Studying in Canada from Nigeria costs about ₦36 million to ₦62 million for the first year, including tuition and living costs, at roughly ₦940 to CAD $1. This guide breaks down tuition, living expenses, upfront costs, and the money you must show for your study permit, all converted into Naira so you can plan with confidence.
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Note: Naira conversions use an approximate rate of ₦940 to CAD $1 (October 2026), based on the Central Bank of Nigeria's official US dollar rate and the Bank of Canada's US dollar rate. The Naira moves often, so check the latest rate before you make any payments, and add a buffer to your budget.
Tuition Fees for Nigerian Students in Canada
Tuition depends on your program, school, and province. In 2026/2027, the average international tuition at Canadian universities was:
Province makes a big difference. Average international undergraduate tuition ranged from $18,911 (about ₦17.8 million) in Newfoundland and Labrador to $50,088 (about ₦47.1 million) in Ontario. See tuition by province.
Nursing and Medicine
Nursing degrees are usually priced like other undergraduate programs, so the province and school matter most. Medicine (MD) is very limited for international students: most Canadian medical schools accept few or no international applicants, and fees are much higher. If you are interested in health care, also consider practical nursing diplomas and health-related graduate certificates. Read our guide to studying nursing in Canada from Nigeria.
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Living Expenses in Canada in Naira
For your study permit, you must show at least CAD $23,448 (about ₦22 million) for one year of living costs. This is the minimum set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for applications made on or after September 1, 2026. Here is what everyday costs look like:
Tip! Smaller cities cost much less than Toronto or Vancouver. Choosing a city like Winnipeg, Halifax, or St. John's can save you millions of Naira over your program.
Upfront Costs Before You Arrive
- Study permit and biometrics: CAD $235 (about ₦220,000)
- Tuition deposit: CAD $500–$5,000 (about ₦470,000–4.7 million), depending on your school
- Flight from Lagos or Abuja: CAD $1,000–$2,000 (about ₦940,000–1.9 million)
- Winter clothing: CAD $200–$500 (about ₦190,000–470,000). It is often cheaper to buy a heavy coat after you arrive. See our winter weather guide.
Proof of Funds Example
You must show your full first-year tuition plus CAD $23,448 for living costs. For example, if your tuition is CAD $35,000, you need to show at least CAD $58,448 (about ₦54.9 million), plus travel costs.
Warning! IRCC checks where your money comes from. Large, sudden deposits or funds with no clear source are a common reason for refusal. Keep a steady balance and gather your sponsor's income documents early. Read the full proof of funds guide.
Earning While Studying
Most international students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes and full-time during scheduled breaks. Provincial minimum wages range from about CAD $15 to $18.25 an hour, so working the full 24 hours could earn about CAD $1,550 to $1,900 a month (about ₦1.5–1.8 million) before tax. This can help with living costs, but you cannot count it as proof of funds.
Total First-Year Budget for Nigerian Students
These totals combine average tuition with IRCC's minimum living cost amount. Add your upfront costs and a buffer on top.
Lower Your Costs with Scholarships
See scholarships open to Nigerian students at Canadian colleges and universities, and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
At about ₦940 to CAD $1, the first year costs roughly ₦36 million to ₦62 million, including tuition and IRCC's minimum living cost amount. Upfront costs like flights and deposits are extra.
You must show your first-year tuition plus at least CAD $23,448 (about ₦22 million) for living costs, plus travel costs, for applications made on or after September 1, 2026.
Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest average international undergraduate tuition in 2026/2027, at CAD $18,911. Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are also more affordable than Ontario or British Columbia.
You can usually work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes and full-time during breaks. This helps with living costs, but you must show your full proof of funds before you arrive.
Studying in Canada is a big investment for Nigerian families, but careful planning makes it manageable. Choose an affordable province, apply for scholarships early, budget with a buffer for exchange rate changes, and work part-time to help with living costs. Eligible graduates can also get a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years.
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