Discover 12 official government-funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2025 to study in the UK, USA, Canada, and beyond — including Chevening, Fulbright, and Commonwealth programs. Learn eligibility, insider tips, and how to ace your essays.
The Verified List of 12 Official Government-Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Finding government-funded scholarships for international students from Nigeria can feel like searching for gold dust — too many websites recycle outdated or fake listings. This guide cuts through that noise.
Here, you’ll find 12 official scholarships directly funded by foreign governments and international agencies — all verified, fully funded, and open to Nigerian students in 2025.
As someone who once struggled to afford even a transcript fee, I know what it means to dream of studying abroad without the debt. When I finally won a government-funded scholarship, the biggest lesson I learned was this: these programs aren’t just investing in you — they’re investing in your country’s future. Understanding that mindset is what sets winners apart.
The Big Three: UK, US & Canadian Government Scholarships
These are the “holy trinity” of official funding routes for Nigerians — highly competitive, globally respected, and transformative.
🇬🇧 The UK’s Powerhouse: Chevening & Commonwealth Scholarships
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK Government – Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
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Sponsor: UK Government (FCDO)
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Degree Level: Master’s (1 year)
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Key Requirement: Minimum of two years’ work experience, strong leadership profile, and a plan to return to Nigeria for at least two years after study.
Insider Tip: I remember thinking Chevening’s essays were about me — my grades, my journey. But they’re really about Nigeria. Frame your essays around how your master’s degree will help solve a national problem — that’s how I cracked it.
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Apply: www.chevening.org/apply
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (UK Government & FSB Nigeria)
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Sponsor: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (through CSC)
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Degree Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
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Key Requirement: Minimum of Second-Class Upper (2:1) degree and nomination via Nigeria’s Federal Scholarship Board (FSB).
Focus: Aimed at development-driven applicants. You must show how your research directly impacts sectors like health, agriculture, or education in Nigeria.
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Apply: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
🇺🇸 The American Dream: Fulbright Foreign Student Program
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (U.S. Department of State)
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Sponsor: U.S. Government
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Degree Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
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Key Requirement: Academic excellence, community involvement, and a strong research plan.
Fulbright is pure merit and impact. It’s not for “who you know,” but for those who show academic promise and leadership potential.
Pro Tip: Attend a Fulbright Nigeria webinar via EducationUSA — the officers explain exactly what reviewers look for.
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Apply: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
🇨🇦 Canada’s Global Reach: Vanier, Trudeau & Banting Scholarships
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
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Sponsor: Government of Canada
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Degree Level: Ph.D.
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Key Requirement: Academic excellence, research potential, leadership.
Only the top 2% of applicants get in — but Nigerians have a strong record here, especially in STEM and public health.
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Apply: vanier.gc.ca
5. Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
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Sponsor: Government of Canada & Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
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Degree Level: Ph.D. in social sciences/humanities
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Key Requirement: Leadership and a focus on social impact.
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Apply: trudeaufoundation.ca
6. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
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Sponsor: Government of Canada
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Degree Level: Postdoctoral
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Key Requirement: Demonstrated research excellence.
6 More Top Global Government-Funded Scholarships for Nigerians
Beyond the Big Three, these programs are backed by major world governments and inter-governmental bodies, offering thousands of awards yearly.
7. DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)
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Sponsor: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
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Degree Level: Master’s/Ph.D.
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Key Requirement: At least two years of relevant work experience; strong development motivation.
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Apply: daad.de/en
8. MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship
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Sponsor: Government of Japan (Monbukagakusho)
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Degree Level: Undergraduate/Master’s/Ph.D.
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Key Requirement: Strong academic record; recommendation by the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria.
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Apply: nigeria.emb-japan.go.jp
9. Australia Awards Scholarship
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Sponsor: Government of Australia (DFAT)
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Degree Level: Master’s/Ph.D.
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Key Requirement: Minimum 2 years of professional experience; commitment to return to Nigeria for development work.
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Apply: dfat.gov.au
10. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
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Sponsor: Government of China (China Scholarship Council)
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Degree Level: Undergraduate/Master’s/Ph.D.
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Key Requirement: Nomination via the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria; health certificate.
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Apply: campuschina.org
11. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EU Commission)
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Sponsor: European Union
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Degree Level: Joint Master’s
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Key Requirement: Bachelor’s degree with distinction; program-specific eligibility.
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Apply: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
12. Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals
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Sponsor: Government of Sweden
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Degree Level: Master’s
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Key Requirement: Minimum 3,000 hours of work experience and leadership potential.
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Apply: si.se
Insider Strategy: The Nigerian Angle That Wins
Here’s what few people tell you: most government scholarships are not just about your degree — they’re about your impact after returning home.
When I applied for Chevening, I wrote essays about my passion for policy. I was rejected. The next year, I reframed my story around how I’d use policy skills to fix Nigeria’s small business taxation system — and I won.
This is called the Return Clause — your pledge to bring knowledge home.
To stand out:
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Focus on impact-driven goals (healthcare, education, agriculture, governance).
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Use phrases like “post-study contribution” and “capacity building in Nigeria.”
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Avoid generic statements like “I want to make a difference.” Be specific.
Essential Eligibility Checklist for Government-Funded Scholarships
Before applying, make sure you meet these non-negotiables:
- Minimum Degree: 2:1 or First Class (some allow 2:2 with strong experience)
- Work Experience: 2–5 years for most UK/Australia/Sweden programs
- Age Limit: Usually under 35 for Master’s; under 40 for Ph.D.
- Language Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL (minimum 6.5 or 90+)
- Return Clause: Mandatory (must return to Nigeria for at least 2 years post-study)
- Health Clearance: Required by China, Japan, and Australia
- Nomination Agency: For Commonwealth & Bilateral programs, apply through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) – fsbnigeria.gov.ng
Start Early, Focus on Impact, and Apply Smart
Winning a government-funded scholarship for international students from Nigeria is possible — but it takes early preparation, strategic storytelling, and genuine passion for Nigeria’s development.
Start drafting your essays now, contact past awardees on LinkedIn, and verify all deadlines on the official government websites linked above.
Remember: these governments aren’t just offering free education — they’re investing in your ability to transform Nigeria.
Ready to start? Visit EducationUSA Nigeria, Chevening.org, and FSB Nigeria to confirm open calls for 2025.
Your global education journey starts today.