Every year, thousands of Nigerian students dream of studying abroad, but the financial burden can often feel overwhelming.
Here’s the good news, there are plenty of fully-funded scholarships specifically designed for Nigerian students to help make that dream come true.
These scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and even living expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies.
This article brings together some of the best fully-funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2025.
Whether you’re aiming for a master’s, Ph.D., or even an undergraduate degree, there are scholarships in the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and even Asia just waiting for your application.
So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s walk through the options that can set you on the path to an amazing study-abroad experience.
Key Takeaways
• Fully-funded scholarships provide financial support covering tuition, living costs, and more.
• Scholarships like Chevening, Fulbright, DAAD, and Erasmus Mundus cater specifically to Nigerian students.
• Preparation is key: start early, show leadership, and have a strong statement of purpose.
• Taking action now can lead to an incredible, life-changing opportunity abroad.
Why Fully-Funded Scholarships?
Fully-funded scholarships are the golden ticket for many Nigerian students because they take care of all costs.
Imagine not having to worry about tuition, accommodation, or living expenses.
This kind of support allows you to focus entirely on your education and get the best experience possible from studying abroad.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about working extra jobs or taking on heavy student loans.
Sound like a dream? Let’s make it a reality by exploring the top scholarships available in 2025.
Fully-Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards for students from developing countries, including Nigeria. It’s funded by the UK government and covers a master’s degree at any UK university.
- What it Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees, and even a settling-in allowance.
- Who Can Apply? You must have at least two years of work experience and a bachelor’s degree. The application is open to any field of study, giving you complete freedom to choose your course.
The Chevening Scholarship isn’t just about financial support; it’s about building a community of future leaders. If you’re passionate about returning to Nigeria to make a difference after your studies, this scholarship could be perfect for you.
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program is globally recognized and offers full funding for Nigerian students pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. in the United States. This program emphasizes cultural exchange, so if you’re interested in sharing Nigerian culture while learning about the U.S., this might be your best fit.
- What it Covers: Tuition, health insurance, travel costs, and monthly living stipends.
- Who Can Apply? Nigerian students with strong academic records, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service.
The Fulbright program is highly competitive, but it offers an incredible network of Fulbright alumni who can open doors for you in both the U.S. and Nigeria.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship (Europe)
Europe has its own set of scholarships, and the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the best for Nigerian students. This program lets you study in multiple countries across Europe, giving you the chance to experience diverse cultures while completing a master’s degree.
- What it Covers: Full tuition, travel allowance, installation costs, and a monthly stipend.
- Who Can Apply? The scholarship is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields. Each Erasmus Mundus program has its own requirements, so you should check the specific eligibility details for the course you want.
With Erasmus Mundus, you can study in up to three countries, from France to Spain or Germany, depending on your program. If you’re open to new cultures and languages, this is one to check out.
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to Nigerian students at all levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. Germany is known for its high-quality education, and the DAAD scholarship makes studying there even more attractive.
- What it Covers: Tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
- Who Can Apply? Generally, you need a bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant work experience. DAAD also values community service, so highlight any volunteering experience.
Germany is a hub for research and innovation, and the DAAD scholarship can open doors to cutting-edge technology, science, and humanities programs. This is ideal for those who want to gain deep expertise in their field.
5. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully-funded scholarships for Nigerian students from Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate degrees in the UK. It’s one of the most prestigious awards and emphasizes areas that benefit developing countries, like healthcare, education, and sustainability.
- What it Covers: Tuition, airfare, personal maintenance allowance, and a thesis grant.
- Who Can Apply? The scholarship is available to students with strong academic records who want to pursue master’s or Ph.D. programs in fields that align with development goals.
This scholarship is ideal if you have a passion for contributing to Nigeria’s development and are interested in fields that can bring practical solutions to community challenges.
6. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
The MasterCard Foundation provides scholarships to African students, including Nigerians, to study at partner universities in the U.S., Canada, and Africa. The goal is to support talented young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who can later contribute to Africa’s progress.
- What it Covers: Tuition, living expenses, travel, and academic resources.
- Who Can Apply? You must have an excellent academic record and demonstrate leadership potential. Each partner university may have slightly different requirements, so check the specific criteria.
This program aims to build a network of “next-generation leaders” for Africa. If you’re driven to make a difference in Nigeria, the MasterCard Foundation could be an ideal stepping stone.
7. Australia Awards Scholarship
Australia might be far from home, but the Australia Awards Scholarship provides Nigerian students with full funding for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in various fields, including engineering, healthcare, and business.
- What it Covers: Tuition, travel costs, living allowance, health insurance, and a settling-in allowance.
- Who Can Apply? Generally, applicants should be early- or mid-career professionals committed to making a positive impact in Nigeria after graduation.
This scholarship also includes an introductory program to help international students settle in Australia, making it a supportive option for students new to studying abroad.
8. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
The Japanese Government’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers scholarships for Nigerian students to study at Japanese universities. This scholarship supports bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. students across a range of fields.
- What it Covers: Full tuition, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend for living costs.
- Who Can Apply? Applicants must have excellent academic records and be interested in learning about Japanese culture.
This scholarship also offers Japanese language training, so if you’re open to learning a new language and adapting to a unique culture, MEXT could be a wonderful opportunity.
9. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
Sweden offers a fully-funded scholarship for master’s level students from developing countries, including Nigeria. This scholarship emphasizes professional development and leadership, perfect for those who want to drive change in their communities.
- What it Covers: Tuition, living expenses, and travel grant.
- Who Can Apply? Nigerian students with work experience and a strong interest in leadership roles within Nigeria’s development.
Studying in Sweden offers the chance to experience an innovative educational environment, especially in fields like technology, sustainability, and business.
Tips for Applying to Fully-Funded Scholarships
Applying for scholarships takes time and careful preparation. Here are some tips to help Nigerian students make the most of these opportunities:
- Start Early: Most fully-funded scholarships have strict deadlines. Starting early allows you to gather all the necessary documents and polish your application.
- Personalize Each Application: Scholarship committees want to see why you’re passionate about studying in their country or university. Show genuine interest in their program and explain how it fits with your goals.
- Show Leadership and Community Service: Many scholarships, especially for Nigerian students, emphasize leadership skills and a commitment to community. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience.
- Prepare a Strong Statement of Purpose: This is your chance to showcase your story, ambitions, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to Nigeria’s development.
- Secure Recommendations: Strong recommendations from teachers, employers, or mentors can boost your application. Choose people who know you well and can speak to your skills and potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does “fully-funded” mean?
It means the scholarship covers all major expenses—tuition, living costs, travel, and sometimes even health insurance. - Are there fully-funded scholarships for undergraduates?
Yes, scholarships like the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program and Australia Awards offer fully-funded options for undergraduate students. - How competitive are these scholarships?
They’re competitive but achievable! Strong academics, leadership, and community service can boost your chances. - Can I work while studying on these scholarships?
Most scholarships discourage or limit work. However, some countries allow part-time work with a student visa. - What documents are needed to apply?
Usually, you need academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, English proficiency proof, and a CV.
Final Thoughts
Securing a fully-funded scholarship as a Nigerian student is no small feat, but with the right preparation and persistence, it’s very possible.
These scholarships not only cover your expenses but also offer access to global networks, world-class education, and experiences that can shape your future.
Each of the scholarships we’ve covered has unique requirements, so it’s crucial to identify the ones that align with your goals.
Invest time in researching, preparing, and reaching out to past scholarship winners if possible.
With each application, you’re one step closer to making your study-abroad dreams come true.
