For many ambitious Nigerian students, the dream of pursuing higher education abroad is often clouded by financial barriers. However, a wealth of fully funded scholarships exists, offering incredible opportunities to study at world-class institutions without the burden of tuition fees or living costs. These scholarships are not just about academic excellence; they seek to cultivate future leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will return to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development. If you’re a Nigerian looking to further your education globally in 2025-2026, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most sought-after fully funded scholarships, detailing their benefits, eligibility, and crucial deadlines.
Why Study Abroad on a Scholarship?
Studying abroad offers an unparalleled experience: exposure to diverse cultures, access to cutting-edge research and facilities, networking with global professionals, and the development of a broader worldview. Fully funded scholarships make this dream a reality by covering not just tuition, but often living expenses, travel, health insurance, and more, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and personal growth.
Featured Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians: 2025-2026 Intake
Here’s a breakdown of prominent scholarships, categorized by country and academic level, with a focus on fields relevant to Nigeria’s growth:
1. United Kingdom
Chevening Scholarship (Master’s) This scholarship offers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return airfare, an arrival allowance, and travel costs for visa applications. To be eligible, you must be a Nigerian citizen, hold an undergraduate degree that allows entry into a UK Master’s program, and have at least two years of work experience (which can be combined from multiple roles). You also need to apply to three different eligible UK universities and receive an unconditional offer from at least one. Chevening is open to all subjects, including Engineering, Technology, Public Health, Finance, and Data Science. Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle typically open in August and close in early November (e.g., November 5, 2024, for 2025 entry). Interview shortlisting usually begins mid-February 2025, with interviews from February to April 2025, and results in June 2025. The unconditional university offer deadline is typically early July 2025.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (Master’s) This scholarship covers tuition fees, a living allowance, travel, and research grants. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (including Nigeria) and be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship. You must also pursue an eligible Master’s course at a participating UK university. These scholarships often prioritize development-related fields, which can include Public Health, Renewable Energy, Agri-business, and various engineering disciplines. Deadlines typically open in early December and close around March of the following year. Specific deadlines for 2025-2026 will be announced.
University-Specific Scholarships (Various Levels) Many UK universities offer their own fully funded scholarships for international students. Examples include the Gates Cambridge Scholarship (for Master’s and PhD studies, covering the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, though it’s highly competitive) and the University of Birmingham West Africa Postgraduate Chancellor’s Scholarship (which offers £10,000 for select Nigerian students, a significant partial funding opportunity). Deadlines vary widely by university and program, often ranging from December to May for the next academic year.
2. United States of America
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Master’s, PhD) This program covers tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. Eligibility requires you to be a Nigerian citizen, hold a Bachelor’s degree (with a minimum second-class upper for Master’s/PhD), demonstrate a strong academic record and leadership potential, and commit to returning to Nigeria after your studies. Fulbright is open to various fields, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Public Health, Communications, and more. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year for Master’s/PhD typically open in February/March and close in May/June of the preceding year. For the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) for teachers, program dates are Spring 2026 (starting late Jan 2026) and Fall 2026 (starting Sep 2026).
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) This program provides comprehensive support, including full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, mentorship, leadership development, internship, and career support. You must be an academically talented African youth with leadership potential and significant financial need. Specific requirements vary by partner university (for example, Pan-Atlantic University in Nigeria has its own criteria for their local program). The program covers a wide range of fields, often including Technology, Engineering, Agri-business, and Public Health, aligning with the Foundation’s focus on inclusive development. Deadlines vary significantly by partner institution. For example, Pan-Atlantic University’s program for 2025/2026 is currently open, with an unspecified deadline. Keep an eye out for calls from partner universities across the US and Africa.
University-Specific Scholarships (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) Many top US universities offer need-based or merit-based scholarships that can amount to full funding. Examples include the Yale University Scholarship (need-based grant aid for undergraduates) and Stanford University Scholarships (various fully funded opportunities based on merit and need for Master’s and PhD). Deadlines vary. Undergraduate applications usually close in November-January for the next academic year. Postgraduate deadlines are also typically in the fall/winter preceding the academic year.
