Studying in Canada from Nigeria: what changed after the NSE ended
Nigerian students used to have the Nigeria Student Express as a faster route to a Canadian study permit. It closed in November 2024, and Nigerian applicants now follow the regular process, with their own checklist from the Lagos Visa Office. This guide sets out what that checklist asks for and what the data say about approvals.
- A year costs from
- ~US$26,000 all-in
- Next intakes you can make
- May 2027, September 2027
- Published visa figure, Nigerian applicants
- About 25% of Nigerian applicants were approved (Jan–Apr 2026). Source
- Work after graduating
- Post-graduation work permit of up to 3 years, depending on programme length and field
What is different from Nigeria
The Nigeria Student Express ended on 8 November 2024
IRCC ended the Nigeria Student Express and the Student Direct Stream as of 2:00 p.m. ET on 8 November 2024. Applications received before then were processed under those streams; applications after go through the regular study permit stream. All applicants must meet Canada's standard study permit requirements. Source
The Lagos Visa Office has its own document checklist (IMM 5832)
IRCC's Lagos checklist (version 02-2026) asks for transcripts, WAEC, SSCE or NECO results, postsecondary transcripts and diplomas, and the NYSC certificate if applicable. It also asks for previous passports showing travel history. Source
Proof of funds is described in Nigerian terms
The Lagos checklist asks for certified bank statements or investments with six months of history including the submission month or the previous month, and says you may include a MyBankStatement ticket with ticket ID and passcode. It also asks for a reliable source of funds for the whole programme, and for proof of relationship if the funds come from someone other than you or an immediate family member. Source
Living-cost funds from 1 September 2026
IRCC states that a single applicant outside Quebec needs CAD 23,448 for living costs for applications from 1 September 2026, plus tuition and travel. Check the IRCC page for the current amount. Source
Approval rates for Nigerian applicants were low in early 2026
ApplyBoard reports that from January to April 2026 only about one in four study permit applications from Nigerian students was approved. The most commonly cited refusal grounds were tied to the officer's doubt that the applicant would leave Canada, citing travel history and financial assets. This is ApplyBoard's analysis of IRCC data, not an IRCC statistic. Source
Nigeria is one of the largest source countries
CBIE reports that, among all study permit holders in Canada at the end of 2025, Nigeria accounted for 5 percent, tied with the Philippines and behind India (31 percent) and China (12 percent). Source
WAEC and NECO are accepted by many schools, with online verification
ApplyBoard says most Canadian institutions treat WAEC/WASSCE as the Nigerian secondary standard and many now accept NECO, usually requiring a scratch card or token for online verification. A fresh unused token is advised because tokens have a limited number of checks. Waiver rules for English tests vary by school, so check each school. Source
Your steps, in order
- Confirm the school accepts your WAEC or NECO result and ask how it verifies the scratch card or token.
- Ask the school for its provincial attestation letter process, which usually follows acceptance and a tuition payment.
- Open IRCC's Nigeria application package and download the Lagos checklist (IMM 5832).
- Collect transcripts, WAEC/NECO results, diplomas and the NYSC certificate if you have one.
- Prepare certified bank statements with six months of history and a clear source of funds.
- Write a study plan that explains your programme choice and your plans, then apply online.
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Get my free planQuestions Nigerian students ask
Can Nigerians still use the Nigeria Student Express?
No. IRCC ended it on 8 November 2024.
Is a NECO result accepted?
Many Canadian schools accept it with online verification, but it depends on the school and programme.
How much money do I need to show?
For applications from 1 September 2026, IRCC states CAD 23,448 for living costs for a single applicant outside Quebec, plus tuition and travel.
Will my application be approved if I meet the checklist?
No one can promise that. Officers assess each application, and approval rates for Nigerian applicants have been low recently.
Facts checked 18 October 2026. Rules change often — the official source linked beside each fact always wins over this page. We never promise admission or a visa.