by To study abroad is a dream many Nigerian students share, but the financial burden often makes it challenging. Fortunately, there are so many scholarships designed specifically to support you if you want to study abroad. These scholarships can cover your tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more, making international education more accessible to you.
Here we selected some of the best scholarship opportunities available to you as a Nigerian student to study abroad. It includes information on where to find them, how to qualify, and what to expect.
What scholarships are available for Nigerian students to study abroad
So many scholarships are available exclusively for Nigerian students. They are provided by the governments, the universities, and the global organizations. They cater to different levels of education, and they include undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs too. They also cover a range of countries popular among Nigerian students.
Scholarships in the United States
United States remains a top choice for Nigerian students due to its world renowned universities and diverse academic programs. Scholarships here often cover full tuition and living expenses.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
This is a fully funded scholarship that covers your tuition, your living costs, travel, and your health insurance. To qualify, you need a strong academic record and a clear plan to contribute back to Nigeria after your studies. It’s competitive but highly rewarding.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This scholarship is offered at select US universities. It supports talented African students with full funding for tuition. Nigerians are included, and living expenses are also covered.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Unlike traditional degree scholarships, this fellowship focuses on professional development and leadership training for mid-career professionals.
Scholarships such as the Rotary Foundation Global Grants and AAUW International Fellowships offer funding opportunities too. They are available for Nigerian students pursuing graduate studies in the US. Getting ready for standardized exams such as the GRE and TOEFL is frequently essential.
Scholarships in the United Kingdom
UK offers several prestigious scholarships for Nigerian students, especially at the postgraduate level.
Chevening Scholarships
Supported by UK government funding, Chevening provides coverage for tuition fees, monthly stipends, travel expenses, and additional allowances. The scholarship is granted to individuals showcasing strong leadership abilities and outstanding academic achievements.
Commonwealth Scholarships
These scholarships are available to students from Commonwealth nations. Students from countries such as Nigeria are eligible too. The scholarships cover tuition fees and living costs for master’s and doctoral programs.
Also, GREAT Scholarships provides up to £10,000 off tuition fees for one-year master’s courses at participating UK universities. And University-specific scholarships such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarship offer full funding to Nigerians students for postgraduate studies too.
When you want to apply, make sure your personal statement clearly show your passion to studies. It should also articulate your goals well. It’s a critical part of the selection process, take note of that.
Scholarships in Germany
Germany is attractive for Nigerian students because many universities offer tuition free education or low fees, combined with high-quality programs.
DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships for master’s and PhD studies. These scholarships include coverage for tuition fees, monthly allowances ranging from 850 to 1,200 euros, travel expenses, and health insurance.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
They help students from developing nations, including those from Nigeria, across various fields.
Erasmus+ Program
This EU funded program enables both students in Nigeria to study in multiple European countries with financial support. Other scholarships like the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung also provide funding too. They often require some German language skills. But, many courses are offered in English.
Scholarships in the European Union
EU offers a variety of scholarships. These are often through programs that allow studying in multiple countries and the Nigerian students are not an exception.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: These scholarships are fully funded and allow students to study across several European universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarships and the Dutch Orange Knowledge Programme offer full funding opportunities for studying in Sweden and the Netherlands. Explore these options today!
Other notable scholarships include the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France) and VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium). There are also scholarships at the University of Helsinki (Finland) and University of Padua (Italy).
NB: Each country has its own application requirements. Therefore, researching the specific criteria is very important. Alternatively, you can leave us your query in the comments down below.
Scholarships in other countries
Beyond the US, UK, Germany, and the EU, Nigerian students have other options. You can explore scholarships in countries like Canada, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for doctoral studies in Canada, covering tuition and living expenses.
- Chinese Government Scholarships. Available for master’s and PhD programs in China, covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly allowance.
- MEXT Scholarship (Japan) supports undergraduate to PhD studies, including tuition, living costs, and airfare.
- Monash University Scholarships (Australia) for doctoral research, covering living and research allowances.
- Fully funded scholarships for master’s and doctoral programs at Muhammad Bin Zaid University (UAE), covering tuition fees and accommodation.
Eligibility criteria and requirements
While each scholarship has its specific criteria, some common requirements include academic excellence, strong grades and transcripts are usually mandatory. Language proficiency tests like, IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE may be required depending on the program and country.
Leadership potential and community involvement. Many scholarships, especially Chevening and Fulbright, look for candidates who demonstrate leadership qualities. They seek individuals committed to contributing to Nigeria or their home communities. Research proposals or study plans, for postgraduate scholarships, a clear research proposal or study plan is often needed.
Letters of recommendation, academic or professional references are typically part of the application. Nationality and residency, you must be a Nigerian citizen or resident in Nigeria. Note: It’s important to carefully read each scholarship’s guidelines and prepare your documents early so as to meet deadlines.
How can I apply for these scholarships
Typically, the application process requires visiting the official scholarship websites for comprehensive instructions. Preparing necessary documents including academic transcripts, language proficiency test results, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Submitting applications online before the deadline. Sometimes, attending interviews or additional assessments.
You can also seek assistance from study abroad consultants or university international offices for guidance. Starting your application process early increases your chances of success, don’t forget that.
Are you a Nigerian thinking about studying abroad? Scholarships can make quality education affordable and accessible. Plus, studying abroad lets you experience new cultures, build global connections, and access top-notch research facilities. Moreover, many scholarships encourage you to return and contribute to your country’s development. This approach creates a cycle of growth and opportunity.
What website can I search for available scholarship
These websites provides you with an up to date information on available scholarships, eligibility, and application procedures.
- DAAD Scholarship Portal for German scholarships.
- Chevening Scholarship Website for UK government scholarships.
- Fulbright Program Website for US scholarships.
- Erasmus Mundus Official Site for EU scholarships.
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for Commonwealth scholarships.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for African students.
This overview provides you with a comprehensive understanding of scholarships available for Nigerian students to study abroad.
