As a Nigerian who intends to pursue a masters degree program in Canada, your two biggest set backs are likely, paying application fees for each university application and paying the expensive tuition fee when you are given an admission.
The good news is that in Canada, some universities offer automatic scholarships to outstanding international applicants. Departments also offer departmental scholarships for thesis-based masters programs which are funded directly through departmental research grants. They also offer employment opportunity to students through teaching assistantships. So if you do not win a formal university scholarship, you can still secure a department scholarship through funded research programs or a formal employment which can offset your tuition fee.
This detailed article which serves as a guide outlines 20 canadian universities that offer automatic scholarships, departmental funding through research programs and employment opportunities through studentships to Nigerian applicants, explains exactly how you can apply for your programs of interest without paying any application fees, and show you how to cover your tuition and living expenses without winning a formal scholarship applicable in 2026 and the incoming 2026 application cycle.
As a Nigerian do I qualify for automatic scholarships or grants like domestic applicants when applying to canadian universities?
Yes, Nigerian applicants can apply and just like other applicants qualify for automtic masters scholarship awards with full funding.
However, because automatic scholarships are competitive, most applicants target research based funding opportunities. Note that research based programs with funding are scholarships offered by the department not the university or external funding organization. When admitted into a thesis-based program, your funding package typically covers your full tuition fees for the session, international student surcharges, and a monthly living stipend ranging between $1,500 CAD and $2,500 CAD for well paying universities.
This article therefore will focus on universities offering automatic scholarships, research assistantships and teaching assistantships opportunities to admitted international applicants as well as provide you the reader with a step by step guide on how to secure alternate scholarship through funding for research based masters program
How canadian masters funding work
canadian funding for graduate studies works in three different ways:
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA): Paid employment helping professors grade papers and run undergraduate lab tutorials.
- Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA): Monthly stipends paid directly from your supervisor's research grant for working on lab projects.
- Institutional Entrance Awards: Merit-based bursaries automatically awarded by the university graduate school upon admission.
How can I search for canadian masters programs with departmental funding?
To find fully funded masters programs with FREE application, look beyond websites that regularly publish scholarship updates. The most lucrative funding opportunities live on department-specific faculty pages.
Step 1: Target research-intensive canadian universities
Focus on institutions belonging to Canada's U15 research group or mid-sized universities with generous international research budgets.
Step 2: Check departmental funding floor terms
Search for terms like "minimum guaranteed funding," "departmental stipend floor," or "international tuition offset bursary" on departmental admission pages.
Step 3: Identify free pre-application portals
Certain departments offer pre-application forms (Expression of Interest) that allow professors to review your credentials and approve your application fee waiver before you submit a formal application.
"minimum stipend guaranteed" master site:.ca international to get direct updates when departments post open funding slots.20 canadian universities offering fully funded masters scholarships to Nigerian applicants in 2026 and 2027
Find the compiled list below:
| # | University / Scholarship | Coverage | Application Fee Waiver Status | Target Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Saskatchewan (Graduate Assistantships) | $20,000/yr core scholarship + **$10,140/yr Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) payment bonus** (Calculated for standard 12 hours/week over 2 academic terms) | Free via supervisor pre-approval | Engineering, Agriculture, Sciences |
| 2 | University of Manitoba (UMGF & Assistantships) | $20,000/yr masters Fellowship core stipend ($25,000/yr for PhD) + **$6,800/yr Graduate Assistantship (GA) employment bonus** (Reflecting standard 140-hour localized departmental tasks) | Waiver through faculty endorsement | Health Sciences, Environment, Arts |
| 3 | University of Alberta (Graduate Entrance Awards) | $26,400/yr minimum guaranteed research base allocation + **$11,850/yr Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) contract bonus** (Regulated under GSA collective scheduling terms) | Fee waiver for select research departments | Computing Science, Petroleum, Business |
