Study in Canada from Nigeria: Costs, Funds, Documents

Key takeaways

IRCC data: 25,335 study permits for Nigerian citizens became effective in 2025, the third-highest of any country
Proof of funds: $23,448 for living costs (about US$16,431 at the Bank of Canada rate on October 9, 2026), plus tuition and travel
The Nigeria Student Express ended on November 8, 2024
The Lagos checklist asks for WAEC, SSCE or NECO results, NYSC certificate if applicable, and 6 months of certified bank history
Master’s and PhD programs at public schools no longer need a PAL/TAL (from January 1, 2026)

How many Nigerian students come to Canada?

Year	Permits for Nigerian citizens	Share of all permits
2023	37,460	5.5%
2024	26,430	5.1%
2025	25,335	6.7%
2026 (January to July)	11,870	6.8%

Source: IRCC open data, study permit holders by country of citizenship and year the permit became effective (data to July 31, 2026). A permit “becomes effective” when it is issued, so the count includes new students and extensions. IRCC rounds values to the nearest 5.

Nigeria was third after India and China in both 2024 and 2025. Its numbers fell less than India’s, so its share went up in 2025. On December 31, 2024, 45,110 Nigerian citizens held a valid study permit.

What changed for Nigerian students?

The fast-track streams are gone. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) ended at 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024. Everyone now applies through the regular study permit stream. IRCC says the regular stream accepts a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) as proof of funds.
There is a cap. Most new college and undergraduate students need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). See the study permit cap and PAL rules.
Students in degree-granting master’s and PhD programs at public schools are exempt from the PAL/TAL from January 1, 2026. The exemption does not cover private schools.
Proof of funds went up. For applications from September 1, 2026 (outside Quebec), one student must show $23,448 for living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel.

The Nigeria Student Express (NSE) offered faster processing to eligible Nigerian applicants. Since November 8, 2024, Nigerian students apply like everyone else, through the regular stream and the Lagos visa office checklist.

What does it cost?

Many Nigerian families plan in US dollars. The table converts Canadian dollars at the Bank of Canada rate for October 9, 2026: US$1 = $1.4271. To get naira, multiply the US-dollar figure by the official rate on the Central Bank of Nigeria website on the day you plan. Rates change daily.

First-year cost	Canadian dollars	US dollars (approx.)
IRCC living-cost minimum, 1 person	$23,448	US$16,431
Graduate certificate at Conestoga College, 2 terms (2026/2027 tuition only)	$16,809	US$11,778
Graduate certificate total (tuition + living minimum)	$40,257	US$28,209
Average international graduate tuition in Canada, 2026/2027	$24,693	US$17,303
Graduate degree total (average tuition + living minimum)	$48,141	US$33,733
Plus study permit fee $150 and biometrics $85, travel, a medical exam and school fees.

Graduate tuition varies a lot by province. Statistics Canada’s 2026/2027 averages run from $6,996 in Newfoundland and Labrador to $28,900 in Ontario. See tuition fees in Canada.

What does the Lagos checklist ask for?

IRCC’s Lagos Visa Office Additional Document Checklist (IMM 5832, version 02-2026) is used with the general checklist (IMM 5483). It asks for:

Two recent passport photos and a passport valid for at least 6 months, plus previous passports showing travel history.
Academic documents: up-to-date transcripts, WAEC, SSCE or NECO results, post-secondary transcripts, all certificates and diplomas, and your NYSC certificate if it applies. You must give the street address of every school you attended.
Proof of funds: certified bank statements or investments with 6 months of history, up to your submission month or one month before. You may include a MyBankStatement ticket from your bank with a ticket ID and passcode.
A reliable source of funds for your whole program, not only the first year.
Sponsor documents if someone supports you, such as an employment letter, pay slips and salary statements. If the sponsor is not a parent or spouse, show your relationship and explain how they will support you.
Business owners: official business registration and proof of ownership.
Scholarships: an official letter with the amount, length and conditions, and evidence that the program exists.

The checklist also says you must live outside Canada when you apply, and that any fees you pay before a decision are at your own risk. A medical exam is required for Nigeria if you will stay more than 6 months.

Why consider a master’s program?

From January 1, 2026, students in degree-granting master’s and doctoral programs at public Canadian schools do not need a PAL/TAL. They do not use one of the limited PAL/TAL letters that provinces give to college and undergraduate students. This can make a graduate program easier to plan.

Graduate tuition is often lower than undergraduate tuition for international students: $24,693 vs $42,062 on average in 2026/2027.
Research master’s and PhD students may get funding from their school. See scholarships for international students.
A private-school master’s still needs a PAL/TAL.

Read master’s and PhD programs in Canada for admission and funding details.

How do I pay tuition and move money from Nigeria?

Paying a Canadian school from Nigeria involves Central Bank of Nigeria foreign exchange rules and bank documents. Those steps are covered in paying Canadian tuition from Nigeria and bringing money from Nigeria. Keep the school’s receipt; IRCC accepts proof of paid tuition as part of your funds.

How do I avoid agent fraud?

Check the school on IRCC’s DLI list, and the agent on the CICC register.
Do not buy bank statements. IRCC says false documents lead to refusal and a possible 5-year ban. The Lagos checklist asks for certified statements with 6 months of history, and lets you add a MyBankStatement ticket with a ticket ID and passcode from your bank.
Do not pay for “guaranteed” admission or visas. No one can guarantee either.
Pay tuition only to the school, through its official website.

Full guide: study in Canada scams.

Can I work while I study?

Full-time students at a DLI may work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes. During scheduled breaks there is no limit. Your permit must allow work, and you need a SIN. IRCC requires you to show you can pay your costs without working. See working while you study.

Guides for students from other countries: India, the Philippines, China and Sri Lanka.

Common questions

How much money do I need to study in Canada from Nigeria?

IRCC requires $23,448 for living costs for one student (applications from September 1, 2026, outside Quebec), plus first-year tuition and travel. That is about US$16,431 at the October 9, 2026 Bank of Canada rate.

Is the Nigeria Student Express still open?

No. It ended at 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024. Applications now go through the regular study permit stream.

How many months of bank statements do I need?

IRCC’s Lagos checklist asks for certified bank statements or investments with 6 months of history, up to your submission month or the month before.

Do I need a PAL for a master’s degree?

Not if the master’s program is at a public designated learning institution. This exemption started on January 1, 2026. Private-school programs still need a PAL/TAL.

Do Nigerian students need a medical exam?

Yes, if you plan to stay more than 6 months. Nigeria is on IRCC’s list of countries that require an immigration medical exam.

Sources

Checked against these sources on October 10, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Studying in Canada from Nigeria: costs, proof of funds, documents and scams