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A world-class abroad education is no longer just a dream for brilliant Nigerian students. Many Overseas Scholarship for Nigerian Students unlock the door to prestigious universities in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Dubai, and many more, allowing you to broaden your horizons, develop in-demand skills, and launch your career. These overseas scholarships offer financial support, covering tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel, making abroad education a realistic possibility for brilliant Nigerian students from all backgrounds. Whether you are a high-achieving Undergraduate or a dedicated Postgraduate researcher program across a diverse range of programs and specializations whether your passion lies in Engineering, Business, medicine, Nursing, law, and many more, there’s an overseas scholarship mentioned below waiting to empower your higher education journey.
| Type of Scholarship | Overseas Scholarships |
| Scholarships For | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Ph.D. degree programs |
| Location | Varies |
| Target Audience | Nigerian Students |
| Duration | Full-Time or Varies |
| Funding Amount | Full and Partial |
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List of Overseas Scholarships for Nigerian Students
These Overseas Scholarship for Nigerian Students show a diverse range of disciplines, from Engineering, Technology, Business, and Medicine to law and global development. This blog will help you find the right academic path for you and start great job opportunities around the world. Here’s a list of some of the most well-regarded overseas scholarships to start your higher education journey.
The DAAD Scholarship
The DAAD offers a limited number of Masters scholarships for Nigerians in collaboration with the University of Ibadan. This scholarship program has a limited number of openings specifically for Nigerian students. While it’s a great option, it’s wise to explore other scholarship opportunities to broaden your chances. Primarily for university staff in Nigeria or Nigerians seeking postgraduate studies at a university in a neighbouring African country. It covers Tuition fees, monthly living stipends, and sometimes health insurance and travel costs.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Tuition, living expenses, health insurance |
| Sponsored Country | Germany |
| Fields of Study | Varies (Undergraduate, Masters, PhD) |
| Application Deadline | Varies (course-specific) |
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship unlocks prestigious undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto for brilliant Nigerian students. It targets exceptional academic performers with leadership qualities and a passion for making a global impact. If this describes you, and you’re aiming for a first-entry undergraduate program, this fully-funded scholarship covers tuition, residence, books, and living expenses – everything you need to excel in Canada.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Tuition, living expenses |
| Sponsored Country | Canada |
| Fields of Study | Undergraduate |
| Application Deadline | Varies (usually December-January) |
Aga Khan University Scholarships
The Aga Khan University offers postgraduate scholarships for outstanding Nigerian students, primarily for Master’s degrees. These competitive scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses. Eligibility focuses on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service. Specific fields may vary but could include architecture, education, or healthcare.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Full tuition and living expenses |
| Sponsored Country | Various (East Africa, Central Asia) |
| Fields of Study | Varies (Undergraduate, Masters, PhD) |
| Application Deadline | Varies (course-specific) |
The Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship (formerly known as the NL Scholarship) sadly no longer exists as a separate program for Nigerian students. It’s now incorporated into a broader scholarship called the NL Scholarship for international students. This scholarship offers financial support for talented students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) pursuing full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees at participating Dutch universities. It covers €5,000 towards tuition fees for the first year of your studies.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Tuition exemption, living allowance |
| Sponsored Country | Netherlands |
| Fields of Study | Undergraduate and Masters programs |
| Application Deadline | Varies (usually mid-December) |
Also Read: University of Ottawa Scholarships for Nigerian Students
The Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the best Overseas Scholarship for Nigerian Students students. 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. To be eligible for the Chevening Scholarship Nigerian students must have a good academic record, two years of work experience, and showing leadership potential. Applications typically open in August/September.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Tuition fees, living expenses, and a return flight to the UK |
| Sponsored Country | UK |
| Fields of Study | Varies (Masters) |
| Application Deadline | Varies (usually October-November) |
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully-funded overseas scholarship program for outstanding Nigerian students with the opportunity to pursue higher education at the Postgraduate degree level at the University of Cambridge. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is awarded based on intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. It’s ideal for exceptional Nigerian students with outstanding research potential who are passionate about making a global impact. To be eligible for the overseas scholarship students must have a strong academic record, good research skills, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. It’s open to all subject areas except the MBA degree program.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Tuition fees, college fees, living expenses, and travel costs |
