Are you an African student searching for undergraduate, masters or PhD scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students? Here’s an extensive list of scholarships in Canada for Africans/International students in 2021.
Studying in Canada can be quite expensive, however, it offers quality education in its prestigious universities and if you good academic grades, you could as well qualify for one of these scholarships in Canada specifically designed for international students and awarded based on merit.
These scholarships vary from courses to courses and are open and available to students at all education levels. In this articles, we will be listing scholarships in Canada for Africans/International students in 2021.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada has been known as one of the best countries in the world with a great and stable economy, great climate, security and prestigious universities that offer top-quality education. Also, there’s a high standard of living in Canada, with beautiful nature and its wealth of forests, lakes, and mountains – and for its multicultural diversity. And now, scholarships for Africans/International students and many more. Why wouldn’t you want to study in Canada?
Currently, Canada boasts of over 90 universities across the country. Over 20 out of that number ranks high among the world’s top universities.
The country is home to 21 of the world’s top 500 universities. As of 2029, there were over 570, 000 study permit holders in the country. This tells that it is home to students from all around the world.
Studying in Canada as well as anywhere else abroad holds experiences everyone needs to experience at least, once in their lifetime. In Canada, you have the opportunity to gain a variety of experience; cultural and natural – from the ski slopes in British Columbia to the Prairie province of Manitoba. And then with friendly, tolerant and multicultural cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec and Montreal.
Scholarships in Canada
These scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students come up every year. There are offered by the Canadian government and many higher institutions alongside grants, awards, and bursaries to international students in a bid to help them to fund their education.
Although these scholarships come with criteria and requirements every interested participant must meet before they can qualify to apply and get accepted.
An undergraduate degree in Canada may take up to three to four years to complete. However, this varies according to institutions. On the other hand, postgraduate degrees may take between one and three years to complete. However, this also largely depends on the type of degree a student is pursuing.
We will be discussing these criteria as well as how to apply for these scholarships for Africans/international students below.
What are the Criteria for Applying for Scholarships in Canada for Africans/international Students?
To qualify to apply for these scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students, you must meet the requirements listed below.
However, these requirements and overall eligibility may vary for students depending on where they are coming from. But then, our list below is the requirements every international student must meet.
Academic excellence:
This is one of the top bases on which these scholarships for Africans/international students are awarded. Remember, they are merit-based scholarships and you must have held academic grades to qualify to apply.
Language Proficiency:
Language proficiency is vital as Canada is an English speaking nation and lectures will be taught in the English language.
But since most international students do not have English as their language, opportunities for language skills or proficiency are available and great scores on exams like IELTS/TOEFL increases your chance at qualifying and getting these scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students.
Extracurricular Indulgence:
This is also another important requirement as some scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students regard students’ participation in volunteering and some other extracurricular activities, over others.
The work/volunteering experiences and skills gained is an add-on and considered one of the major eligibility criteria.
How to Apply to Study in Canada – for the Scholarships in Canada for Africans/international Students
Understand the requirements:
First, you must have to have thoroughly read through and understood the requirements before you begin to apply. Although there are general requirements, requirements for different schools and courses may also vary and for this reason, it is important to visit the website of the University of your choice to go through these requirements carefully.
Choose your Course and Institution
Choosing your institution is one of the choices to make early to confirm the status of the university as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) as only DLIs can offer admissions to foreign students.
You will be required to finalise a specific course of study when applying. However, if in the long run, you divide to change your major, the Canadian academic setup is quite flexible towards switching majors. Although, we recommend you take your time to compare majors and all other possible options and choose the major you are interested in pursuing.
This should never be done in a hurry and for that reason, you need to begin on time.
Take the Language Proficiency Test
Like we explained earlier, this is an important requirement to meet. You must take the language proficiency test in either English or French.
For English, IELTS is the preferred test proficient. And for French, you can go for either DALF, DElF or TCF tests. However, TCF is the most common for French and all you need to do is to choose the test, pay the fee and book tour dates in advance.
Apply to Universities
An important trick to applying for scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students is to apply to various universities. Never just one!
After you must have met the aforementioned requirements, now you contact your shortlist of institutions. Obtain their application parks – which are mostly online, and then fill in the necessary details and submit quite early.
However, like mentioned earlier, applying to several universities can be quite favourable but only if you are buoyant enough to pay the application fees which mostly varies from $100-$250.
Apply for your study permit:
Naturally, you should begin your application for your Canadian study permit at least, a year in advance – that is, a year before you begin your application to study.
