How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship as a Nigerian Student: A Complete Guide. For many Nigerian students, studying abroad can seem financially impossible. International tuition fees, accommodation, flights, visa costs, health insurance, and daily living expenses can add up to thousands of dollars every year. However, you do not necessarily have to pay all these expenses yourself.

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Learn how Nigerian students can get fully funded scholarships

Every year, Nigerian students receive fully funded scholarships to study in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, the United States, Australia, Japan, China, Hungary, and other countries. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, visa-related costs, research expenses, or a combination of these benefits.

The important question is not simply, “Where can I find a scholarship?”

The better question is:

How can I make myself competitive enough to win one?

This guide explains how Nigerian students can improve their chances of obtaining fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s and PhD programmes.

What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship is a scholarship that provides substantial financial support for your studies and living expenses.

However, “fully funded” does not always mean exactly the same thing for every scholarship.

Depending on the programme, a fully funded scholarship may cover:

• 100% of tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Accommodation
• Airfare or travel allowance
• Health insurance
• Visa-related expenses
• Research or study allowances
• Books and academic materials
• Settlement allowance
• Conference or fieldwork expenses

Some scholarships cover almost every major expense, while others may cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend but leave certain costs to the student.

Therefore, Nigerian students should always read the official scholarship terms carefully before applying.

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Step 1: Know Your Scholarship Level

The first thing you should determine is the level of study you want to pursue.

Scholarships are available for:

Undergraduate Students

If you have WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or another recognized secondary-school qualification, you can search for undergraduate scholarships.

Undergraduate scholarships can be highly competitive because many students apply immediately after secondary school.

Look for scholarships offered by:

• Universities
• Governments
• Foundations
• International organizations
• Private companies
• Non-governmental organizations

Do not assume that you need to have attended a famous secondary school to qualify.

Your academic performance, leadership potential, extracurricular activities and personal circumstances may all be important.

Master’s Students

Master’s scholarships are among the most common fully funded opportunities available to Nigerian students.

Examples include Chevening in the UK and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters in Europe.

For example, the Chevening Scholarship is a UK Government scholarship programme for international students. Its Nigeria page currently shows applications for the 2027–28 cycle open until 6 October 2026.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters also offer full scholarships to selected students worldwide. These scholarships can contribute towards participation costs, travel, visa expenses and living costs.

PhD Students

PhD applicants can search for:

• Fully funded doctoral positions
• Government scholarships
• University research scholarships
• Research assistantships
• Teaching assistantships
• Doctoral fellowships
• Research grants

For PhD applications, your research interests, academic background and proposed research can be extremely important.

Step 2: Build a Strong Academic Profile

Academic performance is one of the first things scholarship committees examine.

You do not always need a perfect CGPA, but you should aim to make your academic record as strong as possible.

For example, if you are currently studying at a Nigerian university, focus on maintaining a strong CGPA throughout your programme.

A strong academic profile may include:

• High CGPA
• First Class
• Second Class Upper
• Strong relevant coursework
• Academic awards
• Research experience
• Publications
• Academic projects
• Professional certifications

However, having a lower CGPA does not automatically mean you cannot obtain a scholarship.

Some scholarship programmes consider leadership, professional experience, community involvement, financial circumstances, research potential and other factors.

The key is to identify scholarships whose eligibility requirements match your profile.

Step 3: Develop Leadership and Community Experience

One major mistake Nigerian students make is focusing only on grades.

Some prestigious scholarships want to see what you have done outside the classroom.

For example, Chevening specifically looks for future leaders and provides applicants with guidance on eligibility, experience and application preparation.

You can develop leadership experience by:

• Becoming a student association leader
• Volunteering
• Organizing community projects
• Mentoring younger students
• Working with NGOs
• Organizing educational programmes
• Participating in youth development activities
• Leading university projects
• Creating social-impact initiatives
• Participating in professional organizations

Leadership does not necessarily mean becoming the president of an organization.

You could demonstrate leadership by identifying a problem and taking action to solve it.

For example:

Instead of simply saying:

“I volunteered at an NGO.”

You could explain:

“I volunteered with an educational organization and helped organize weekend lessons for secondary-school students.”

The second example demonstrates what you actually did and the impact of your involvement.

Step 4: Gain Relevant Work Experience When Required

Some scholarships require or strongly value professional experience.

This is particularly important for certain master’s scholarships.

Before applying, carefully check whether the programme requires:

• Full-time employment
• Part-time employment
• Internship experience
• Voluntary work
• Professional experience
• Leadership experience

Do not apply blindly.

For example, if a scholarship requires a particular amount or type of work experience and you do not meet the requirement, spending weeks preparing an application may be unnecessary.

Always read the official eligibility criteria first.

