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Scholarships to Study Abroad for Nigerian Students in 2026: Your Complete Guide

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If you’re a Nigerian student dreaming of studying abroad in 2026, you’re not alone. Thousands of Nigerians pursue this opportunity every year with world-class education, explore new cultures, and improve career prospects. There are a lot of fully funded or partially funded scholarships out there specifically open to Nigerians. 


Studying abroad isn’t just about the degree; it’s life-changing. You’ll build networks, gain independence, and return with skills that can transform your career and even contribute to Nigeria’s growth. Many of these scholarships prioritize candidates who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact upon returning to Nigeria. We’ve put together the top study abroad scholarships for Nigerian students, how to find them, and practical tips to help you submit a winning application.

This guide was prepared by StudyAbroadly advisors who support Nigerian students with admissions, scholarships, and student visa guidance.

Why Scholarship Programmes are Important

Right now, popular destinations like the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and Australia are seeing record numbers of Nigerian applicants. But tuition fees can run into millions of Nigerian naira, plus living expenses, flights, and visas. Scholarships cover most or all of that.

Government funded ones like Chevening or Commonwealth are super competitive, but Nigerians do incredibly well. In recent years, we’ve had hundreds selected. University specific awards and programs like Erasmus Mundus are also great options with less intense competition sometimes.

Type of Study Abroad Scholarship Programmes for International Students

Scholarships are in different forms, and understanding the differences helps you leverage the right opportunities. Here are the most common types of study abroad scholarships for Nigerian and international students

Merit-based scholarships

Merit-based scholarship programmes are awarded to students with strong academic performance, leadership experience, or outstanding achievements. Students with excellent results, high GPAs, or strong extracurricular achievements are strong candidates for these awards.

Need based scholarship programmes are given to students who require financial support due to their limited finances. Applicants are usually required to provide financial documents to prove their need

They typically cover most or all study expenses, including tuition fees, living costs, flights, and health insurance.

They cover only part of the tuition fees or living costs. While not full, they make studying abroad more affordable and can be combined with other funding sources.

These scholarship programmes are offered specifically by universities to international students and Nigerian students, sometimes automatically after admission.

These scholarship programmes are sponsored by governments or official agencies and usually offer strong financial support.

These are awarded to students studying certain fields such as engineering, health, business, or technology. These help countries and universities build expertise in priority sectors.

Some governments create scholarship programmes specifically for students from developing countries. These awards are aimed at building global connections and supporting development in recipients’ home countries.

These scholarship programmes are offered by NGOs, foundations, and private organizations based on merit, need, or impact.

These scholarship programmes are awarded to students with exceptional abilities in sports, arts, or other talents.

Top Fully or Partial Funded Scholarships for Nigerians in 2026

“Update – December 2025: Application cycles for 2026-27 intakes vary. Chevening, Fulbright Nigeria, and Australia Awards Africa closed earlier in 2025. Commonwealth Scholarships are currently open/closing soon (check official site). Opportunities like Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (deadlines often Dec 2025–Feb 2026), DAAD (varies by program, many into 2026), and GREAT Scholarships (applications open now, university-specific deadlines into 2026) are still accessible. Always verify exact deadlines on official websites immediately.”

1.  Chevening Scholarships (UK)

This is one of the most famous scholarship programme for Nigerian students. A Fully funded one year Master’s program in any UK university. The Scholarship covers full tuition fee, return flights, visa fee and monthly living allowance.  To be eligible for Chevening Scholarships, a minimum of 2 years work experience, strong leadership potential and commitment to return to Nigeria is required. 

 2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

This is a fully funded scholarship designed for students from Commonwealth countries like Nigeria for Master’s and PhD programs focused on development related fields like education, health, agriculture, technology. The Scholarship covers tuition fee, return flights, visa fee , research  grants and monthly living allowance.

 3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

It’s one of the most recognized international scholarship programme, funded by the US government to provide full support for Master’s or PhD/research in American universities. The Scholarship covers tuition fee, return flights, visa fee, insurance and monthly living allowance. Nigerians are among the Africa recipients of the Scholarship. Applications are via US Embassy Nigeria.

 4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The DAAD offers a variety of scholarship programmes for Nigerian students at different levels. DAAD scholarships are aimed primarily at graduates, doctoral students and postdocs and are awarded for study and research visits to universities and non-university research institutions in Germany. Many DAAD funded courses are taught in English making them easier; the scholarship covers monthly stipend (€934-€1,200), insurance and travel cost.

 5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships are high level and integrated study programs, at master level. They are designed and delivered by an international partnership of higher education institutions. The scholarship covers €1,400/month stipend , tuition and travel cost.Deadlines vary by program but often start October-December for the following year.

