Available Scholarships in Nigeria for 2026 Intakes

Imagine paying off student loans for decades or skipping university altogether because costs hit too hard. For Nigerian students, available scholarships in Nigeria offer a real way out. They cover undergrad, masters, and PhD levels with options from government bodies, companies, and global programs like PTDF, NLNG, Chevening, and Commonwealth.

This guide lists top picks open around December 2025 for 2026 starts. You’ll find fully funded deals that pay tuition, living expenses, and travel. Always check official sites for updates, as deadlines shift.

Quick Overview: Top Available Scholarships in Nigeria Right Now

• PTDF Scholarship: Fully funded for oil/gas fields (undergrad, masters, PhD); Nigerians with strong grades and relevant courses.
• NLNG Undergraduate: Partial stipend (NGN 60,000) for year 2 students in top Nigerian unis; top 20% grades required.
• Federal Bilateral Awards: Masters abroad fully funded; 2:1 degree, under 35, via ministry nomination.
• SEPLAT and Jim Ovia: Undergrad support in STEM; merit-based, state ties help.
• Chevening: UK masters fully funded; leadership and work experience key.
• Commonwealth Shared: UK masters for development; deadline December 9, 2025.
• MEXT Japan: Full ride for all levels; embassy application.
• Gates Cambridge: PhD/masters at Cambridge; outstanding academics.

These run annual cycles. Verify on portals like PTDF’s scholarship site.

Government Scholarships Like PTDF and State Boards

PTDF targets petroleum tech for Nigerians at approved unis abroad or in-country. You need first-class or 2:1 grades, admission letters, and a research proposal for PhD. Apply online at ptdf.gov.ng with CV and transcripts; cycles often open December-January.

State boards, like those in Lagos or Rivers, aid indigenes for undergrad or masters. Show JAMB scores, WAEC, and proof of origin. One student shared how state help eased their path to a UK visa, much like counselors guide apps today.

NLNG and Other National Scholarships

NLNG picks undergrads in year 2 at accredited schools. Nigerians in top 20% get the stipend; no repeats allowed. Head to NLNG’s scholarships page mid-year for forms, UTME results, and local ID.

Others like MRS Oil fund STEM undergrad tuition fully. CGPA 3.5+ and transcripts seal it.

International Scholarships Open to Nigerian Students

Global picks suit strong academics with English skills and uni offers. Chevening, Commonwealth, MEXT, and Gates cover 2026 intakes.

Chevening and Commonwealth: UK Favorites

Chevening funds one-year UK masters fully, seeking leaders with two years’ experience. Apply at chevening.org with essays and refs after uni choice.

Commonwealth Shared targets development fields; full funding for low-income Nigerians. Nominate via agency by December 9, 2025, then submit proposal.

Fully Funded Global Options Like MEXT and Gates

MEXT pays tuition, stipend, travel for Japan study; under 25 for undergrad. Prep via embassy exams in May-June.

Gates Cambridge backs postgrad at Cambridge fully. Pair it with their app by early December.

University and Corporate Scholarships for Nigerians

Unis like Stirling offer auto waivers; corporates tie to fields and states.

UK University Awards for Nigerians

Stirling gives £4,000 off for self-funded Nigerians post-offer. Manchester’s Global Futures needs UCAS firm choice and high predictions; forms follow offers from December.

Nigerian Corporate Sponsors: SEPLAT, Jim Ovia

SEPLAT aids year 2 undergrads in STEM; apply at seplatenergy.com with JAMB. Jim Ovia helps needy undergrads via their foundation site; essays and transcripts count. Merit and origin certs boost chances.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Available Scholarships in Nigeria

1. Search portals like ScholarshipAir for your level and field.
2. Read official eligibility, docs, deadlines on sites.
3. Collect transcripts, passport, SOP, refs, IELTS/TOEFL.
4. Secure uni offer if required.
5. Fill online forms; upload all.
6. Track via email; attend interviews.

Eligibility Tips and Common Requirements

Undergrad: Enrollment proof, good grades, citizenship. Postgrad: 2:1 degree, proposal. Avoid fakes; interviews test fit.

Deadlines and Timing for 2026 Intakes

Corporates mid-2025 to December; internationals September-January. PTDF seasonal; check December updates.

Pros, Cons, and Tips to Win Scholarships

Tips: Start early. Tailor SOPs. Apply to multiples. Use official sites. Prep tests. Get strong refs. Proofread. Network via fairs.

FAQs About Available Scholarships in Nigeria

What are fully funded scholarships? They cover tuition, living, travel like PTDF or Chevening.

Current deadlines? December 9 for Commonwealth; PTDF soon after.

PhD options? PTDF, Gates, MEXT.

Need IELTS? Yes for most internationals.

How competitive? Tough; top grades win.

Only from Nigeria? Yes, citizenship key.

Free counseling? Try QS ImpACT or StudyIn experts, as students praise their visa and app help.

Ready to Grab Available Scholarships in Nigeria?

PTDF, NLNG, Chevening top the list for 2026. Act now: hit official sites, gather docs. Counselors like those at StudyIn turned rejections to offers for many. Your turn starts today.