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Are you a Nigerian student dreaming of studying abroad and getting a world-class higher education, but worried about the financial burden? The good news is that there are a lot of fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students like you. These scholarships let you go to well-known colleges and universities around the world and study a wide range of subjects and majors in many different disciplines. From Engineering and medicine to Business and Social Science or any other field, there’s a scholarship waiting to match your academic aspirations and propel you towards a successful career. This guide will give you the information and resources you need to find 10 fully funded scholarships as a Nigerian.
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What is a Fully-Funded Scholarship for Nigerian Students?
Fully-funded scholarships for Nigerian Students are financial aid programs that cover all major study-related expenses for Nigerian students pursuing education abroad or within Nigeria. They are offered by governments, universities, and international organisations such as the Chevening Scholarship (UK), Fulbright Program (USA), DAAD (Germany), and Commonwealth Scholarships.
Below, we have provided a general overview of fully-funded scholarships for Nigerians to study abroad.
| Type of Scholarship | Fully Funded |
| Scholarships For | Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Master’s) |
| Location | All over the world |
| Target Audience | Nigerian Students |
| Duration | Full-Time |
| Funding Amount | Full |
List of Fully-funded Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduate Students
The following is a list of the top 5 fully-funded scholarships for Nigerian undergraduate students. In the next section, we will discuss them in detail.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Ashinaga Africa Initiative
- ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
- Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to develop the next generation of innovative leaders by enabling them to become highly talented and service-oriented during their period of overseas education. This scholarship program is offered at partner universities in the USA, Canada, Africa, and covers tuition, accommodation, books, travel, living stipend, mentorship, and leadership training
| Eligibility | Must have a strong academic record (typically top 10–15% of class). Must meet the academic requirements for admission to the partner university (e.g., WAEC with distinctions, SAT/IELTS/TOEFL if required by the university). Must be from a financially disadvantaged background. Demonstrated leadership skills, community service, or social initiative |
| Application Process | Apply through https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/where-to-apply/ |
| Deadline | Every year March-April |
Ashinaga Africa Initiative
The Ashinaga Africa Initiative, which was begun in 2014, provides orphaned African students (including Nigerians) with the opportunity of seeking higher education abroad. It offers full financial support to study at any international university. It covers tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and other necessary fees. The body partnered with selected high schools in the anglophone countries (including Nigeria) to identify and select eligible students.
| Eligibility | Must have a strong academic record. Must be orphaned |
| Application Process | Ashinaga contacts high schools to select eligible students |
| Deadline | No deadline |
ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme
The India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), under the Government of India, to students from African countries to enable them to seek higher education in India. It covers:
- Full tuition fees paid to the Indian institution
- Monthly living stipend and housing allowance
- One return economy-class airfare to India
- Medical insurance
| Eligibility | Must be a citizen of an eligible African country Must be between 18 and 40 years old at the time of admission. Available for undergraduate courses in science, engineering, humanities, commerce, social sciences, agriculture, economics, etc. Must not have previously held an ICCR scholarship |
| Application Process | Apply through https://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/ |
| Deadline | Every year May-June |
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship for 2026 offers fully funded undergraduate study opportunities in Japan for international students (including Nigerians). Students may choose fields in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Natural Sciences. The scholarship includes a one-year preparatory education program (Japanese language and academic foundation) before starting university, except for direct placement candidates. It covers tuition, monthly allowance (~¥117,000), travel expenses, and full academic fees. University placement is managed by MEXT, and programs are typically conducted in Japanese, with limited English-medium options via direct placement.
| Eligibility | Must have Nigerian nationality (or be from any country with diplomatic ties to Japan) Must be born on or after April 2, 2001. Must have completed 12 years of school education (or equivalent) by March/August 2026. Must be physically and mentally healthy Must be willing to learn and study in Japanese Must not be enrolled or have previously received a Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship |
| Application Process | Apply through the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria |
| Deadline | Every year April-May |
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship is a 4-year scholarship program offered by the University of Toronto, Canada to highly meritorious Nigerian students. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. However, the high school in which a Nigerian student is studying must be eligible to nominate students for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship.
| Eligibility | Must be a Nigerian student enrolled in the first year of UG studies at the University of Toronto |
| Application Process | Apply through the university portal after admission |
| Deadline | 17th October 2025 |
Also Read: What Are the Requirements to Study in the USA for Nigerian Students?
List of Fully-funded Master’s Scholarships for Nigerian Students
The following is a list of the top 5 fully-funded scholarships for Nigerian master’s students. In the next section, we will discuss them in detail.
