₦airaland Forum

UrchBunny:
No Ma. You?

You guys might consider applying to the Graduate Res. it is usually a 2-bedroom "duplex". That way, you can at least know that you have a place to stay once you get there. However, there is an acceptance deposit of $500 required (nonrefundable but can be deferred if you experience visa delays).

Also, I read recently that UWaterloo provide shuttle buses that pick students up from the airport in Toronto. You may also want to explore this.

I am still waiting for my visa tho

michV:
saying I'm advising someone to lie in a public forum like this shouldn't be condoned just like that because another person would also read element of whatever base on his/her understanding. 1s old sponsor failed,i said change sponsor/claim ur present sponsor as aunt/uncle than the past you called family friend which a VO wouldnt get convinced for such person to make the commitment..have i noted lie?..please differentiate between the word claim and lie? Advising in using the word LIE in this kind of sensitive forum is a considered shame and insanity to this thread which i wldnt consider likely if anyone calls me out on that..at this junction i LOG OFF the forum and remain passive reader/observer so that some fellows here will be very much happy and happier

You may choose to do what's best for you. All I'm saying is that we should be able to have a conversation here without it being combative.

michV:
mr credible. she can call a present change of sponsor uncle/aunt than family friend. abeg make i hear word..

The mind boggles regarding the way some people respond to comments on this forum. @michv, just as you are free to give advice (no matter now inappropriate it may seem), every other individual is entitled to give advice that is contrary to what you may have suggested. Stop acting like you do not know how to engage in a civil argument (why one would need to do this is beyond me). How on earth can you make comments like "Dont let me give you a blast that will result me from being blocked"? Do we now dwell in gutters that we would feel the need to sound so aggressive? Mind you, no one has the monopoly of aggression and do not take civility as an indication that people here do not know how to respond in a snippy insulting manner that you have exhibited.


Bottomline; @Jane will consider every advice and do what she deems to be right. In my opinion, the more you attack someone and sound the way you did, the more it indicates a red flag on how knowledgeable you are to be providing your supposed advice.

rotexxxx24:
I really appreciate the kind gesture and reply. hope you don't mind we share contacts?
rotimitoran@gmail.com
that's my mail address
that way we can communicate better
many thanks.

Sure, will drop you an email

Folatem:
Yes, I have identified some challenges in my line of duty on the basis of which researches could be conducted. All I'll have to do is take some time off to develop something attractive.

I'v also sent e-mails to some professors, but yet to get any reply.


Thank you very much for your contributions!

Sure - Any way to help. I think gaining an admission is the easy part when it comes to studying or doing research in Canada . Try and developed at least a 3-page PhD concept that is nicely and adequately referenced (you may even use this as your writing sample as part of your application documents). Write a concise email and possibly end it with a paragraph like "I am writing to inquire if there are opportunities for PhD studentship at your institution (or with you) and whether your institution support research and researchers in LMICs" Then attach your CV and any relevant document.

Folatem:
Hello great pple in the house,

Permit me to use this space to thank you all for the great work you all are doing in here. I've been an ardent follower of this thread even before registering on nairaland, and I must confess that I've gain so much from the forum.

I've got a whole lot of knotty issues I'd like you guys to help with.

Background: I'm seeking a PhD (Electrical & Computer Engineering) admission into a Canadian university (preferably Alberta or Manitiba). I have the following grades in my previous studies - B.Eng CGPA - 4.09 and M.Eng GPA - 3.9 (5.73% average). I also have nine (9) years working experience in the telecommunication industry.

1. Would I be eligible for a PhD admission (with/without funding) with the above credentials?

2. If not (considering my unimpressive M.Eng grades), and I choose to apply for MSc (thesis based), would it be an added advantage applying with my M.Eng, or I should just apply with the B.Eng?

3. Wouldn't applying with a M.Eng (for another master program) place on me, a burden to convince the VO (when applying for study permit) on the need for an additional masters degree?

All contributions are welcome! Especially for my experienced bosses in the house (wouldn't want to mention names b'cos you guys are all great!)


Thanks.

