Are you a Nigerian student dreaming of studying abroad without the heavy burden of tuition fees, accommodation costs, or living expenses? You’re not alone — and the good news is, 2025 is brimming with opportunities for ambitious students like you.
Fully funded scholarships have become more accessible than ever, with many international programs specifically encouraging applications from Nigerian and other African students. Whether you’re looking to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies, there’s likely a scholarship tailored to your academic goals.
In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships available to Nigerian students in 2025, including details on what they cover, eligibility, and how to apply.
🥇 1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and a monthly stipend
Level: Master’s
Deadline: November 2025 (for the 2026 intake)
The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government-funded program that supports outstanding students from around the world, including Nigeria. It’s designed for future leaders and change-makers, offering access to any one-year master’s program at a UK university.
Why it’s great for Nigerians: Many Chevening alumni from Nigeria have gone on to occupy leadership positions in government, NGOs, and the private sector.
👉 Apply via: www.chevening.org
🌍 2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Coverage: Full tuition, travel expenses, and living stipend
Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
Deadline: Typically October–December
Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this scholarship targets students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries — including Nigeria — who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Tip: Strong academic records and a clear development impact statement are key to winning this award.
👉 Apply via: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
🇺🇸 3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Coverage: Tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance
Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
Deadline: Varies by country; Nigerian applications usually open from February to May
The Fulbright Program, funded by the U.S. government, is one of the most competitive and prestigious international scholarship schemes. It promotes cross-cultural exchange and academic excellence.
Good to know: The Nigerian Fulbright Commission also supports Nigerian lecturers and researchers for short-term programs in U.S. universities.
👉 Apply via: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
🇩🇪 4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Coverage: Tuition-free education, monthly living allowance (~€934), travel, health, and sometimes family allowances
Level: Postgraduate (mostly Master’s, Ph.D.)
Deadline: Usually between September and December (varies by course)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a top choice for Nigerian students seeking high-quality education in Germany. Courses are available in English and German, particularly in fields like engineering, public policy, and development.
Pro tip: Look out for the “EPOS” programs — these are development-related postgraduate courses designed for students from the Global South.
👉 Apply via: www.daad.de
🇪🇺 5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (€1,100–€1,500), travel, and installation costs
Level: Master’s
Deadline: October to January (varies by program)
Erasmus Mundus offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in at least two (sometimes three) European countries during your master’s program. It’s highly competitive but offers extensive benefits and a rich cultural experience.
What stands out: The scholarship not only pays for your studies but allows you to build a pan-European academic and professional network.
👉 Apply via: www.eacea.ec.europa.eu
🇯🇵 6. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel to and from Japan
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D., and non-degree research
Deadline: April–June (varies by embassy)
The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) scholarship is Japan’s official government scholarship program. It supports Nigerian students who want to study in Japanese universities in various fields.
Bonus: No Japanese language skills are needed at the start — courses are offered in English, and language training is provided.
👉 Apply via: The Embassy of Japan in Nigeria – www.ng.emb-japan.go.jp
🌍 7. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa-wide)
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, books, monthly allowance, and travel
Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
Partner Institutions: University of Cape Town, Sciences Po, McGill University, University of Edinburgh, and others
Deadline: Varies by partner university
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to empower the next generation of African leaders by removing the financial barriers to education. It focuses on students from economically disadvantaged communities with strong academic potential and leadership qualities.
Strong point: It goes beyond funding — students receive mentorship, leadership training, and internship support.
👉 Apply via: Individual partner universities
🌍 8. African Union Scholarships – Pan African University
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, travel allowance, and monthly stipend
Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
Deadline: Around June–August
This scholarship supports students studying at Pan African University (PAU) institutes across Africa in fields like basic sciences, life sciences, governance, and water and energy sciences.
Unique aspect: PAU promotes African integration through regional campuses and collaborative research.
👉 Apply via: www.pau-au.africa
🇫🇷 9. Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po, France)
Coverage: Up to €13,000 per year
Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
Deadline: December–January
This scholarship was created to attract the best international students from outside the European Union to study at Sciences Po, one of Europe’s most prestigious universities.
Heads up: It’s not open to all fields, so make sure your desired program is eligible.
👉 Apply via: www.sciencespo.fr
🌐 10. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Coverage: Full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, plus additional funding for family, fieldwork, etc.
Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
Deadline: December (for international applicants)
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this elite scholarship supports exceptional applicants from outside the UK. Nigerian students with outstanding academic records and leadership qualities have consistently been shortlisted.
👉 Apply via: www.gatescambridge.org
✍️ Final Thoughts
The opportunities for Nigerian students to study abroad in 2025 are more abundant than ever. Whether your interests lie in public policy, technology, medicine, or social sciences, there’s a fully funded scholarship out there with your name on it.
But here’s the catch — these scholarships are very competitive. Don’t wait till the deadline. Start preparing early: gather your academic documents, write a compelling personal statement, line up strong referees, and polish your resume.
🌟 Remember: Your background doesn’t limit your future. These scholarships are proof that talent, when combined with effort and strategy, can break through any barrier.