Top International Scholarships Nigerian Students Can Apply For

Top International Scholarships Nigerian Students Can Apply For

As a Nigerian student aspiring to study abroad, securing an international scholarship can open doors to world-class education without incurring crippling debt. Below are some of the top fully funded scholarships that Nigerian students can apply for, their eligibility criteria, key benefits, and application pointers.

Why International Scholarships Matter for Nigerian Students

• Cost Savings: Studying abroad can be expensive. International scholarships often cover tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, and more.
• Global Exposure: Studying in another country broadens your perspectives, builds global networks, and boosts employability.
• Leadership & Development: Many scholarships prioritize social impact, leadership, and community development — helping you grow beyond academics.
• Long-Term Impact: Scholarship alumni often return to Nigeria (or contribute globally) and drive development in their communities.

Top International Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Here are some of the most prestigious and accessible international scholarship programs for Nigerian students (2025–2026):

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

What is it?
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), for one-year master’s degrees in the UK. It targets future leaders and influencers. (Chevening)

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend / living allowance
• Travel costs (to/from UK)
• Visa application fee
• Arrival allowance and some travel grant for Chevening events (Chevening)

Eligibility (for Nigerians):

• Nigerian citizen. (Chevening)
• At least 2 years (≈ 2,800 hours) of work experience (paid/unpaid, full-time or part-time). (Chevening)
• Undergraduate degree (minimum equivalent of UK 2:1, though Chevening sometimes considers strong 2:2 + work experience). (swiftscholarships)
• Apply to three different eligible UK master’s programs; ideally have an unconditional offer from one by the deadline. (Chevening)
• Commitment to return to Nigeria for at least two years after the scholarship. (Chevening)

How to apply:

1. Visit the Chevening website and create an account on their application portal. (Chevening)
2. Complete personal details, education, and work experience.
3. Choose three UK master’s courses and provide your application references.
4. Write four essays: leadership & influence, networking, study in the UK, future career plan. (Android Pols)
5. Submit before the application deadline (e.g., for 2025/2026 cycle). (Student Village)

Tips:

• Be very clear about how you plan to give back to Nigeria.
• Tailor each essay to the Chevening themes: leadership, networking, and future goals.
• Prepare for interview — if shortlisted, Chevening typically assesses through an interview.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

What is it?
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), via the UK government, offers scholarships to citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Nigeria) for master’s and PhD programs. (British Council Nigeria)

What it covers:

• Tuition fees
• Airfare to/from the UK
• Living allowance / stipend (British Council Nigeria)

Eligibility (for Nigerians):

• Nigerian citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. (British Council Nigeria)
• For master’s: first degree with at least upper second class (2:1) is often required. (British Council Nigeria)
• NYSC discharge or exemption certificate may be required for some calls.
• Demonstrated financial need / inability to self-fund. (British Council Nigeria)

How to apply:

• Follow the national application procedure via the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) in Nigeria.
• Visit the Commonwealth Scholarships website (CSC) to check for your program of interest. (British Council Nigeria)
• Submit required documents: academic transcripts, references, personal statement, proof of admission (if required). (British Council Nigeria)

Tips:

• Choose a course aligned with one of CSC’s development themes (e.g., global prosperity, climate resilience). (British Council Nigeria)
• Start early: the process can be competitive, and documentation (especially references) may take time.
• Emphasize how your proposed study will contribute to Nigeria’s development.

3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

What is it?
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers several scholarship programs for international students, including Master’s, PhD, and in‑region scholarships. (Global Japa)

Programs relevant to Nigerians:

• Fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships in Germany. (Leaving Nigeria)
• In-Country / In-Region DAAD Scholarship: These allow Sub-Saharan African students (including Nigerians) to study locally (in Nigeria) or in other SSA countries, for “development-related” postgraduate programs. (Global Japa)

What it covers (for typical DAAD scholarships):

• Full (or very significant) tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend: About €934 for master’s level (varies) (Konnect)
• Health insurance
• Travel allowance (for certain programs) (Global Japa)

Eligibility (for Nigerians):

• Hold a recognized bachelor’s degree (often with a strong grade, e.g., second class upper) for Master’s applications. (Leaving Nigeria)
• Some programs require at least two years of professional experience. (Leaving Nigeria)
• Proof of English (TOEFL, IELTS) or German language proficiency depending on the program. (Leaving Nigeria)
• For In‑Country / In‑Region: you must apply via a cooperating university in Nigeria for DAAD’s local/regional scholarship call.

How to apply:

1. Visit DAAD’s official website and find the scholarship program relevant to your profile (In-Country, Master’s, PhD).
2. Create an account on the DAAD portal and fill in your details.
3. Choose your preferred universities / programs. For in‑region scholarships, you first apply to the cooperating university (e.g., FUTA, Ibadan) before DAAD selection.
4. Prepare and upload required documents: academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter/research proposal, references, proof of language proficiency. (Leaving Nigeria)
5. Submit before deadline (deadlines vary by program). For example, some in-country calls have fixed submission dates.

