Studying abroad is a dream for many Nigerian students, but the cost of tuition, living expenses, visa fees, and travel can make it seem impossible. The good news? There are many scholarships available every year specifically open to Nigerian students and many of them are fully funded.
These scholarships can cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Accommodation
- Travel tickets
- Health insurance
In this guide, you’ll find a complete and practical list of the best scholarships Nigerian students can use to study abroad, plus tips on how to increase your chances of winning them.
Why Scholarships Matter for Nigerian Students
With the rising exchange rate and high cost of studying abroad, scholarships are no longer just a “bonus” for many students, they are the only realistic pathway to international education.
Scholarships help you:
Reduce or eliminate tuition costs
Cover living expenses abroad
Study in top countries without financial pressure
Focus on your studies instead of survival
Fully Funded International Scholarships Nigerians Can Apply For
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
- For Master’s degrees in the UK
- Covers: Full tuition, living allowance, flights, visa, and more
- Very competitive and focused on leadership potential
2. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
- For Master’s and PhD programmes
- Covers: Tuition, accommodation, flights, and living expenses
- For students from Commonwealth countries including Nigeria
3. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
- For Master’s and PhD programmes
- Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel
- Many courses are taught in English
4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Europe)
- For joint Master’s programmes across multiple European countries
- Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and installation costs
- One of the best scholarships in the world
5. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
- For Master’s and PhD degrees in the USA
- Covers: Tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance
- Highly competitive and merit-based
6. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
- For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
- Covers: Tuition, stipend, and flights
- Also includes language training in many cases
7. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
- Covers: Tuition, accommodation, stipend, and medical insurance
8. Türkiye Burslari (Turkey)
- For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
- Covers: Tuition, accommodation, stipend, flights, and insurance
9. Australia Awards Scholarship
- For postgraduate studies
- Covers: Tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance
10. Swedish Institute Scholarship
- For Master’s programmes in Sweden
- Covers: Tuition and living expenses
Nigerian Government Scholarships
Federal Government Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA)
- For study in countries like Russia, Hungary, Morocco, China, Romania, etc.
- Covers: Tuition and sometimes stipends
University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities offer:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Country-specific scholarships
- Automatic tuition discounts
- Departmental funding
Examples:
- University of Manchester Scholarships
- McGill University Scholarships (Canada)
- University of Toronto Awards
- UK, Canada, and Australia school-based scholarships
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Start preparing at least 9–12 months early
Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Get solid recommendation letters
Maintain a good academic record
Apply to multiple scholarships, not just one
Common Mistakes Nigerian Students Make
Applying late
Submitting weak or generic SOPs
Ignoring eligibility requirements
Relying on only one scholarship
Poorly written applications
Scholarships are not only for “geniuses” or “perfect students.” Many are awarded based on:
- Potential
- Leadership
- Clear goals
- Strong motivation
With the right guidance and preparation, Nigerian students can study abroad almost for free.
FAQs
Q1: Are these scholarships really fully funded?
Yes. Many of them cover tuition, living expenses, flights, and insurance.
Q2: Can HND holders apply for these scholarships?
Yes. Some scholarships and universities accept HND, especially with PGD or top-up qualifications.
Q3: Do I need IELTS?
Some scholarships require it, but not all. It depends on the country and university.
Q4: When should I start applying?
At least one year before your intended intake.
