10 Best universities in Canada for Nigerian students

For millions of foreign students, Canada is a paradise. Over 400,000 foreign students call Canada home, and the number is always rising because of the country’s great educational and career prospects. Nigerian immigration to Canada has increased in recent years, placing them as the fourth most represented group in the nation. 

This article will assist you in navigating the Canadian higher education system and helping you make an educated selection, whether you’re an aspirational undergraduate or graduate student looking for further study. Below are the top 10 Canadian universities for Nigerian students: 

1. University of Toronto (UofT)

The University of Toronto (UofT) is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, known for its intellectual prowess. Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto (UofT) draws a diverse student body of about 60,000 with its amazing variety of programs that provide over 700 undergraduate degrees and 200 postgraduate degrees.

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2. University of British Columbia

Since its founding in 1908, the University of British Columbia (UBC), then known as McGill University College of British Columbia, has had a long history of multidisciplinary research. This prestigious Canadian research university routinely ranks among the best institutions in the world and has established a reputation as a preeminent intellectual authority.

The university was founded as a result of the innovative idea made by former British Columbian governor Jon Jessop, who saw the need for an institution of higher learning to successfully serve the community.

About 500 Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a variety of fields, including business and technology management, IT and applied technology, liberal arts and sciences, languages, and translation, are now available at UBC. Almost 200 new enterprises have been established thanks in part to UBC’s almost 1,300 research initiatives that it has started in partnership with entrepreneurs.

3. McGill University

Located in Montreal, a bustling metropolis with a varied population, McGill University is a thriving academic community motivated by a common goal of improving the future and the pursuit of greatness. With a rich and turbulent past spanning more than 200 years, McGill has made a name for itself as a leading worldwide university where academics and students are always pushing the frontiers of knowledge.

Known for drawing the best brains from across the world, McGill University is pleased to have students from more than 150 nations, making up over 30% of its student body—the largest percentage of any Canadian research university.

Macleans has been named the top scholarship and bursary provider for more than 13 years, demonstrating its commitment to providing affordable education.

4. McMaster University

McMaster University has shown an unrelenting commitment to cultivating human potential for over a century, as seen by its innovative approaches to teaching and its internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary research. 

The institution is very proud of its history of outstanding academic and research achievements, which are bestowed onto its most brilliant brains. Three Nobel laureates, powerful corporate executives, innovators in technology, well-known politicians, public intellectuals, philanthropists, and well-known singers are among its distinguished alumni.

The McMaster campus is well situated in the centre of a thriving, multicultural area; it is just an hour’s drive from Toronto and an hour’s flight from important American cities like New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Students’ academic experiences are further enhanced by this institution’s closeness to vibrant metropolitan areas.

The McMaster community is made up of 1,413 full-time faculty members, 21,441 undergraduate students, 3,519 graduate students, and a sizable network of 170,654 alumni dispersed over 137 nations. They come together to create a varied and internationally interconnected network that keeps adding to the university’s illustrious history of achievement and influence.

5. University of Montreal

Nestled in the heart of Montreal and dedicated to its international purpose, the University of Montreal is a leading research organization. Together with its sister institutions, the business-focused HEC Montreal and the engineering-focused Polytechnique Montreal, the University of Montreal constitutes one of the biggest university complexes in North America.

One of Canada’s top three university research centres, the University of Montreal is well recognized for its research initiatives and receives an astounding yearly budget of over $500 million for research. Within its corridors have sprouted several illustrious laboratories: MILA, one of the world’s foremost centres for deep learning research; the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), acknowledged for its remarkable output in the field; and the Centre de Recherche en droit public (CRDP), Canada’s premier centre for public-law research.

With 2,400 professors and researchers on staff and approximately 66,500 students, the University of Montreal is made up of 14 faculties and linked institutions. 

6. University of Alberta

Nestled on the borders of the gorgeous North Saskatchewan River valley, the Institution of Alberta is a famous public research institution that was founded in 1908 in Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta.

The University of Alberta distinguishes itself by being the only university in Canada to provide programs in native studies, which allow students to explore the indigenous experience in terms of language, culture, history, and other areas. The institution is also well-known for its innovative paleontological research, and its faculty includes some of the most distinguished specialists in the area of dinosaur studies.

7. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo, situated in Ontario, Canada, was established in 1957 to promote a cooperative learning environment. The institution began by serving a tiny class of 74 engineering students, but it has since seen exponential growth. At the moment, it enrols more than 42,000 students a year, of which around 30,000 are foreign students from 120 different countries.

There are six faculties at the University of Waterloo: science, math, engineering, environment, health, and arts. Students have a wide range of more than 100 programs to choose from within these faculties.

To accommodate varying learning preferences and objectives, other learning routes including professional courses, part-time studies, and exchange programs are also offered.

8. Western University

Western University boasts a community of over 43,000 students from 129 countries. With excellent academics, first-rate facilities, and chances for internships, coops, or practicums in every degree, their learning environment is second to none. A wide variety of degree choices and specialities are offered by Western’s 12 colleges and schools, including prestigious professional programs in business, medicine, dentistry, engineering, law, and education. 

With a stunning campus spanning 500 hectares and a combination of contemporary and old buildings, Western Academic offers one of the most gorgeous academic environments in Canada. The campus offers a warm and motivating environment for learning and development.

9. Laval University

Laval University is one of Canada’s top research institutions with $515 million in committed research funding. Situated in the captivating city of Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the institution provides its scholars and students with an unparalleled and uplifting experience. Université Laval was ranked an impressive 36th out of 1,406 institutions in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, demonstrating its widespread influence.

3,915 professors, lecturers, and research workers make up the faculty of Université Laval, which serves over 47,000 students, approximately 11,000 of whom are graduate students. More than 8,000 foreign students from 120 different countries are welcomed, and it celebrates diversity. Nearly half of PhD applicants are foreign nationals, and over 2,500 students take part in national and international mobility programs.

10. University Of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa was founded in 1848 and is located in the core of Ottawa, Canada’s capital. The university’s advantageous location puts it near important Canadian institutions, providing unmatched access and possibilities.

Leading research projects in a variety of areas, including photonics, vascular and cardiovascular health, brain and mental health, francophonie, public policy, and social justice, are spearheaded by internationally renowned specialists at the institution.

More than 8,000 foreign students call it home, and full- and part-time degree options are available.

Conclusion

Canada is a popular destination for Nigerians seeking to study abroad. Selecting the ideal institution may influence your academic path and provide access to many opportunities. The top universities in Canada, recognized for their outstanding academic programs, state-of-the-art research facilities, elite professors, and active campus life, are listed above.