How much will it cost to study in Canada from Nigeria?

Canadian universities provide you with access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a supportive learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. 

In recent years, many Nigerian students have chosen Canada as their preferred study destination and it’s easy to see why.

Aside from the country’s excellent education system, Canada is a culturally diverse and welcoming nation. 

However, studying here can be costly and one question that often comes to the mind of every Nigerian who wishes to study in Canada is, “How much will it cost to study in Canada from Nigeria?”.

If you are dreaming of studying in Canada from Nigeria and you wish to know how much it will cost you to study in Canada from Nigeria, here is all you need to know about the cost of studying in Canada as a Nigerian.

How much will it cost to study in Canada from Nigeria

It cost between #5,600,000 to #15,000,000 yearly to study in Canada from Nigeria depending on your institution, the number of years your program will last, your level of studies, and your lifestyle.

On average, you are expected to pay between CAD 7,000 to CAD 40,000 per year for tuition fees alone as an international student depending on your course of study. 

Additionally, you need to budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses, which can range from CAD 5,000 to CAD 10,000 per year depending on the location of your school and your lifestyle. 

Cost of studying in Canada for a Nigerian 

• Tuition Fees 

Your tuition fee in Canada will vary depending on your university and the program you choose. 

Generally, tuition fees for undergraduate programs range from CAD 7,000 to CAD 30,000 per year, while graduate programs can cost between CAD 5,000 and CAD 40,000 per year. 

Some programs, such as medicine and dentistry, can be significantly more expensive, with tuition fees ranging from CAD 15,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.

Here is what you should do; carry out thorough research about the tuition fees of your preferred university and program before applying.

If you wish to study at the University of Manitoba, head to Google.com and check the tuition fee of the University of Manitoba.

This way, you’ll get a clear picture of what you’ll pay as a tuition fee.

• Living Expenses

In addition to tuition fees, as an international student, you are also responsible for your living expenses in Canada unless you are on a fully funded scholarship.

The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the province and city you choose to live in and not forgetting the part of the province.

In every province in Canada, some areas are more expensive than others – the urban and city centers are usually more expensive.

For example, living in Toronto or Vancouver can be more expensive than living in smaller cities such as Ottawa or Calgary. 

Generally, you should budget CAD 7,000 to CAD 15,000 per year for accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.

• Other Associated Costs

In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, you may also incur other associated costs such as health insurance, textbooks, and student association fees. 

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Canada and can cost around CAD 600 to CAD 1,000 per year. 

Well, this depends on the type of health insurance you use and the plans they offer.

Textbooks and other course materials can cost around CAD 1,000 per year, depending on your program. 

Student association fees can range from CAD 50 to CAD 300 per year, depending on your university.

In addition to living expenses, tuition fees, and other associate costs, you need to apply for and get your study permit before you will be allowed to study in Canada 

A study permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals (Nigerians included) to study in Canada for a specific period.

To be eligible for a study permit, you must first have been accepted into a Canadian educational institution that is designated by the Canadian government to host international students.

Once you have been accepted, you can then begin the process of applying for your study permit.

The application process for a study permit is usually lengthy and complex, so you need to start as early as possible.

What is the total cost in naira for the application of a Canadian study permit?

With an exchange rate of ₦560 per CAD 1, the total cost in naira for the application for a Canadian study permit is ₦131,600. 

The government-approved application fee for all study permit applications in Canada is CAD$150, which includes the cost of a student visa but you also have to pay an additional CAD$85 biometrics fee.

This brings your total fee to 150 + 85 = 235. When you multiply 235 by 560, you get ₦131,600.

To apply for your study permit, you need to provide various documents to support your application, such as proof of acceptance from the educational institution, proof of financial support, and a valid passport.

You may also be required to undergo a medical examination or provide biometric information as part of the application process.

Once you have obtained your study permit and any necessary visas or eTAs, you can then travel to Canada to begin your studies.

Aside from your study permit, you also need to meet the minimum bank balance for a Canadian student visa.

Minimum bank balance for Canada student visa from Nigeria

The minimum bank balance for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria is CAD 10,000, approximately ₦5,600,000 on CAD 1 Per ₦560 exchange rate.

But you don’t need to have this money in cash, you only need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs for your entire stay in Canada.

As of September 2021, the Canadian government recommends that international students budget approximately CAD 10,000 per year for living expenses, in addition to their tuition fees.

You need to provide evidence of your financial resources, such as bank statements, a letter from your bank, or proof of scholarship or other sources of funding.

You must know that having the required funds does not guarantee that your visa application will be approved.

The immigration officer will still assess your application holistically, they will take into account, various factors such as your academic background, your ties to your home country, and your overall immigration history.

Is 4 Months bank statement enough for Canada student visa?

A 4-month bank statement is not sufficient to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover the expenses for your entire stay in Canada as a student.

The Canadian government recommends that you provide bank statements or other financial documents covering at least 6-12 months.

If you are on scholarship or other funding, you can provide evidence of the sources of funding, such as evidence of scholarships or sponsorship

Here are other related questions that may interest you.

Can I work while studying in Canada? 

Yes, as an international student, you are allowed to work part-time while studying in Canada, up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Can I apply for scholarships to study in Canada? 

Yes, there are various scholarship opportunities available for international students to study in Canada. 

You can check the scholarship opportunities provided by your chosen university, the Canadian government, and private organizations and apply for them.

Who knows, you might get lucky.

Do I need a visa to study in Canada? 

Yes, as an international student, you are required to have a study permit to study in Canada as well as your visa which will allow you entry to Canada. 

You can apply for a study permit online or through the Canadian embassy in Nigeria.

What are the job opportunities for international students in Canada? 

There are various job opportunities available for international students in Canada, such as working on-campus, off-campus, or through a co-op program. 

Some of the popular jobs for international students include customer service, sales, tutoring, and administrative support.

Conclusion 

Studying in Canada is an excellent investment in your future, but it comes with a significant cost. 

The total cost of studying in Canada from Nigeria will depend on several factors, such as your program of study, the institution you choose, and your living expenses. 

Your tuition fees for international students in Canada can range from CAD 7,000 to CAD 50,000 per year, and living expenses can add CAD 10,000 per year.

Therefore, before you decide to pursue your education in Canada, you should carefully consider the total cost and create a realistic budget. 

You should also explore various scholarship opportunities, work-study programs, and other financial aid options that can help you reduce the cost of your education.

With careful planning, you can make your dream of studying in Canada a reality, and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.