3. Canada
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Master’s, PhD) This scholarship covers C$50,000 per year for up to three years for Master’s and Doctoral studies. You need to demonstrate excellent academic achievement, research potential, and leadership skills. A nomination by a Canadian university is required. Relevant fields include health research, natural sciences and/or engineering research, and social sciences and/or humanities research. Universities usually set internal deadlines for nominations, typically in September/October before the official November deadline.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at University of Toronto (Undergraduate) This scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. Eligibility requires exceptional academic achievement and leadership, and you must be nominated by your high school. It is open to all fields of study. The high school nomination deadline is usually in November, with the student application deadline in January.
University-Specific Scholarships Many Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students. Examples include Algoma University’s various entrance awards for undergraduates. Deadlines are highly variable, so it’s best to check individual university websites.
4. Germany
DAAD Scholarships (Master’s, PhD) This scholarship covers a monthly stipend (€934 for Master’s, €1,300 for PhD), full tuition, travel allowance, health insurance, and other support. You must be a Nigerian citizen, hold a Bachelor’s degree (with a minimum second-class upper preferred), and typically have two years of relevant professional experience (for some programs), having completed your undergraduate studies within the last six years. DAAD scholarships are highly focused on Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS), which include Public Policy, Good Governance, Renewable Energy, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. Deadlines are highly dependent on the chosen program and university, but common deadlines fall between August and October 2025 for the 2026 intake.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) This is a fully funded scholarship, including tuition, a monthly stipend, and travel. Eligibility is based on social and political engagement, academic achievement, and personal character. It is open to various fields, often with a focus on social justice and development. Deadlines vary, but typically fall around November 30 and May 31 each year.
5. Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships (Master’s, PhD) This scholarship covers full tuition fees, return air travel, an establishment allowance, living expenses, and health cover. To be eligible, you must be a Nigerian citizen, be a minimum age of 25, and have at least five years of post-graduate work experience in a field relevant to your study. Priority areas include Agriculture and Food Security, Climate Change, Foreign Policy, Gender, Disability & Social Inclusion, and Mining & Energy. Applications typically open in February and close in April (e.g., April 30, 2025, for 2026 intake).
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (Master’s, PhD) This scholarship provides a tuition fee offset and a living stipend. It is open to international students undertaking a research degree. Relevant fields include all research fields offered by Australian universities. Deadlines vary by university, with many opening between September and December.
6. China
Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC) (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) This scholarship offers a tuition waiver, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance. You must be a Nigerian citizen and meet the age and academic requirements for your chosen level of study. It covers a wide range of disciplines across various Chinese universities. Typically, applications through the Nigerian Embassy/Consulate are around September (e.g., September 30, 2025, for the 2026/2027 academic year). University-direct applications can have earlier deadlines.
7. Japan
MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho) (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Training) This scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly allowance, and round-trip airfare. You must be a Nigerian citizen and meet the age and academic requirements (for example, a GPA of 2.3 out of 3.0 or above). It covers a wide range of fields across Japanese universities. Application periods vary by the Japanese Embassy/Consulate, but often fall around May (e.g., Mid-May 2025 for 2026 entry).
8. Netherlands
HAN Scholarship (Bachelor’s, Master’s) This scholarship from HAN University of Applied Sciences offers financial support, typically €2,500 per semester for Bachelor’s (first two semesters, then yearly with ECTS credits) and €2,500 per semester for Master’s (total €5,000). Honors Scholarships may provide additional funding. To be eligible, you must be a non-EU/EEA national (including Nigeria), not have previously studied at a Dutch higher institution, be admitted into a full-time, English-taught program at HAN University, and demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 90+). It covers various fields like Engineering, Business, and Social Sciences. The application deadline for this scholarship is October 1, 2025.
NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) (Undergraduate, Master’s) This scholarship, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, offers €5,000, typically in the first year of studies. It provides access to top Dutch universities. Eligibility requires you to be from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), be applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s program at a Dutch research university or university of applied sciences, meet specific program entry requirements (including English proficiency), and not have dual citizenship with an EU/EEA country or have previously studied in the Netherlands. Deadlines for the NL Scholarship 2025-2026 may vary, so checking the official website of the host educational institution is recommended.
