African students planning to study in Canada in 2027 can apply for several university scholarships that support international undergraduate students. Some awards provide substantial funding towards tuition and living expenses, while others reduce tuition costs through annual or one-time entrance scholarships.
The key is to understand what each award covers. For example, a scholarship worth CAD $140,000 over four years differs from a one-time CAD $10,000 entrance award. Neither should automatically be described as fully funded without checking the conditions.
This guide focuses on Canadian university scholarships with published opportunities for the September 2027 intake. It explains who can apply, the documents required, the value of each award, and where to submit an application.
1. UBC International Scholars Program 2027
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers the International Scholars Program to exceptional international students who have strong academic records, leadership experience, and significant financial need.
It is one of the more substantial funding opportunities available to African students entering undergraduate study in Canada. Unlike a standard merit scholarship, the amount awarded depends on an assessment of the student’s financial circumstances.
Scholarship benefits
The program provides financial support based on the student’s assessed need. UBC considers the family’s income, expenses, assets, and available financial resources when determining the award.
Depending on the assessment, funding can contribute towards:
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Living expenses.
- Other eligible study-related costs.
Recipients also receive dedicated academic and personal advising, workshops, retreats and other development opportunities.
The university does not publish one fixed award amount for every recipient. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that every successful student receives the same package or that all personal expenses will automatically be covered.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Be international students who will study in Canada on a study permit.
- Be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
- Be applying for their first undergraduate degree.
- Have outstanding academic performance.
- Demonstrate leadership and meaningful contributions to their communities.
- Show significant financial need and provide evidence of their family’s financial circumstances.
- Meet UBC’s admission requirements and the requirements of their chosen program.
Applicants must also be nominated by their school or an eligible organization. A teacher referee is required, and the nominator and teacher referee must be different people.
UBC states that applicants nominated for the International Scholars Program will not be considered for its separate merit-based entrance awards.
Documents and information required
Prepare the following:
- Secondary school transcripts and academic results.
- Information about family income and annual expenses.
- Details of family assets, dependents and school fees.
- Information about available financial support.
- Details of extracurricular activities, leadership and awards.
- Four application essays, generally around 150–250 words each.
- A school nomination.
- A teacher recommendation.
- Any additional documents requested during the application process.
The financial assessment is an important part of this application. Applicants should gather accurate information about their family’s financial situation before starting.
How to apply
First, apply for admission to UBC and select your intended undergraduate program. Discuss the nomination with your school, identify a suitable teacher referee and complete the International Scholars application through UBC’s award application portal.
Your nominator and teacher referee must complete their sections before your application can be considered complete.
Deadline for September 2027: November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. UBC’s published admissions timeline also gives January 31, 2027, as the deadline for outstanding admission documents and English-language requirements.
Apply through the official UBC International Scholars Program page.
2. UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award
UBC also offers two merit-based entrance awards to international undergraduate applicants. These are separate from the need-based International Scholars Program.
The awards are particularly relevant to African students with strong academic results and good extracurricular records who may not meet the significant financial-need criteria of the International Scholars Program.
International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
What it covers
For the 2027/2028 academic year, UBC publishes an award value of CAD $10,000 to CAD $25,000 per year.
The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, subject to the university’s conditions. The amount and number of awards can vary depending on available funding.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Be new international students entering UBC directly from secondary school.
- Be studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise.
- Show impressive extracurricular or community involvement.
- Meet the admission requirements for their chosen program.
- Not be nominated for the need-and-merit-based International Scholars award.
Documents required
Applicants should prepare the academic and supporting documents required for UBC admission, including:
- Secondary school transcripts.
- Graduation certificates or other required academic records.
- English-language evidence, where required.
- Information about extracurricular activities and achievements.
- Any additional documents requested by the university.
How to apply
There is no separate IMES scholarship application. Eligible international students are automatically considered after applying for admission to UBC by the relevant deadline.
Outstanding International Student Award (OIS)
What it covers
For 2027/2028, the published award value is CAD $10,000 to CAD $25,000. Unlike the IMES, the OIS is a one-time entrance award rather than a scholarship renewable for several years.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Be new international students entering UBC from secondary school or post-secondary education.
- Be studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- Show strong involvement outside the classroom.
- Meet the admission requirements of their chosen program.
- Not be nominated for the International Scholars Program.
Documents required
UBC considers the academic and personal information submitted with the admission application. This may include transcripts, certificates, English-language evidence, and details of extracurricular achievements.
How to apply
Eligible applicants are automatically considered after applying for admission by the university’s deadline. There is no separate scholarship application.