| 4 | Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN Funding) | $12,000–$17,500/yr baseline institutional fellowship values + **$5,600/yr Graduate Assistantship (GA) salary bonus** (Distributed via project fund configurations) | Nominal fee / Waived via project grant | Ocean Sciences, Humanities, Business |
| 5 | Carleton University (Departmental Assistantships) | $10,000/yr graduate entrance award allocation + **$13,500–$16,500/yr Teaching/Research Assistant (TA/RA) package bonus** (Based on structured annual workload hours) | Pre-evaluation portal available | Public Policy, Engineering, IT |
| 6 | University of Calgary (Graduate Award Competition) | $20,000/yr competitive entry scholarship value + **$17,788/yr Graduate Assistant (GA-Teaching) contract bonus** (Calculated at two full $8,894 per-term blocks under active GSA bargaining terms) | Waiver via faculty sponsor | Kinesiology, Energy, Bio-Medicine |
| 7 | University of Waterloo (masters Excellence Awards) | $12,000/yr structural research minimum allocation + **$15,005/yr Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) payroll bonus** (Composed of two full 140-hour term appointments valued at $7,502.77 each) | Fee refunded upon registration | Computer Science, Math, Engineering |
| 8 | McGill University (Graduate Research Funding) | $22,000/yr foundational minimum doctoral research stipend + **$9,450/yr Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) payroll bonus** (Subject to departmental and course assignment profiles) | Departmental fee waivers available | Medicine, Forestry, Music, Science |
| 9 | University of British Columbia (UBC Affiliated Fellowships) | $16,000–$20,000/yr core scholarship entries + $10,200/yr International Tuition Offset Award + **$12,400/yr Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) baseline bonus** | Waiver codes for qualifying research domains | Forestry, Biotechnology, Marine Biology |
| 10 | Simon Fraser University (SFU Graduate Fellowships) | $7,000/yr base entrance scholarship ($21,000–$35,000 for major awards) + **$14,500/yr Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) priority allotment bonus** | Fee waiver upon faculty request | Computing, Education, Interactive Arts |
| 11 | University of Ottawa (International masters Award) | 100% Differential International Premium Tuition Waiver (instantly matching local domestic fees) + **$11,200/yr Teaching Assistant (TA) workload bonus** | Free pre-assessment for research path | Law, Health Sciences, Engineering |
| 12 | Western University (Graduate Student Funding Package) | $13,886/yr Western Graduate Fellowship (WGRS/GF) + **$14,953/yr Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) package bonus** (Two complete standard units) | Waiver upon supervisor nomination | Neuroscience, Medical Physics, Humanities |
| 13 | Queen's University (masters Research Fellowships) | $15,000–$18,000/yr core thesis fellowship allocation + **$8,800/yr Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) bonus assignment** | Waiver via agreement with supervisor | Mining Engineering, History, Chemistry |
| 14 | McMaster University (Graduate Support Package) | $12,000/yr Departmental/Research Scholarship + **$13,500/yr Full Graduate TA/RA-in-Lieu contract bonus** | Fee-free pre-application inquiry | Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Eng |
| 15 | Concordia University (Graduate Fellowships) | $10,000–$15,000/yr standard entrance scholarship + **$8,400/yr Teaching/Research Support assistantship payroll bonus** | Departmental fee waivers available | Fine Arts, Software Eng, Supply Chain |
| 16 | University of Victoria (UVic Graduate Fellowships) | $13,500/yr core fellowship stipend ($15,000–$20,000/yr for PhD tiers) + **$9,800/yr Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) assignment bonus** | Waiver upon supervisor agreement | Climate Science, Indigenous Studies |
| 17 | University of Guelph (Graduate Assistantship Package) | $11,500–$19,000/yr structural graduate scholarship allocation + **$12,650/yr Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) team payroll bonus** | Waiver codes for agricultural research | Agriculture, Food Science, Veterinary Science |
| 18 | Dalhousie University (masters Allocation Awards) | $10,000–$15,000/yr department award scholarship allocation + **$11,200/yr Research Assistantship (RA) laboratory task bonus** | Free preliminary evaluation form | Oceanography, Pharmacy, Agriculture |
| 19 | York University (masters Support Funding) | $10,000/yr international baseline graduate fellowship minimum + **$11,544/yr Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) contract bonus** (Calculated based on standard CUPE 3903 assignment rates) | Waiver available via graduate program director | Environmental Studies, Sociology, Math |
| 20 | University of Windsor (Graduate Assistantships - GA) | $2,000–$7,500 entrance scholarship and graduate bursary tiers + **$17,829/yr Graduate Assistantship (GA) salary bonus** (Composed of three consecutive term allocations at $5,943 per term) | Fee refund for accepted funded students | Automotive Eng, Logistics, Chemistry |
Detailed scholarship breakdown and application tips
1. University of Saskatchewan graduate assistantships
Coverage: Full tuition plus $18,000 to $24,000 annual stipend.
Eligibility: Minimum 70% (2.2 or higher) equivalent in upper-year courses for thesis programs.
