International scholarships give Nigerian students the opportunity to study at universities around the world without carrying the full cost of international tuition and living expenses. Depending on the programme, scholarships may cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, airfare, health insurance, research expenses, visa-related costs and other study expenses.
For the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 academic years, Nigerian students can find scholarship opportunities across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Hungary, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands and other destinations.
Some scholarships are designed specifically for master’s students, while others accept undergraduate, PhD, doctoral research or professional applicants. There are also scholarships that target students from Africa, developing countries, low-income backgrounds or specific academic fields.
In this guide, we have compiled 20 international scholarships open to or accepting applications from Nigerian students, including government-funded scholarships, university scholarships and major international scholarship programmes. Applicants should always check the official scholarship website for the latest deadline, eligibility requirements and funding conditions.
Apply for: Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students
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Key Highlights
Important: “Fully funded” does not mean that every scholarship covers every possible expense. Funding packages differ between programmes. Nigerian students should always check the official scholarship conditions before applying.
Data Source
This guide is based on official scholarship providers, government scholarship organisations, university scholarship pages and information available through WorldWideStudies.
For example, the official Chevening Nigeria page confirms that Nigerian applicants can apply for the 2027/2028 programme, with applications open until 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
The official Chevening programme describes the award as a scholarship for emerging leaders to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK.
WorldWideStudies also maintains a dedicated guide covering fully funded scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students.
Detail Description
International scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad for Nigerian students.
However, students should understand that scholarships are not all the same. Some are designed specifically for postgraduate students, while others accept undergraduate applicants. Some cover virtually all major expenses, while others provide partial tuition support or a living allowance.
Nigerian students should therefore compare scholarships based on:
- Academic level
- Country
- Course or field of study
- Eligibility requirements
- Work experience
- Academic performance
- English-language requirements
- Scholarship benefits
- Application deadline
- Application procedure
It is also important to distinguish between a fully funded scholarship and a partial scholarship. A tuition discount, for example, does not necessarily mean that accommodation, food, airfare and other expenses are covered.
Complete List of 20 International Scholarships Open to Nigerians
The following opportunities are among the major international scholarships Nigerian students should investigate.
1. Chevening Scholarship — United Kingdom
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the UK’s most prestigious international scholarship programmes.
It is designed for emerging leaders who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Nigerian students are eligible to apply through the dedicated Chevening Nigeria programme.
The official Nigeria page currently lists the 2027/2028 application deadline as 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Scholarship Details
Chevening is particularly suitable for professionals and graduates who can demonstrate leadership, networking, professional experience and a clear vision for their future impact.
Apply for: Chevening Scholarship in the UK 2027/2028 (Fully Funded)
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters — Europe
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme offers Nigerian students the opportunity to study master’s programmes delivered by international university consortia.
Students from around the world can apply, and selected students receive full scholarships. Funding can contribute towards participation costs, travel, visa expenses and living costs.
Scholarship Details
Applications are submitted to the individual Erasmus Mundus master’s programme rather than through one universal application.
Apply for: Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students
3. Commonwealth Scholarships — United Kingdom
Commonwealth Scholarships provide opportunities for students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
Nigeria is one of the countries participating in Commonwealth scholarship programmes.
Scholarship Details
Different Commonwealth programmes have different eligibility requirements, so Nigerian students should carefully check the specific call before applying.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Programme — United States
The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme is a major international scholarship opportunity for graduate students and young professionals.
It provides opportunities for international students to pursue graduate-level study or research in the United States, subject to the programme available in their country.
Scholarship Details
Nigerian applicants should monitor the current Fulbright Nigeria announcement because deadlines and eligible programmes can vary from year to year.
5. DAAD Scholarships — Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides numerous scholarships for international students and researchers.
Nigerian students can find programmes for master’s, doctoral and research study depending on their academic background and the specific DAAD programme.
DAAD’s scholarship database is the best place to search for programmes matching your field and academic level.
Scholarship Details
Nigerian students should not assume that every DAAD scholarship has the same eligibility criteria. Each programme has its own requirements.