For both awards, UBC makes its scholarship decisions separately from admission decisions. Only successful recipients are notified.
Official information: UBC International Entrance Scholarships.
3. University of Manitoba International Excellence Entrance Scholarship 2027/28
The University of Manitoba offers three International Excellence Entrance Scholarships to exceptional international high school graduates entering undergraduate study.
The program rewards academic achievement and leadership. It is a competitive entrance award rather than a guaranteed scholarship for every international student who meets the minimum admission requirements.
Scholarship value
The university offers:
- One award valued at CAD $25,000.
- Two awards valued at CAD $10,000 each.
These are entrance awards. Applicants should not assume that the amounts will cover all tuition, accommodation and living expenses.
Eligibility requirements
For the CAD $25,000 award, applicants must:
- Be international students.
- Be entering the first year of full-time undergraduate study in University 1 or an eligible direct-entry faculty, college or school.
- Have a minimum admission average of 90% across five approved senior-level high school subjects.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and sustained, meaningful community involvement.
- Complete their University of Manitoba admission application, including payment of the application fee, by December 1, 2026.
The five subjects used for the 90% average must come from the university’s approved list, which includes Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, English, First Language Literature, Geography, History, Music and Visual Arts.
The two CAD $10,000 awards have different academic conditions. Applicants must meet the university’s minimum admission requirements for an eligible direct-entry program and demonstrate strong leadership and meaningful community involvement.
Documents required
Applicants should prepare:
- An interim senior-level high school transcript.
- A recommendation letter from a current teacher or principal.
- Their University of Manitoba admission application.
- Any additional academic documents requested by the university.
If the recommendation is not in English, it must be translated into English.
The recommendation is important because the selection committee uses it to assess the applicant’s leadership qualities and contributions.
How to apply
Apply for admission to the University of Manitoba and complete the International Excellence Entrance Scholarship application. Request your teacher or principal’s recommendation early enough for it to be submitted before the deadline.
The university requires the complete application and all supporting documents by December 1.
Deadline: December 1, 2026.
Apply through the official University of Manitoba International Excellence Entrance Scholarship page.
4. Simon Fraser University Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships 2027
Simon Fraser University (SFU) offers Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships to high-achieving domestic and international students entering undergraduate study.
The program recognizes academic ability, personal achievements and contributions to the community.
Scholarship value
The International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship is valued at CAD $140,000, paid in eight instalments of CAD $17,500.
In limited cases, an additional living allowance of CAD $8,000 per term may be offered to exceptionally talented students who demonstrate financial need. This additional allowance is not guaranteed.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Be applying for full-time undergraduate study at SFU for Fall 2027.
- Be graduating from high school in 2027 or have graduated in 2026 without enrolling in post-secondary courses.
- Have a minimum average of 90% or 31 IB points, excluding bonus points, in the courses required for admission to their chosen program.
- Meet the admission requirements for their primary program.
- Demonstrate academic achievement and meaningful community contributions.
Documents required
The scholarship application requires:
- Academic and admission information.
- Details of up to five extracurricular activities or achievements, such as volunteering, employment, athletics or arts.
- Information about awards received.
- A short essay of approximately 500 words explaining how personal experiences have shaped the applicant’s outlook and future at SFU.
- Contact information for two referees who know the applicant’s academic performance, activities or achievements.
- Supporting admission documents listed in the SFU application portal.
How to apply
First, apply for admission to SFU. You will need your SFU student number to access the scholarship application.
Complete the scholarship form, describe your achievements and community involvement, write the required essay, and provide details of your two referees.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
- Scholarship application: December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Supporting documents, references and outstanding admission items: January 31, 2027.
Official information: SFU Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships.
5. York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence 2027
York University in Toronto offers the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence to outstanding international high school students entering their first undergraduate degree.
The award recognizes academic achievement, leadership, volunteering and extracurricular involvement. Applicants from African countries can be considered if they meet the university’s conditions.
Scholarship value
The award is valued at CAD $180,000 over four years, paid as CAD $45,000 per year, subject to the university’s scholarship conditions.
This is a substantial renewable award, but recipients should still check their total tuition and living costs and understand the conditions for receiving payments in later years.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Be international students who will pay international tuition fees.
- Be high school students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree at York in Fall 2027.
- Have a minimum final admission average of 80% or equivalent.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and involvement in volunteering or extracurricular activities.
- Be officially nominated by a guidance counsellor, principal or senior school official.
A school can nominate a maximum of two students for the award each year.
Documents and information required
Applicants should prepare:
- High school transcripts and academic results.