Free Application: Contact a prospective supervisor first. Once a professor agrees to supervise you, they request a fee waiver code from the department on your behalf.
Best Applicants: Civil, Agricultural, Chemical Engineering, and Plant Science graduates.
Practical Tip: Highlight your laboratory, fieldwork, or technical research experience in your initial email to USask faculty members.
2. University of Manitoba graduate fellowships (UMGF)
Coverage: $14,000 per year for up to two years, combined with guaranteed Teaching Assistantships.
Eligibility: Minimum GPA of 3.0 (or upper 2.2) over the last 60 credit hours.
Free Application: Free pre-screening available directly through research supervisors.
Best Applicants: Biological Sciences, Public Health, and Environmental Science applicants.
Practical Tip: Submit your transcript and research statement to the department graduate head before formal application deadlines.
3. University of Alberta graduate entrance funding
Coverage: Full tuition offset + $21,000 annual Graduate Research Assistantship stipend.
Eligibility: First class or high Second Class upper/lower with relevant research background.
Free Application: Department-level application fee waivers are issued directly by supervisors in STEM programs.
Best Applicants: Computer Science, Geology, Petroleum Engineering, and Business graduates.
Practical Tip: Review UAlberta faculty publications on Google Scholar and reference specific project findings in your proposal.
4. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) graduate support
Coverage: $12,000 to $18,000 fellowship plus Canada's lowest international tuition rates.
Eligibility: Open to all international applicants entering thesis-based masters degrees.
Free Application: MUN application fees are very low ($60 CAD), and departmental grants often cover or reimburse them upon arrival.
Best Applicants: Humanities, Maritime Studies, Ocean Engineering, and Social Work graduates.
Practical Tip: Apply early for the Fall intake (by December of the previous year) to access central funding pools.
5. Carleton University departmental assistantships
Coverage: Tuition support package + $15,000 to $22,000 annually in TA/RA salaries.
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with strong academic reference letters.
Free Application: Free pre-evaluation portal allows departments to review your documents without upfront payment.
Best Applicants: Public Policy, Political Science, Computer Science, and Data Science candidates.
Practical Tip: Ensure your CV explicitly highlights any tutoring, grading, or administrative work to maximize Teaching Assistantship scores.
6–10. Calgary, Waterloo, McGill, UBC, & SFU research fellowships
Coverage: Guaranteed departmental stipend floors ($18,000–$30,000/yr) covering full tuition and living expenses.
Application Strategy: These top research institutions require pre-securing a faculty supervisor. When a professor accepts you into their research team, they issue an institutional fee-waiver token to complete your formal portal application free of charge.
Best Applicants: Engineering, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Environmental Management, and Biotechnology candidates.
11–15. Ottawa, Western, Queen's, McMaster, & Concordia assistantships
Coverage: Differential fee waivers + Teaching/Research Assistantships ($13,000–$22,000/yr).
Application Strategy: Utilize departmental pre-inquiry forms available on engineering and science faculty websites. This allows program directors to assess your eligibility and waive application fees before formal review.
Best Applicants: Law, Chemical Sciences, Fine Arts, Software Engineering, and Supply Chain Management.
16–20. UVic, Guelph, Dalhousie, York, & Windsor graduate packages
Coverage: Full entrance bursaries + Graduate Assistantships (GA) paying $10,000–$24,000 per year.
Application Strategy: Target agricultural, marine, and industrial research projects funded by industry grants. Professors holding industry research grants routinely provide full fee reimbursement upon enrollment.
Best Applicants: Agriculture, Food Science, Sociology, Climate Studies, and Automotive Engineering.
Do I need to pay an application fee when applying for a fully funded masters program?
Yes, if you apply through the scholarship or program's application portal. See canadian universities that waive their application fees for Nigerian applicants
How to submit a free application:
You can submit a free application by applying any of these strategies below
- Request a Waiver Token from Would-be Supervisor: When a prospective research supervisor agrees to supervise your thesis, ask them to request an administrative waiver code from the graduate admissions office.
- Check if Program qualify for a pre-screening portal approval: Departments in universities like Carleton, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba allow you to submit your CV and transcripts for free initial assessment before formally applying.
- Check if Institution is offering an Application Fee Refund: Some schools like Dalhousie University will credit your application fee directly back to your student account as an entrance bonus upon enrollment.
How can I apply and secure funding for a research based masters program as a nigerian applicant in 2026?
