Hi there! Do you want to study abroad but are concerned about the expenses? Scholarships can help Nigerian students realise their dream of studying abroad, which is becoming more and more popular.
The US, Canada, the UK, and Germany are the most popular study-abroad countries for Nigerian students. Even while interest is rather low when examining the region country by country, the European Union as a whole is also highly appealing.
These institutions all offer top-notch instruction, but they come at a high cost. Now, let’s explore some of the top scholarships available to support your study abroad experience!
Commonwealth Scholarships
Students from Commonwealth nations, such as Nigeria (one of the 21 African nations that make up the Commonwealth), are eligible to apply for these scholarships. If you’re interested in postgraduate studies, they’re a fantastic option that covers both living expenses and tuition.
The grants are available to PhD students from least-developed nations and vulnerable states, as well as those from qualified low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations pursuing a full-time Master’s degree.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom Government funds the Commonwealth Scholarships program, which is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and focuses on worldwide development goals.
The initiative shows how committed the UK government is to the Commonwealth.
Future leaders and influencers from around the globe who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK now have the chance to advance intellectually and professionally, network, experience UK culture, and create enduringly beneficial ties with the UK thanks to the scholarships.
The following are covered by these scholarships:
- Tuition fees
- A fixed-rate living allowance (for one person)
- A return ticket in economy class to the UK
- Allowance for warm clothing, as applicable
- Study travel grants to help with the cost of studying in the UK or overseas
- In some situations, family/child allowance
- Grant for the thesis
- Eligibility for further financial assistance in the event that you are disabled.
GREAT Scholarships
Students from 18 countries, including Nigeria, can receive 10,000 British Pounds off their tuition expenses through the GREAT Scholarships program. The scholarship is given for a set of Master’s courses that are offered for a year. More than 70 universities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland offer over 200 scholarships annually.
To qualify for a scholarship as a Nigerian, you need to:
- hold an undergraduate degree, be driven, and be enthusiastic about the suggested field of study.
- fulfil the UK HEI’s English language requirements.
- create a relationship with the UK as a scholar by achieving both academic and personal goals.
- be open to attending a networking event for all GREAT scholars based in the UK in order to exchange stories and gather opinions about studying there.
- be prepared to serve as an ambassador for the GREAT Scholarships and keep in touch with the British Council and their HEI.
- as a GREAT Scholarships graduate, be prepared to share their own experiences studying in the UK with prospective applicants on occasion.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
The European Union funds Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, which give Nigerian students the chance to enrol in joint master’s or doctoral programs at European academic institutions. Tuition fees, living expenses, travel expenses, and other allowances for two years of study in several European countries are covered by the scholarships.
Academic achievement, language skills, and other program-specific requirements are taken into consideration when awarding Erasmus Mundus Scholarships. The official Erasmus Mundus website is where Nigerian students can apply for scholarships.
Students, researchers, and professionals from all over the world who want to improve their knowledge, experience, and abilities in Europe have a fantastic chance with the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. This famous scholarship program, which is funded by the European Union, aims to promote intercultural understanding in addition to raising the standard of higher education in Europe.
The recipients of this fellowship will benefit throughout their careers by expanding their professional networks and gaining experience abroad. Participants in the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship program can improve personally and professionally while learning a lot about different cultures and educational settings.
Applicants must fulfil the following requirements in order to be eligible for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship:
- possess citizenship in a nation that is not a member of the European Union.
- fulfil the language and academic prerequisites of the participating program.
- not previously been awarded an Erasmus Mundus fellowship.
- Additional details are available on the official website.
Documents Needed:
- Filled-out application form
- CV (preferred in Europass format)
- Letters of motivation
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates of degree
- Letters of recommendation (2–3)
- Evidence of proficiency in language
- A copy of your ID or passport
Due date:
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship application date varies based on the participating university and the program. But the deadline is usually in January or October every year. Before applying, candidates should thoroughly understand the requirements and deadlines of the particular program.
Chevening Scholarship
International students can receive complete funding for their master’s degree through the Chevening Scholarship. Tuition for college, a monthly living allowance, return flights to the UK in economy class, and other scholarships and allowances to cover necessities are all covered by the Chevening Scholarship.
British embassies and high commissions around the world individually select the beneficiaries of the two award types, Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships, which are sponsored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations.
Requirements
- English is a required language.
- after finishing your studies, spend at least two years in your home country.
- have finished all the requirements for an undergraduate degree by the time you apply, which will allow you to enrol in a postgraduate program at a UK university.
- have a degree that is equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK, though it could vary based on your study and university of choice.
- have a minimum of two years of work experience, which is equal to 2,800 hours.
- by July, you should have obtained an unconditional offer from one of three suitable UK university programs.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to provide financial support to help develop Africa’s next generation of leaders. The scope of majors and degrees eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program varies from institution to institution.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers Scholars academic, social, and financial support in addition to the potential for application fee reimbursement. The school determines the amount.
The full cost of obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree, for example, includes travel, tuition, Berkeley student fees, visa and SEVIS fees, housing, food, living expenses, and cohort signature programs that will emphasise leadership topics. This is the case for MCF Scholars at Berkeley University. Candidates must be 29 years of age or younger at the time of application in order to be eligible for a scholarship towards a bachelor’s degree.
One must be 35 years of age or younger to be eligible for a scholarship towards a master’s degree. Additionally, eligibility varies by university. A solid academic foundation and a dedication to improving the lives of others are prerequisites for becoming a scholar. Partner schools are in charge of making decisions.
Award Amount: Up to $50,000 is awarded annually. Full scholarships will be awarded to students; financial aid covers tuition, housing, books, and other educational supplies, among other things. This scholarship will award a total of $50,000.
DAAD Scholarship
The DAAD Scholarship offers full funding to international students. The top German universities are offering this scholarship for master’s or doctoral studies. The monthly grants for DAAD scholarships are 1,300 euros for PhD candidates and 934 euros for graduates.
Things to note:
- Program Duration: Depending on the length of the selected study program, this could range from 12 to 36 months.
- German or English are the required languages. English is the language of instruction for programs that are conducted internationally. Typically, you must present an English language certificate, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
- German is the language used for instruction for other programs. Typically, you must present a German language certificate, such as TestDaF or DSH.
- Candidates possess a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; typically, the Bachelor should be earned in a four-year program.
- Candidates have worked in their field for at least two years.
- Candidates are required to show motivation for development-related things
- After their training or scholarship, candidates are required to assume social responsibility and start and support processes of change in their personal and professional environments.
MEXT Scholarship
Nigerians and other international students can study in Japan for free via the MEXT Scholarship, which is fully funded. This award is accessible for training, master’s, doctoral, and undergraduate study. Tuition, housing, a monthly living stipend, and round-trip flights from your home country to Japan will all be covered by the MEXT scholarship.
Undergraduate students must be at least 17 years old, under 25, and have completed 12 years of schooling or courses at a high school-level institution (including those preparing to graduate).
Students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees must be under 35 and have completed college, including those who plan to do so. Or you need to have finished your 16 or 18 years of schooling.
Students pursuing teacher training must be under 35 and have completed college or a teacher training program. You must have taught in a primary, secondary, or teacher training institution in your nation for at least five years.
Universities overseas are aware that some Nigerians who wish to study overseas may face financial obstacles. As a result, certain foreign educational institutions have made study abroad scholarships available to Nigerian students.
While some of these foreign scholarships for Nigerians are fully sponsored, others are only partially. Therefore, you would be wise to apply for any of the scholarships mentioned above if you are interested in studying abroad during the 2025–2026 academic year.
