Are you thinking of studying abroad? If yes, then you should consider studying in Canada. This country has become a popular destination for Nigerian students looking to study at universities across North America.
Canada is a bilingual country with English and French as official languages. The country offers a wide range of educational opportunities, from undergraduate to graduate degrees. As a result, Nigerian students who wish to study in Canada have a number of career options.
Furthermore, there are numerous reasons why Nigerian students should study in Canada rather than elsewhere. Nigerian students have access to numerous colleges and scholarships.
Continue reading to learn about some of them.
Table of Contents
- 1 Nigerian Students Population in Canada
- 1.1 Reasons to Study in Canada for Nigerian Students
- 1.2 Basic Steps to study in Canada from Nigeria
- 1.3 Procedure for Obtaining a Canadian Study Permit in Nigeria
- 1.4 How Long Does it Take to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit in Nigeria?
- 1.5 Requirements for Canadian Student Visa for Nigerian Students
- 1.6 Cost of Study in Canada for Nigerian Students
- 1.7 How to Study for Free in Canada from Nigeria
- 1.8 Do I Need to Take the IELTS to Study in Canada as a Nigerian?
- 1.9 Top Universities in Canada for Nigerian students
- 1.10 Scholarships for study in Canada for Nigerian Students
- 1.11 Can I Work While Studying in Canada as a Nigerian Student
- 1.12 Conclusion
Nigerian Students Population in Canada
According to a recent report from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), the number of Nigerian students studying in Canada has risen dramatically in recent years. Indeed, Nigeria is now Canada’s third-largest source of international students, trailing only China and India.
The increased number of Nigerian students studying in Canada benefits both countries. Nigerian students enrich the cultural diversity on Canadian campuses while also contributing to the Canadian economy.
If you are a Nigerian student thinking about studying in Canada, you will find plenty of help and resources to help you succeed. Canadian schools offer a range of programs and services designed to help international students succeed. And once you’re there, you’ll be able to take advantage of all that Canada has to offer: from world-class cities to beautiful natural scenery.
Reasons to Study in Canada for Nigerian Students
There are many reasons why Nigerian students should study in Canada. Here are just a few of them:
1. The educational system is of high quality. In fact, Canada is home to some of the world’s best universities, including the University of Toronto and McGill University.
2. Canada is a friendly and diverse country. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures.
3. In comparison to other developed countries, the cost of living and tuition fees are relatively low.
4. There are numerous opportunities to work while studying, allowing you to earn money to help pay for your education.
5. There are also numerous scholarship opportunities available to Nigerian students.
Basic Steps to study in Canada from Nigeria
If you’re a Nigerian student interested in studying in Canada, there are a few basic steps you need to follow. The fundamental steps of the application process are as follows:
#1. Choose a Program
First, you’ll need to research the different universities and colleges in Canada that offer programs of interest to you. In fact, you must make a compelling case for studying in Canada for this specific program. We recommend that you select a program based on your work experience and educational background. This will increase your chances of submitting a successful application.
#2. Apply to the School
After you’ve decided on a program, the next step is to apply for admission to your preferred school and start planning your journey!
Before you can apply for a study permit, you must have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian-designated learning institution (DLI).
#3. Apply for a Study Permit:
You’ll be able to apply for your study permit once you’ve received your acceptance letter. Depending on your location, you will need to prepare and submit your application to the Canadian embassy or consulate in Lagos or Abuja.
In addition, you will be required to present Proof of Financial Support. It’s evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who are accompanying you. You must also demonstrate that you can cover your tuition as well as your living expenses (accommodation, food, etc.) for your first year in Canada.
Likewise, Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports are examples of identification documents that you need to provide.
Procedure for Obtaining a Canadian Study Permit in Nigeria
As previously stated, Nigerians wishing to study in Canada must first obtain a study permit. This document allows you to study for the duration of your studies at a designated learning institution. You must have been accepted by a Canadian school, college, or university to apply for a study permit.
You will also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Canadian study permit from Nigeria:
Gather the required documents. These include a letter of acceptance from a Canadian school, proof of financial support, and a valid Nigerian passport. Make sure that you have all of the necessary documents for your country. The immigration officer may reject your application if you do not demonstrate that you meet the requirements. It is a good idea to have your application reviewed by a qualified immigration representative before submitting it.
Submit your study permit application. Submit your application online or at a Canadian visa office in Nigeria. You will need to pay the processing fee with a credit card.
Wait for your application to be processed. You need to wait for a decision to be made on your application. It usually takes 5 working days.
Travel to Canada if your study permit is approved! Your Canadian study permit will not be issued until you arrive at a Canadian port of entry (POE). The Canadian government will issue you a Port of Entry Introduction Letter if your permit is approved. When you arrive in Canada, you must show this letter to an immigration official in order to obtain your study permit.
