Pursuing a master’s degree abroad can open doors to better career opportunities, global networks, and specialized knowledge. However, tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs can make studying overseas expensive.

The good news is that many governments, universities, and organizations offer scholarships specifically for international master’s students. Some cover tuition fees only, while others provide full funding, including living expenses, accommodation, and travel costs.

For Nigerian students planning to study abroad in 2026, securing a scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden of earning an international degree.

Why Apply for a Master’s Scholarship?

A scholarship can help you:

Reduce or eliminate tuition fees

Cover accommodation and living expenses

Access world-class universities

Build international networks

Focus on academics instead of financial stress

Many scholarships also provide leadership training, networking opportunities, and career development support.

Top Scholarships for Master’s Students in 2026

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to international students pursuing a master’s degree in the UK.

What it covers

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Travel costs
• Visa fees

Best for

Students with leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds.

Eligible countries

Nigeria and many other countries worldwide.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship supports students from eligible Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Coverage

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Airfare
• Study-related grants

Ideal candidates

Students with strong academic performance and a commitment to contributing to their home country.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Erasmus Mundus offers fully funded master’s programs delivered by multiple universities across Europe.

Benefits

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Travel allowance
• Insurance

Why students love it

You can study in two or more European countries during your degree.

DAAD Scholarships

DAAD is one of the largest scholarship providers for international students studying in Germany.

What is covered

• Monthly stipend
• Health insurance
• Travel allowance
• Tuition support where applicable

Popular fields

• Engineering
• Development Studies
• Public Policy
• Environmental Sciences

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards supports students from developing countries who want to study in Australia.

Scholarship benefits

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Return airfare
• Health insurance

Best suited for

Students seeking leadership and development-focused careers.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Although highly competitive, this scholarship supports exceptional graduate students in Canada.

Benefits

• Significant annual funding
• Research support
• International recognition

Ideal for

Research-focused master’s students.

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships

Ireland offers scholarships for high-achieving international students pursuing postgraduate studies.

Coverage

• Tuition fee support
• Annual stipend

Popular study areas

• Technology
• Business
• Science
• Healthcare

University-Specific Scholarships

Many universities offer scholarships directly to international master’s students.

Examples include:

• University of Edinburgh scholarships
• University of Melbourne scholarships
• University of Toronto scholarships
• University College Dublin scholarships
• University of Auckland scholarships

Many institutions automatically consider applicants for scholarships when they apply for admission.

Common Eligibility Requirements

Most master’s scholarships require:

A bachelor’s degree

Strong academic performance

English language proficiency

Personal statement or essay

Letters of recommendation

Leadership or extracurricular achievements (for some scholarships)

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

Maintain Strong Academic Results

Many scholarships place significant emphasis on academic achievement.

Write an Excellent Personal Statement

Explain:

• Your career goals
• Why you chose the course
• How the scholarship will help you make an impact

Obtain Strong References

Academic and professional recommendations can strengthen your application.

Apply Early

Many scholarship deadlines close months before university admission deadlines.

Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Do not rely on a single opportunity.

Scholarships for Students With Average Grades

Not all scholarships require outstanding academic records.

Some universities offer:

• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based scholarships
• Diversity scholarships
• Country-specific scholarships
• Departmental scholarships

Students should research both major scholarship schemes and university-specific funding opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing application deadlines

Submitting generic personal statements

Applying only for fully funded scholarships

Ignoring smaller scholarship opportunities

Failing to meet document requirements

Scholarship Types

Scholarship Type	Coverage
Fully Funded	Tuition, living costs, travel, insurance
Partial Scholarship	Portion of tuition fees
Merit-Based	Academic excellence
Need-Based	Financial need
University Scholarship	Offered directly by institutions
Government Scholarship	Funded by national governments

FAQs