Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world, and it is not surprising that many African students aspire to study there.
However, the cost of education can be prohibitive, especially for international students.
Canada is not just a home for foreign nationals who are skilled but Canada also remains the home for international students who intend to study in Canada.
Fortunately, several Canadian universities offer scholarships and financial aid to African students who want to pursue their careers in Canada. Scholarships are awarded primarily on academic and personal achievement.
In this article, we will discuss the best universities offering scholarships for African students in Canada, African student grants in Canadian universities, financial aid for African students in Canada, and the Canada study permit for African students.
Canadian Universities Offering Scholarships for African Students
The University of Toronto (The U of T)
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and one of the most prestigious universities and offers numerous scholarships and financial aid to African students every year.
The University of Toronto has an institutional record of groundbreaking scholarship and a wealth of innovative academic opportunities that continually attract outstanding students from different academic backgrounds from around the world.
The University of Toronto has over 700 undergraduate programs in the following:
- Humanities & Social Sciences,
- Life Sciences,
- Physical & Mathematical Sciences,
- Commerce & Management,
- Computer Science,
- Engineering,
- Kinesiology & Physical Education,
- Music, and
- Architecture.
About the University of Toronto Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is a highly competitive scholarship for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and creativity, and who are recognized as leaders in their post-secondary schools and societies.
Pearson International scholarship is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students.
University of Toronto’s Pearson International Scholarships will cover all;
- tuition fees, books,
- incidental fees,
- and full residence support for four years.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Pearson International Scholarship are as follows:
- You must be an international student requiring a study permit.
- Must be in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2022.
- You must be beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2023.
- Students attending post-secondary studies cannot be considered.
- Students starting their studies in January 2023 at another post-secondary institution cannot be considered.
What is the Goal of the Pearson International Scholarship?
The goal of U of T’s Pearson scholarship is to sponsor students who have demonstrated outstanding performance and creativity in their schools.
The Lester B. Pearson International scholarships help these students reach their potential to contribute to the global community in the future.
McGill University
McGill University is a world-renowned institution located in Montreal.
The university offers numerous scholarships for international students, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which provides full scholarships to African students.
McGill University offers one year entrance scholarship for all first-time students entering a full timefull-time undergraduate program for the first year.
These scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of academic excellence and achievement.
The University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia recognizes the academic achievement of outstanding students from around the world, by offering annual awards, scholarships, and other forms of financial support for international undergraduate students.
The University of British Columbia is located in Vancouver and is consistently ranked as one of Canada’s top universities.
The university offers a range of scholarships to international students, including the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES), which is open to African students.
Students receive their IMES when they enter their first year at the University of British Columbia, and the scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years of study.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the IMES, you must the following conditions:
- You must be a new student entering directly from secondary school to the University of British Columbia.
- Be an international student who will be studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit (student visa). (Changes to your citizenship status will affect your IMES eligibility.)
- Must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise, as well as impressive extracurricular and community involvement.
- Not being nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award.
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a globally recognized institution located in Ontario.
The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid to international students, including the International Student Entrance Scholarship (ISES), which is available to African students.
The ISES offers twenty scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, which are awarded annually to outstanding international students admitted to Year One of an undergraduate degree program.
International students admitted with an admission average of 90% or above will be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
- academic performance
- admission Information Form (AIF) may be also be considered
- Euclid Math Contest results (Mathematics students only)
- Must be an international student
Help Tips to Help International Students get Free Funded Scholarships
Scholarships for international students can be highly competitive. Here are some tips and resources to help you explore this possibility
- Start applying from home
- Get your chosen university’s financial aid office and make inquiries.
- Research for more additional opportunities, such as the Canadian Government scholarship, Provincial Scholarships, Private Scholarships, and also a non-profit organizations.
African Student Grants in Canadian Universities
Other than scholarships, some Canadian universities offer grants to international students.
These grants are usually offered by specific departments within the universities and are designed to support research and academic activities.
Financial Aid for African Students in Canada
One way that international students can help finance their studies in Canada is through scholarships, which are non-repayable financial awards.
These awards are automatically offered to students with outstanding academic achievements and performance.
Canadian universities also offer financial aid to international students, including African students. Financial aid can take the form of loans, bursaries, and work-study programs.
African students are encouraged to contact the financial aid offices of their universities to learn more about the financial aid options available to them.
Canada Study Permit for African Students
To study in Canada, African students need a study permit. A study permit is a document that allows international students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
Once you have been accepted to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and prove that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses you can apply for a Canadian study permit.
This applies when you are applying without a scholarship. An acceptance letter from a DLI is essential to obtaining a Canadian study permit.
Tuition-Free Universities in Canada
There are actually no tuition-free universities in Canada. But you can still enjoy free education if you apply for Canadian fully funded scholarships and get nominated. The following universities offer a wide range of free scholarships for international students.
- The University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- The University of Waterloo
- York University
- St Mary’s University
- Carleton University
- The University of Toronto
- The University of Calgary
- Concordia University
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Final Thoughts
More than 400,000 international students got into Canada’s best universities last year. The majority of the students came from France, Nigeria, China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Brazil, Iran, India, and Vietnam.
International students who wish to study in Canada can take advantage of the various scholarships, grants, and financial aid options offered by Canadian universities.
These opportunities make it possible for African students to pursue their academic dreams in a country that is known for its world-class education system.
Furthermore, African students are encouraged to obtain a study permit before arriving in Canada to ensure that they can study legally and comfortably.