For this application, there are common requirements such as:
- An updated passport
- Proficiency in English or French – with proof of passing the specified language tests.
- Financial proof – to prove that you can finance your study and your living expenses in the country.
You can apply online or visit your local bus application office or centre. Also, note that your application must be submitted with a copy of your acceptance letter from the institution of your choice. Oh, begin to get ready to travel.
Now it’s travel time!
If your application has been processed, an interview may follow – if required for your institution, and once conducted, the immigration officer will decide upon your study permit application.
Your travel plans begin to set in place immediately it is accepted. However, your study permit will have a start date which naturally begins to count from the day it comes into force. But remember, you won’t be allowed into Canada before your study permit start date.
Scholarships in Canada for Africans/international Students
University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Scholarships
This scholarship award is focused on recognising international students who possess exceptional academic talents and achievements. Also, students with great leadership skills who are are involved in student affairs as well as community services.
Also, students with identified attainment or accomplishment in fields such as the performing arts, creative writing, debating, sports or external educational examination or competitions.
This scholarship covers the cost of the students’ tuition fees as well as their living expenses. The scholarship can be renewed for up to three extra years of undergraduate study. Or, to degree completion – whichever works, given that the students attain academic satisfaction in their various faculties, retains their study permit and also continues to demonstrate financial needs.
The deadline for application for this scholarship is 15th November.
Humber College Scholarships in Canada for Africans/international Students
The Humber College Scholarships for Africans/international Students is open and available to all international students who study in an academic program.
This scholarship offers three full-tuition renewable scholarships to its students. And there’s a 20 one-time entrance for international students divided throughout the three semesters each year:
- 10 available for September
- 8 available for January
- 2 available for May.
The application deadline for this scholarship varies and you may need to visit their website for more information.
Quest University Scholarships in Canada for Africans/international Undergraduate Students
Quest University scholarships are focused both on exceptional academic excellence and students involved in community services as well as the great impacts they have made either in their schools or communities.
These scholarships recognise students with such attainment and award them with scholarships worth $2,000-$16,000 each year. Also, there’s an option for students to apply for financial aids. It is open to students from all around the world regardless of race.
The deadline for application is 1st March.
The Canadian Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS M)
The CGS M scholarship program is one of the scholarships in Canada for Africans on permanent residency to aid their research in the fields of engineering, health, social sciences, natural resources and health.
To qualify to study in this university, you just meet the following requirements:
- You must either be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- You must be a student at the Master’s or Doctoral level or is an applicant at the Canadian institution with a CGS M allocation.
- However, you must not be a past recipient of the scholarship.
- You must have achieved a first-class average.
The application for this scholarship must be submitted through the Research Portal.
York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships in Canada for Africans/International Students
The York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships for Africans/International Students offers full-tuition scholarships to students with outstanding academic excellence scholarships. However, this scholarship is specifically designed for students desiring to pursue their Bachelor’s studies at the university.
The scholarship is worth CAS20,000 and lasts for a duration of four years although, it is renewable after four years. The deadline for application is 1st February.
Algonquin College Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada or Africans/international Students
The Algonquin College Undergraduate Scholarship for Africans/international Students specifically focuses on students from all over the world, who are first-year, first-term post-secondary international students who have attained exceptional academic excellence.
This scholarship takes in over 30 students every year with a scholarship award worth $3,000. The deadline for application is 30th November.
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students is quite an outstanding scholarship award specifically designed for international students with exceptional academic excellence who are looking to begin their undergraduate studies.
Also, this scholarship recognises students who have had great positive impacts on their communities and who are actively involved in community service.
The application deadline for this scholarship is 1ssr December.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Program for Africans/international Students at the University of Toronto
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Program for International Students at the University of Toronto is designed to award students with outstanding academic achievements and creativity, with scholarships annually. This program runs for a duration of four years.
Also, these scholarships are focused on recognising students with leadership skills, especially ones who have had positive impacts on their schools and communities.
This scholarship that takes in about 37 students every year covers the tuition and incidental fees, textbook expenses as well as full residence support.
The deadline for application for this scholarship is on 15th January.
MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at McGill University Canada for African Students
The MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at McGill University Canada for African Students is focused on students from the most incapacitated economic backgrounds but has attained exceptional academic excellence and possess leadership qualities.
Their main students are usually students who are residents and citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries. Also, the scholarship is open to French-speaking students too.
