EnuStudying abroad opens doors to top universities and global networks in international education. For Nigerians, scholarships make overseas education possible without huge costs. This list of scholarships covers 10 strong options like Fulbright and Chevening. Each one funds degrees from master’s to PhD. You’ll get details on eligibility, benefits, and steps to apply. Always check official sites for the latest rules, as deadlines shift.
These picks suit Nigerian students based on recent opportunities. They target fields like business, engineering, and health. Many fully fund tuition, living costs, and travel. Start prepping now for 2026-2027 cycles, since most 2026 apps closed early this year. See student stories from platforms like StudyIn and QS for real success tips, or consult a study abroad agency for expert guidance.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program funds master’s degree study, research, or teaching in the US. The US government backs it for students from over 160 countries, including Nigeria. It lasts 9-12 months and covers humanities, sciences, and arts. Nigerian alumni often praise its prestige and connections.
Eligibility includes Nigerian citizenship, a bachelor’s degree, strong GPA, and language proficiency such as a TOEFL test score of 79 iBT or IELTS 6.5. You need professional experience and a plan to return home. Good health matters too. Check country panels for extras.
Benefits cover full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance. Some get book or research funds. For Nigerians, 2026-2027 apps closed; next opens February 2027.
Application steps:
- Research your country panel on us.fulbrightonline.org.
- Gather CV, transcripts, and essays on goals.
- Secure three recommendations.
- Submit via IIE portal by June.
- Prep for interviews if shortlisted.
Nigerians like those from StudyIn testimonials navigated the visa application and student visa smoothly with support. Prep 12-18 months ahead. For a full list of funded options for Nigerians, check this comprehensive guide from The Nation Newspaper.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening Scholarships fully fund one-year master’s degree programs to study in the UK. The UK government runs it for future leaders from 160+ countries, Nigeria included. Focus areas include policy, business, and law. Networking events and alumni perks add value.
You need citizenship from an eligible country, two years’ work experience, an undergraduate degree, and English proficiency. Commit to two years back home post-study.
It pays tuition, monthly stipend, travel, arrival allowance, thesis grant, and networking budget. Deadlines usually hit November for next year.
Application steps:
- Pick courses and unis on chevening.org.
- Fill online form with leadership essays and a strong statement of purpose.
- Add references.
- Attend interviews.
Students from QS share how educational consultants clarified goals for fits like this. Tailor apps to show impact.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD offers financial aid through scholarships for graduates, postgrads, and PhD in Germany. Programs include study grants and research stays. Tuition-free unis help. Fields span all disciplines; durations run 1-10 years.
Non-EU students like Nigerians qualify with academic excellence, motivation letters, and German or English skills. Some have age limits.
Monthly stipend hits 934 EUR for grads, plus health insurance, travel, and rent aid to help cover the cost of living. Multiple deadlines by program.
Application steps:
- Research DAAD programs and university selection on daad.de.
- Collect transcripts, CV, proposal.
- Complete the admission process: Apply via portal or uni.
- Face possible interview.
Germany draws Nigerians for low costs. See IDP’s top scholarships list for Nigerian students for more.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus funds study abroad programs offering master’s degrees across 2+ European countries via university consortia. The EU backs it especially for non-EU students like Nigerians. Fields cover engineering, environment, and social sciences.
Bachelor’s degree, relevant background, and English proficiency qualify you. No prior Mundus award.
Full tuition waiver, up to 7,000 EUR travel allowance, 1,000 EUR monthly stipend, and travel insurance. Applications run October-January.
Application steps:
- Browse catalogue on eacea.ec.europa.eu.
- Submit letter, recommendations, transcripts.
- Go through selection phases.
It builds pan-European networks in international education, key for careers.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards target development-focused postgrad study. Australian government aids Nigerians and others from developing nations, including visa counseling. Fields link to agriculture, health, governance.
Citizenship of participating country, two years’ work, English requirements, and return commitment needed.
Full tuition, living allowance, health cover, travel, establishment aid, and fieldwork support. Graduates may access post-study work opportunities.
Application steps:
- Note country deadlines on awards.gov.au.
- Submit with impact plan, which educational consultants can help Nigerian applicants refine.
- Add referee reports.
