Graduate Awards

• Value: Up to $40,000 per year
• Eligible Degrees: Master’s and PhD
• Deadline: Depends on the department

This award is often overlooked, but many Nigerians studying in Canada rate it highly. You’ll find a combination of entrance awards, research grants and living cost support under this umbrella.

University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards

Value:

• Master’s: $2,045 per term (up to 6 terms)

• PhD: $4,090 per term (up to 12 terms)

Plus, additional funding is often offered by individual faculties.

While it may not sound like the highest, here’s the twist: it stacks with other awards and the university often tops it up, making it one of the smart ways to secure a high paying scholarship in Canada Nigerians can apply for now.

York University International Student Scholarships

• Value: $20,000–$35,000 per year
• Eligible Degrees: Undergraduate
• Deadline: February 1st annually

Programs Eligible:

• Arts, Media, Performance and Design

• Liberal Arts and Professional Studies

• Science

• Engineering

York’s International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction is competitive, but tailor-made for Nigerian high school graduates with excellent results.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Value: $70,000 per year for two years
• Eligible Degree: Postdoctoral
• Deadline: September–October

If you’ve already completed your PhD or close to it, the Banting Fellowship is the highest paying scholarship in Canada Nigerians can apply for now at the postdoctoral level. It’s designed to attract the best and brightest – and you don’t need to be in Canada to apply.

University of Alberta Scholarships for Nigerian Students

• Value: Varies widely – up to $29,000 for graduate students
• Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD
• Deadline: Rolling

Why It Matters:

University of Alberta actively recruits Nigerians through its Africa-focused recruitment programs. They even waive IELTS in some cases if your Nigerian degree was in English.

That makes it one of the easiest high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now, especially for students who may not have the time or money for standardized tests.

Dalhousie University Scholarships

• Value: Up to $40,000 per year
• Eligible Degrees: All levels

Special Benefit: Dalhousie often provides combined funding – admission scholarships, faculty scholarships and TA/RA positions all bundled together.

Best For: Graduate students in health sciences, agriculture and computer science.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning High Paying Scholarships in Canada

Let’s go analytical for a second.

Winning one of these high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now isn’t just about luck. It’s about understanding how the system works – and working it to your advantage.

Tailor Your Application to Each Scholarship

Generic doesn’t win scholarships. Period. Your statement of purpose, CV and recommendation letters must all echo what that scholarship body values.

For example:

• Vanier wants research impact and leadership.

• Lester B. Pearson wants community involvement.

• Banting wants research that aligns with Canada’s priorities.

Reach Out to Professors Early

Most Canadian graduate scholarships require departmental nominations. And professors have major influence. Reaching out with a research proposal, academic transcript and why you’re a fit for their lab or department gives you an edge.

Ace Your IELTS/TOEFL or Get It Waived

Many universities accept waivers if your Nigerian education was in English. But if they don’t – don’t just pass the IELTS, crush it.

Target scores:

• IELTS: 7.0+ overall

• TOEFL: 100+

It’s not just about free tuition – it’s about unlocking a passport to world-class education, global networks, career-defining opportunities and even permanent residency down the line. Canada is not only offering the funding – they are literally searching for bright, ambitious Nigerians to invest in. But that investment doesn’t land by accident. You need to be proactive, strategic and armed with the right tools. That’s what this guide aimed to do – give you the edge you need to go from application to admission and eventually, to success.

Now that you’ve seen the landscape, it’s time to move. Don’t just read this and walk away. Start compiling your documents, reach out to professors, contact your former teachers for recommendation letters and begin drafting those compelling personal statements. Bookmark those deadlines. Apply even if you’re not 100% confident – because every single Nigerian who won one of these high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now once thought they weren’t “good enough.” The difference is, they tried.

They took the shot. And that shot paid off big. If you wait, you risk missing the application window. But if you act now, you give yourself a real chance at turning your Canadian dream into a fully-funded, debt-free reality.

In the end, remember this: your background doesn’t limit your future – your mindset does. Canada is offering a golden door, but only the bold knock. These high paying scholarships in Canada Nigerians can apply for now are not reserved for the lucky few – they’re for the persistent, the informed and the prepared. So, take action. Start with just one application and build momentum from there.

Your name could be on that next award letter. Your future could start with one decision – and that decision begins now.