Best Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships for Nigerian Students in Canada 2025

Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for international students, including Nigerian nursing students. With world-class nursing programs, excellent healthcare systems, and strong career prospects, studying in Canada can open doors to global opportunities. However, the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can be high.

This is why fully funded nursing scholarships for Nigerian students in Canada are a game-changer. These scholarships cover tuition, living allowances, books, and sometimes even travel costs. They allow Nigerian students to focus on their studies without worrying about finances.

In this article, we will explore the best fully funded nursing scholarships in Canada for 2025, eligibility criteria, step-by-step application tips, and how to increase your chances of winning a scholarship.

Summary Table: Best Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships for Nigerian Students in Canada (2025)

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for Nursing Students

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are among the most prestigious scholarships in Canada. They are open to international students, including Nigerians, pursuing doctoral programs in nursing and other fields.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be applying for a PhD in nursing or a related healthcare field

• Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and research potential

• Must be nominated by a Canadian university with a Vanier CGS quota

Benefits:

• $50,000 per year for three years

• Covers tuition, research expenses, and living costs

Application Tips:

• Secure a supervisor early at a Canadian nursing school

• Submit a strong research proposal aligned with Canadian healthcare needs

• Focus on leadership experience in nursing and community service

Deadline: November 2025

2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is one of the most competitive undergraduate scholarships for Nigerian students wishing to study nursing in Canada.

Eligibility:

• Must be applying for the first time to the University of Toronto

• Strong academic record and demonstrated leadership potential

• Must be nominated by your secondary school

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Books and incidental costs

• Full living allowance for four years

Deadline: January 2025

3. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships for Nursing PhD Students

The Trudeau Foundation Scholarships support international PhD students, including Nigerian nurses seeking to further their education.

Eligibility:

• Enrolled or applying to a doctoral nursing program in Canada

• Demonstrate leadership, research skills, and a commitment to public health

Benefits:

• $40,000 annual stipend for three years

• Tuition and research support

• Leadership and mentorship programs

Deadline: December 2025

4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The OGS supports master's and doctoral students in Ontario universities, including nursing students.

Eligibility:

• Must be a full-time graduate student at an Ontario university

• Minimum academic average of A- (or equivalent)

• Open to international students including Nigerians

Benefits:

• $5,000 per term (up to three terms per year)

• Can be combined with other awards

Deadline: October 2025

5. University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award

UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award is for undergraduate nursing students who show academic strength, leadership, and financial need.

Eligibility:

• Must be applying for the first time to UBC

• Excellent grades and community service background

• Demonstrate financial need

Benefits:

• Full tuition and living expenses

• Renewable for up to four years

Deadline: December 2025

6. University of Toronto Graduate Nursing Scholarships

The University of Toronto offers numerous fully funded scholarships for master's and doctoral nursing students.

Eligibility:

• Must be admitted to a graduate nursing program

• High academic achievement and research potential

Benefits:

• Tuition coverage

• Living stipends of up to $30,000 per year

• Research and clinical support

Deadline: Varies by program

7. McGill University Entrance Scholarships for Nursing Students

McGill University provides fully funded entrance scholarships for international students in nursing.

Eligibility:

• Must be applying for undergraduate or graduate nursing programs

• Strong academics and extracurricular activities

Benefits:

• Tuition and living costs

• Research and internship opportunities

Deadline: January 2025

8. Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) Scholarships

The CNF Scholarships support international students in nursing programs in Canada.

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled in a recognized nursing program

• Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership in healthcare

Benefits:

• Tuition support

• Clinical practice funding

Deadline: April 2025

9. Queen’s University International Scholarships

Queen’s University offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate nursing students.

Eligibility:

• Must have excellent academic records

• Open to both undergraduate and graduate applicants

Benefits:

• Full tuition

• Living stipends and research support

Deadline: February 2025

10. Dalhousie University Nursing Scholarships

Dalhousie offers multiple fully funded scholarships for international nursing students at all levels.

Eligibility:

• Must be admitted into Dalhousie’s nursing program

• Show academic merit and financial need

Benefits:

• Tuition coverage

• Living stipends

• Clinical placement support

Deadline: March 2025

How to Apply for Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships in Canada

1. Start early: Begin researching scholarships at least 12 months before the start of your program.

2. Secure admission: Most scholarships require you to have an offer from a Canadian nursing school.

3. Prepare strong documents:

   • Academic transcripts

   • Proof of Nigerian citizenship

   • Reference letters

   • Personal statement highlighting your nursing experience and goals

4. Submit before deadlines: Late applications are automatically rejected.

5. Apply for multiple scholarships: Increases your chances of selection.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

• Maintain high academic performance

• Volunteer in healthcare and community service

• Build leadership skills in nursing organizations

• Write a compelling personal statement

• Seek mentorship from previous scholarship winners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there fully funded nursing scholarships in Canada for Nigerians?

Yes. Scholarships like Vanier CGS, Lester B. Pearson, and CNF offer full funding.

2. Do I need IELTS to apply?

Most Canadian universities require proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) unless you studied in an English-speaking environment.

3. Can undergraduate Nigerian nursing students apply?

Yes. Scholarships like Lester B. Pearson and UBC International Leader of Tomorrow are for undergraduate students.

4. Are postgraduate nursing students eligible?

Yes. Many scholarships target master’s and PhD students, including Vanier CGS and OGS.

5. Do these scholarships cover living expenses?

Fully funded scholarships typically include tuition, living allowance, and sometimes travel costs.

6. Can I work in Canada while studying nursing?

Yes. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester.

7. What is the minimum academic requirement?

Most scholarships require a minimum average of 70–80% in your previous studies.

8. Are these scholarships renewable?

Yes, most fully funded scholarships are renewable based on academic performance.

9. Do I need a Canadian study permit first?

You will need a study permit after receiving admission and scholarship confirmation.

10. How competitive are these scholarships?

Highly competitive. Submit strong applications and apply to multiple opportunities.

Conclusion: Take Action and Apply Early

Studying nursing in Canada as a Nigerian student can transform your career and open doors to global opportunities. Fully funded scholarships like Vanier CGS, Lester B. Pearson, Trudeau Foundation, and many university-specific awards can make this dream possible.

Key takeaways:

• Start your application at least a year before your intended program

• Maintain excellent academic records

• Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances

• Write a compelling personal statement about your nursing career goals

By applying early and preparing strong applications, you can secure funding and begin your nursing journey in Canada in 2025.