- A personal statement of up to 500 words explaining their goals, leadership and community involvement.
- A list of up to three extracurricular activities or community contributions.
- A list of up to three previous awards.
- Contact details for the school official who will nominate them.
- A financial profile showing the estimated funding available to support their studies over the next three to four years.
- An optional additional reference letter highlighting community involvement.
The nominating school official must submit the official nomination and reference letter through the link provided by York.
How to apply
Apply for admission to York University for Fall 2027. After receiving your York reference number, use it to access the international scholarship application.
Complete the scholarship form and provide the nominator’s contact details. York will send the nominator instructions for submitting the official nomination and reference letter.
Deadlines
- Student scholarship application: January 27, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Nomination and reference submission: February 4, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Scholarship application opens: November 1, 2026.
Official information: York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence – Application Guide.
6. Toronto Metropolitan University International Student Leadership Award 2027
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) offers the International Student Leadership Award to international students entering their first undergraduate degree.
The award recognizes students who combine good academic results with leadership, volunteering, and community involvement.
Scholarship value
For Fall 2027, the award is worth CAD $10,000 and is available to up to 53 recipients.
It is a one-time entrance award. It is not renewable, so students should not treat it as four years of guaranteed funding.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Be international students who will pay international tuition fees.
- Be entering their first year of post-secondary education.
- Be starting a full-time four-year undergraduate degree or eligible five-year co-op program at TMU.
- Have a final admission average of at least 86% or equivalent.
- Demonstrate leadership and involvement in volunteering or other activities.
- Meet the university’s general admission and scholarship conditions.
- Have a gap between secondary and post-secondary education of no more than one academic year, where applicable.
Applicants must also have a valid study permit by the beginning of the Fall 2027 term.
Documents and information required
Prepare:
- Secondary school transcripts and academic results.
- The information required for your TMU admission application.
- A personal statement describing your leadership and community involvement.
- Details of volunteering, extracurricular activities and achievements.
- Any additional documents requested through TMU’s AwardSpring application.
How to apply
Apply for admission to TMU. Once you receive your TMU student number and activate your online identity, you can access the AwardSpring platform to submit the scholarship application.
Application dates
- Application opens: November 2, 2026.
- Application deadline: February 16, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The university also requires the admission application to be received by February 16, 2027, for consideration under the published Fall 2027 conditions.
Official information: TMU Scholarships and Awards.
7. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship 2027
The University of Calgary offers an International Entrance Scholarship to selected international students entering their first year of undergraduate study.
Unlike some awards that require extensive leadership or financial-need assessments, this scholarship is based on academic merit and is available across undergraduate faculties.
Scholarship value
The award is valued at CAD $20,000 and is renewable in the second, third, and fourth years, subject to the university’s conditions.
To renew the award, recipients must achieve a GPA of at least 2.60 over a minimum of 24 units during the previous Fall and Winter terms and continue paying international tuition fees.
The university lists two awards.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Be international students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree.
- Be required to pay international tuition fees.
- Not be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Meet the university’s English-language proficiency requirement.
- Demonstrate the academic merit required for the award.
Documents required
Applicants should prepare the academic records and supporting documents required for undergraduate admission, including:
- Secondary school transcripts.
- Graduation certificate or other required academic records.
- English-language proficiency evidence, where required.
- Any additional information requested through the university’s scholarship portal.
How to apply
The university directs applicants to the High School Prestige Awards section of the My UCalgary Portal. Apply for admission, obtain access to the portal and follow the instructions for the award.
The award page confirms the value and eligibility conditions, but applicants should check the portal for the current 2027 application period and deadline before relying on it.
Official information: University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship.
Documents African Students Should Prepare Before Applying
Although every scholarship has its own requirements, preparing your academic and personal records early can make the application process easier.
Depending on the university and award, you may need:
- International passport: A valid passport for identification and later study permit procedures.
- Secondary school certificates: Your final examination results and graduation certificate.
- Academic transcripts: Official records showing the subjects studied and grades obtained.
- English-language test results: IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted form of English-language evidence, if required by the university.
- Recommendation letters: References from teachers, principals, or other people specified by the scholarship.
- Personal statement or essays: Responses explaining your goals, achievements, leadership and community involvement.
- Financial documents: Family income, expenses, assets and evidence of available support when applying for a need-based award.
- Extracurricular records: Evidence of volunteering, leadership, awards, employment or other activities.
- University admission information: Your application number or student number, where required.
Do not assume that every scholarship requires all these documents. Follow the checklist for the specific award and submit only what the university requests.
