Studying in Canada is an excellent opportunity for African students to gain a world-class education and advance their careers. With some of the top universities in the world, Canada offers high academic standards and a multicultural environment open to international students.
However, as an international student, the cost of studying and living in Canada can be very high. Scholarships are a great way to fund your education and ease the financial burden. If you are an African student hoping to study in Canada in 2024, here are the top 10 best scholarships for Africans to study in Canada in 2024 you should consider applying for:
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships are amongst the most prestigious scholarships available for international students in Canada. These scholarships are offered by the University of Toronto to outstanding students pursuing an undergraduate degree. They are intended to cover the full cost of an undergraduate program for up to 4 years and include tuition, books, accommodations, and other living expenses.
To qualify for this highly competitive scholarship, students must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement with an admission average of at least 90% (A). They also assess leadership potential so students should showcase extracurricular activities and volunteer work. For studies beginning in Fall 2024, applications will open in early 2023 and all required supporting documents must be submitted by the end of February 2023. Awards are renewed each year based on maintaining high academic standing.
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are the most prestigious scholarships available for doctoral students studying at Canadian universities. With a value of $50,000 per year for up to 3 years, these scholarships enable recipients to fully focus on their research during their studies.
Eligible students must be nominated by the Canadian university where they intend to pursue their graduate studies. The key criteria for selection include both outstanding leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement demonstrated by first-class standings, research output, and other academic contributions. Applicants cannot yet have completed two years of doctoral studies before taking up the award. Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year will open in Fall 2023 with a deadline in early November.
3. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba provides several graduate fellowships for domestic and international students pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. programs. These fellowships are valued at between $14,000 to $18,000 for a 12-month period and are intended to attract high caliber students to the university.
These fellowships are awarded primarily based on academic excellence as demonstrated through grade point average, research ability, awards and scholarships, and publication record. To be eligible, incoming graduate students of all nationalities must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 in previous studies. Applications for graduate studies beginning in September 2024 will open in early Fall 2023.
4. University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Awards
The University of British Columbia offers the prestigious International Leader of Tomorrow Awards to recognize exceptional international students pursuing undergraduate studies in Canada. These awards cover up to the full cost of the international student tuition fees, housing costs, and other living expenses.
To apply, students must show outstanding academic achievement combined with strong leadership skills and service to their schools or communities. For 2024 undergraduate admission, applications will open in early October 2023. Students will need to complete an online application and short essays outlining how they meet the award criteria. Award values are renewable annually based on maintaining a minimum academic average.
5. York University International Student Scholarships
York University provides various scholarship and bursary opportunities to support academically strong international students. Scholarship values range from $1,000 to $100,000 for undergraduate and graduate students.
The scholarships are awarded based on financial need, personal circumstances, and high academic achievement. For 2024 admission, most application deadlines will be in early 2023. All scholarships require students to submit additional application forms separate from their admission applications. High school transcripts, reference letters, and written statements on academic and career goals are typically required.
6. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students
Carleton University offers competitive renewable entrance scholarships to newly admitted international students. The scholarship values range from $4,000 to $16,000 and are awarded automatically based on high school grades at the time of admission.
To be considered, undergraduate and graduate students must demonstrate a minimum admission average of 80-85% or higher depending on their program of study. After accepting their offer of admission, international awardees must complete a required Entrance Scholarship Application form. Deadlines vary between academic departments but are typically in March-May 2023 for September 2024 admission.
7. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
The University of Waterloo provides significant awards to assist full-time international students pursuing graduate studies. The awards range from $500 to $2,000 per academic term and are based on demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and potential.
Students already enrolled in their graduate programs can apply, but preference is given to incoming students. Applications for students commencing their studies in January or May 2024 will be due in mid-2023. All eligible students will be automatically considered for these awards as part of their application for graduate admission.
8. Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships are intended to honor Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s service to the Commonwealth. These prestigious scholarships enable students from Commonwealth nations, including many African countries, to pursue graduate studies or research for up to one year at a Canadian university.
The scholarships cover tuition, flights, housing, living expenses, and other costs valued together at up to $25,000 per award. In 2023, approximately 60 scholarships will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications typically open in January and successful candidates are notified in May.
9. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program
The Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program provides scholarships for Francophone African students to pursue part-time or full-time Master’s or PhD programs at Canadian universities. These prestigious scholarships help develop future leaders within the global Francophonie.
Approximately 800 scholarships valued at $7,200 to $15,000 per year are awarded annually under this program. Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year will open in November 2023. Strong French language skills, demonstrated leadership qualities, and a commitment to the Francophonie are advantageous.
10. African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships
The African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships enable African students to pursue graduate studies at Canadian universities. These awards are funded through the Canadian Bureau for International Education in partnership with Global Affairs Canada.
Ideal candidates should demonstrate leadership potential in addition to excellent academic achievement. Applications for studies commencing in 2024 will open in early 2023. Both women and men are encouraged to apply to support gender equality in African leadership.
There are excellent scholarship opportunities for motivated and high-achieving African students who wish to study in Canada. Focus on highlighting your academic excellence as well as broader skills and attributes in your applications. If finances are hindering you from pursuing your Canadian education dream, these scholarships may help make it a reality!