What we do know
Microsoft’s skills investments in Nigeria
Microsoft has explicitly committed to boosting digital-skills capacity in Nigeria. For example:
- In February 2025, Microsoft announced a US $1 million investment to train 1 million Nigerians in in-demand AI and cloud skills via its “AI Skilling Initiative” in partnership with the Nigerian government. (Source)
- The initiative is intended to support Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy and aims to equip a large proportion of the workforce with relevant skills (AI, cloud, cybersecurity) by 2026. (Source)
This shows Microsoft’s serious interest in Nigeria’s tech skills ecosystem — but this is about training and certification rather than a fully funded outward-study scholarship to Canada.
Microsoft’s global scholarships and programmes
Microsoft offers various scholarships and programs globally, though their eligibility is often limited to certain geographies (often the U.S.), or are geared at specific groups. For example:
- The “HOLA at Microsoft Scholarship” supports high-school seniors in the U.S. (citizens or permanent residents) intending to enrol full-time in specific fields. (Microsoft)
- The “Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship” is again U.S.-focused and high-school-senior specific. (Microsoft)
So while Microsoft has scholarship offers, they do not currently seem to match the description of “fully-funded scholarship to Canada 2026 for Nigerian students”.
Canadian study-abroad / mobility programmes
When it comes to Canada, there are some government-/institution-led programs for international mobility and skills, but they aren’t exactly matching the scenario either:
- The “Global Skills Opportunity” was a Canadian outbound mobility programme (for Canadian students going abroad) that officially ceased operations on 31 March 2025. (Universities Canada)
- I did not find a public listing of a Microsoft-Nigeria partnership that funds Nigerian students to study in Canada in 2026 under a “fully-funded scholarship” label.
What this means for you (and how to interpret the gap)
Since the exact scholarship you asked about was not found in credible open sources, it’s wise to operate as follows:
✅ Take advantage of existing opportunities
- Participate in Microsoft’s Nigerian-skills initiatives: The AI/skills training programme offers a real chance to gain certificates and make your profile stronger (even if not a full outward scholarship).
- Explore global Microsoft scholarship offers: Even if not Nigeria-to-Canada in 2026, you may be eligible for other Microsoft scholarships (depending on your level, field, nationality).
- Look into Canada-based scholarships or funding: While the specific one you asked about may not exist (yet), Canadian universities and governments often have scholarships for African students or international students — check each institution.
❗ Be cautious / verify claims
- Fully-funded scholarships to Canada 2026: If you see this exact phrase in emails or social-media posts, treat it with caution until you see official Microsoft or Canadian university pages.
- Unsolicited offers: Beware of scams using “Microsoft scholarship Canada 2026” that request upfront fees or personal banking info.
- Changes & updates: Scholarship details can change rapidly (eligibility, funding amount, country, date) — always check the official site.
Suggested approach and timeline for action
If you are seriously aiming toward a “study abroad fully-funded scholarship (Canada)” linked to Microsoft or similar, here’s a step-by-step suggested plan:
1. Strengthen your skills + credentials
Make use of Microsoft’s Nigeria-based skilling efforts to build a strong base: AI, cloud, cybersecurity certifications. This improves your profile for scholarship and study-abroad applications.
2. Research Canadian universities + funding
- Identify Canadian institutions offering scholarships to international (especially African) students.
- Check whether any have tie-ups with Microsoft or industry partners.
- Ask the university’s “International Students Scholarship” office about full-fund options (tuition + living expenses) for 2026 intake.
3. Monitor Microsoft’s official scholarship pages
Since you’re interested in “Microsoft → Canada” scholarships:
- Visit Microsoft’s Diversity & Inclusion / Education pages.
- Set alerts or follow their Nigeria education/diversity accounts.
4. Prepare your application materials ahead of time
For a full-fund scholarship to Canada, you’ll likely need:
- Strong academic record (transcript, maybe test scores).
- Personal statement/essay explaining why you want to study abroad, what you will contribute, how you plan to use the opportunity.
- Any certificates in tech/digital skills (which you can obtain via Microsoft’s skilling initiative).
- Letters of recommendation (teachers/mentors).
- Proof of English proficiency (if needed) and acceptance into a Canadian institution.
5. Build a “Plan B” and “Plan C”
Given the uncertainty of the exact programme, while you aim for the big one, have alternative options:
- Scholarships to Canadian universities (not necessarily Microsoft-specific).
- Scholarships or funded programmes inside Nigeria (ease of access, less relocation risk).
- Programs in other countries where you meet eligibility more directly.
Sample comparison table: What we want vs what currently exists
Here’s a simple table to compare your ideal scholarship scenario, and what the current reality shows:
| Criteria | Ideal: “Microsoft → Canada 2026 for Nigerian students (fully-funded)” | Current reality (what we found) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Microsoft + Canada / Canadian university | Microsoft (skills), Canadian institutions (other scholarships) |
| Target Country | Nigeria (applicants) → Study in Canada | Nigeria → skills / certification (but mostly in Nigeria); Canada scholarships not clearly Microsoft-Nigeria |
| Funding status | Fully-funded (tuition + living + relocation) | Skills training initiative (Nigeria), not full study abroad; Canada programmes exist but different scope |
| Study destination | Canada (2026 intake) | Canada possible for other scholarships; Microsoft Nigeria initiative is domestic |
| Year | 2026 | 2025-26 timeframe for various programmes but not exactly matching described combo |
Conclusion
In short: your goal — a fully-funded Microsoft-backed scholarship for Nigerian students to study in Canada in 2026 — is inspired and plausible, but as of now I couldn’t verify the specific programme publicly. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist (it might be upcoming or internal) — but I recommend treating the claim as potential but unconfirmed.
What you can do is position yourself strongly: build up digital-skills credentials via Microsoft’s Nigeria initiatives, research Canadian universities and funding, and keep a close eye on Microsoft’s official announcements. With this preparation, you’ll be ready to seize the opportunity if and when it becomes publicly available.