by Are you a Nigerian student dreaming of studying in Canada? With rising interest in Canada scholarships 2025, the Government of Canada offers fantastic opportunities for international students. These government scholarships Canada can cover tuition, living costs, and more, making it easier to get a Canadian student visa.
Plus, after graduation, you could qualify for a post-graduation work permit, opening doors to jobs in Canada for international students. Studying in Canada not only boosts your education but also enhances visa opportunities and career prospects in fields like tech, healthcare, and business.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best Government of Canada scholarships for international students in 2025, explained in simple terms.
These are highly sought-after for their support to students from developing countries like Nigeria.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This top-tier scholarship targets PhD students with strong academics and leadership skills. Open to international students, including Nigerians, it’s perfect for research in health, sciences, engineering, or humanities.
Benefits include CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years, covering tuition and living expenses.
Eligibility: Nominated by a Canadian university.
Deadline: Around October 2024 for 2025 intake.
Ideal for Nigerians aiming for advanced degrees and future jobs in Canada. Apply here
2. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
For those with a PhD looking to do postdoctoral research, this fellowship supports innovative work in sciences, health, or humanities.
International applicants, including from Nigeria, can apply. It offers CAD 70,000 per year for two years.
Eligibility: Strong research proposal and no prior Canadian postdoc.
Deadline: September 2024. This boosts your resume for permanent jobs in Canada and visa extensions.
3. Study in Canada Scholarships
Great for short-term studies or research, this is open to students from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. It funds 4-6 months at Canadian colleges or universities.
Benefits: Up to CAD 12,700, covering airfare, visa fees, health insurance, and living costs.
Eligibility: Full-time student in your home country.
Deadline: March 2025 (institutions apply). Perfect for Nigerians seeking quick Canada experience leading to longer visas and job networks. Apply here
4. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
Focused on Latin America and Caribbean students, but worth noting for similar programs. It offers short-term exchanges with CAD 8,200-CAD 11,100 for studies or research.
Eligibility: Enrolled in home institution.
Deadline: March 2025. While not directly for Nigerians, it inspires similar Africa-focused options for study in Canada visas.
5. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
For ASEAN countries, this provides CAD 10,200-CAD 12,700 for short-term study.
Eligibility: ASEAN citizens enrolled full-time.
Deadline: March 2025. Though not for Nigerians, it highlights Canada’s support for international students, encouraging applications to open programs for jobs in Canada.
6. Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
Aimed at Chinese students for research in Canada. Benefits include funding for 4-12 months.
Eligibility: Chinese professionals or scholars.
Deadline: Varies. For Nigerians, look to parallel programs like Study in Canada for similar benefits and visa perks.
7. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP)
This supports students from francophone developing countries, including some African nations. It fully funds master’s or PhD studies.
Benefits: Tuition, living allowance, and travel.
Eligibility: From La Francophonie member states.
Deadline: Varies by country. Nigerians with French skills can explore this for study in Canada opportunities.
8. Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarships
For OAS member states, offering graduate studies in Canada. Benefits: Up to CAD 30,000 per year.
Eligibility: Citizens of OAS countries.
Deadline: May 2025. Inspires Nigerians to seek inclusive government scholarships Canada for international growth.
9. Postdoctoral Research Program
Open to international postdocs in natural sciences at Canadian government labs.
Benefits: Competitive salary.
Eligibility: Relevant PhD. Deadline: June 2025. Great for Nigerians building research careers and securing jobs in Canada for international students.
10. Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030
Supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals, this funds training for professionals from select developing countries, including Africa.
Benefits: Full coverage for studies.
Eligibility: From eligible countries like Nigeria.
Deadline: Varies. Excellent for skill-building leading to Canadian visas and employment.