How Long Does it Take to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit in Nigeria?
You’ve made the decision to study in Canada! Applying for a study permit is the first step toward realizing your dream. But how long does it take to apply in Nigeria for a Canadian study permit?
In general, the application process takes up to 3 to 5 months from start to finish. This includes gathering all required documents, submitting your application, and waiting for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to make a decision (IRCC).
As a result, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible. The time frame varies depending on where your application is processed (i.e. the country), the application method used (i.e. paper or online), and the number of applications received by CIC during that period.
Avoid the risk of last-minute visa applications by applying early to the educational institution in Canada, so that they can provide you with the necessary documents (letter of acceptance) for your visa application. This will ensure that you have enough time to prepare the necessary documents and meet other visa application requirements.
Requirements for Canadian Student Visa for Nigerian Students
To study in Canada, you must first obtain a Canadian student visa. Before you can apply for a Canadian student visa, Nigerian students must first meet the requirements.
Nigerian students must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for a Canadian student visa:
- Have been accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies
- Be in good health and have no criminal record -Be able to demonstrate that they will return home after their studies
Nigerian students who meet all of the criteria for a Canadian student visa can apply online or at a Canadian embassy or consulate. Check out our Complete list of Canada Visa Requirements for Nigerian Students here for more details.
Cost of Study in Canada for Nigerian Students
Quality education is essential, but it is not cheap. If you want to study in Canada, you’ll need to consider the cost of tuition, housing, food, and other living expenses.
This will assist you in effectively planning your budget. The level of education and the average annual fee is as follows:
- Undergraduate programs range from CAD$12,000 to CAD$25,000 per year.
- Master’s degree in postgraduate studies = CAD$14,000 to CAD$35,000 per year.
- Doctorate = CAD$7,000-CAD$10,000 per year.
In the table below, we have provided the average cost of study in Canada for Nigerian students in both Naira and Canadian dollars.
| Tuition Fees | CAD 7,000 to CAD 35,000 |
| Accommodation | CAD 7,200 to CAD 24,000 |
| Other Living Expenses (Grocery, transportation, etc.) | CAD 6,000 to CAD 10,000 |
| Miscellaneous | CAD 1,000 |
| The total cost of study in Canada for Indian students | CAD 14,200 to CAD 35,000 |
See Also: How to Study in Canada Without Breaking the Bank
How to Study for Free in Canada from Nigeria
For international students who want to study in Canada, there are numerous scholarship opportunities.
Your options will be determined by your field of study or research as well as your country of origin.
Using this database, you can learn more about scholarships that may be available to you.
Do I Need to Take the IELTS to Study in Canada as a Nigerian?
You may be wondering if you need to take the IELTS as a Nigerian student looking to study in Canada. The answer is that it depends on the program to which you are applying and the school where you will be studying.
If you want to apply to a program that requires English proficiency, you must take the IELTS. If you’re applying to a program that doesn’t require English, you might not need to take the IELTS.
Each university or college in Canada has its own requirements for international students, so it is critical that you check with the school before deciding whether or not to take the IELTS.
Top Universities in Canada for Nigerian students
Nigerian students looking to study in Canada will find many top-ranked universities to choose from. According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, six Canadian universities are among the world’s top 200 institutions.
Here are just a few of the top universities in Canada for Nigerian students:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- Université de Montréal
- Queen’s University
- Western University
- University of Waterloo
- University of Calgary
Scholarships for study in Canada for Nigerian Students
Nigerian students seeking scholarships to study in Canada will find a variety of options available to them. There are several Canadian universities that provide scholarships specifically for Nigerian students, as well as some private organizations that provide financial assistance to students studying in Canada.
The amount of money given to each university varies. However, here are just a few of the scholarships available to Nigerian students:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
- Waterloo Merit Scholarship
- Science and Law School Scholarship
- Go Clean Scholarship
- Humber College International Entrance Scholarship
Can I Work While Studying in Canada as a Nigerian Student
You may be wondering if you can work while studying in Canada as a Nigerian student. Yes, the answer is yes! There are numerous options for students to work while studying in Canada.
Working while studying can help you cover some of your living expenses and gain practical experience in your chosen field. It can also assist you in meeting new people and networking with potential employers.
If you want to work while studying in Canada, there are a few things to consider. The Canadian government will require you to obtain a study permit. You can apply for a work permit once you have your study permit. During the school year, you can only work up to 20 hours per week.
But wait, there’s more! According to CIC NEWS, Canada will allow international students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week. This will help to alleviate the country’s labor shortage, and Nigerian students will undoubtedly jump at the chance!
Conclusion
Finally, studying in Canada is an excellent option for Nigerian students. Canada, with its world-class education and breathtaking scenery, has something for everyone. So, if you’re thinking about studying abroad, consider Canada. You will not be let down.