- Interview.
Prioritizes Nigeria’s needs.
6. Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford, UK)
The Rhodes Scholarship funds an opportunity to study in the UK through postgraduate programs at Oxford. About 100 awards yearly across areas. It values leadership, academics, character in any field.
Specific nationalities, age under 27 mostly, high GPA from a completed undergraduate degree, leadership record, English skills for Nigerians.
Course fees, 18,000 GBP yearly stipend, visa, insurance, economy flight. Country deadlines August-October.
Application steps:
Recommended: GRE preparation for those targeting prestigious Oxford academic standards.
- Apply via district on rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk.
- Submit essays, CV, refs.
- Regional then Oxford interview.
Prestige lasts lifelong.
Photo by Pixabay
7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Gates funds master’s or PhD at Cambridge’s partner universities. Up to 80 awards yearly in any discipline. Stresses intellect, leadership, life improvement.
Outstanding academics, language proficiency, non-UK status, leadership for ambitious Nigerians.
University fees, 17,500 GBP maintenance, travel, family aid if needed, development funds. October deadlines.
Application steps:
- Apply to Cambridge course.
- Submit Gates app with essays, refs.
- Shortlist and interview.
Fits ambitious Nigerians.
8. Schwarzman Scholars (China)
Schwarzman offers one-year master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua, Beijing. Draws 200 future leaders yearly with China focus.
Under 29, bachelor’s, English, leadership, diversity including Nigerians.
Tuition, room/board, travel, stipend, speakers, internships. Apps September-November.
Application steps:
- Online with essays, video.
- Leadership essay (seek review from study abroad consultants).
- Recommendations.
- Interviews.
Boosts long-term professional networks in Asia through career counselling. Check ScholarshipAir’s study abroad list for Nigerians for similar.
9. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
Swedish Institute funds master’s in Sweden for leaders from 41 countries like Nigeria. Sustainable development focus; one or two years.
Eligible country citizen, 3,000 work hours, leadership, first-choice Sweden program.
12,000 SEK monthly living, tuition, insurance, 15,000 SEK travel, networking. February deadline.
Application steps:
- University admission process.
- SI app with motivation docs.
- Ranking and interview.
Practical for careers, with a high visa success rate from Swedish Institute support.
10. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford, USA)
Knight-Hennessy funds multidisciplinary graduate studies at Stanford. Up to 100 awards yearly in any program. Leadership and civic mindset are key.
Any nationality; requires Stanford program admission (consider IELTS training to meet Stanford’s rigorous requirements), independence, purposeful leadership; typically under four years since undergraduate degree.
Full tuition, living stipend, travel allowance, $13,000 enrichment fund, pre-departure briefing. October deadline.
Application steps:
- Separate from program application.
- Essays on growth, civic contribution.
- Video statement, references.
Comparison of Top International Scholarships
ScholarshipCoverageLevelDeadline (Next Cycle)Target CountriesFulbrightFull + stipendGrad/PhDFeb-June 2027Nigeria + 160CheveningFull master’sMaster’sNov 2026Nigeria + 160DAADStipend + extrasGrad/PhDVaries Oct-DecNon-EU incl NGErasmus MundusFull + 1k EUR/moMaster’sOct-JanNon-EUAustralia AwardsFull + fieldworkPostgradFeb-MayDeveloping incl NGRhodesFees + 18k GBPPostgradAug-OctSpecific incl NGGates CambridgeFull + 17.5k GBPGrad/PhDOctInternationalSchwarzmanFull + stipendMaster’sSep-NovGlobalSwedish Inst12k SEK/moMaster’sFeb41 incl NGKnight-HennessyFull + stipendGradOctAny
Conclusion
Scholarships to study abroad ease the path for Nigerians. Picks like GREAT Scholarships (£10,000 at UK unis like Manchester) add options; QS offers US$111m pool. For diverse options outside the top 10 list, consider study in Canada. Students from StudyIn got into UCL, Birmingham with counselor help including accommodation support. Pick based on field, country, deadlines. Apply early, craft strong essays, get refs. Consult a study abroad agency for expert guidance. Your global future starts here. Verify on sites like British Council GREAT for Nigerians. Success stories prove it works.
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