How to Apply for Scholarships for African Students in Canada 2027
A practical approach is to apply for admission and scholarships at the same time where the university permits it.
1. Choose your course and university.
Confirm that the university offers your intended program and accepts international applicants. Check the academic entry requirements for students educated in your country.
2. Check the scholarship conditions.
Read the official award page carefully. Confirm the eligible academic level, minimum grades, required documents, funding amount, and deadline.
3. Apply for admission.
Some scholarships require an admission application before you can access their award portal. Keep your application number or student number available.
4. Request references early.
If your award requires a teacher, principal or school nomination, contact the relevant person well before the deadline. A scholarship application can remain incomplete if the referee does not submit their section on time.
5. Complete the scholarship application.
Answer every question accurately, upload the required documents and check that your essays address the selection criteria.
6. Monitor your application.
Check your email and university portal regularly. Respond to requests for additional documents and keep confirmation of your submissions.
7. Review the scholarship offer.
If selected, check the award amount, payment schedule, renewal conditions, and expenses that remain your responsibility before accepting.
Canadian Study Permit: Financial Requirements for Scholarship Recipients
Winning a scholarship does not automatically grant permission to study in Canada. Most international students need a study permit and must meet the requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You will generally need a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A provincial or territorial attestation letter may also be required, although certain students and programs are exempt under current rules.
You must also demonstrate that you can pay for tuition, living expenses and transportation.
For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a single student studying outside Quebec must show CAD $23,448 for one year of living expenses, in addition to tuition and transportation costs.
If your scholarship covers only part of your tuition, you must show how you will pay the remaining tuition, living expenses and travel costs. For a program lasting more than one year, IRCC also expects you to explain how you will finance the full duration of your studies.
Official guidance: IRCC – Proof of Financial Support.
How to Avoid Canadian Scholarship Scams
Be careful with agents or websites promising guaranteed scholarships, admission letters, or Canadian study permits in exchange for payment.
- Apply through the university’s official website or authorized scholarship portal.
- Verify scholarship details directly with the institution.
- Do not pay anyone who promises to guarantee a scholarship.
- Do not submit false academic certificates or financial documents.
- Avoid sending passport or bank details to unverified recruiters.
- Read the scholarship conditions before accepting an offer.
Universities may charge legitimate admission application fees, but this is different from paying a recruiter to guarantee a scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian students apply for scholarships in Canada in 2027?
Yes. Nigerian students can apply for university scholarships that accept international applicants. The UBC, Manitoba, SFU, York, TMU and Calgary opportunities discussed in this guide are not restricted to one African nationality. Applicants must still meet the specific academic and other conditions.
Are there fully funded scholarships for African students in Canada?
Some Canadian scholarships provide substantial funding, but many are partial awards. The UBC International Scholars Program assesses financial need, while SFU and York offer large multi-year entrance awards. Other scholarships, such as TMU’s CAD $10,000 award, provide more limited assistance.
Always compare the award with the full cost of tuition, accommodation, living expenses and travel before describing it as fully funded.
Can I apply without IELTS?
Some Canadian universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency or provide exemptions when applicants meet their conditions. Others require an approved English-language test. Check the rules for your chosen program and university before applying.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply to different universities and awards where you meet their requirements. However, some universities restrict applicants from holding certain scholarships together. Check the award conditions before accepting more than one offer.
Do I need an admission letter before applying for a scholarship?
It depends on the university. SFU, York, and TMU require applicants to begin the admission process and obtain a student number or reference number before accessing their scholarship application. Other awards may use automatic consideration after an admission application.
Do Canadian scholarships cover accommodation and living expenses?
Some awards provide living support, while others only reduce tuition costs. UBC’s International Scholars Program assesses financial need and can contribute towards accommodation and living costs. The other awards in this guide have their own payment structures and should not be assumed to cover all expenses.
Conclusion
African students interested in studying in Canada in 2027 should begin with the scholarships that match their academic results, intended course and financial circumstances.
The most important deadlines in this guide are close: UBC’s International Scholars application closes on November 15, 2026, while the University of Manitoba and SFU scholarship deadlines fall in December 2026. York and TMU have later deadlines in early 2027.
Use the official university pages to confirm the latest requirements, prepare your documents early and submit complete applications. A scholarship’s advertised value is only part of the decision; understanding what it covers and what you must still pay is just as important.
Disclaimer
Scholarship details, eligibility criteria, award amounts, and deadlines may change. Always confirm the latest information on the official university websites before applying. CareerOpportune is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the universities listed.