It was a wake-up call. A confusing, eye-opening journey through government websites, university portals, and application databases. But here’s what I discovered. There are actually many undergraduate scholarships in Canada specifically for African students. Some are from the Canadian government. Some are from the universities themselves. Some are fully funded. Some cover significant portions of tuition.
Let me take you back. Picture this. I’m sitting at my desk, laptop open, and I’ve just realized that I had been looking at this all wrong. I thought undergraduate scholarships for Africans in Canada were a myth. I was completely wrong.
My First Mistake: Thinking It Was Only for Graduate Students
I spent so long looking at graduate scholarships that I completely missed the opportunities for bachelor’s degree students. I assumed that if you wanted to study in Canada as an undergraduate, you had to pay your own way.
Then I discovered programs like the Study in Canada Scholarships, which are specifically for undergraduate and graduate students. I found the University of Winnipeg’s President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, which is for international students entering undergraduate programs. I learned about the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship, which offers CAD $20,000 to first-year international undergraduate students.
The opportunities were there. I just wasn’t looking in the right places.
The Government Route: Global Affairs Canada Scholarships
Let’s start with the big one. The Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada, offers several scholarship programs for international students. These are prestigious, competitive, and can provide significant funding for your undergraduate studies.
Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS)
The Study in Canada Scholarships program is one of the most accessible government-funded opportunities for African students. It provides undergraduate and graduate students with scholarship opportunities for short-term research or course-oriented exchanges at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
What it covers: The scholarship value varies depending on the duration of studies. For undergraduate students, it provides $10,200 for four months or one academic term of study or research. The funds can be used for visa or study permit fees, airfare to and from Canada, health insurance, living expenses, ground public transportation, and books and supplies.
Who can apply: You must be a citizen of an eligible country. For Sub-Saharan Africa, eligible countries include Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. You must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible country and paying tuition fees to that institution.
You cannot apply if you hold or have a pending application for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, or if you are already enrolled in a degree program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
When to apply: The application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year was March 17, 2026. This shows you need to start planning early.
How to apply: In most instances, students cannot apply directly to Global Affairs Canada. The Canadian host institution must apply on behalf of the candidate. This means you typically need to have already secured an offer of admission or a valid exchange agreement with a Canadian university.
Other Government Programs
The Government of Canada also offers other scholarship programs that may be relevant:
Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP): This program focuses on human capital development and strengthening institutional links between Canada and the Americas. It provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students for short-term exchange or research.
Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): This program is directed toward students from ASEAN member states and other specific regions whose studies contribute to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030): This program is aimed at professionals and scholars from developing countries, providing quality education and training that empowers participants to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
University-Specific Scholarships for African Students
Beyond the government programs, many Canadian universities offer their own scholarships specifically for African students or international students from Africa.
University of Windsor
The University of Windsor has several scholarships specifically for students of African descent:
Dr. Kenneth Montague African Diaspora Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded annually to a student of black descent in recognition of the unique educational needs of members of their communities. It’s based on academic merit (minimum cumulative average of 75%) and financial need.
The Sprott African Diaspora Leadership Award: Up to four awards are available annually to full-time undergraduate students of the African Diaspora entering full-time study in any faculty or program, directly from high school or as a transfer student.
ADSE Student Awards: The African Diaspora Student Endowment (ADSE) supports several awards for students of Black African descent, in recognition of the unique educational circumstances and scholarship needs of members of their communities. These awards range from $800 to $1,000.
Important note: Many of these awards require applicants to be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. Check the specific eligibility requirements carefully.
University of Winnipeg
President’s Scholarship for World Leaders: This scholarship is awarded to international students entering any of the University’s divisions for the first time, including undergraduate programs. The value ranges from $3,500 to more.
University of Calgary
International Entrance Scholarship: This offers CAD $20,000 to first-year international undergraduate students. It’s based on merit, making it a great opportunity for Nigerian students who performed well in high school.
Brandon University
Brandon University African Student Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence to an International (visa) student from an African country. Preference is given to graduate students, but if there is no eligible graduate student candidate, it may be awarded to an undergraduate International (visa) student from an African country who has completed at least 24 credit hours at Brandon University. The deadline is June 1, 2026.
University of Ottawa
International Scholarship for African Students: If you hold Nigerian citizenship, you could be eligible for an international scholarship for African students studying in English. The University of Ottawa has one of the most generous scholarship programs in the country, with many entrance scholarships available.
Huron University
Huron University Scholarship: This includes a $40,000 scholarship over four years ($10,000 per year) and an additional $1,000 to use toward an international academic experience in subsequent years. You must be starting your undergraduate studies at Huron in September 2026 to be eligible.
University of Victoria
Harambee Refugee Award: One award of at least $5,000 and up to a maximum of $15,000 is given to an entering or continuing undergraduate student with protected person or refugee status (including refugees who have been granted permanent resident status).
Niagara College
Regional Global Scholar Scholarship: This offers new international students financial support ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. It supports international students committed to academic excellence and pursuing their first postsecondary program at Niagara College.
Brock University
Brock Global Reach Award: The first 10 students to accept their offer in an academic year from Africa will automatically receive this award. The value is CAD $1,500. You need a C level average or higher.
Other Scholarships for African Students
Waterloo Black and Indigenous Scholarships
The University of Waterloo offers scholarships for full-time undergraduate Black students entering Year One. Several scholarships are available, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. The deadline for application-based scholarships is April 15, 2026.
Faculty of Mathematics Black Student Scholarships
Several scholarships valued at $20,000 to $40,000 each, paid over eight academic terms, are provided to Black international undergraduate students entering Year One of any full-time degree program in the Faculty of Mathematics.
