Canada is home to many immigrants from across the world, and Nigerians are a significant part of that story. Many Nigerians have settled in Canada, built careers, and are thriving in different sectors. In 2025 alone, IRCC and IRB show that Canada granted permanent residency to 20,380 Nigerians, placing Nigeria among the top five countries for new permanent residents.
This number shows that Nigerians are very strategic when it comes to migrating to Canada, and a key part of that strategy is the kind of course they studied while in Nigeria.
According to a survey conducted by Statistique Canada, graduates in nursing record the highest rates of employment, as compared with those who studied humanities. This indicates that the course you choose in Nigeria will greatly impact your ability to migrate to Canada.
In this article, we highlight 10 in-demand courses in Canada to study in Nigerian universities. By the end of this read, you will be able to identify suitable courses that can help you migrate to Canada, their earning potential, and the professional certifications that make you more attractive to employers, in case you have already graduated. So let’s dive in.
10 in-demand courses in Canada to study in Nigerian universities
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Nursing
Nursing is one of the most in-demand courses in Canada, and it consistently ranks among the top healthcare career pathways. In 2025 alone, Canada recorded 16,060 foreign workers, including registered nurses holding valid work permits in healthcare occupations across provinces.
With a Nursing degree, you can build a career as a Registered Nurse, Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Community Health Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Healthcare Coordinator and earn between CAD $70,000 and CAD $110,000 annually.
Nursing is available in many universities across Nigeria. Generally, you need to have a minimum of C6 O-level grade in Maths, English, Chemistry, Biology and Physics to be qualified to study Nursing. You can check out institutions such as the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ahmadu Bello University, etc., to get started.
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Computer Science
In terms of flexibility and long-term career opportunities, Computer Science remains one of the strongest courses to consider studying in Nigeria for a Canadian opportunity. 48% of Canadian Employers are increasingly hiring computer science graduates in 2026.
By studying Computer Science, you can pursue careers as Software Developers, Web Developers, Systems Analysts, Mobile App Developers, Cloud Engineers, Cybersecurity Specialists, and IT Consultants, with your earnings ranging between CAD $75,000 and over CAD $140,000 annually.
To study Computer Science in any Nigerian university, you need to have at least C6 O’level grade in Maths, English, Chemistry, Physics and other relevant subjects. Attend institutions such as the University of Lagos, Covenant University, University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Federal University of Technology Akure, etc to get started.
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Accounting and Finance
In Canada, accounting roles are in demand across several provinces. The Big Four firms, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, operate extensively in Canada and employ large numbers of finance professionals, creating an opportunity for you as an Accounting graduate.
As an Accounting graduate, you get to work as an Accountant, Financial Analyst, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Investment Analyst, Risk Management Specialist, and a Finance Manager, giving you the chance to earn up to CAD $120,000 annually and beyond.
As a Nigerian student, you can study Accounting and Finance at institutions such as the University of Lagos, University of Benin, Covenant University, Babcock University, Ahmadu Bello University, amongst others.
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Data Science and Business Analytics
Data Science and Business Analytics have become one of the fastest-growing career fields in Canada as organisations increasingly rely on data to make decisions.
To become a professional in this field, you should study courses such as, Statistics, Mathematics, and Information Systems at institutions including Covenant University, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and more.
You will then be able to pursue careers as Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Business Intelligence Analysts, Market Research Analysts, Analytics Consultants, Data Engineers, and earn between CAD $75,000 and CAD $130,000 annually.
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Medical Laboratory Science
Medical Laboratory Science is one of the most important healthcare-related courses that can secure your entry into Canada. The country’s healthcare system relies heavily on laboratory services, and as healthcare demands continue to grow, qualified laboratory professionals remain valuable across health institutions.
With a degree in Medical Laboratory Science, you can build a career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Diagnostic Specialist, Laboratory Manager, or Research Laboratory Professional and earn between CAD $65,000 and CAD $100,000 annually.
As a student in Nigeria, you can study Medical Laboratory Science at institutions such as the University of Lagos, University of Calabar, University of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Bayero University, etc.
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Engineering
Engineering remains one of the most respected and versatile professions that drives Canada’s infrastructure. Engineers Canada has projected more than 100,000 engineering job openings across Canada due to the retirements of workers in the field and economic growth.
The good thing about Engineering is that it offers opportunities across multiple industries and across different specialisations such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Structural Engineering, Renewable Energy & Power Systems. Depending on specialisation and experience, you earn between CAD $75,000 and CAD $130,000 annually.
As a Nigerian student, you generally need to have a minimum of C6 O’level grade in Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and any other relevant subject to be qualified to study Engineering. You should check out institutions, including University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ilorin, Federal University of Technology Akure, University of Benin, etc.
Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Supply Chain and Logistics Management professionals are required in Canada to manage inventory, coordinate logistics, reduce operational costs, and improve delivery systems.
When you study this course, you can work as a Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Coordinator, Procurement Specialist, Operations Manager, Distribution Manager, or Inventory Planner and earn salaries that typically range from CAD $65,000 to CAD $110,000 annually.
Not many institutions are offering this course in Nigeria but you can find it at institutions such as Lagos State University, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and more.
