Financing a world-class education abroad is one of the biggest concerns for Nigerian students. The good news? Dozens of fully-funded and partial scholarships are specifically available to African students — and many go unclaimed every year simply because applicants don't know they exist.
We've compiled the 10 most impactful scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students in 2025, covering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, Germany, and beyond.
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Chevening is the UK Government's prestigious global scholarship programme, fully funding a one-year master's degree at any UK university. It covers tuition, living allowance, flights, and a visa application fee waiver. Nigeria is one of the largest Chevening award countries globally.
- ▸Open to: Nigerians with 2+ years of work experience
- ▸Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, return flights, visa fees
- ▸Deadline: Typically November each year
- ▸Apply at: chevening.org
2. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
Funded by the UK government, Commonwealth Scholarships target students from developing Commonwealth countries. Nigeria consistently receives the most awards. Scholarships cover master's and PhD programs across UK universities.
- ▸Open to: Nigerian citizens with first or upper second-class degree
- ▸Covers: Full tuition, living allowance, flights, thesis allowance
- ▸Deadline: December annually
- ▸Apply at: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program, funded by the US State Department, offers graduate-level scholarships for master's and PhD studies in the United States. It's one of the most recognized academic awards in the world.
- ▸Open to: Nigerian graduates with strong academic records
- ▸Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare
- ▸Deadline: March (varies by country)
- ▸Apply via: US Embassy Nigeria
4. Australia Awards Scholarship
The Australian Government's flagship international scholarship program funds full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities. Nigeria is an eligible country.
- ▸Covers: Tuition, travel, living allowance, health insurance
- ▸Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
- ▸Deadline: April each year
- ▸Apply at: dfat.gov.au/australiaawards
5. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
Germany's DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers numerous scholarships for Nigerian students, including fully-funded master's and PhD opportunities. Many German universities teach in English — and public university tuition is nearly free.
- ▸Covers: Monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance
- ▸Bonus: Study in English at minimal or no tuition cost
- ▸Deadline: Varies by program (October–January window)
- ▸Apply at: daad.de
6. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for master's studies in Sweden to students from select countries, including Nigeria.
- ▸Covers: Tuition, living expenses, travel grant, insurance
- ▸Open to: Applicants with 3,000+ hours of professional work experience
- ▸Deadline: February each year
- ▸Apply at: si.se/scholarships
7. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program partners with leading universities in Africa and abroad to provide full scholarships to academically talented but economically disadvantaged African youth.
- ▸Partner institutions include: Ashesi University, AIMS, McGill, Cornell
- ▸Covers: Full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, mentorship
- ▸Open to: High-achieving Africans with demonstrated financial need
- ▸Apply: Through partner institutions directly
8. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
This competitive scholarship provides postgraduate funding to outstanding students from select developing countries, including Nigeria.
- ▸Award structure: 50% grant + 50% interest-free loan
- ▸Level: Postgraduate (master's and PhD)
- ▸Deadline: March annually
- ▸Apply at: akdn.org/foundation
9. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Jointly funded by Japan and the World Bank, this program supports mid-career professionals from developing countries pursuing master's degrees related to development-focused fields.
- ▸Requires: 3+ years of professional experience
- ▸Fields: Economics, public policy, engineering, environment, health
- ▸Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance
- ▸Apply at: worldbank.org/scholarships
10. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus program funds elite joint master's degrees offered by two or more European universities. Nigerian students can receive Category A scholarships covering full tuition plus a generous monthly allowance.
- ▸Studies take place across 2–3 European countries
- ▸Covers: Full tuition, travel costs, €1,000/month living stipend
- ▸Duration: 1–2 years
- ▸Apply at: eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-plus
How to Maximise Your Scholarship Application
- 1.Start 12–18 months before the deadline
- 2.Tailor each application to that scholarship's specific values and goals
- 3.Secure strong academic and professional references
- 4.Write a compelling personal statement with clear, specific goals
- 5.Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously to improve your odds
💡 Pro Tip
Many Nigerians win scholarships on their first application. The biggest barrier is simply not knowing the opportunity exists. ScholarBridge can help you identify the right scholarships for your profile and guide your application from start to finish.