The scholarship will offer the students’ financial, social and academic supports throughout the four years duration the program will last for their undergraduate degrees and during their post-graduate transitions too.
University of British Columbia MasterCard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship for African Students
Partnering with The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program who has provided a $25 million grant, the University of British Columbia offers extensive scholarships in Canada to African students.
This scholarship aims to offer easy access to education for young students who possess academic talents but yet, financially marginalised.
For this scholarship, over 70 students from Africa will be awarded undergraduate scholarships to live, study and learn at the University of British Columbia.
This scholarship covers the students’ tuition, travel, housing, textbooks and food expenses. Also, their living expenses too.
Also, students will get to receive academic, social, financial and post-graduation support for the full period of their studies. The deadline for this application is on 15th November.
Richard J. Van Loon Scholarships in Canada for Africans/international Students at Carleton University
The Richard J. Van Loon Scholarships in Canada for Africans/international Students at Carleton University is an annual scholarship established in 2005 in join our of Richard J. Can Loon, Carleton’s 10th President.
This scholarship award is offered to a student from any African country who possess exceptional academic excellence. That is, it is awarded to one African student every year.
The deadline for this scholarship application is 15th November.
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarships in Canada for Africans/International Students
The University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarships in Canada for Africans/International Students is a scholarship award offered to students of all academic levels – undergraduate, graduate, collegiate, professional, applied and continuing education (PACE) or English Language Program (ELP).
However, one of the criteria for qualification for interested students is to be active in their involvement in community services as well as possess leadership qualities.
The scholarship is awarded to three students each for each aforementioned academic levels.
Below are the scholarship worth for each of the levels:
- English Language Program: $3,500
- Professional, Applied Continuing Education: $3,500
- Undergraduate: $5,000
- Collegiate: $3,500
- Graduate: $5,000
The deadline for application is 1st June and 1st October.
ACI Foundation International Fellowship
The ACI Foundation International Fellowship is a foundation that annually offers fellowships to help students looking to attain their educational and career goals.
It offers numerous fellowships and undergraduate scholarship opportunities to students and E-members. To qualify, an applicant must be deemed a full-time undergraduate or graduate student during the award year.
Also, this application is open and available to students from all around the world.
The fields of study available for these fellowships are as follows:
- Structural design
- Construction
- Materials.
The deadline for application is 3rd November.
CREATE Program in Data Analytics and Visualization (CREATEDAV) Undergraduate Summer School for International Students
The CREATE DAV at York University in Toronto is a multi-institutional and interdisciplinary program focused on awarding scholarships to students with exceptional academic excellence with interests in data science.
This scholarship covers all the students’ transportation expenses as well as provisions for on-campus accommodations and meal. Also, this scholarship offers a fully funded undergraduate summer school on big data science. It includes talks by CREATE DAV facility and industry experts on recent research topics on big data science. Also, a hands-on experience in York and OCAD U laboratories.
The program lasts for a duration of four years and the application deadline is on 26th March.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is funded by the Ontario government and the destination school. It helps to finance education for graduate students.
The scholarship is worth between $10,000-$15,000 although this depends on the number of semesters.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be enrolled in a graduate program at the Master’s/Doctoral level.
- You must have a legal study permit.
- Also, you must be enrolled in full-time studies for two semesters or more.
- You must attend a participating Ontario school.
The deadline for this application may vary depending on the department or program of study.
Conclusion
Having done through the list of scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students, you will find that the scholarships are primarily to support African students either living in or have dreams to study in Canada.
Before you apply, we will recommend you read through the requirements and visit the website of your scholarship choices or choices for more detailed information.
We wish you the best.
FAQs
What are scholarships in Canada?
These scholarships in Canada for Africans/international students come up every year. There are offered by the Canadian government and many higher institutions alongside grants, awards, and bursaries to international students in a bid to help them to fund their education.
Although these scholarships come with criteria and requirements every interested participant must meet before they can qualify to apply and get accepted.
Why study in Canada?
Canada has been known as one of the best countries in the world with a great and stable economy, great climate, security and prestigious universities that offer top-quality education. Also, there’s a high standard of living in Canada, with beautiful nature and its wealth of forests, lakes, and mountains – and for its multicultural diversity. And now, scholarships for Africans/International students and many more. Why wouldn’t you want to study in Canada?
How long does it take to study in Canada?
An undergraduate degree in Canada may take up to three to four years to complete. However, this varies according to institutions. On the other hand, postgraduate degrees may take between one and three years to complete. However, this also largely depends on the type of degree a student is pursuing.
