By Olawale Fatunwase ESQ
For many Nigerian students, the financial cost of studying abroad can be a major barrier. However, several prestigious scholarships provide full funding, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes additional benefits like research grants or stipends. These scholarships are highly competitive but offer an incredible opportunity for academic and professional growth.
This guide explores some of the best fully funded scholarships available for Nigerian students, their eligibility criteria, application process, and tips for increasing your chances of success.
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Description:
The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government-funded program that provides outstanding students worldwide, including Nigerians, with the opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Coverage:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend for living expenses
✅ Travel costs to and from the UK
✅ Visa application fees
✅ Additional grants for academic expenses
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of Nigeria or another eligible country.
- Must have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience.
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree (second-class upper or higher is preferred).
- Must return to Nigeria for at least two years after completing the program.
Application Timeline:
Opens: August
Closes: November
Results Announced: June
How to Apply:
1. Complete an online application via the Chevening website: https://www.chevening.org/
2. Submit a personal statement, work experience details, and references.
3. If shortlisted, attend an interview at the British High Commission.
2. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
Description:
The Commonwealth Scholarship is funded by the UK government for students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria. It is available for master’s and PhD studies in UK universities.
Coverage:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly living allowance
✅ Airfare to and from the UK
✅ Research and study-related costs
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen or Commonwealth country national.
- Must have at least a second-class upper (2:1) bachelor’s degree.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
- Must apply for an eligible course at a UK university.
Application Timeline:
Opens: September
Closes: December
How to Apply:
1. Apply at https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/
2. Provide academic transcripts, references, and a personal statement.
3. If shortlisted, attend an interview.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Description:
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarship provides Nigerian students with fully funded opportunities to study master’s and PhD programs in Germany.
Coverage:
✅ Full tuition (if applicable)
✅ Monthly stipend (€934 for master’s, €1,200 for PhD)
✅ Travel allowance
✅ Health insurance
✅ Research grants (for PhD students)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have a bachelor’s degree (usually second-class upper or higher).
- Must have minimum two years of work experience (for postgraduate programs).
- Must apply for an eligible course in a German university.
Application Timeline:
Opens: August
Closes: December
How to Apply:
1. Select a course from the DAAD database at https://www.daad.de
2. Apply online and submit academic transcripts, motivation letter, and work experience documents.
3. If shortlisted, attend an interview at the German Embassy.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Description:
The Fulbright Program is a prestigious scholarship funded by the U.S. government for students from over 160 countries, including Nigeria, to study master’s and PhD programs in the United States.
Coverage:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Health insurance
✅ Airfare
✅ Research grants
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Must have a bachelor’s degree (second-class upper or higher).
- Must have a strong academic record and leadership potential.
- Must return to Nigeria after completing the program.
Application Timeline:
Opens: February
Closes: May
How to Apply:
1. Apply via https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
2. Submit academic records, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
3. If shortlisted, take the GRE/TOEFL exams and attend an interview.
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Description:
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship provides full funding for high-achieving African students, including Nigerians, to study in top universities across Africa, the USA, Canada, and Europe.
Coverage:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Accommodation and living expenses
✅ Airfare
✅ Books and study materials
Partner Universities:
- University of Toronto (Canada)
- University of British Columbia (Canada)
- University of Edinburgh (UK)
- African Leadership University (Rwanda)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen from a low-income background.
- Must have strong academic performance.
- Must demonstrate leadership potential.
Application Timeline:
Varies by university (usually between October–March).
How to Apply:
1. Apply through the university’s Mastercard Foundation website.
2. Submit academic records, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship (Europe)
Description:
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship funds international students to study in multiple European countries under a joint master’s degree program.
Coverage:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend (€1,100–€1,500)
✅ Travel costs
✅ Insurance
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have a bachelor’s degree (second-class upper or higher).
- Must apply for an eligible Erasmus Mundus master’s program.
Application Timeline:
Opens: October
Closes: January
How to Apply:
1. Visit the Erasmus Mundus catalog at https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu
2. Select a program and apply directly to the coordinating university.
3. Submit academic transcripts, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
Tips for Winning Fully Funded Scholarships
✅ Start Early: Begin researching and preparing your application 6–12 months before the deadline.
✅ Write a Strong Personal Statement: Clearly explain your academic achievements, career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.
✅ Get Strong Recommendations: Choose referees (professors, employers) who know your work well.
✅ Meet All Requirements: Double-check eligibility criteria, required documents, and deadlines.
✅Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t rely on just one—apply to as many as possible to increase your chances.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded scholarships provide Nigerian students with the chance to study abroad without financial burden. However, they are highly competitive, requiring strong academic records, leadership potential, and a well-prepared application. If you plan early, tailor your applications, and showcase your achievements effectively, you can significantly increase your chances of success.
Would you like help reviewing your scholarship application or personal statement? You can contact me by email at wale.fatunwase@outlook.com.
See you on the next one. Cheers.
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