EnuImagine landing a scholarship for masters students in Nigeria that pays for everything: tuition, flights, and monthly cash to live abroad. Thousands of Nigerians chase this dream each year, and for 2026, options like Chevening and Commonwealth still shine bright. In this guide, you’ll find top fully funded picks, step-by-step applications, eligibility checks, pros and cons, plus pitfalls to dodge.
You’ll learn how to boost your odds for programs starting next year. Always check official websites for the latest deadlines, eligibility, and terms. They change fast, like Chevening’s recent close on October 7, 2025.
Quick Answer (Read This First)
- Chevening Scholarships (UK): Fully funds one-year master’s; needs 2 years work experience and leadership proof; applications closed for 2026, watch for 2027.
- Commonwealth Scholarships (UK): Targets development fields; covers tuition, stipend, travel for Nigerians; check cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk for 2026 openings in late 2025.
- MEXT (Japan): Funds master’s with stipend; apply via Japanese embassy in Nigeria; deadlines around May-June.
- Erasmus Mundus (EU): Joint two-year degrees across Europe; full tuition, living costs; apps open October-February per program.
- TotalEnergies/NNPC (France/UK/US): For energy fields; fully funded for Nigerians; see details on their site.
- University-specific like Manchester Global Futures: Often auto-consider strong applicants; pair with big ones for backups.
- Prioritize by your field; secure university offers first; apply early January-April 2026 where possible.
- These cover tuition, living (~£1,200/month in UK), flights for eligible Nigerians.
What Are Scholarships for Masters Students in Nigeria and What Do They Offer?
Scholarships for masters students in Nigeria come from governments, universities, and firms. They help talented folks study abroad or locally without debt. Many focus on fields like engineering, business, and sustainability to build Nigeria’s future.
These programs pay full costs. Think tuition up to £18,000, monthly stipends for rent and food, round-trip flights, and even visas. Students like Pranay Kasat landed spots at Arizona State with counselor help on apps and offers.
Take StudyIn success stories. One got a £5,000 award at Aston University after guidance on universities and visas. Others praise teams for smoothing UK paths, from statements to scholarships. Development ones often ask you return home to apply skills.
Full rides ease stress. Counselors from groups like QS or StudyIn guide overwhelmed applicants to matching programs.
Key Features of Scholarships for Masters Students in Nigeria
- Fully funded: Tuition, living stipend, travel, sometimes health insurance.
- One- or two-year master’s in engineering, business, energy, sustainability.
- Need strong grades (first-class or 2:1), 2+ years work experience, leadership.
- Competitive: Essays, interviews test career plans for Nigeria’s growth.
- UK bias like Chevening; global options in Japan, EU, France.
- Joint degrees (Erasmus) or research tracks (MEXT).
- Return-home clause for most to share gains back home.
Chevening and Commonwealth: UK Favorites
Chevening picks leaders with 2 years experience. It funds any UK one-year master’s if you show impact plans for Nigeria. Nigerians apply online with essays; get three course offers.
Commonwealth suits development pros. Fully funds fields aiding low-income nations. Both offer stipends around £1,200 monthly plus extras.
MEXT and TotalEnergies: Asia and France Options
MEXT sends you to Japan with full support, no language test always needed. Embassy in Nigeria handles apps.
TotalEnergies/NNPC targets oil/gas masters in France. Covers all for top Nigerian grads.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships for Masters Students in Nigeria
- Pick 3-5 matching your field, like Chevening for leadership or MEXT for research.
- Gather undergrad transcripts, CV, two references from bosses or profs.
- Apply to 3+ universities first; secure at least one unconditional offer.
- Write a personal statement on your Nigeria impact and leadership story.
- Take IELTS/TOEFL; aim for 6.5+ overall.
- Submit via official portals like chevening.org or embassies.
- Prep for video or panel interviews on your plans.
- Follow up; track status monthly.
Before you submit checklist:
- Double-check deadlines (e.g., Chevening early November).
- Tailor docs to each scholarship’s goals.
- Proofread; get counselor feedback like StudyIn offers.
- Verify English scores uploaded.
Eligibility, Coverage, and What ‘Fully Funded’ Really Means
Nigerians need a solid bachelor’s (upper second-class minimum), often 2 years work. Age under 35 for some; prove leadership via jobs or volunteering.
Fully funded means no out-of-pocket for tuition (~£18,000/year UK example), stipend (£1,200/month living), flights, visa. Extras like insurance vary; family not covered. Total Chevening value hits £30,000+ per student.
Not everything: Books or extras come from stipend. Calculate your needs against averages.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full funding clears debt | High competition (thousands apply) |
| Global networks boost careers | Strict return-home rules |
| Career jumps like UCL admits | Tight deadlines, early prep |
| Stipend covers living comfy | Interviews stress some out |
| Visa, travel handled | Field limits (e.g., energy only) |
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Miss deadlines: Set phone reminders for November openings.
- Generic statements: Tie every line to Nigeria’s needs.
- Skip uni apps: Start six months early for offers.
- Weak refs: Ask mentors who know your work.
- Poor English scores: Book IELTS three months ahead.
- Ignore work proof: Log 2,800 hours exactly.
- No leadership examples: List volunteer roles.
- Overlook portals: Use eligibility quizzes first.
Are Scholarships for Masters Students in Nigeria Legit and Safe?
Yes, from trusted spots like British Council or embassies. Chevening awarded Nigerians yearly; students like Bibil Jose got full rides with counselor aid.
Stick to official sites; skip “guaranteed” agents. Check refund-free apps, real interviews. StudyIn reviews show safe paths to Birmingham, Lancaster.
Tips to Get Better Chances for Your Scholarship
- Build leadership: Lead community projects.
- Network at education fairs like QS events.
- Apply to multiples; don’t pin on one.
- Craft SOPs on home impact.
- Nail IELTS early; retake if needed.
- Contact unis for nomination perks.
- Gain work exp via internships.
- Use counselor feedback.
- Prep interview stories.
- Follow alumni on LinkedIn.
Leverage Consultants Like StudyIn
Counselors guide apps, visas, offers. Reviews rave: One got Strathclyde smooth; another £5k at Aston. They list unis, edit docs, chase scholarships.
FAQs
What GPA do I need?
First-class or 2:1 equivalent.
When are 2026 deadlines?
Chevening closed; others late 2025-early 2026; check sites.
Can I stay abroad after?
Most require 2-year return.
Does fully funded mean zero costs?
Covers main items; stipend handles rest.
IELTS required?
Yes, 6.5+ for most.
How competitive?
Tough; 1-2% win rate.
Fields covered?
Engineering, business, energy top.
Local master’s options?
Some, but abroad focus here.
Visa help included?
Yes in packages.
Work exp needed?
2 years for Chevening.
Conclusion
Top scholarships for masters students in Nigeria like Chevening, MEXT, and TotalEnergies/NNPC offer 2026 paths. Match your field, grades, and plans; start uni apps now.
Bookmark portals, grab transcripts, book counseling. Your funded master’s awaits; act today for tomorrow’s wins.
Enu
