Canada is a huge country and home to some of the best universities in the world. In recent years, it has become very attractive for prospective students worldwide, including Nigerian students. A key driver for this desirability is the country’s multicultural setting, which a lot of students find appealing. That is why we are considering today the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students.
Another reason students across the globe choose Canada as a choice destination is because of its economic prowess. According to Investopedia, Canada is the ninth-largest economy globally as of 2020, with a GDP of $1.64 trillion (USD).
However, despite Canada’s cultural and economic allure, its universities’ high cost of tuition fees puts a lot of financial demand on Nigerian students. For context, 47.3% of Nigerians, or 98 million people, live in multidimensional poverty. By this measure, Nigerian students might find it hard to settle for a Canadian University that ticks all the right boxes by this measure.
Fortunately, there are some world-class and affordable universities that Nigerian students can choose to apply to and study in Canada.
But how do you know which university to choose when there are so many to pick from? What are the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian Students? What are the acceptability and affordability rates of these universities? How adaptable are the communities and what are the economic realities of these University communities?
List Of Top 10 Best Canadian Universities for Nigerian Students
This list has been created to assist you with your search of the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian Students to choose from and inform you of the requirements and tution fees you would be needing for such life long ambition..
The following are the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students based on affordability, prestige, and acceptability rate :
- The Memorial University of Newfoundland
- McGill University
- Concordia University
- The University of New Brunswick
- Ryerson University
- The University of Alberta
- The University of British Columbia
- The University of Manitoba
- Brandon University
- The University of Winnipeg
1. The Memorial University of Newfoundland
Also known as, MUN, The Memorial University of Newfoundland is our 1st pick on the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students. It is the only University located in Newfoundland and Labrador and it is one of the most prominent educational institutions in Atlantic Canada. With an estimated tuition fee of around $12,000 (USD)per year, it is one of the cheapest universities in Canada for Nigerian Students. Its ever-increasing influx of international students also makes it attractive for Nigerian students, with about 20% of its enrollees coming from over 100 countries worldwide.
2. McGill University
McGill Univeristy is our 2nd pick on the list of top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students.
This is a public research institution founded in 1821 and located in downtown Montreal and on Montreal Island. It is recognized as one of the top 3 universities in Canada and the top 50 globally. The university offers over 300 programs in law, Medicine, Music, Engineering, and Arts. With about 30% of its students from 150 countries around the globe, it has one of the most multicultural student populations in Canada.
For a top 50 university in the world, its tuition fee is a very reasonable cost of $20,750 (USD).
3. Concordia University
This is one of the top-rated universities in Canada. It was formed as a merger between Loyola College and George Williams University and is located in the region of Montreal, Quebec. Well known for its prestigious John Molson School of Business, as well as its faculties of Arts and Science, Engineering, and Computer Science, foreign students account for 30% of its over 30,000 students and with tuition fees from $19,581 (USD) per year, it is a reasonably pocket-friendly choice for Nigerian students. Concordia takes the 3rd pick top on our 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students.
4. The University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick is our 4th pick on the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students. It is one of the oldest universities in North America. Founded in 1785, it offers over 70-degree programs across 30 fields. although only 13% of its student population are of foreign descent, its tuition fees of $16,458 (USD) per year are very attractive for Nigerian students.
5. Ryerson University: Toronto Metropolitan University Home
This university is our 5th pick on our list of top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students. It is established in 1948 but given the university title in 1993, it is home to the largest business school in Canada- the Ted Rogers School of Management. Recently,renamed Toronto Metropolitan University and located in downtown Toronto, Ryerson has the smallest community of international students with only 5% of its student population being foreigners but it is one of the cheapest public universities in Canada for Nigerian students, with tuition fees from $23,500 (USD) per year.
6. The University of Alberta
Situated in Edmonton, Alberta, the University of Alberta, our 6th pick on the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students, is a public institution established in 1908. It has over 7000 international students of over 150 nationalities and its undergraduate tuition fee of $28,000 (USD) per year makes it a great choice for prospective Nigerian Students.
7. The University of British Columbia
This is a prestigious university, one of the top 3 universities in Canada and our 7th pick on the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students. It has the highest percentage of international students, composing 32% of its total students. It is a highly recommended choice for Nigerian students with undergraduate tuition fees of $30,000 (USD) per year. The Current Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, is an alumnus of the institution
8.The University of Manitoba
This is a public research university with a student population of almost 30,000 and foreign entrants making up 18% of this. Established in 1877, with campuses in Fort Garry and Bannatyne, its tuition fee of around $17,000 (USD) is quite affordable for Nigerian students. This university is our 8th pick on the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students.
9. Brandon University
Located in Brandon, Manitoba, Brandon University, our 9th pick on the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students, offers a long history of commitment to international students. Its tuition fees vary across different faculties and disciplines but at an average of $15,000 (USD), the total cost of studying here for a Nigerian student is not unaffordable.
10. The University of Winnipeg
For a Nigerian student, the tuition fee at the University of Winnipeg is within the range of $15,000 to $19,000 (USD) per year. Located in Manitoba, this university embraces diversity and celebrates inclusion. It is our 10th and final pick on the top 10 best Canadian Universities for Nigerian students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Top 10 Best Canadian Universities for Nigerian Students
How can I study in Canada from Nigeria?
Unlike the UCAS portal in the United Kingdom, Canadian Universities do not have a general application process or portal. Therefore, prospective Nigerian students must visit the official website of their Canadian University of choice and kickstart the application process.
The following is a step by step guide for Nigerian students applying to study in Canadian Universities :
- Choose a University and program to study and commence application on the official website of the Canadian University
- Gather the required documents that would be submitted at the embassy. These Documents Required include Valid Proof of Identity, International Passport, Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS), Academic transcripts, Relevant Proof of financial assistance, Cover letter, Health Status, Certificate of Social ties, Proof of Acceptance
- Fill out the student permit form and submit it at the Visa Application Centre
For Nigerian students, it is advisable to apply early before the commencement of the academic year to increase the chances of approval, as there might be delays. Still, ideally, it usually takes about 8 weeks to process a Canadian student Visa in Nigeria.
How much will it cost a Nigerian student to study in Canada?
Application and processing fees
For a Nigerian student, the cost of application and processing for a Student Visa to study in Canadian Universities currently amounts to a total of $ 280 (CAD), equivalent to about #90,500 (NGN).
This includes an application fee of $150 (CAD), a biometrics fee of $85 (CAD), and a service fee of $45 (CAD)
How can a Nigerian student get a scholarship to study in Canada?
Scholarships and other funding are available for Nigerian students wishing to study in Canada. These opportunities are usually offered to high-achieving or financially needy students from certain areas or countries.
Although the eligibility requirement and application process for a Nigerian student to study in Canada varies across different institutions and organizations, some requirements are common to all the institutions. Some scholarships to study in Canada are government-sponsored while some are funded by foundations and private organizations.
However, for a Nigerian to get a scholarship to study in Canada, he needs to obtain a Canadian Student Visa and most times, must already have been accepted into a program to study in Canada
Prospective Nigerian students are also expected to write a personal profile
To qualify for most of these scholarships to study in Canada, a Nigerian needs to have:
Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), exceptional academic performance, excellent leadership, and creative skills.