- Chevening Scholarship
- Rotary Peace Fellowship
- Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Rhodes Scholarship
Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the best scholarships available to Nigerian and international students alike. Funding for a one-year master’s degree program at any UK-accredited university is available through this British Government-sponsored initiative. Following the completion of their graduate studies, Chevening Scholars are expected to return home and use their knowledge and skills to further the development of their communities. It provides:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Departure allowance
- Arrival allowance
- Payment of tuition fees
- Covers the TB testing fee worth GBP 72
- Monthly living allowance (stipend)
| Eligibility | Students must return to Nigeria for at least 2 years after course completion The student must have an unconditional offer letter Have work experience of at least 2,800 hours |
| Application Process | Apply through the Chevening Portal on their official website https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/ |
| Deadline | 7th October 2025 |
Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Foundation awards 50 fellowships to Nigerian students for pursuing master’s degrees at the world’s premier universities. This fellowship is offered to those students who study peace and development issues with research-informed teaching. It covers:
- Full tuition fees,
- Full living expenses,
- Round-trip transportation
- Internship
- Field-study expenses
| Eligibility | A bachelor’s degree Relevant work experience Committed to raising peace and development issues |
| Application Process | Apply through https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships |
| Deadline | Application Open- February 2026 |
Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
Their Ibrahim Scholarships are offered in partnership with institutions such as SOAS University of London and the University of Birmingham. These are fully funded postgraduate opportunities in areas crucial to Africa’s development, including governance, development policy, and leadership. The application deadline can vary, depending on the university.
| Scholarship Partner | Degree Level | Field Focus | Benefits | Application Requirement |
| University of Birmingham | MSc (2 years) | Development Policy & Politics | Tuition, stipend, travel, visa, internship, leadership network | Offer from SOAS + email application with CV, proposal, and reference |
| SOAS, University of London | MSc / PhD (3 years) | Governance for Development in Africa | Tuition, stipend, living (1 year), return flights, visa reimbursement | Offer from SOAS + email application with CV, proposal, reference |
Gates Cambridge Scholarship by the University of Cambridge
It is a postgraduate scholarship offered to international students, including Nigerians, by the University of Cambridge. Every year, 80 fully-funded scholarships are provided to help international students fund their studies in any subject at the institution. The applicants must possess an outstanding intellectual ability, provide reasons for their choice of course, and demonstrate leadership potential.
It provides:
- Full coverage of the University Composition Fee
- Annual maintenance allowance of £21,000 for a single student (pro rata for shorter courses; up to 4 years for PhD)
- One economy-class airfare to and from the UK
- Reimbursement of inbound visa costs
- Coverage of the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Exception Courses:
- Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) and Global EMBA
- Master of Finance (MFin)
- Executive Master of Accounting
- Business Doctorate (BusD)
- PGCE
- MBBChir Clinical Studies
- MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time, Home students only)
- Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time degrees other than the PhD
- Non-degree courses
- MASt courses
- Master of Business (MBA)
| Eligibility | Must be a citizen of a country outside the United Kingdom The course should have of 1-year duration |
| Application Process | Apply through university’s graduate portal |
| Deadline | Every year December-January |
Rhodes Scholarship by the University of Oxford
The Rhodes scholarship is offered by the University of Oxford to international postgraduate students enrolled in the institution full-time. It covers:
- Oxford course fees are fully
- Annual stipend of GBP 19,800 (GBP 1,650/month) for living expenses, including accommodation
- The application fee for studying at the University of Oxford is covered
- Visa fees and UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) covered
- Two economy-class flights (to and from the UK at the start and end of studies)
| Eligibility | Must be enrolled in a full-time PG course Must have a first-class bachelor’s degree Must fulfill ELT criteria |
| Application Process | Apply through the university portal https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/information-sessions/ |
| Deadline | Must be enrolled in a full-time PG course Must have a first-class bachelor’s degree Must fulfil ELT criteria |
Also Read: No Money? No Problem! 9 Smart Ways for Nigerian Students to Study Abroad in 2025
Factors Affecting Selection For Fully Funded International Scholarships For Nigerian Students
Here are some of the key factors that affect the selection process for fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students.
- This is typically the most important factor in scholarships, looking for students with consistently high grades throughout their academic careers.
- Getting good results on tests like the GMAT, GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL may be needed or give a lot of weight to the scholarship and program.
- Students who show leadership skills through clubs, sports teams, community service, or work experience are highly recommended.
- Engaging in diverse extracurricular activities beyond academics showcases your personality and initiative.
- It is very important to have a well-written personal statement that explains your academic goals, research interests, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic goals.
- Strong Letter of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can attest to your character and academic skills.
- If the goal of the scholarship is to help your home country grow, show how your higher studies will help that happen.
- Some scholarships may require interviews to assess your communication skills, motivation, and suitability for the program.
- Some scholarships may have quotas or preferences for specific regions or countries.
- Some scholarships may consider your financial situation, particularly those aimed at students from economically challenged families.
FAQ’s
Ans. The Nigerian government collaborates with foreign governments and international organisations to support students through various scholarship programs. In many cases, the host country or sponsoring body covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and other academic costs for Nigerian students.
Ans. Eligibility varies by program, but scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, or specific criteria such as gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic background, or medical history.
Ans. Many countries offer fully funded scholarships to international students through top universities and government programs. These are the USA, UK, Japan, Korea, France, Germany, etc.
Ans. Students apply online through official university or scholarship portals by submitting transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency before the deadline.
Ans. Top programs include Chevening Scholarship (UK), Fulbright Program (USA), DAAD (Germany), Commonwealth Scholarships, and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program.
This was all about the “fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students”. Are you exploring study abroad scholarships? Not sure how to go about it? Let the professionals at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey! Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.
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