How would you transfer to a Canadian University from Nigeria? This question has become very common because of the growing number of Nigerian students who want to study abroad.
Nigerians are one of the largest groups of international students in Canada. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, the number of Nigerians studying at Canadian universities accounts for over 33%. This trend is expected to continue in the future.
There are many benefits that come with transferring to a Canadian university. One of the most significant is the quality of education you can expect. The universities in Canada are known for their top-notch faculties, which make learning easy. In addition, they also have a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options.
The weather there is usually relatively temperate, which is great for students from tropical climates. Again, tuition is very reasonable, making it possible for Nigerians from all socioeconomic backgrounds to attend university there. Plus, when you finish your studies in Canada, you can legally work for three years before becoming a citizen.
Transferring to a Canadian university is easier than ever before. In this article, you will learn about four steps to transfer to a Canadian university. You will also learn about universities in Canada that accept transfer students and other helpful tips.
Table of Contents
Who is a Transfer applicant?
A transfer applicant is an international student who has completed high school and some post-secondary education in Nigeria or other Countries. Even if you have only taken one college or university course, you will be considered a transfer applicant when moving to continue your studies abroad.
What is International Student Transfer?
International student transfer is when a Nigerian student moves to study in another country, like Canada or abroad. Generally, it is a process by which a Nigerian student studying at a college or university in Nigeria temporarily transfers to another post-secondary institution in Canada, either to complete a program or for a period of time.
This process can help students to gain additional academic experience and improve their chances of getting accepted into a Canadian university. Many factors must be considered when transferring to another school, such as the study level, the program type, and the language requirements.
Nevertheless, international student transfer is an essential part of the Canadian education system and can be helpful for students who want to continue their studies in Canada.
4 Steps to Transfer to a Canadian University from Nigeria
If you are considering transferring to a Canadian university, there are four essential steps you need to take.
#Step 1: Meet the admission requirements
It can be tough to make the leap from Nigeria to a Canadian university. But with the right understanding of international transfer student requirements, you can successfully make the transition. The following are the requirements for transferring from a Nigerian university to a Canadian university:
- Completion of at least four full courses OR one year of full-time degree studies at a Nigerian university.
- A minimum of 2.0 on a 4-point scale from a Nigerian university.
- If applying to Honours-level programs: you must have a minimum overall average of 2.3 on a 4-point scale from a Nigerian University.
- Your cumulative grade point average will be calculated using all university courses taken in Nigeria.
- Repeated courses will only count once toward the accrual of transfer credit.
- Results of standardized English proficiency tests (IELTS and TOEFL).
- Official transcript from your current Nigerian university.
- Transcript of senior secondary school.
- WAEC result.
- Transfer application essay.
#Step 2: Meet other General University Norms
Computer Science, Kinesiology, Information Technology, and Bachelor of Commerce courses must have been taken within the last 5 years to be considered for minor, major, or pre-requisite credit toward a degree program. Transfer credit for courses taken more than five years ago can only be used for electives.
For establishing how much transfer credit is available for Engineering degree programs, the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) has tight guidelines. The engineering science and engineering design curriculums must be completed at a CEAB-accredited Canadian degree-granting institution. The maximum number of credits that can be awarded is thirty.
Several programs require a grade of ‘C’ or above for a course to apply toward a major/minor or to fulfill a pre-requisite.
#Step 3: Complete a Transfer Assessment
This will outline your previous academic achievements and potential at Canadian universities. As soon as you are admitted to a Canadian university, the Admissions office will examine your previous post-secondary courses for transfer credit eligibility. The time required to complete a transfer assessment varies according to the academic session.
Therefore, you will receive your transfer credit statement if you accept your offer sooner. The transfer process is divided into three stages:
Credit Assessment
The Office of Admissions determines the amount of transfer credit you are eligible for depending on the following factors:
- The type of Nigerian educational institution you’re transferring from, like College, University, and polytechnic, is all examples of advanced secondary institutions.
- Whether or if your previous courses are transferrable.
- The number of courses you’ve taken.
- What role does your previous post-secondary education have in the program?
- To complete the credit assessment, students must provide an official transcript(s) copy delivered directly to the Office of Admissions.
Course Assessment
After completing the credit assessment, the Admissions office carefully evaluates previous course(s) for content that overlaps with the degree requirements of your current program. When there is significant overlap between courses, the studies are granted course credit exclusions and/or course waivers. To stimulate course revision, students must give course outline(s) for assessment of academic content, difficulty, and materials covered.
Acceptable Course Outlines
The course descriptions, syllabi, and course outlines must include the timeframe in which you took the course. Having copies of complete course outlines/syllabi is the best solution. These can be faxed or sent from your previous school and uploaded.
#Step 4: Complete the Application Process
You will need to submit a complete application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, reference letters, and other documents listed above. The application fee ranges from 50 to CAD 80, depending on the Canadian post-secondary institution.
The application process can take many weeks or even months, so please be patient while you await your admissions decision.
You May Also Like:
- Transfer to an American University from a Nigerian University
- Expected Cost of Studying in Canada from Nigeria
- How to Get a Canadian Student Visa from Nigeria?
How to Adjust to the Canadian University System as a Nigerian Student
Adjusting to the Canadian University System as a Nigerian Student can be difficult, but with some preparation, it can be manageable. Here are some tips to help you adapt:
1. Start by understanding the system. The Canadian university system is very different from the Nigerian one, so it’s important to understand what’s expected of you before you even step foot on campus. Make sure you have a good understanding of course requirements, program requirements, and degree paths.
2. Be proactive in your studies. Don’t wait until you have difficulty fitting into the school schedule or feel like you haven’t been productive to start looking for ways to improve your study habits. Start now by setting goals for yourself and sticking to them religiously. If you make changes that work for you, great – if not, try something new!
3. Canadian Universities provide free one-on-one instruction. Tutors help students improve their math, economics, science, English, humanities, social sciences, and academic writing skills.
4. University Student Services departments also provide academic and emotional support. Every year, all students have access to up to ten free on-site health and wellness counseling sessions.
5. There is also a mentorship program. Students with outstanding academic records and active participation in university activities are eligible to participate in this program, which assists first-year students in transitioning to the Canadian educational system.
Do Transfer Students from Nigeria get Scholarships?
Many Canadian universities offer scholarships to transfer students from Nigeria, and depending on your level of academic achievement; you may be eligible for one.
Academic entrance awards are also given to transfer students from accredited Nigerian universities or college programs. In addition, transfer students are eligible to receive an Entrance Scholarship based on their previous academic achievement.
If you’re transferring from a Nigerian university, your school will likely have transferred credits that can automatically transfer to most Canadian universities.
Sometimes, you may need to submit additional documentation, such as SAT or ACT scores. Remember that the amount of scholarship money available is typically limited, so apply immediately!
Top Canadian Universities That Accept Transfer Students from Nigeria
If you’re looking for a Canadian university that accepts transfer students from Nigeria, consider some of the options listed below. These schools are known for being very selective while yet inviting new students:
- University Of Toronto
- University Of British Columbia
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- University Of Alberta
- University Of Ottawa
- University Of Waterloo
- Western University
- Ryerson University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Mount Royal University
- University of Calgary
- MacEwan University
- Athabasca University
- Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- University Of Montreal (Université De Montréal)
Transfer to a Canadian University from Nigeria: Conclusion
To wrap up, if you want to transfer to a Canadian university, be sure to research the best options for you. Many great universities in Canada offer a world-class education. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Start your research today and find the right fit for you. For those considering transferring to a Canadian university but unsure where to begin? Please leave your comments or questions in the section below, and we will gladly answer all of them.
Good luck!