Study in Canada while your spouse works.
On a master’s programme of 16 months or more, your spouse can get an open work permit and your children can attend school. After graduating, the Post-Graduation Work Permit lets you work for up to three years. LEAPSAIL secures your admission and builds a study permit file IRCC can approve.
What you pay to travel, and what you only show
Costs in Canada are counted in CAD. We separate the money you actually spend to travel from the proof of funds you show for the visa, which stays your own.
Spouses of master’s students on programmes of 16 months or more can apply for an open work permit. Children can study in Canadian schools.
Most schools ask for a deposit or your first term before your study permit. Paying more upfront strengthens your file.
Show your remaining first-year tuition plus the IRCC living amount for everyone travelling. This money stays yours.
About CA$30,000 a year, before any scholarship.
Living costs: IRCC cost-of-living minimum (CAD 22,895 a year for one person), plus each family member.
Health: Coverage depends on your province. Many schools bill a student plan with tuition. Budgeted here for the first year.
Figures are indicative for 2026 and vary by school and city. We confirm your exact numbers during your assessment.
Shortlist up to three courses
Tap the courses that interest you, with how long each one usually runs, then send your shortlist to us on WhatsApp.
Pick up to three courses.
What Canada gives you
The reasons Nigerian students and families choose this route.
Your spouse can work
Master’s programmes of 16 months or longer let your spouse apply for an open work permit, so the family earns while you study.
Up to 3 years of work after
The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets graduates of eligible programmes work for up to three years.
A path to permanent residence
Canadian study and work experience count toward Express Entry and provincial nominee programmes.
School for your children
Children of study permit holders can attend public primary and secondary school.
Bring your family. Let your spouse work.
Canada is one of the strongest family routes. Your spouse can work full-time on an open work permit, your children attend school, and Canadian experience builds toward permanent residence.
- Spouse open work permit on eligible master’s
- Children attend public school
- Study and work count toward PR
Work while you study
Students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term.
PGWP after graduation
Work for up to three years and gain experience for PR.
Safe and welcoming
Large Nigerian communities in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg.
Two ways to pay far less
We position your application for both routes, so you do not leave funding on the table.
University scholarships
CAD 2,000 – full tuition
Canadian universities give entrance scholarships to strong international students. Thesis master’s students often get teaching or research funding.
- Many awards are automatic with admission
- Thesis master’s often come with TA or RA pay
- Apply early for the largest awards
Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Full tuition + living costs
Partner universities such as UBC, Toronto and McGill fully fund talented African students with financial need.
- Covers tuition, housing, flights and living costs
- Aimed at students who will return to lead in Africa
- We prepare your leadership story
When to start
Scholarships and the best places go to early, complete applications. The right time to begin is now.
Start your process
We pick programmes that qualify your spouse for work and plan your documents.
Apply for September
Many universities close in January or February. Scholarships go to early applicants.
Offer & deposit
Accept your offer, pay your deposit and gather your proof of funds.
Study permit & travel
Apply early. Processing can take several weeks, then biometrics.
Where you could study
A selection of Canadian universities that admit Nigerian students and offer scholarships to international applicants.
University of Toronto
Top-ranked · Mastercard partner
University of British Columbia
Research · Mastercard partner
University of Waterloo
Engineering & co-op
University of Alberta
Energy & engineering · lower costs
University of Manitoba
Affordable · strong PR pathways
University of Saskatchewan
Agriculture & health
Memorial University
Among the lowest tuition in Canada
University of Windsor
Engineering MEng · diverse city
Dalhousie University
Health, ocean & engineering
What families ask us
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
How much proof of funds does Canada need?
Your first-year tuition plus the IRCC cost-of-living amount, which is CAD 22,895 for one person and more for each family member.
Do master’s students need a Provincial Attestation Letter?
Master’s and doctoral students at public universities are exempt. Other programmes usually need one.
Your future in Canada starts with one message.
Book a free assessment on WhatsApp. A LEAPSAIL expert will map your course, your scholarship chances and your visa plan, then confirm our fee for your route.
LEAPSAIL is an independent educational and travel advisory consultancy and is not an embassy, consulate or government entity. Fees and thresholds are indicative and change; admission and visa decisions rest with the institutions and authorities.