Studying abroad can be expensive but fully funded scholarships can cover everything, from tuition fees to accommodation, travel, and even monthly living expenses.
For Nigerian students planning to study abroad in 2026, these scholarships are the best way to study for free or at little cost while gaining a globally recognized degree.
In this guide, we highlight the top fully funded scholarships you should consider in 2026, along with what they cover and who they’re best suited for.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship typically covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation
- Travel (airfare)
- Health insurance
Some even include visa costs and research funding.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for 2026
Chevening Scholarship
One of the most popular scholarships globally.
What it covers
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs
- Visa expenses
Level: Master’s
Best for: Students with leadership potential and work experience
Fulbright Program
A prestigious scholarship funded by the US government.
What it covers
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Airfare
- Health insurance
Level: Master’s & PhD
Best for: Academically strong students with leadership qualities
DAAD Scholarship
Germany’s top scholarship program for international students.
What it covers
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
- Tuition (often already free in Germany)
Level: Master’s & PhD
Best for: Students pursuing engineering, development, or research programs
Australia Awards Scholarships
A government-funded program for developing countries.
What it covers
- Full tuition
- Travel expenses
- Living allowance
- Health cover
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
One of the most flexible scholarships.
What it covers
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Travel between countries
- Accommodation
Level: Master’s
Unique feature: Study in multiple European countries during one programMEXT Scholarship
Highly competitive but fully comprehensive.
What it covers
- Tuition fees
- Monthly allowance
- Accommodation
- Round-trip airfare
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
One of Canada’s top scholarships.
What it offers
- High-value annual funding
- Research support
- Prestige and recognition
Level: PhD
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Ideal for research-focused students.
What it covers
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition support
- Accommodation assistance
Level: Postgraduate & Research
New Zealand Government Scholarships
A great option for students from developing countries.
What it covers
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.
What it covers
- Full tuition
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Family allowance (in some cases)
Level: Postgraduate
| Scholarship | Country | Level | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | UK | Master’s | Full |
| Fulbright | USA | Master’s/PhD | Full |
| DAAD | Germany | Master’s/PhD | Full |
| Australia Awards | Australia | UG/PG | Full |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Master’s | Full |
| MEXT | Japan | All levels | Full |
| Vanier | Canada | PhD | Full |
| Swiss Govt | Switzerland | PG | Full |
| NZ Govt | New Zealand | UG/PG | Full |
| Gates Cambridge | UK | PG | Full |
How to Win a Fully Funded Scholarship
Start your application 6–12 months early
Maintain a strong academic record
Write a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Highlight leadership and extracurricular activities
Get strong recommendation letters
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying late
Submitting generic applications
Ignoring eligibility requirements
Weak personal statement
Not preparing for interviews
FAQs
1. Can Nigerian students apply for fully funded scholarships?
Yes, most of these scholarships are open to Nigerian and other international students.
2. Which scholarship is easiest to get?
Government scholarships like DAAD and Erasmus Mundus are competitive but widely accessible.
3. Do fully funded scholarships cover everything?
Yes, most cover tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance.
4. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, and it increases your chances of success.
5. When should I apply for 2026 scholarships?
Most applications open between August 2025 and March 2026.
Fully funded scholarships can completely transform your study abroad journey — removing financial barriers and opening doors to world-class education.
Programs like Chevening, Fulbright, DAAD, and Erasmus Mundus are among the best opportunities available in 2026.