McGill University Entrance Bursary Program
McGill University offers entrance bursaries to students from low to modest-income families who demonstrate financial need. The deadline is June 30, 2026.
University of New Brunswick First Year’s Tuition Free Contest
This provides full tuition to students entering the University for the 2026-2027 academic session. The deadline is June 1, 2026.
University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
The University of Saskatchewan offers funded undergraduate programs for international students.
University of Alberta International Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers scholarships for undergraduate studies, some of which are automatic. The Government of Canada scholarships at the University of Alberta provide awards depending on the duration and level of study.
University of British Columbia International Scholars Program
UBC’s International Scholars Program covers the cost of tuition and also contributes to living costs for selected international candidates. It’s designed for academically outstanding students from around the world who demonstrate strong leadership.
Douglas College Entrance Scholarships
Douglas College offers nearly $100,000 in entrance scholarships to new international students each year who have proven to be successful in their previous academic studies. The deadline is September 30, 2026.
Langara College International Regional Entrance Scholarship
This scholarship is available for students starting in spring 2027. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2026.
How to Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
Let me walk you through what I learned about the application process.
Step 1: Start Early
This is the most important piece of advice. Start at least a year before you want to begin your studies. Many scholarships have deadlines in the fall or winter for admission the following year. The Study in Canada Scholarships deadline for 2026-2027 was March 17, 2026. The Brandon University African Student Scholarship deadline is June 1, 2026.
Step 2: Research Thoroughly
Don’t just look at one scholarship. Research multiple opportunities. Check government programs, university-specific scholarships, and private foundation funding.
Many Canadian universities automatically consider you for entrance scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 CAD. These are often easier to secure than federal grants and don’t always require a home-university partnership.
Step 3: Check Eligibility Carefully
Before you start an application, check the eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are for specific nationalities. Some are for specific fields of study. Some require Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. If you don’t meet the requirements, don’t waste your time.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Most undergraduate scholarship applications require:
- Official high school transcripts
- WAEC, KCSE, or equivalent examination results
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo)
- Copy of passport
- Extracurricular activities and community service involvement
For the Study in Canada Scholarships, you typically need to provide a written institutional collaboration and student exchange agreement or a Letter of Invitation from the Canadian professor who has agreed to supervise you.
Step 5: Apply for University Admission
Many scholarships are automatic—you’re considered when you apply for admission. The Brock Global Reach Award, for example, is automatically awarded to eligible students who accept their offer.
Step 6: Submit Separate Scholarship Applications if Required
Some scholarships require a separate application. The Brandon University African Student Scholarship, for example, requires a separate application through their portal.
Step 7: Meet Deadlines
This is crucial. Missing a deadline means missing the opportunity entirely. Create a calendar with all your deadlines and work backward to give yourself enough time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada for African Students
Can African students get undergraduate scholarships in Canada?
Yes. There are numerous undergraduate scholarships for African students in Canada, including the Study in Canada Scholarships, the Brandon University African Student Scholarship, and various university-specific scholarships.
Are there fully funded undergraduate scholarships in Canada for African students?
Yes. The Study in Canada Scholarships provide $10,200 for four months of study. The University of British Columbia International Scholars Program covers tuition and contributes to living costs. The University of New Brunswick First Year’s Tuition Free Contest provides full tuition.
What does the Study in Canada Scholarship cover?
It covers $10,200 for four months of undergraduate study, which can be used for visa fees, airfare, health insurance, living expenses, transportation, and books and supplies.
Which African countries are eligible for the Study in Canada Scholarships?
Eligible Sub-Saharan African countries include Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda.
When are the application deadlines?
Deadlines vary by scholarship. The Study in Canada Scholarships deadline for 2026-2027 was March 17, 2026. The Brandon University African Student Scholarship deadline is June 1, 2026. The University of New Brunswick First Year’s Tuition Free Contest deadline is June 1, 2026.
Can Nigerian students get undergraduate scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Nigerian students are eligible for the Study in Canada Scholarships. The University of Ottawa has an international scholarship for African students specifically for Nigerian citizens.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for Canadian scholarships?
Most scholarships require proof of English proficiency. Some universities may accept WAEC or NECO English results as proof. Check each scholarship’s specific requirements.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes. You should apply for as many scholarships as you’re eligible for. Just make sure you meet all the requirements and deadlines for each one.
What are the academic requirements for these scholarships?
Requirements vary. The Brandon University African Student Scholarship is based on academic excellence. The Brock Global Reach Award requires a C level average or higher. Most scholarships are merit-based and require a strong academic record.
Are there scholarships for Black African students specifically?
Yes. The University of Windsor offers the Dr. Kenneth Montague African Diaspora Scholarship and ADSE Student Awards. The University of Waterloo offers Black and Indigenous Scholarships.
What I Learned From Getting It Wrong
I told you at the beginning. I thought undergraduate scholarships in Canada for African students didn’t exist. I was wrong.
The truth is, there are many opportunities. Some are from the Canadian government. Some are from universities. Some are specifically for African students. Some are for international students in general.
The Study in Canada Scholarships provide $10,200 for undergraduate study. The University of Calgary offers $20,000 to first-year international students. The University of New Brunswick offers full tuition. The University of Windsor has multiple scholarships for students of African descent.
I learned all of this through research. Through discovering programs I never knew existed. Through realizing that I had been looking at the wrong level of study.
The coffee’s cold now. We’ve been talking for a while. But hopefully, this makes the path forward a little clearer for you.
Start early. Research thoroughly. Check eligibility carefully. Prepare your documents. Meet your deadlines. And don’t let the myth that undergraduate scholarships don’t exist stop you from applying.
You’ve got this. Good luck.
