Studying in Canada and getting a study permit is stress-free for many African scholars. Though it is often seen as expensive, you can get a quality education with fully funded opportunities. As many of the Canadian Universities and foundations aim to foster global leadership, you can easily find specialized scholarships for African students. Below are some of the top scholarships in Canada for African scholars on the basis of funding and eligibility:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This program is a massive initiative specifically for students from Sub-Saharan Africa. It is considered as one of the best scholarships in Canada for developing the next generation of African leaders in fields like health, engineering, and business.
-
Partner Universities: University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia.
-
Level of Study: Undergraduate and Masters.
-
Requirements: Must be a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country and under 35 years of age.
-
Scholarship Value: Fully funded (Tuition, travel, housing, and monthly stipend).
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Pearson scholarship is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious award for international students. It is familiar with recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity within their high schools.
-
Application fee: No (if nominated by high school).
-
Level of Study: Undergraduate.
-
English Language requirements: IELTS – 6.5 with no band less than 6.0; TOEFL – 100 + 22 on Writing.
-
Scholarship Value: Fully funded for four years (Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support).
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award is offered by the University of British Columbia for talented international students. It can be listed as a top choice for African scholars who have superior academic records and significant involvement in community service.
-
Application fee: Varies by program.
-
Level of Study: Undergraduate.
-
English Language requirements: IELTS – 6.5 with no band less than 6.0; PTE – 65.
-
Scholarship Value: Proportional to financial need (Covers tuition and living costs minus family contribution).
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier CGS is a government-funded scholarship created to attract world-class doctoral students. It is measured to be one of the best scholarships in Canada in terms of research and is open to international students from all African nations.
-
Application fee: Varies by nominating university.
-
Level of Study: PhD (Doctoral).
-
Criteria: Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a quota and demonstrate high leadership skills.
-
Scholarship Value: $50,000 / year for three years.
Dalhousie University SASEP Scholarship
SASEP is a specialized project at Dalhousie University for Black Southern Africans. It provides education for students from countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe to help them return and contribute to their home communities.
-
Application fee: No fee for this specific program.
-
Level of Study: Masters and PhD.
-
Requirements: Must be from an eligible Commonwealth nation in Southern Africa.
-
Scholarship Value: Full scholarship funding including tuition and living expenses.
Below are the specific application deadlines and details for the scholarships mentioned above for the 2026-2027 academic cycle. Many of these programs require early action, often a full year before your intended start date.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (U of T)
This program has an early deadline and is currently closed for the 2026-2027 session. It is considered one of the earliest scholarships to close in the Canadian cycle.
-
Status: Closed for 2026-2027.
-
Last Deadline: November 3, 2025.
-
Next Cycle: Expected to open in September 2026 for the 2027-2028 session.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Pearson scholarship operates on a three-step deadline system involving your high school and the university. You must be nominated by your school before you can apply for the scholarship.
-
School Nomination Deadline: October 10, 2026.
-
OUAC Admission Deadline: October 17, 2026.
-
Student Scholarship Application Deadline: November 7, 2026.
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award at UBC requires a nomination and an early application to the university itself. It can be listed as a high-priority deadline for students currently in their final year of high school.
-
Scholarship Application Deadline: November 15, 2026.
-
UBC Admission Application Deadline: December 1, 2026.
-
Supporting Documents Deadline: January 31, 2027.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier CGS is for doctoral students and requires nomination by a Canadian institution. It is measured to be a multi-step process with internal university deadlines occurring much earlier than the federal deadline.
-
Internal University Deadlines: Usually between August and September 2026.
-
National Nomination Deadline: October 30, 2026 (Expected).
-
Results Announcement: April 2027.
Dalhousie University SASEP and General Entrance Awards
Dalhousie uses a harmonized application process for most of its major entrance awards. This is a public university that offers a streamlined portal for international and domestic students.
-
General Entrance Award Deadline: February 15, 2026 (For Fall 2026 entry).
-
September Admission Deadline: April 1, 2026.
-
January Admission Deadline: August 31, 2026.