Hi - Trust me, your CGPA for your masters is good. Considering your 9 years experience, what area/topic do you intend to conduct your PhD research? Do you have any output that can be considered to be scholarly? Do you have a PhD concept or proposal? IMO, you should go for a PhD if you have an idea of what you want to do. From what I know, PhDs in Canada have characteristics of PhDs in Europe and America (you'll need a research topic/concept and you'll do some coursework). So you need to source out profs that you'd want to work with and engage with them firstly before you apply. Most times, if you don't do this, you'll be wait listed until they find someone who is willing to supervise your proposed work which means you'll become a "second pick".........so start constructing a concise intro email with attachments and send it to university professors that have the same research focus. You'll most probably get full funding (4 years) when/if you're admitted. This is what I did during my PhD application and I got many positive responses from university professors. I made a pick based on application deadline and faculty expertise.

As you may have read, two masters can be a struggle when it comes to convincing VOs.

rotexxxx24:
hi guys, what a 1daful thread this is.
pls I need your urgent response on this question.
am a graduate with a CGPA of 4.36 and I will love to know if there is any available scholarships or maybe graduate assistantship jobs for my course of study which is materials science and engineering, for peeps like us that don't have any means to find the tuition fees. if there is, how do I go about it?
pls I need your urgent reply, you maybe saving a life.
many thanks

Hey - I believe you have a very competitive CGPA. Have you managed to gain any relevant work experience? When did you graduate?.........Most Canadian universities will offer you full funding (scholarships/TA/RA) if they like your application and determine that you will be successful in your graduate course. Firstly, If you have identified an area of specialization, I'd suggest you start sending emails to professors in that area/field with an intro of who you are and what you intend on doing for your masters prog, and why. Attach your CV, any relevant scientific publication or scholarly work (BSc thesis, conference papers, etc), and perhaps transcript (especially if you don't have relevant experience). If a Prof accepts to supervise you, your chances will increase significantly then you can apply. You can also apply without contacting any prof.........Depending on the university, they might assign a prof to you and he may contact you for an interview if hes keen.

Gastuso:
Bro I have been following this debate but refused to comment because of some individuals who released polemical statement on anyone who try to advice right.
A colleague of mine who works as a lecturer in a renowned University in Nigeria, with over 5 years teaching experience was denied admission by the University of Alberta to study M.A due to low undergraduate grade. This guy have a CPA of 3.70 and that is 2:1 I guess. Thou some dudes may say UofA is very competitive, yes you are right, likewise every other Universities in Canada in terms of graduate admission.
The chance of getting admission with 2:2 grade is 1 out of 100%. Bro you can apply for a PGD programme as a foundation. I believe your dream is still in tact.
Best of luck

No No No.....Au contrarie Mon Cher , a 3.70 CGPA is competitive enough to gain admission in Canada and Europe for a masters degree programme. What matters most IMO is the degree you're seeking admission into (didactic or research), how well you performed in required courses at undergrad level (maths and stats for Economics degree application for instance), relevance of work experience, and how well you package your application (referees, motivation)........if you can get your professors to say stuff like "he was among my best students in econometrics or mathematics" in the referee report and you scored an "A" in those courses, you will stand an improved chance. Be as strategic as you can...........I had a 3.97 CGPA in my undergrad and was able to get into Sheffield, University College London, and University of British Columbia just after graduating for my undergrad years ago (although I opted for bank work then )

You are right about having a 2:2 on the other hand: it gets a bit more difficult........perhaps one can contact the university professor you want to work with, ensure they buy into your research concentration and accept to supervise your dissertation. In many cases, they're the ones to make the first call and can motivate for you being admitted without achieving the minimum admission requirements.

