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International education remains an expensive pursuit for many Nigerians, yet universities worldwide are increasingly introducing generous scholarships, tuition discounts, and fee waivers, especially for students from developing countries.
A 2024 pulse survey by ApplyBoard revealed that 65 percent of international students expressed a strong preference for studying abroad at leading destinations such as the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Canada, despite the high tuition fees associated with these countries.
The survey found that tuition fees remain a primary concern for prospective students globally, as 84 percent identified cost as a key factor in their decision-making process. For Nigeria in particular, this is particularly evident due to the volatility of the exchange rate.
This has caused alternative study locations such as Finland, Denmark, Germany, and China to steadily gaining traction among international applicants, primarily due to the cost of studying in the top locations earlier mentioned.
While these traditional destinations remain popular, most students from English-speaking countries prefer to study in the UK, US and Canada.
Read also: Survey indicates 65% of int’l students prefer top study destinations despite tuition cost
Recognising this need, ApplyBoard recently hosted an international university fair, bringing together institutions from the UK, US, Canada, and other nations to showcase their financial aid offerings for Nigerian students in the 2025/2026 academic session.
For those considering applications, prospective students need to check the websites to understand their eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Yorkville University and Toronto film school
Yorkville University is the largest private university in Ontario, Canada, with in-person programs at campuses in Toronto, Vancouver and a third location in Fredericton, which delivers online educational programs and other career-oriented programs.
Toronto Film School offers a dual diploma/degree pathway in collaboration with Yorkville University in the areas of film, entertainment, fashion, design, and video games. Students can therefore complete a Toronto Film School’s Film Production diploma and then earn a Bachelor of Creative Arts (BCA) from Yorkville University. This allows students to gain hands-on filmmaking experience and also develop business and leadership skills.
The univerwity if offering Nigerian students $100 CAD application fee waivers if they applied via ApplyBoard.
Scholarships of up to $20,000 CAD are available for qualified students across various programmes.
Bath Spa University, United Kingdom
Bath Spa university was founded in 1852 and is among the top 10 in the UK league tables. It was ranked 5th for career prospects after 15 months, by the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Currently the university is offering prospective Nigerian students these scholarships and discounts:
MBA Scholarships: Automatic £6,000 scholarships available for September 2025 entry. Tuition reduced to £13,500 instead of £19,500
Postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships of £3,000 off tuition for eligible students
£2,000 off tuition fees for the first year of study (10 scholarships available) for students applying from Africa
Sibling discount of £1,000 off tuition for either postgraduate or undergraduate courses
Sports scholarships are available for applicants who excel in sports activities of 30 percent, 50 percent or 70 percent off tuition, depending on eligibility
Flexible tuition payment: The balance of tuition can be paid in six installments
Other scholarships are:
Hall Commonwealth scholarship: Designed for one undergraduate student from a Commonwealth country
International recruitment office scholarship: Supports high-achieving students entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies
Regional office scholarships: Available for students from China, India, Africa, and the Asian Pacific who demonstrate creativity, culture, and enterprise.
Check Bathspa’s website for details.
University of Windsor (UWin), Ontario
UWin is a public research university in Windsor, Ontario, Canada founded in 1857. The university is known for its broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional schools in areas like law, business, engineering, and education.
The university is offering prospective Nigerian students automatic entrance scholarships for students directly transitioning from full-time secondary school education.
Check UWin’s website for details.
University of Regina, Canada
The University of Regina is a public university located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Founded in 1911 as a private denominational high school of the Methodist Church of Canada. In 2009 the University of Regina launched the UR Guarantee Program, a program guaranteeing participating students a successful career launch after graduation by supplementing education with experience to achieve specific educational, career and life goals.
Its tuition fee of $24,000 CAD per year includes access to athletic facilities, health and dental plans, and transit services .
In addition, the university is offering prospective Nigerian students entrance scholarships of $3,000 and student distinction scholarships worth $80,000 ($20,000 x 4 years).
Check University of Regina’s website for details.
University of West Canada
University Canada West is a private, for-profit university in British Columbia, Canada that was founded in 2005. Currently, the university has an average class size at the University of Canada West is 10. Popular programs of UCW among international students are MBA, Associate of Arts, and Bachelor of Commerce. In the context of admission, the University of Canada West acceptance rate is around 80 percent.
Currently the university is offering prospective Nigerian students tuition discounts of 5 percent discount when they pay their first-year tuition in full.
Check University of West Canada’s website for details.
University of Niagara Falls, Canada
The University of Niagara Falls Canada is a private, for-profit university in downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The university was established in 2024 and is focused on digital and technological education. It’s known for offering innovative, interdisciplinary programs that prepare graduates for leadership in a digital world, with a particular emphasis on emerging technologies and the evolving needs of the global workforce.
More than $15 million is available for scholarships and awards for students, including those from Nigeria.
Check University of Niagara Fall’s website for details.
University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
The University of Greenwich was founded in 1890 and is particularly recognized for its strong academic programs in business, engineering, computing, and education, with a notable emphasis on research in agriculture, health, and sustainability.
The university also fosters entrepreneurship and is committed to sustainability initiatives. In the last two years, Greenwich has won the Queen’s Prize, Guardian and Times Higher Education Awards, and ranked top in the Complete University Guide and National Student Survey.
Data also shows that University of Greenwich graduates earned more on average than other London graduates five years after graduation, according to a 2024 analysis.
Nigerians who receive an offer in the university could receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount for their first year of study.
Check University of Greenwich’s website for details.
Northumbria university, United Kingdom
Northumbria University was founded in 1992 and is a popular choice for international students, particularly in the UK, due to its strong reputation for employability, global student community, and industry-focused programs.
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, and with campuses in London and Amsterdam, has an excellent reputation when it comes to teaching of languages, art and photography as well as business and more. Newcastle has consistently been voted one of UK’s friendliest cities and is home to students from over 100 countries. The tuition deposit for September 2025 intake is 5500GBP.
The university is offering prospective Nigerian students £6,000 off first-year tuition fees for eligible courses and an additional £500 off if the student pays their deposit by May 31, 2025.
Application benefits include a free application process, free visa counselling for students who reach the visa stage, university overview.
Check Northumbria university’s website for details.
Ngozi Ekugo
Ngozi Ekugo is a Senior Labour Market Analyst and Correspondent, specializing in the research and analysis of workplace dynamics, labour market trends, immigration reports, employment law and legal cases in general.
Her editorial work provides valuable insights for business owners, HR professionals, and the global workforce. She has garnered experience in the private sector in Lagos and has also had a brief stint at Goldman Sachs in the United Kingdom.
An alumna of Queens College, Lagos, Ngozi studied English at the University of Lagos, holds a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Hertfordshire and is an Associate Member of CIPM and Member of CMI, UK.
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