Step 5: Search for Scholarships Strategically

Do not search Google randomly every day for “fully funded scholarships.”

Instead, create a scholarship search strategy.

Search according to:

Country + Degree + Field + Funding

For example:

• Fully funded master’s scholarships in Germany for Nigerians
• Fully funded scholarships in Canada for Nigerian students
• Fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK for Nigerians
• Fully funded undergraduate scholarships for Nigerians
• Fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students in STEM
• Fully funded scholarships for African students

Also check official scholarship portals and university websites.

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Scholarship Board publish information about scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students. The Federal Scholarship Board administers various Nigerian scholarship and international scholarship programmes, including Commonwealth-related opportunities.

The Federal Ministry of Education also has an online scholarship portal for accessing scholarship opportunities.

Step 6: Target the Right Scholarships

You should not apply for every scholarship you find.

Instead, create three categories.

Category A: Highly Competitive

These are prestigious scholarships where thousands of qualified applicants may compete.

Examples include:

• Chevening
• Erasmus Mundus
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Major university scholarships
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Category B: Realistic Opportunities

These are scholarships where your academic and professional profile matches the requirements reasonably well.

You should spend significant time on these applications.

Category C: Backup Opportunities

These may provide:

• Partial tuition
• Tuition discounts
• Smaller grants
• University scholarships
• Departmental funding

A partial scholarship can sometimes be combined with other funding sources.

Do not reject an opportunity simply because it is not labelled “fully funded.”

Step 7: Prepare Your Documents Early

One of the biggest reasons students miss scholarship deadlines is poor preparation.

Do not wait until the final week before preparing your documents.

Create a scholarship folder containing:

• International passport
• WAEC/NECO certificate
• University transcripts
• Degree certificate
• CV
• Academic certificates
• Professional certificates
• Recommendation letters
• Statement of purpose
• Personal statement
• Research proposal, if required
• Proof of employment
• Leadership certificates
• Volunteer certificates
• Portfolio, where applicable

Keep digital copies in PDF format and use clear file names.

For example:

Khadija_ Yusha’u _ Jibril_ Transcript.pdf

is much better than:

Document123.pdf

Step 8: Write a Powerful Personal Statement

A personal statement can make a major difference.

Do not simply write:

“I have always wanted to study abroad.”

Thousands of applicants will say the same thing.

Instead, explain:

1. Who you are
2. Your academic background
3. The problem you care about
4. What you have done about that problem
5. Why you selected the programme
6. Why you selected the university or country
7. What you want to accomplish
8. How the scholarship will help
9. How you intend to create impact after graduation

Your application should tell a clear story.

For example:

Problem → Experience → Action → Achievement → Future Goal

This is much stronger than listing random achievements.

Step 9: Make Your Scholarship Application Specific

One of the most common mistakes is using the same statement for every scholarship.

Your application should be customized.

If you are applying for a scholarship focused on climate change, explain your connection to climate-related issues.

If you are applying for a health programme, demonstrate your interest and experience in healthcare.

If you are applying for technology, discuss your technology-related experience and future objectives.

Scholarship committees want to understand why you are suitable for their programme.

Step 10: Choose Your Referees Carefully

Many scholarships require recommendation letters.

Do not choose someone simply because they have an impressive job title.

Choose someone who knows you well enough to provide specific examples of your:

• Academic ability
• Leadership
• Research skills
• Professional performance
• Character
• Community involvement
• Potential

A strong recommendation letter should provide evidence rather than simply saying:

“Abass is an excellent student.”

A stronger recommendation explains why the student is excellent and provides examples.

Contact your referees early.

Do not send them a recommendation request two days before the deadline.

Step 11: Apply Early

Never make the deadline your target.

If a scholarship closes on October 6, you should ideally aim to submit several days or even weeks earlier.

Why?

Because you may experience:

• Website problems
• Internet problems
• Missing documents
• Recommendation delays
• Passport issues
• Payment problems
• Technical errors
• Incorrect uploads

Some scholarships also have different deadlines for different stages.

Therefore, create a personal scholarship calendar.

Fully Funded Scholarships Nigerian Students Should Research

There are many scholarship programmes available internationally, but Nigerian applicants should always verify current eligibility and deadlines directly from official sources.

1. Chevening Scholarship – United Kingdom

Chevening is one of the most well-known UK Government scholarship programmes for international students.

Nigerian students can apply when the Nigeria application cycle is open.

The scholarship is primarily aimed at master’s-level study and focuses strongly on leadership, professional experience and future impact.

The official Chevening Nigeria page currently lists the 2027–28 application cycle as open until 6 October 2026.

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters – Europe

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters allow students to study through international university partnerships.

Students from around the world can apply, and selected programmes provide full scholarships.

