Discover 10 fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students to study abroad in 2025–2026. Covers tuition, stipends, airfare, eligibility, and top application tips.
Understanding “Fully Funded” and What It Covers
For many Nigerians, studying abroad is more than a dream — it’s a life-changing goal. Yet, the biggest challenge remains funding. That’s where fully funded scholarships come in.
These scholarships cover all major expenses, including tuition, monthly living allowance, health insurance, and often travel costs.
Tuition, Stipend, and Airfare: What to Expect
When a scholarship is labeled fully funded, it usually means:
- 💰 Full tuition coverage (no out-of-pocket fees)
- 🏠 Living stipend (monthly allowance for food and housing)
- ✈️ Return airfare from Nigeria to the host country
- 📚 Books, research grants, or laptop allowances
When I applied for my first scholarship, the term “fully funded” sounded too good to be true. I learned quickly that it literally meant everything—tuition, a monthly stipend, and even my flight tickets, taking a huge financial burden off my shoulders.
Even with full funding, always check hidden costs such as visa fees, translation charges, or pre-departure health exams — they add up fast.
Top Global Scholarships (Highly Competitive)
These are internationally recognized programs that accept top candidates from around the world — including many Nigerians who have successfully used them to study in the UK, USA, and beyond.
The Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Website: www.chevening.org
Chevening is one of the most prestigious UK government scholarships, fully covering tuition, travel, and living expenses for one-year master’s programs.
Eligibility:
- Nigerian citizenship
- Bachelor’s degree with upper second class (2:1 or higher)
- At least 2 years of work experience
Perks:
- Access to an elite alumni network
- Free return flight to the UK
- Networking events and leadership training
Pro tip: Start drafting your essays early. Chevening essay questions often revolve around leadership, networking, and career plans.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Funded by the U.S. government, Fulbright offers Nigerians the chance to pursue master’s or PhD programs in top U.S. universities.
Covers: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance.
Field Limitations: Preference for public policy, education, engineering, and sciences.
I remember spending weeks on my Fulbright essays, knowing thousands of other brilliant Nigerians were doing the same. It’s tough, but that focus makes your application shine.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Website: www.gatescambridge.org
Founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship funds postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition
- Maintenance allowance (£20,000+)
- Airfare
- Academic development funds
Competitive tip: Focus on demonstrating leadership, academic excellence, and a clear vision for how your education benefits Nigeria.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (UK)
Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
For students from developing Commonwealth countries — including Nigeria — this award covers tuition, flights, and monthly stipends.
Fields: Development, sustainability, health, and innovation.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship (Europe)
Website: www.eacea.ec.europa.eu
A top-tier European scholarship offering fully funded study across multiple EU universities. Scholars study in 2–3 countries with tuition, travel, and living costs fully covered.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa/Global)
Website: mastercardfdn.org/scholars
Focuses on bright but financially disadvantaged students from Africa. Partner schools include University of Edinburgh, McGill, and UBC.
Best Ph.D. and MSc Funded Programs
These programs are perfect for Nigerian graduates looking to study research-based courses in Germany, Canada, or Australia.
DAAD Master’s Scholarships (Germany)
Website: daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), these scholarships support Nigerian graduates in all fields, especially engineering and development studies.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- €934 monthly stipend
- Travel allowance
- German language course (optional)
Tip: Some programs require basic German proficiency — check each university’s requirements carefully.
Australia Awards Scholarship
Website: www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards
This government program funds Nigerians to study master’s degrees in Australian universities.
Covers: Full tuition, return airfare, living costs, and health insurance.
Priority fields: Agriculture, public policy, health, and education.
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
Website: education.gov.au/research-training-program
Perfect for Ph.D. or research-based MSc applicants. You’ll need a supervisor and a research proposal.
Beyond the big names, many universities offer their own graduate assistantships. I got my MSc fully funded this way by directly contacting professors whose research aligned with mine. Don’t underestimate that personal outreach!
University-Specific Graduate Assistantships (Canada)
Many Canadian universities — like University of Manitoba, Alberta, and Ottawa — offer graduate assistantships or fellowships that include tuition waivers and stipends.
How to apply:
- Search department pages directly
- Email professors with a concise, professional proposal
- Attach your CV and research interests
Useful resource: Universities Canada Database
Eligibility Hacks and Application Secrets
Getting a scholarship isn’t just about grades — it’s about strategy and preparation.
WAEC/NECO to WES: Meeting GPA Requirements
To be eligible, your Nigerian degree often needs evaluation by WES (World Education Services) — especially for U.S. and Canadian programs.
Link: www.wes.org/ca
You can also use ICAS or ECCE for UK equivalency. Aim for a minimum 3.5/5.0 GPA, which converts roughly to 2:1 in most systems.
The Statement of Purpose (SOP) That Wins Awards
Your SOP (Statement of Purpose) is your voice — the story that separates you from thousands of other applicants.
My first SOP was too generic. I learned that tailoring every paragraph to why that specific program and how my Nigerian background contributed uniquely was what made the difference.
Tips for writing a strong SOP:
- Begin with a personal story or motivation.
- Highlight your academic and leadership achievements.
- Link your goals to your country’s development needs.
- End with your long-term impact vision.
Avoid clichés and vague phrases like “I am passionate about…” — show real evidence instead.
Dealing with the Proof of Funds Requirement for Visa
Even when fully funded, embassies may ask for proof of funds. In such cases, your scholarship award letter acts as valid proof.
If additional funds are needed, a sponsor’s bank statement (3–6 months) or affidavit of support may be required.
Useful links:
Conclusion: Your Scholarship Action Plan for 2025
You now know where to look and how to apply — but remember, the key is starting early. Deadlines for most 2025/2026 scholarships open between August and December 2024.
Make a checklist now:
- ✅ Identify 3–5 scholarships that match your field
- ✅ Prepare your CV, transcripts, and reference letters
- ✅ Begin drafting your SOP and essays
- ✅ Get your IELTS or TOEFL done early
Every successful scholar you see today started with one small step — clicking “Apply.”
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