6. Australia Awards Scholarships — Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships provide students from eligible developing countries with opportunities to undertake study at participating Australian institutions.
The scholarship can provide comprehensive financial support, depending on the country programme and award.
Scholarship Details
Because Australia Awards operates country-specific programmes, Nigerian applicants should verify whether the relevant current intake is available to Nigerian citizens before applying.
7. MEXT Scholarship — Japan
The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship is one of the most important government-funded scholarship opportunities for international students.
Depending on the category, Nigerian students can apply for undergraduate, graduate, research and other study programmes.
Scholarship Details
Nigerian students should monitor the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria for the annual application announcement.
8. Global Korea Scholarship — South Korea
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is funded by the South Korean government and provides international students with opportunities to study at Korean universities.
It covers different academic levels, including undergraduate and graduate study.
Scholarship Details
Applicants should monitor the Korean Embassy in Nigeria and the official Study in Korea platform for current GKS announcements.
9. Stipendium Hungaricum — Hungary
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship provides international students with opportunities to study in Hungary.
The programme covers multiple levels and fields and can provide tuition exemption, a monthly stipend, accommodation support and medical insurance.
Scholarship Details
Students should check the current sending-partner arrangements and application procedure for Nigeria.
10. Türkiye Scholarships — Türkiye
The Türkiye Scholarships programme is a government-funded scholarship scheme for international students.
It offers opportunities at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.
Scholarship Details
The programme can also include university and department placement, making it different from scholarships where students must first secure admission independently.
11. Chinese Government Scholarship — China
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) is administered through the China Scholarship Council and provides international students with opportunities to study in China.
Nigerian students can investigate bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other scholarship categories depending on the current call.
Scholarship Details
Apply for: Chinese Government Scholarship 2027 Fully Funded CSC Scholarship in China
12. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships — Switzerland
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international researchers and postgraduate students through different scholarship categories.
The programme is particularly relevant to researchers and applicants pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral opportunities rather than general undergraduate study.
Scholarship Details
Apply for: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 (Fully Funded)
13. KAUST Scholarships — Saudi Arabia
The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia offers funded graduate study opportunities in science, technology, engineering and related fields.
The opportunity is particularly attractive for Nigerian students interested in STEM-related master’s and PhD programmes.
Scholarship Details
Apply for: KAUST Scholarships 2027 in Saudi Arabia (Fully Funded)
14. Doha Institute Scholarships — Qatar
The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies offers scholarships for eligible students pursuing master’s-level study in Qatar.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to students interested in social sciences, humanities, public policy and related areas.
Scholarship Details
Apply for: Doha Institute Scholarships in Qatar 2027 (Fully Funded)
15. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship — Netherlands
The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) provides funding opportunities for outstanding international students applying for eligible master’s programmes at Leiden University.
Scholarship Details
This scholarship should not automatically be described as fully funded because the exact award may cover only part of tuition rather than all living expenses.
Apply for: Leiden University Excellence Scholarships 2027 (Study in Netherlands)
16. Gates Cambridge Scholarship — United Kingdom
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious university scholarships.
It supports outstanding applicants from outside the United Kingdom who want to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.
Scholarship Details
Nigerian applicants should check the Cambridge course application deadlines and Gates Cambridge funding deadlines because they can differ depending on the course.
17. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program works with partner universities and organisations to provide educational opportunities to talented young people from Africa and other eligible communities.
Nigerian students can find opportunities through participating universities rather than through one single universal application.
Scholarship Details
Because the programme operates through partner institutions, students should identify a participating university and follow its specific application process.
18. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — Canada
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is an important opportunity for exceptional international students seeking undergraduate study in Canada.
It is particularly relevant to Nigerian secondary-school students with outstanding academic performance, creativity and leadership potential.
Scholarship Details
Students should pay close attention to the separate nomination and university application deadlines.
19. Rhodes Scholarship — University of Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarship provides outstanding international students with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
The scholarship is highly competitive and places significant emphasis on academic achievement, leadership, character and service.
Scholarship Details
Nigerian applicants should check the Rhodes constituency rules for the current application cycle because eligibility routes can vary by nationality and region.