The scholarship may contribute towards participation costs, travel, visa expenses and living allowance.

Applications are normally submitted directly to the consortium running the specific master’s programme.

3. Commonwealth Scholarships

Nigerian students should also research Commonwealth scholarship opportunities.

Nigeria’s Federal Scholarship Board is involved in implementing Commonwealth scholarship and fellowship programmes for Nigerian students.

Because individual Commonwealth schemes have different eligibility requirements, applicants should carefully check the current official call before applying.

4. Government and University Scholarships

Do not focus only on famous international scholarships.

Universities and governments around the world offer scholarships specifically for international students.

These may include opportunities in:

• Germany
• Hungary
• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• Canada
• Australia
• France
• Türkiye
• United States
• United Kingdom

The best scholarship for you may not be the most famous one.

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Can a Nigerian Student With a Second Class Lower Get a Fully Funded Scholarship?

Yes, it can be possible.

However, your strategy needs to be more targeted.

If your CGPA is not highly competitive, strengthen other areas such as:

• Work experience
• Research
• Professional certifications
• Leadership
• Volunteering
• Publications
• Community projects
• Strong recommendation letters
• A compelling personal statement

Do not spend all your time applying to scholarships that require exceptional academic performance if you do not meet their criteria.

Find programmes where your complete profile is competitive.

Can Nigerian Undergraduates Get Fully Funded Scholarships?

Yes.

However, undergraduate fully funded scholarships can be particularly competitive.

Students should start preparing before completing secondary school.

Build a strong profile through:

• Excellent WAEC/NECO results
• Leadership
• Volunteering
• Competitions
• Community service
• Sports
• Academic projects
• Entrepreneurship
• Technology skills
• Extracurricular activities

Also remember that not every scholarship requires you to leave Nigeria.

The Federal Scholarship Board administers Nigerian scholarship schemes, and the Federal Ministry of Education has recently announced revised scholarship grants for Nigerian students at different levels of study.

Beware of Scholarship Scams

Unfortunately, scholarship seekers are often targeted by scammers.

Be extremely careful if someone tells you:

“Pay me and I will guarantee your scholarship.”

No legitimate consultant can guarantee that a scholarship committee will select you.

Be cautious about:

• Fake scholarship websites
• Fake admission letters
• Fake scholarship certificates
• Requests for unusual payments
• Guaranteed scholarship offers
• Fake embassy emails
• Fake agents
• Social media accounts pretending to represent universities

Always verify scholarships through the official university, government or scholarship organization.

For example, Nigerian students can verify government scholarship information through the Federal Ministry of Education and its relevant scholarship channels.

Apply for: Chevening Scholarship in the UK 2027/2028 (Fully Funded)

A Simple 6-Month Scholarship Preparation Plan

If you want to seriously pursue a fully funded scholarship, use this strategy.

Month 1: Identify Your Target

Decide:

• Degree level
• Field of study
• Preferred countries
• Target universities
• Scholarship programmes

Create a list of at least 10 opportunities.

Month 2: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare:

• CV
• Transcript
• Certificates
• Passport
• Personal statement
• Recommendation contacts
• Research proposal if necessary

Month 3: Improve Your Profile

Complete relevant:

• Certifications
• Volunteer activities
• Research
• Internships
• Professional experience
• Leadership activities

Month 4: Start Applications

Begin submitting applications.

Do not wait until the deadline.

Month 5: Review Everything

Check:

• Eligibility
• Documents
• Essays
• References
• Programme requirements
• Deadlines

Month 6: Submit and Monitor

Submit your applications and regularly check your email and scholarship portal.

Respond quickly if the scholarship committee requests additional information.

Final Advice for Nigerian Scholarship Applicants

Getting a fully funded scholarship is not simply about finding a scholarship and filling out a form.

It is about building a competitive profile and presenting that profile effectively.

Do not wait until you find a scholarship before preparing.

Start now.

Improve your academic performance. Gain experience. Volunteer. Develop leadership skills. Build professional relationships. Prepare your documents. Learn how to write strong personal statements. Research universities carefully.

Most importantly, apply strategically rather than randomly.

You may receive several rejections before receiving an offer. That is normal.

A scholarship rejection does not necessarily mean you are not qualified. It may simply mean that another applicant was a closer match for that particular programme.

Keep applying.

For Nigerian students who are serious about studying abroad, fully funded scholarships can provide a pathway to an international education without having to personally finance the entire cost of tuition and living expenses.

Your goal should therefore be simple:

Find the right scholarship, understand the requirements, build the right profile, submit a strong application, and never pay anyone who promises to guarantee a scholarship.

Start your scholarship search today—and remember that the best time to prepare for the next scholarship

Need Help With Your Application?

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