Gastuso:
TRV Visual approval to Study PhD programme at the University of Alberta
Online Application submitted - 13 April 2016
Biometric - 15th April 2016
Note: I submitted my application without my police certificate, all academic degrees and transcripts, etc., Bc there is no column to upload them into. I took them to vfs and they were rejected. The lady me told me ignorance is not an excuse and your application stands to be rejected on the ground of incomplete documents.
Thus I immediately use the CIC case inquiry form to appeal for the inclusion of all my supporting documents not uploaded to be part of my application and also to Canadian Embassy in Accra. My appeal was approved by CIC within an interval of four days and my documents were all uploaded to my application.
I also made a serious blunder to apply for work permit and thus filled the column of work as part of my Study attaching my scholarship letter. On the 26th of May, I saw on CIC website that scholarship is not part of work. I immediately wrote to my department and graduate school of the University of Alberta. They responded immediately by notifying me that work is not part of my Study and scholarship awards given to graduate students does not amount to it.
I immediately wrote to CIC for the second time appealing for the exclusion of work permit in my application. A week later, I received a message from CIC stating "We need your Medical"
Medical Call - June 2nd
Medical done - June 6th
Medical Passed - June 10th
Passport Request - June 13th
Passport Submitted - June 14th
Application Approved - June 21
Application closed - June 22
Passport ready for collection mail - June 22
Passport collected - Just collected now, June 23.
Documents Submitted
SOA - Closing balance of 56k
Letter of Introduction and Sponsorship from my employer without bank statement
Admission & scholarship letter
My Pension account statement
Employment letter
My Staff identity card
My CV
Statement of Intent
Personal achievement in my career
Police report
All family members birth certificates
My academic certificates and transcripts, etc.
House members, I give God the glory for making my dream of studying in Canada come through. I also thank you all for your prayers, love and care. You are more than a family to me.
Hope to hear your good news too.
I have been a silent follower of this thread.
Don't mind my typos, in case you noticed any.

congratulations bro!! hopefully we will follow suit with our good news!

Gastuso:
As a PhD applicants, your chances of approval is 90%. My brother, you are good as getting the TRV. Most times, ties to one's homeland goes beyond parents and family affiliation. Your job is a strong tie to your homeland if you are still single. First and foremost, you are a faculty member and i guess you are tenured by now. So you don't have issues with tie to homeland.
I once have a similar problem like you. I did not attached my all educational degree and transcripts, police clearance, my birth and family members certificate, etc. I wrote to VAC Lagos, but was referred to write to VAC in Accra and also wrote to CIC using case specific form to explain the reason for not submitting all documents and also attached the unsubmitted documents to my letter. Within, two days was told they have received and attached same to my application. So you too can write to the VAC office through email. They will respond to you. Also use CIC case specific form to appeal and attach all documents.
Note: Not all University in Canada demands for English proficiency test for international students. For me, for instance, University of Alberta exclude Nigerians, Ghanaians, South Africans, etc., applicants with 2:1 are exempted from English proficiency exam.

Thanks Gastuso

I will send a case specific inquiry with most of the documents attached. I had to send through my TOEFL to Waterloo when I applied so I didn't reckon that I will need it as a visa application document. I am not yet tenured here but I have been with academia for 4 years and I have a permanent residency here in SA. Thanks again!

lawmerchant:
You're an academic staff in an English-speaking university, you're also educated in an English-speaking country. You do not need any English proficiency test or WES. Though a reference letter from your university in SA would have been helpful.

Thanks Lawmerchant

What do you think i should do wrt showing proof of ties at home. I intend to include a reference letter as part of my case inquiry

Joe980:
@Chebe01... keep your head up

Trying to Sir but I'm getting worried

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the engaging forum!!

I've been offered admission to Waterloo for a PhD with guaranteed 4yrs funding (34k CAD per year). I am currently an academic staff with a uni in South Africa (where I obtained my masters degree in 2011). I applied for my study visa online and uploaded my admission letter, upfront medicals, police clearance, funding letter, my 6 month bank statement, and bank statements from my parents in naija. In my LOE, I indicated that the account statements from my parents was to indicate that they are willing and able to support me if the need arises ( my account statement and funding letter is sufficient IMO; my account balance is approx. 12k CAD).

I have been following the conversations on the forum and notice that people also submit their English proficiency test scores, masters certificate, pay slips, education evaluations (WES), etc. Should I send a case inquiry and submit these documents? I am already worried that the processing time in SA is ludicrous and wouldn't want my application to be unduly delayed.

I applied on the 11th of May, did my biometrics on the 6th of June. Biometrics status changed to "not needed at this time" but no other update as yet.

Pls what do you advice? Am I missing any crucial document?........when it comes to ties at home, it even gets more worrisome. My parents are in Nigeria, I have a permanent residency status in South Africa and also have a sister living here in SA with her family. I have two brothers in the US and another sister in Lagos. Will this prove to be a problem regarding my "ties to home country"?