Public Health
In 2023, the Government of Canada announced increased investment in public health initiatives, translating to opportunities for public health professionals in the country.
When you study this course, you get to work as a Public Health Officer, Healthcare Administrator, Health Policy Analyst, Community Health Specialist, Health Services Manager or Epidemiology Support Specialist and earn between CAD $60,000 and CAD $110,000 annually.
To become a public health professional, you can study the course in any of these Nigerian institutions; the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Babcock University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Port Harcourt, etc.
Early Childhood Education
As education remains an important sector in Canada, experts in early childhood education have an increasing need to support children’s learning and development during their formative years.
For someone who enjoys working with children, this pathway provides rewarding career opportunities in schools, childcare centres, and educational organisations, and you get to work as a Childhood Educator, Preschool Teacher, Childcare Centre Supervisor, Educational Program Coordinator, or even become a Learning Support Professional. With a degree in this course, you can earn between CAD $50,000 and CAD $90,000 annually.
Several universities in Nigeria offer degree programs in this course. Check out the University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, University of Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, University of Jos, and others to get started.
Agricultural Science
Agriculture plays an important role in Canada’s economy. With increasing attention on food security and sustainable agriculture, skilled professionals in this field continue to remain valuable.
Graduates in Agricultural Science can pursue careers as Agricultural Consultants, Agribusiness Managers, Food Production Specialists, Farm Managers, Research Officers, and Environmental Management Professionals and earn between CAD $55,000 and CAD $100,000 annually.
In Nigeria, several institutions are established to provide only Agricultural programs and they are a perfect place for you to get started. Such as the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Federal University of Agriculture Bassambiri. Institutions like the University of Port Harcourt, the University of Ilorin, the University of Ibadan, and others also offer Agricultural programs that you can explore.
In-demand certifications to study in Nigeria for Canadian opportunities
At this point, you might be thinking: “What if I am already studying a different course?” Or perhaps you have already graduated and changing your degree is no longer an option.
While studying an in-demand course improves your chances in Canada, it is not the only route available. In today’s job market, employers are increasingly interested in skills and having the right certifications will really aid your plan.
Aside from using certifications to prove the skills you have, they are your direct roadmap to changing your course specification or orientation. For example, an Engineering graduate can change course to Accounting by earning an ICAN certification.
Here is a list of certifications you should explore to secure a move to Canada.
Technology Certifications
Technology certifications are among the fastest ways to build skills that are in demand in Canada’s digital economy. Certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) can help prepare you for careers in cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, networking, and IT support.
To earn these certifications, you can study through recognised platforms and training providers such as Coursera, Udemy, edX, LinkedIn Learning, AWS Skill Builder, Microsoft Learn, and Cisco Networking Academy. On these platforms, you can select courses including Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Cloud Engineering, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity Analysis, Network Administration, IT Support, and Information Security.
These programmes can often be completed online from anywhere in the world and can help position you for technology-related opportunities across a wide range of industries in Canada. Once you acquire a certification and become a professional in any of these specialisations, you get to earn between CAD $60,000 and CAD $140,000 annually in Canada.
Financial Certifications
Finance is a blooming sector in every part of the world, and owning a certification in this field makes you a valuable asset to Canada. The good thing is that these certifications are not limited to Accounting students or graduates alone.
As a graduate, even from a non-finance background, you can start professional accounting certifications such as ICAN, ACCA, and CPA while still studying or working in Nigeria. These certifications can be pursued alongside your studies or work and are widely recognised across accounting, audit, taxation, and finance roles in Canada.
ICAN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CPA Canada, which supports smoother recognition pathways for eligible ICAN members who wish to transition into the Canadian CPA designation. To get started with ICAN, register online through the ICAN student portal and begin with the ATS (Accounting Technicians Scheme) or Foundation level, depending on whether you are still a student or have already graduated.
To get started with ACCA, create an account on the ACCA Global website to begin. For CFA, register through the CFA Institute website, start with Level I and progress across to the third level.
With these certifications, you can build careers as an Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Tax Consultant, Risk Analyst, Finance Manager, or Portfolio Manager and earn between CAD $60,000 and over CAD $120,000 annually.
Project Management Certification
Project Management certification is one of the most versatile certifications to acquire as someone with plans to move to Canada. As a professional in this field, you plan projects, coordinate teams and manage resources for organisations.
To become certified in this field, go through the Project Management Institute (PMI). To get started, visit the PMI website, create an account, and explore entry-level certifications such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) if you are new to the field, or the Project Management Professional (PMP) if you already have relevant work experience.
Once certified, you get to work as a Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Operations Manager, Programme Manager, and Business Transformation Specialist, earning a salary ranging from CAD $85,000 to CAD $140,000 annually.
With your goal being Canada, the course you choose to study influences the opportunities available to you in the future. Fields such as Nursing, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Accounting, and other healthcare-related disciplines will create strong career pathways because they align with areas where Canada consistently requires skilled professionals.
However, even if your current course does not fall into these categories, that does not mean your plans are over; explore earning the aforementioned certifications to chart your way. Professional certifications will help you develop in-demand skills, strengthen your profile, and position you for opportunities in industries attracting talent in Canada.
You can also combine any of the aforementioned degrees with a professional certification to make yourself even more valuable.
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