Are you a Nigerian student looking to study abroad or at a top university without financial stress? In 2025, numerous fully funded scholarships are available for Nigerian students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes even stipends—offering a chance to earn a world-class education for free.
In this guide, we highlight the top 10 fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2025, their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Overview: Sponsored by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships support exceptional students for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Benefits:
Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Travel and visa costs
Arrival allowance
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree (minimum second-class upper)
At least two years of work experience
Demonstrated leadership potential
Application Deadline: November 2024
2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Overview: Available to students from developing Commonwealth nations, this scholarship funds postgraduate studies in the UK.
Benefits:
Full tuition
Living stipend
Travel and research allowances
Eligibility:
Nigerian citizenship
Academic excellence
Study program relevant to development
Application Deadline: December 2024
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Overview: The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships to Nigerian graduates for postgraduate study and research in Germany.
Benefits:
Monthly allowance
Tuition (if applicable)
Travel and health insurance
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum two years of professional experience
English or German proficiency
Application Deadline: Varies by program
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
Overview: Offers Nigerians the opportunity to study in two or more European countries through a joint master’s program.
Benefits:
Tuition
Monthly stipend
Travel and installation costs
Eligibility:
Strong academic record
Bachelor’s degree
Language proficiency (usually English)
Application Deadline: Between October 2024 and January 2025
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Overview: Funded by the U.S. government, this program offers Nigerian students the chance to pursue graduate studies in U.S. universities.
Benefits:
Tuition
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Airfare
Eligibility:
Completed undergraduate education
Strong academic and leadership potential
Application Deadline: May 2025
6. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Overview: Supports academically talented but economically disadvantaged students from Africa at top universities in the US, UK, and Africa.
Benefits:
Full tuition
Living expenses
Academic support
Leadership training
Eligibility:
Academic excellence
Proven financial need
Commitment to community development
Application Deadline: Varies by partner institution
7. Australia Awards Scholarships
Overview: Offered by the Australian government for postgraduate studies in key development areas.
Benefits:
Full tuition
Return airfare
Establishment allowance
Living expenses
Eligibility:
Nigerian nationality
Academic qualifications relevant to development sectors
Application Deadline: April 2025
8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Overview: Supports world-class PhD students studying in Canada.
Benefits:
CAD $50,000 per year for three years
Eligibility:
Outstanding academic performance
Research potential
Leadership ability
Application Deadline: November 2024
9. PTDF Overseas Scholarship (Nigeria)
Overview: Offered by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund for Nigerian students studying oil and gas-related programs overseas.
Benefits:
Tuition
Flights
Health insurance
Living allowance
Eligibility:
Relevant undergraduate degree
Academic merit
Nigerian citizenship
Application Deadline: March 2025
10. NLNG Postgraduate Scholarship (UK)
Overview: Sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited, this scholarship funds master’s degrees in the UK for high-achieving Nigerian graduates.
Benefits:
Tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Accommodation and travel
Eligibility:
Second-class upper degree
Age 30 or below
Valid Nigerian passport
Application Deadline: April 2025
Final Tips to Secure a Scholarship
Start early: Research and prepare months before deadlines.
Customize applications: Tailor your personal statement and CV to each scholarship.
Show impact: Highlight leadership, volunteer work, and community service.
Stay organized: Keep track of deadlines and required documents.
With proper planning, dedication, and the right information, securing a fully funded scholarship in 2025 is 100% possible. Whether you want to study in the UK, US, Germany, or Canada, there’s a scholarship out there waiting for you.
Don’t miss out—start your application journey today!