6. Australia Awards Africa

Australia Awards Africa is an Australian Government program for Africa offering Masters and Short Course scholarships for study in Australia.The scholarship typically covers tuition,flight ticket,health (Overseas student health cover) and living allowance.

7. GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships offer students the opportunity to receive £10,000 reduction in tuition fees for a wide range of one year taught postgraduate courses in the 2026-27 academic year at universities across the UK.

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How to Find and Apply for Scholarships to Study Abroad?

Scholarships can make a huge difference in making your studies more affordable. Applying early and preparing well can improve your chances. This guide aims to make the whole process a little easier and seamless


1) Decide the course or field you’d like to study, the level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD), and your preferred countries. This helps you to save and only chase scholarships that fit your plans.

2) Always visit official websites of scholarship portals, embassy pages, or government websites for accurate information about deadlines, requirements, and eligibility.

3) Look under international students, funding, or scholarships on universities’ official websites. Most universities have scholarships specifically for international or Nigerian students.

4) Get your transcripts, reference letters, personal statements, CV, and English test results (IELTS/TOEFL) early to ensure your application is complete

5) Reach out to Nigerians already studying abroad. Join WhatsApp groups, Facebook communities, Chevening/Commonwealth alumni networks, or forums like Nairaland.

Need Assistance? Contact StudyAbroadly

Scholarships to Study Abroad for Nigerians FAQs

General Scholarship FAQs for Nigerians

1. Can Nigerians get scholarships to study abroad?

Yes. Nigerians get scholarships every year to study in countries like the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia, and Europe. These scholarships are offered by universities, governments, and private organizations and are open to international students from Nigeria.

Yes. Some scholarships are designed specifically for Nigerian students or Africans. These country- or region-focused scholarships usually have less competition than global scholarships.

It depends on the scholarship.
Some scholarships require you to already have an admission offer, while others allow you to apply while your admission is still in progress. Always check the requirements carefully.

Yes. Fully funded scholarships are available to Nigerians and can cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, flight tickets, and health insurance. They are competitive, but many Nigerians win them every year.

For undergraduate scholarships, strong WAEC or equivalent results are important.
 For postgraduate scholarships, most providers require a good bachelor’s degree, strong academic transcripts, and sometimes relevant work experience.

Not always. Some universities waive English language tests if you studied in English. However, many scholarships still require IELTS, TOEFL, or another approved English test.

Yes. Nigerians are encouraged to apply for several scholarships at once. Many students combine partial scholarships with family support or other funding options to cover the full cost of studying abroad.

Ideally, Nigerians should start searching and preparing 8–12 months before their intended intake. Many scholarships close early, sometimes before university admission deadlines.

No. Genuine scholarships are free to apply for. Any scholarship asking for payment or promising a “guaranteed scholarship” should be avoided.

Common mistakes include missing deadlines, applying without checking eligibility, submitting weak or copied personal statements, and relying on unverified agents or social media offers.

UK Scholarship FAQs for Nigerians

11. Can Nigerians get scholarships to study in the UK?

Yes. Many UK universities offer scholarships for Nigerian and international students. These include merit-based, need-based, and course-specific scholarships.

Yes. Fully funded UK scholarships exist and may cover tuition, living expenses, and flights. These are very competitive but open to qualified Nigerian students.

Some UK universities automatically consider Nigerian applicants for scholarships once they apply for admission, while others require a separate scholarship application.

Canada Scholarship FAQs for Nigerians

14. Can Nigerians get scholarships to study in Canada?

Yes. Canadian universities and institutions offer scholarships for international students, including Nigerians, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Most Canadian scholarships are partial, but some fully funded or highly funded options exist, especially for postgraduate studies and research programs.

Yes. International students in Canada are usually allowed to work part-time while studying, which helps Nigerians support themselves alongside scholarships.

Canada Scholarship FAQs for Nigerians

17. Can Nigerians get scholarships to study in the USA?

Yes. Many US universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students from Nigeria, especially based on academic merit and leadership potential.

Yes. Fully funded scholarships are available, particularly at postgraduate level. These may cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.

Some universities and scholarships require standardized tests, while others waive them. Requirements vary by school and program, so Nigerians should check carefully.

Extras

20. Is it easier to get a scholarship as an undergraduate or postgraduate?

Postgraduate scholarships are generally easier to find and better funded. However, Nigerians can still get undergraduate scholarships with strong academic results.

Yes. Many Nigerians study abroad using partial scholarships, family support, savings, or a combination of funding options.

Yes. Having a scholarship can strengthen your visa application because it shows proof of funding and reduces financial risk.

This guide is for planning study abroad starting in 2026 or later. As of December 2025, application cycles for most 2026-27 scholarships have closed. Use this information to prepare for 2027 intakes and always check official websites for the latest deadlines and availability

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