Your Guide to Scholarships in Canada for African Students

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Canada has become a premier destination for students from Africa, offering world-class education, a multicultural environment, and significant opportunities for post-graduate work. For the 2026-2027 academic year, a range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships are available to help African students achieve their academic dreams.

This guide breaks down the top opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines to help you navigate your journey.

Key Scholarships for African Students

The most significant opportunities for African students are funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and by private foundations like the Mastercard Foundation.

1. Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS)

This is a prominent government scholarship program designed to strengthen ties between Canada and institutions in specific regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa .

  • Target Audience: Undergraduate and graduate students for short-term study or research exchanges (4 to 6 months).

  • Scholarship Value:

    • $10,200 for 4 months (Undergraduate or Graduate)

    • $14,000 for 5-6 months (Graduate only)

  • Eligible African Countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda (Sub-Saharan Africa); plus Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia (Middle East and North Africa) .

  • Application Period: Typically opens in early 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Deadlines are in March 2026.

2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto

This is a prestigious, fully-funded program for graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on health-related disciplines .

  • Target Audience: Master’s students from Sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Scholarship Value: Covers full tuition, travel (including passport and visa), housing, food, health insurance, learning materials, and a living stipend .

  • Eligible Programs: Master of Engineering (Biomedical), Master of Financial Insurance, Master of Health Administration (MHSc), Master of Health Informatics (MHSc), and various Master of Public Health (MPH) programs .

  • Key Requirement: Applicants must be citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan Africa and have graduated from a partner university of the Africa Health Collaborative.

  • Deadline: Applications for 2026-2027 closed on November 3, 2025. Future cycles will likely open in mid-2026 .

3. McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University

While open to students globally, this is a highly competitive, leadership-based scholarship for master’s and professional degree programs. African students are increasingly represented among finalists .

  • Target Audience: Students applying for a master’s or professional degree at McGill.

  • Scholarship Value: Full tuition, a monthly living stipend of $2,300 during academic terms, and a relocation grant .

  • Selection Criteria: Academic strength, leadership potential, and commitment to community engagement.

  • Key Dates: Applications typically open in the summer for the following academic year.

4. Dalhousie University – African Nova Scotian Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically designed to support students who identify as African Nova Scotian, aiming to reduce systemic barriers and increase representation in graduate programs .

  • Target Audience: Master’s or doctoral students who are African Nova Scotian (descendants of Black Loyalists, Black Refugees, etc.) .

  • Scholarship Value: Up to $15,000 per year for up to two years.

  • Deadline: February 19, 2026 (for the upcoming academic year) .

5. University of King’s College – African Nova Scotian Journalism Initiative

A unique program that fully covers tuition for African Nova Scotian students pursuing journalism .

  • Target Audience: Undergraduate or postgraduate students in journalism who are African Nova Scotian.

  • Scholarship Value: Full tuition coverage.

  • Key Feature: A cohort model that provides a supportive community for students from underrepresented backgrounds .

At-a-Glance Comparison Chart

Scholarship Name University Level of Study Target Region Value Key Deadline
Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) Multiple Universities (e.g., Concordia, Memorial, Regina) Undergraduate & Graduate Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa $10,200 – $14,000 March 2026
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program University of Toronto Master’s Sub-Saharan Africa Fully Funded November 2025 (Closed; next cycle TBD)
McCall MacBain Scholarships McGill University Master’s & Professional Global (including Africa) Fully Funded Summer (for next year)
African Nova Scotian Graduate Scholarship Dalhousie University Master’s & Doctoral African Nova Scotian $15,000/year February 2026
African Nova Scotian Journalism Initiative University of King’s College Undergraduate & Postgraduate African Nova Scotian Full Tuition Varies

How to Apply

The application process varies by scholarship. Here are the general steps to follow:

For Government Scholarships (SICS & ELAP)

These require a coordinated effort between you, your home university, and the Canadian host university.

  1. Find a Host University & Supervisor: For research-based scholarships, you must first secure a supervisor at a Canadian university. For example, the University of Regina and Concordia University require a letter of invitation from a professor .

  2. Check Your Home University: You must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible country. Your home institution’s international office typically submits your application .

  3. Prepare Documents: Common requirements include proof of citizenship, a letter of intent, letters of support from your home institution, and proof of full-time enrollment .

  4. Apply to the Canadian University: Submit your application to the host university by their internal deadline. Most deadlines for 2026-2027 are in mid-March 2026.

For Foundation and University-Specific Scholarships

These are applied for directly through the university.

  1. Review Eligibility: Ensure you meet the specific citizenship, academic, and program requirements.

  2. Prepare Your Application: This often includes academic transcripts, proof of leadership activities, and personal essays demonstrating your commitment to giving back to your community.

  3. Apply Directly: Submit your application through the university’s scholarship portal before the stated deadline.

Quick Application Checklist

  • Confirm Eligibility: Verify your country of citizenship is on the list for your chosen scholarship.

  • Contact Your Home Institution: Speak to your international office early to confirm they can nominate you for government-funded programs.

  • Secure a Supervisor: If applying for research programs, reach out to professors at Canadian universities whose research aligns with your goals.

  • Gather Documents: Start collecting your passport, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

  • Write a Strong Letter of Intent: Clearly explain your research plan and why you chose your specific Canadian institution and supervisor.

  • Meet Deadlines: Internal university deadlines are often earlier than the final government deadlines. Plan for deadlines in February and March 2026.

University Links and Resources

Here are direct links to the scholarship pages at the universities mentioned:

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