9. Switzerland
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Research, PhD, Postdoctoral, Arts Master’s) These scholarships are awarded annually to promote international exchange and research cooperation. For Research, PhD, and Postdoctoral scholarships, they are available to post-graduate researchers (Master’s degree minimum) planning to conduct research or further studies at doctoral or post-doctoral level. For Arts scholarships, they are open to art students pursuing an initial arts Master’s degree. The research scholarships provide a monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 for PhD and research, and CHF 3,500 for postdoctoral. Art scholarships also offer CHF 1,920 monthly. Note that the scholarship does not typically cover tuition fees, though some universities might waive them. You must have completed your Master’s degree before July 31, 2025 (for research/PhD) or your Bachelor’s degree before July 31, 2025 (for arts Master’s). Applicants for research must have a research proposal and a mandatory letter from an academic host professor in Switzerland. You must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Switzerland and not have resided in Switzerland for more than one year at the time of application. Deadlines for submission typically fall between September and December 2025, varying by country.
10. South Korea
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) Funded by the Korean government, GKS is one of the most competitive and comprehensive scholarships. It offers 100% tuition fee coverage, a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, medical insurance, and one year of Korean language training. Eligibility varies by program and level, but generally requires a strong academic record. Deadlines vary; check the official GKS website for specific dates for the 2025-2026 academic year, as applications usually open in February/March for university track and September/October for embassy track.
KOICA Scholarship (Master’s, PhD) Offered by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, this fully funded program targets public officials from partner countries of OECD Regions, including Nigeria. It covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, and travel. You must be officially recommended by your government and be a public official or employee of a publicly-affiliated organization. Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle for Nigeria often have an internal government deadline (e.g., June 20, 2025) before the official KOICA interview stage.
KAIST University Scholarships (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers full scholarships for international students in science, engineering, and technology. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, a monthly allowance, and health insurance. You need a good academic record. Deadlines vary by admission period (e.g., Early Admission Period: September 20 – October 24, 2025; Regular Admission Period: November 6, 2025 – January 7, 2026).
11. Turkey
Türkiye Scholarships (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) This is a government-funded, competitive scholarship program offered to outstanding international students and researchers. It provides full tuition fee coverage, free accommodation, monthly stipends, health insurance, a one-year free Turkish language course, and a once-off flight ticket. Eligibility requires you to be a citizen of any country other than Turkey, meet specific academic achievement percentages (e.g., 70% for Bachelor’s, 75% for Master’s/PhD), and meet age criteria (Under 21 for Bachelor’s, Under 30 for Master’s, Under 35 for PhD). The application period for the 2025-2026 academic year typically opens on January 10, 2025, and closes on February 20, 2025.
Koç University Scholarship (Postgraduate – Master’s, PhD) This scholarship offers fully funded Master’s and PhD programs. Benefits for PhD students include full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend of 6,000–8,000 TL, free furnished housing, private health insurance, and annual travel support for academic events. Master’s students also receive a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. Scholarships are automatically awarded to admitted students who meet the requirements. Important dates vary by program, but a common application deadline is May 15, 2025, for Fall 2025 programs.
Important Tips for Your Application:
Start Early: Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive, so begin preparing your applications, essays, and gathering documents months in advance.
Meet All Requirements: Pay close attention to eligibility criteria, including academic grades, work experience, age limits, and English language proficiency tests (like IELTS or TOEFL).
Strong Motivation Letter/Statement of Purpose: Clearly explain your academic and career goals, how the scholarship will help you achieve them, and how you plan to contribute to Nigeria upon your return.
Strong References: Choose referees who know you well and can speak positively about your academic abilities, work ethic, and leadership potential.
Proofread Thoroughly: Always ensure your application is completely free of errors.
Check Official Websites: Always cross-reference information and confirm deadlines on the official scholarship and university websites. Remember that deadlines can change.