Securing funding is competitive, but following a structured approach significantly increases your odds.
1. Start 9-12 months early
canadian professors allocate their research budgets early. Outreach for September 2026 intake should start between September and November 2026.
2. Align your research proposal with professor projects
Never send generic research proposals. Tailor your proposal directly to a professor's current funded research projects.
3. Master cold emailing professors
Send concise, professional emails referencing specific journal papers published by the professor within the past two years.
Email template for cold contacting canadian professors:
Subject: Prospective masters Student Inquiry – [Your Name] – [Research Field]
Dear Dr. [Professor's Last Name],
I have been following your research on [Specific Project Title/Topic] at [University Name]. My background in [Your Field/Degree] directly aligns with your laboratory's work on [Mention Specific Detail from Their Recent Paper].
I am writing to inquire if you are accepting new thesis-based masters students for the [Term, e.g., Fall 2026] intake with Graduate Research Assistantship funding.
I have attached my Academic CV, Transcripts, and a 2-page Research Statement for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.
What documents do I need to prepare before applying for a canadian scholarship as a nigerian applicant?
Having your documents organized and pre-formatted ensures you can apply as soon as fee waivers or supervisor acceptances are issued.
- Official / Unofficial Academic Transcripts: Showing all university courses and grades.
- Degree Certificate / Statement of Result: Official proof of degree completion.
- Academic CV: Formatted using canadian academic standards (highlighting research, skills, and publications).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Tailored 1–2 page motivation essay focusing on your career goals and research fit.
- 2–3 Recommendation Letters: At least two must come from university lecturers who can speak directly to your research capabilities.
- Concept Note / Research Proposal: A 1–3 page document outlining your proposed thesis topic, problem statement, and methodology.
- English Language Waiver Letter: An official letter from your Nigerian university stating that your degree was taught entirely in English.
What mistakes should I avoid when applying for a canadian masters scholarship as a nigerian applicant?
Try to avoid these mistakes when submitting your scholarship application:
- Addressing would-be superviosrs in a personal rather than professional tones.
- Sending Mass Generic Emails: Copy-pasting generic outreach emails to dozens of professors simultaneously.
- Ignoring Faculty Research Profiles: Contacting professors whose current research does not match your field.
- Waiting Until the Last Minute: Applying days before the deadline after funding grants have already been assigned.
- Neglecting Language Exemption Requests: Paying for IELTS unnecessarily when your university can give you an english proficiency attestation letter.
- Submitting Weak Recommendation Letters: Providing generic character references instead of detailed academic assessments.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a scholarship in Canada without taking english proficiency tests?
Yes. Most canadian universities accept an official Letter of English Proficiency from your Nigerian university confirming that your undergraduate studies was conducted entirely in English.
How much is the monthly stipend for a fully funded masters in Canada?
Monthly living stipends typically range between $1,500 CAD and $2,500 CAD, which comfortably covers rent, food, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Do I need to pay an agency or agent to get a canadian scholarship?
No. Scholarship applications and supervisor contacts are managed directly through official university portals. You should never pay agents or intermediaries for scholarship applications.
Can I bring my family while studying on a fully funded scholarship?
Yes. International graduate students in Canada can bring their spouse (eligible for an Open Work Permit) and dependent children under study permits.
Must I have a first class or 2.1 before I am eligible to apply for a graduate scholarship?
While a First Class or Upper Second Class (2.1) is preferred, candidates with a Lower Second Class (2.2) can win funding if backed by relevant research experience, publications, or related work history.
Your next steps
Securing a fully funded masters degree program without paying an application fee is completely achievable with early preparation and strategic approach to the application process.
Take the following steps to get started:
- Format your academic cv according to canadian standards. If you need any assistance with this kindly contact us immediately to get a free cv review
- Shortlist 5–10 canadian universities from the table above offering thesis-based programs in your discipline.
- Identify 2–3 active professors per university working in your research area.
- Draft personalized outreach emails and request fee waivers or supervisor backing.
- Prepare your Statement of Purpose and request academic references from your lecturers.
- Submit your application as soon as supervisor support or waiver codes are secured!
At educanadanigeria, we focus on helping you, our client, achieve your academic dream of studying in canada on scholarship. Using our extensive knowledge and experience, we guide you through the process from applying, to getting admitted with scholarship. If you need help reviewing your application documents, selecting the right school or program, or reaching out to faculty, please reach out to us here.
