Join Our Official WhatsApp Forum
Skip to content 
Canada has become a top destination for Nigerian students seeking world-class education. Among Canadian universities, the University of Alberta (UAlberta) stands out as one of the best places to study. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, it is consistently ranked among the top 150 universities in the world and is known for its strong programs in engineering, sciences, medicine, and business.
For Nigerians planning to study abroad, the University of Alberta scholarships for 2026 offer incredible opportunities to access quality education while reducing financial stress. This article provides a detailed guide on the scholarships available at the University of Alberta for Nigerian students in 2026, including eligibility, application process, funding coverage, and deadlines.
Why Nigerian Students Choose the University of Alberta
- Ranked among the top 5 Canadian universities.
- Offers 500+ undergraduate programs and 250+ graduate programs.
- Hosts over 7,000 international students from 150 countries, including many Nigerians.
- Affordable living costs compared to cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
- Strong scholarship and research funding opportunities.
Types of Scholarships at the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta provides automatic admission scholarships, application-based scholarships, and external funding opportunities. Nigerians can benefit from all three.
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility | Value |
|---|---|---|
| International Entrance Scholarships | Automatically awarded to top-performing undergraduates entering their first year | CAD $5,000 |
| International Student Scholarships | Based on academic merit, leadership, and community involvement | CAD $9,000 |
| President’s International Distinction Scholarship | Exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential | Up to CAD $120,000 (CAD $30,000/year for 4 years) |
| University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarships | Awarded to high-achieving Master’s/PhD students | CAD $17,500 (plus possible tuition support) |
| Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship | For PhD students with strong academic/research backgrounds | CAD $5,000/year |
| Research Assistantships / Teaching Assistantships | Graduate students under professors | Tuition waiver + monthly stipend |
| External Scholarships | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Trudeau Foundation Scholarship | Up to CAD $50,000/year |
Quick Facts – University of Alberta Scholarships 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host University | University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada |
| Eligible Students | Nigerians (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) |
| Funding Type | Fully funded / Partial funding |
| Programs Covered | All faculties (Engineering, Medicine, Business, Arts, etc.) |
| Application Opens | October 2025 |
| Deadline | January – March 2026 (varies by scholarship) |
| Mode of Study | On-campus, full-time |
Eligibility Criteria for Nigerians
To qualify for University of Alberta scholarships in 2026, Nigerian students must meet the following:
- Nationality – Must be a Nigerian citizen with a valid international passport.
- Academic Performance –
- Undergraduate: Strong WAEC/NECO results + JAMB/UTME or A-levels.
- Graduate: Minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1); First Class is highly preferred.
- English Proficiency – Proof via IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (unless waived).
- Leadership and Community Involvement – Scholarships like the President’s Distinction Award require demonstrated leadership skills.
- Admission Offer – You must apply and secure admission at the University of Alberta before most scholarships are awarded.
University of Alberta Scholarships 2026 Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Admission Application Opens | October 2025 |
| Scholarship Application Opens | November 2025 |
| Priority Deadlines | January 2026 |
| Final Deadlines | March 2026 |
| Award Notification | April – May 2026 |
| Classes Begin | September 2026 |
Required Documents for Nigerian Applicants
When applying, Nigerian students must prepare:
- Valid Nigerian international passport
- WAEC/NECO/A-level results (undergraduates)
- University transcripts & certificates (graduate applicants)
- Admission offer letter (or proof of application)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose / Scholarship Essay
- Two or three recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc.)
- Research proposal (for PhD/Master’s thesis applicants)
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Apply early – Most scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Aim for excellent grades – A GPA of 3.5/4.0 or above increases your chances.
- Show leadership – Highlight volunteering, community work, and extracurricular activities.
- Prepare a strong personal statement – Explain why you chose Alberta and how your studies will impact Nigeria.
- Secure strong references – Professors or employers who know your strengths.
Popular Programs for Nigerians at the University of Alberta
| Faculty | Programs |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Petroleum, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering |
| Medicine & Health Sciences | Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Dentistry |
| Science | Computing Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry |
| Business | MBA, Finance, International Business |
| Arts & Social Sciences | Political Science, Sociology, History, Psychology |
| Agriculture & Environment | Environmental Science, Agricultural Economics |
Estimated Expenses vs Scholarship Coverage
| Expense | Average Annual Cost (CAD) | Scholarship Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Undergraduate) | 30,000 – 45,000 | Fully/Partially covered |
| Tuition (Graduate) | 15,000 – 25,000 | Fully/Partially covered |
| Living Expenses | 15,000 – 18,000 | Covered if fully funded |
| Books & Supplies | 2,000 | Sometimes included |
| Health Insurance | 600 – 1,000 | Included |
FAQs – University of Alberta Scholarships for Nigerians 2026
Q1: Can I apply for scholarships without an admission offer?
No. Most scholarships require you to first apply and be admitted.
Q2: Are there fully funded scholarships at the University of Alberta?
Yes. Some graduate scholarships and the President’s International Distinction Award can fully cover tuition + living.
Q3: Do I need IELTS if my Nigerian degree was in English?
The University of Alberta may waive IELTS if your institution taught in English, but it’s safer to have proof.
Q4: Can I work while studying in Canada?
Yes. International students can work 20 hours/week during classes and full-time during breaks.
Q5: How competitive are these scholarships?
Very competitive. Nigerian applicants need outstanding grades, leadership skills, and strong references.
Summary
The University of Alberta scholarships for Nigerians in 2026 are an incredible chance to study in Canada without financial stress. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs, there are multiple funding options available.
If you are academically excellent, passionate, and determined, this could be your pathway to a world-class Canadian education. Start preparing early, gather all required documents, and submit your applications before deadlines.