20. University and Government Scholarships in Canada, Europe and Asia
Nigerian students should not restrict their search to the globally famous scholarships.
Many universities and governments offer international scholarships that may be less competitive than the largest global programmes.
Potential destinations include:
- Canada
- Germany
- Hungary
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- France
- Netherlands
- Türkiye
- Saudi Arabia
- United Kingdom
- United States
These scholarships may be based on:
- Academic merit
- Financial need
- Leadership
- Research potential
- Specific academic fields
- Country of nationality
- Community involvement
Nigerian students should therefore search university scholarship databases alongside major government programmes.
Comparison of 20 International Scholarships
Who Should Apply?
These opportunities cover different categories of Nigerian students.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate applicants can investigate:
- MEXT
- GKS
- Türkiye Scholarships
- Stipendium Hungaricum
- Chinese Government Scholarship
- University of Toronto Pearson
- Mastercard Foundation opportunities
Master’s Students
Master’s applicants can investigate:
- Chevening
- Erasmus Mundus
- Commonwealth
- DAAD
- MEXT
- GKS
- Türkiye Scholarships
- Stipendium Hungaricum
- KAUST
- Doha Institute
- Leiden University
PhD Students and Researchers
PhD and research applicants can consider:
- Commonwealth
- Fulbright
- DAAD
- MEXT
- GKS
- Chinese Government Scholarship
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- KAUST
- Gates Cambridge
- Rhodes
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies significantly between scholarships.
However, Nigerian applicants should generally be prepared to meet some combination of the following:
- Nigerian citizenship
- Required academic qualification
- Strong academic record
- Admission or eligibility for an eligible university programme
- English-language proficiency where required
- Relevant work experience where required
- Leadership experience
- Community involvement
- Research experience for doctoral programmes
- Strong personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Valid passport
- Research proposal where applicable
Do not assume that one scholarship’s requirements apply to another.
For example, Chevening has specific requirements related to work experience and postgraduate study, while university scholarships may focus more heavily on academic performance.
Documents Nigerian Students Should Prepare
Applicants should begin preparing their documents before scholarship applications open.
Common documents include:
- International passport
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- WAEC/NECO results where applicable
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal statement
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal
- Proof of work experience where required
- English-language test results where required
- University admission documents
- Portfolio for selected programmes
- Medical documents where required
Some scholarships may require certified copies or officially translated documents.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1: Determine Your Academic Level
First determine whether you are applying for:
- Undergraduate study
- Master’s study
- PhD
- Research
- Professional development
This will help you eliminate scholarships for which you are not eligible.
Step 2: Select Suitable Countries
Choose countries where your preferred programmes are available.
Popular destinations include:
- UK
- USA
- Canada
- Germany
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Hungary
- Türkiye
- China
- Saudi Arabia
- Netherlands
Step 3: Check the Scholarship Requirements
Read the official eligibility requirements carefully.
Pay particular attention to:
- Age limits
- Degree requirements
- CGPA requirements
- Work experience
- Language requirements
- Eligible countries
- Eligible courses
- Admission requirements
Step 4: Check the Current Deadline
Never rely entirely on an old scholarship article.
Deadlines can change each year.
For example, the official Chevening Nigeria page currently lists 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC for the 2027/2028 cycle.
Step 5: Prepare Your Application
Prepare:
- CV
- Personal statement
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Academic documents
- Passport
- Research proposal where applicable
Step 6: Submit Through the Correct Platform
Some scholarships require applicants to apply directly through the scholarship website.
Others use:
- Universities
- Embassies
- Government agencies
- National nomination bodies
- Scholarship consortia
Always follow the exact application route.
Step 7: Monitor Your Application
After submitting, regularly check your:
- Scholarship account
- University portal
- Embassy website
You may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview.
Important Tips for Nigerian Scholarship Applicants
1. Apply Early
Do not wait until the final days.
Recommendation letters, transcripts, language tests and university applications can take time.
2. Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Do not rely on one opportunity.
Build a list of scholarships for which you genuinely meet the eligibility requirements and apply strategically.
3. Make Your Personal Statement Specific
Avoid generic statements.