| Sponsored Country | UK |
| Fields of Study | Most postgraduate programs (excluding MBA) |
| Application Deadline | Early January |
The Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is another prestigious overseas scholarship for Nigerian students that offers funding for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship is awarded to well-rounded Nigerian students who show extraordinary academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service. To be eligible for this overseas scholarship students must have a bachelor’s degree with excellent grades, strong leadership experience, and a strong moral character. Its application typically opens in March.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs |
| Sponsored Country | UK |
| Fields of Study | Varies (Masters and PhD) |
| Application Deadline | Varies (usually September-October) |
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is an overseas scholarship program that provides academically talented students from Africa who come from economically challenged families with an opportunity to pursue Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies at partner universities located all over the world. It’s ideal for Academically talented Nigerians from economically challenged backgrounds who are committed to giving back to their communities. To be eligible for this overseas scholarship students must have a strong academic record, showing financial need, and a passion for contributing to social change.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Full tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and pre-departure training |
| Sponsored Country | Various |
| Fields of Study | Varies (Undergraduate, Masters) |
| Application Deadline | Varies (course-specific) |
The Australian Awards Scholarships
The Australian Awards Scholarships are a prominent overseas scholarship program that is supported by the Australian Government. These scholarships offer several opportunities for Nigerian students from developing countries to study at participating universities across Australia. It’s ideal for High-achieving Nigerian students with a strong interest in studying in Australia and contributing to development in their home country. To be eligible for these overseas scholarships you have to show a strong academic record, relevant work experience, and a clear vision of how your studies will benefit your home country. It’s open to undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral degree programs.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and pre-departure training |
| Sponsored Country | Australia |
| Fields of Study | Varies (Undergraduate, Masters, PhD) |
| Application Deadline | February (for mid-year intake) |
Factors Affecting Selection For Overseas Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Nigerian students who aspire to pursue higher education overseas can benefit from numerous scholarship opportunities available to them. However, the selection process for these scholarships is influenced by various factors. Being aware of these factors can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a scholarship and help strengthen your application.
- Excellent academic performance is a very important factor that can be considered.
- Getting consistently good grades throughout your academic journey shows that you are dedicated and can do well in a tough academic journey.
- To be eligible for many overseas scholarships, you need to do well on graded tests like the GMAT, GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL.
- Depending on the test, these results show how well you can use English and how well you can do with math or graduate-level studies.
- Show any work experience or jobs that are related to the area you want to study.
- Show off your ability to motivate and direct others by listing leading roles in student groups, clubs, or community projects.
- For university scholarships, it’s important to have a strong research experience. Show that you have done research by listing past projects, papers, or talks that show off your research skills and how you might be able to contribute to your field.
- Write an interesting statement of purpose that explains your academic goals, study hobbies, and plans for the future.
- Strongly recommended letters of support from teachers who know your work well can help your application.
- Some overseas scholarships give priority to students who are struggling to pay for higher education. Please show that you need financial help by submitting the necessary documents.
- Some overseas scholarships are only available to aspirants who are citizens of certain countries or who live in a certain country.
- Make sure you meet the requirements based on your identity and where you live.
Also Read: University of Sheffield Scholarship for Nigerian Students
FAQ’s
The Nigerian government has deals with other governments to help students study abroad by giving them overseas scholarships. The host country pays for these awards so that Nigerian students can pay for their education and living costs.
Students who are eligible based on their gender, religion, family background, or medical past can apply for these types of overseas scholarships.
Yale University in the US, Oxford University in the UK, Cambridge University in the UK, Harvard University in the US, Monash University in Australia, CGS China, and many more leading universities around the world offer fully funded overseas scholarships for Nigerian students.
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