If you’re looking to study in Canada without taking the IELTS exam, there are plenty of scholarships that support international students, even if they haven’t taken this standardized English test. Here’s a breakdown of current scholarship opportunities across Canadian universities that don’t require IELTS, with details on how to apply and what these scholarships cover. These options are tailored for Nigerians and other students looking to access high-quality education in Canada without the IELTS barrier.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier CGS program offers fully funded scholarships to top doctoral students from around the world, covering research-based fields such as health, natural sciences, and social sciences. Many universities allow applicants to use other English proficiency documents if they studied in English-medium institutions, which may exempt you from IELTS.
- Coverage: Tuition, research expenses, living stipend.
- Eligibility: Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership skills.
- How to Apply: You must be nominated by your chosen Canadian institution, so apply to the university, request a nomination, and submit all necessary forms.
- Application Link: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
2. University of Alberta Scholarships
The University of Alberta provides scholarships for students in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, and IELTS is often not required if you can show proof of English language proficiency through other tests or by completing prior education in English. This university offers a variety of awards, including entrance scholarships, research fellowships, and faculty awards.
- Coverage: Partial or full tuition fee.
- Eligibility: Varies by program; generally requires strong academic records.
- How to Apply: Submit an online application and review specific requirements for your program.
- Application Link: University of Alberta Scholarships
3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is available at many Ontario universities, such as the University of Toronto and McMaster University, and is aimed at supporting graduate students with a strong academic record. OGS programs accept other English language proofs, like previous academic experience in English-speaking institutions, allowing applicants to bypass IELTS in many cases.
- Coverage: Up to $15,000 for one academic year.
- Eligibility: Strong academic history, enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in Ontario.
- How to Apply: Apply through participating Ontario institutions directly. You’ll need a supervisor if you’re a doctoral candidate.
- Application Link: Ontario Graduate Scholarship
4. University of Calgary Graduate Awards
The University of Calgary offers a variety of scholarships for both international and local graduate students, such as the Alberta Innovates Awards and the Graduate Award Competition. Many of these awards allow students to apply with proof of English-medium education or alternate language tests.
- Coverage: Depends on the scholarship, but can cover partial to full tuition.
- Eligibility: Open to graduate students with high academic standing.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Graduate Award Competition process or specific departmental scholarships.
- Application Link: University of Calgary Scholarships
5. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba awards UMGF to full-time graduate students in most academic disciplines. They allow for an IELTS exemption if the student’s primary language of instruction was English in previous studies, which can be verified with a letter from your institution.
- Coverage: $14,000 for master’s, $18,000 for doctoral students.
- Eligibility: Academic excellence and admission into a graduate program.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba.
- Application Link: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
6. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Trudeau Foundation offers scholarships for doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. Known for supporting leadership qualities, these awards are available to students from diverse backgrounds and do not specifically require IELTS if students have other proof of English proficiency.
- Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, and research funding.
- Eligibility: Doctoral candidates with a focus on social justice, human rights, or other global issues.
- How to Apply: Apply directly through the foundation’s online portal.
- Application Link: Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
7. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
For students interested in studying at the University of Saskatchewan, there are merit-based scholarships at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many programs provide IELTS waivers if students completed their previous studies in English-speaking countries or programs.
- Coverage: Varies by scholarship, but generally partial or full tuition.
- Eligibility: High academic achievements; program-specific criteria.
- How to Apply: Complete an application to the university and check specific scholarship listings.
- Application Link: University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
8. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
This prestigious scholarship is awarded to doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences, particularly those focusing on social issues that impact Canada and the world. IELTS isn’t always required if applicants can prove previous studies in English.
- Coverage: Tuition, travel, and research costs.
- Eligibility: Doctoral students with leadership potential.
- How to Apply: Apply directly to the Trudeau Foundation with your research proposal.
- Application Link: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Conclusion
Studying in Canada is more accessible than ever for Nigerian students and other international candidates. These scholarships allow you to pursue quality education without needing IELTS, focusing on factors like academic merit, leadership, and research potential instead. To apply, explore the individual scholarship links, review eligibility requirements, and follow application steps closely to boost your chances. For many, studying in Canada can be the key to opening global opportunities, and with these scholarships, you can achieve this dream without worrying about the IELTS hurdle.