Explain:
- What you have achieved
- Why you chose the programme
- Why the programme fits your goals
- What problem you want to solve
- How your studies will benefit your community
- What you intend to do after graduation
4. Do Not Ignore University Scholarships
Some of the best opportunities are offered directly by universities.
The scholarship may not have the same global recognition as Chevening or Fulbright, but it can still provide substantial financial support.
5. Verify Every Scholarship
Always confirm information through the official provider.
Check:
- Deadline
- Eligibility
- Funding
- Application fee
- Required documents
- Study level
- Eligible countries
- Application procedure
6. Be Careful With Scholarship Scams
Avoid anyone promising:
- Guaranteed scholarship
- Guaranteed admission
- Guaranteed visa
- Guaranteed job after graduation
A legitimate scholarship should be verifiable through an official university, government or scholarship organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Nigerians get international scholarships to study abroad?
Yes. Nigerian students are eligible for numerous international scholarships offered by governments, universities and international organisations.
2. Which international scholarship is best for Nigerian students?
There is no single best scholarship.
Chevening can be excellent for eligible master’s applicants, while MEXT, GKS, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, Commonwealth, Fulbright and other programmes may be more suitable depending on academic level and career goals.
3. Can Nigerian undergraduate students get fully funded scholarships?
Yes. Opportunities such as MEXT, GKS, Türkiye Scholarships, Stipendium Hungaricum, Chinese Government Scholarship and some university programmes can provide undergraduate funding.
4. Which scholarships accept Nigerian students without work experience?
Several international scholarships do not require professional work experience, particularly some undergraduate and academic merit scholarships.
However, individual requirements must always be checked before applying.
5. Is Chevening currently open to Nigerians?
Yes. The official Chevening Nigeria page currently states that applications for the 2027/2028 cycle are open until 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
6. Can Nigerians apply for Erasmus Mundus?
Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters accept students from around the world, including Nigerian applicants. Selected students can receive full scholarships.
7. Can Nigerians apply for scholarships in Germany?
Yes. Nigerian students can investigate DAAD scholarships and university-funded opportunities in Germany.
DAAD operates a scholarship database containing programmes for international students and researchers.
8. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, students can generally apply to multiple scholarships, provided they meet each programme’s requirements and follow its rules.
9. Do all scholarships require IELTS?
No.
English-language requirements differ between scholarships and universities. Some programmes may accept alternative proof of English proficiency.
10. Do I need a First Class to get a scholarship?
Not necessarily.
Academic performance is important, but some scholarships also consider leadership, professional experience, research potential, community service, financial need and other factors.
11. Are international scholarships free to apply for?
Many major government scholarships do not charge a scholarship application fee. However, university applications, language tests, document certification and other processes may sometimes involve costs.
12. Where can Nigerians find international scholarships?
Start with official government scholarship websites, university scholarship pages, embassy websites and established scholarship organisations.
WorldWideStudies also publishes scholarship opportunities and guides for Nigerian students.
Final Thoughts
There are many international scholarship opportunities available to Nigerian students, but finding the right one requires more than simply searching for the words “fully funded scholarship.”
The best strategy is to identify scholarships that match your academic level, field of study, career goals and personal profile.
For undergraduate students, opportunities such as MEXT, GKS, Türkiye Scholarships, Stipendium Hungaricum, Chinese Government Scholarship and University of Toronto Pearson can be worth investigating.
For master’s students, Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, Commonwealth, DAAD, MEXT, GKS, Türkiye Scholarships and other government programmes provide important opportunities.
For PhD students and researchers, Fulbright, DAAD, MEXT, Commonwealth, Swiss Government Excellence, KAUST, Gates Cambridge and Rhodes are among the programmes worth researching.
Most importantly, do not wait until the application deadline.
Prepare your CV, academic transcripts, personal statement, recommendation letters, passport and other documents early. Then monitor the official scholarship websites for application dates.
Scholarship information changes from year to year, so always verify the latest eligibility requirements, deadline and funding package directly with the official provider before submitting your application.
Apply for: How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship as a Nigerian Student: A Complete Guide
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