Tips:

• Tailor your motivation/research proposal to demonstrate how your study benefits development in Nigeria or your region.
• For in‑region scholarships, link your institutional application with the DAAD call — coordinate with your university.
• Plan early: DAAD applications often close months before program start.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (EU)

What is it?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) programs are high-profile, internationally recognized master’s programs offered by consortia of European universities. Students move between 2–3 countries during the program. Many EMJMs offer full scholarships to non‑EU students (including Nigerians). (Eswiftscholar)

What it covers:

• Full tuition waiver
• Monthly stipend / living allowance
• Contribution to travel / relocation costs
• Insurance (in many cases) (Eswiftscholar)

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) required. (Eswiftscholar)
• Good academic record.
• Language proficiency: depends on the program (English, or local European language).
• Some programs might require letters of motivation, references, and specific admission tests.

How to apply:

1. Visit the Erasmus+ catalog or the Erasmus Mundus website to search for joint master’s programs.
2. Check which programs accept international students and offer full scholarships.
3. Apply via the university consortium or through the Erasmus portal (depending on the program).
4. Prepare and submit your documents: transcripts, CV, motivation letter, references, proof of language ability, sometimes a study plan.
5. Watch the deadlines carefully — different programs have different timelines.

Tips:

• Pick programs that align with your career goals and also show your interest in mobility (since EMJMs involve studying in different countries).
• Use your personal statement to highlight why a joint international experience matters to you and how you plan to leverage it.
• Reach out to alumni if possible, to learn how they applied and prepared.

5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

What is it?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a mission-driven scholarship initiative that supports academically talented but economically disadvantaged young people in Africa. It is delivered through a network of partner universities around the world (and within Africa). (Mastercard Foundation)

What it covers:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Books and academic materials
• Living allowance
• Return-ticket to the scholar’s home country (in some cases)
• Leadership development, mentoring, and community engagement support (Mastercard Foundation)

Eligibility (for Nigerian students):

• Apply through one of the partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. (Mastercard Foundation)
• Demonstrate financial need: you should show that you cannot afford full tuition (via family/guardian financial records). (University of Ibadan)
• Academic excellence: good grades from previous studies. (University of Ibadan)
• Leadership potential and commitment to community development. (Mastercard Foundation)

How to apply:

1. Identify partner universities where Mastercard Foundation runs its Scholars Program. (Mastercard Foundation)
2. Apply for admission to a degree program at one of these universities, following their regular admission process.
3. Indicate your interest in the Mastercard Foundation scholarship when applying (each university has its own process).
4. Submit additional required documents for the scholarship: financial documentation, motivation or leadership statement, recommendation letters.
5. Wait for the scholarship decision (this usually runs in parallel with admission decisions).

Tips:

• Since each partner university manages its own selection, carefully read the criteria and deadlines on their site.
• Demonstrate in your essays not just financial need but also how you intend to contribute to your community or Africa’s development.
• Highlight leadership experiences and future ambitions — the scholarship looks for “transformative leaders.”

Other Noteworthy Scholarships to Explore

Beyond the core ones listed above, here are a few additional international scholarships worth checking out (depending on your level and field):

• MEXT Scholarship (Japan) — Japanese government scholarship for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. (eagleseye.online)
• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — Supports international students (including Nigerians) to study in China. (eagleseye.online)
• Turkiye Burslari (Turkey Scholarships) — Popular among African students for full funding. (eagleseye.online)
• Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary) — Offers fully-funded scholarships to international students. (eagleseye.online)

How to Improve Your Chances of Winning

Applying for competitive international scholarships requires more than just academic grades. Here are some strategic tips:

1. Start Early
   • Research scholarship cycles and deadlines well in advance.
   • Prepare your documents: transcripts, recommendation letters, motivation essays, CV.
2. Tailor Your Application
   • For each scholarship, address their main goals (leadership, development, academic excellence).
   • Write a strong, genuine motivation letter / personal statement.
3. Get Relevant Experience
   • Internships, work experience (paid or voluntary), community service — all can strengthen your application.
   • Leadership roles or impactful projects matter for scholarships like Chevening and Mastercard Foundation.
4. Network and Seek Advice
   • Reach out to past recipients or use LinkedIn / alumni networks.
   • Join scholarship‑application WhatsApp / Telegram groups.
   • Use university career/advancement offices and scholarship consultancies (ensure they are credible).
5. Prepare for Interviews
   • Some scholarships (e.g., Chevening) include interviews. Practice common questions about goals, leadership, and how you’d use the opportunity.
   • Know your essays well — interviewers often refer to them.
6. Be Honest & Clear
   • Provide accurate documents and truthful motivation statements.
   • Clearly articulate how the scholarship will help you impact your community or career.

For Nigerian students, international scholarships offer a powerful route to transform their academic and professional careers without the burden of excessive costs. Scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are among the top opportunities offering full or near-full funding, plus support for leadership development.

Action plan for you:

1. Pick 2–3 scholarships that match your profile (degree level, work experience, academic interests).
2. Read each scholarship’s official website for the latest requirements, deadlines, and application forms.
3. Prepare your documents (transcripts, CV, essays, references) well in advance.
4. Apply early and apply smart — tailor your story to each scholarship’s mission.