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Nigerian students dreaming of pursuing world-class education in the UK will find exceptional financial support through the University of Birmingham Scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic session. These prestigious awards, which include university-specific programs like the Birmingham Masters Scholarship and the 125th Anniversary Scholarships, alongside major external schemes such as the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, are designed to alleviate the financial burden of international study. While most Birmingham-specific awards offer partial tuition fee coverage, highly competitive external scholarships can provide full funding for tuition, monthly stipends, and travel.
These opportunities span various academic programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In this blog, we provide a detailed, easy-to-follow guide on the specific scholarship programs, their coverage and benefits, Nigerian eligibility criteria, and the precise application steps for the 2026-2027 intake.
This Blog Includes:
- Types of University of Birmingham Scholarships
- List of Top University of Birmingham Scholarships for Nigerian Students
- Details of Birmingham Scholarships for Nigerian Students
- Tips for a Successful University of Birmingham Scholarship Application for Nigerian Students
- Why Study at the University of Birmingham for Nigerian Students?
- FAQ’s
Types of University of Birmingham Scholarships
The University of Birmingham scholarships available to Nigerian students are broadly classified into three main types based on their source and funding amount.
| Scholarship Type | Description | Funding Level |
| University-Specific (Partial) | Awards directly funded and managed by the University, usually offering a reduction in tuition fees. | Partial Tuition Fee Waiver |
| Examples: Birmingham Masters Scholarship ($\textsterling$3,000 off tuition), 125th Anniversary Scholarships ($\textsterling$5,000 off tuition), and Africa High Fliers Scholarships. | ||
| External/Government (Full) | Highly competitive, prestigious schemes funded by the UK government or partner organisations. These offer the most comprehensive financial support. | Full Funding (Tuition, Stipend, Travel) |
| Examples: Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, and Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme. | ||
| Departmental & Research | Funding tied to a specific school, college, or research area, typically for postgraduate study. | Partial or Full Funding |
| Examples: Birmingham Business School Doctoral Scholarships (Full Funding), and various Research Council Studentships (primarily for PhDs). |
List of Top University of Birmingham Scholarships for Nigerian Students
The University of Birmingham offers several excellent scholarships for Nigerian students, ranging from competitive full-funding external schemes to university-specific partial tuition fee awards. Here is a list of top scholarships with their coverage and eligibility, generally applicable for the 2025/2026 academic cycle and beyond.
| Scholarship Name | Study Level | Funding Type | Value/Coverage | Academic Requirement |
| Chevening Scholarships | Master’s (Taught) | Full (Tuition, Stipend, Travel) | Full tuition & living costs. | 2:1 Degree (or equivalent) + 2 Years Work Experience |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | Master’s (Taught) | Full (Tuition, Stipend, Travel) | Full tuition & living costs. | 2:1 Degree (or higher) + Financial Need |
| West Africa Chancellor’s Scholarship | Master’s (Taught) | Partial (Tuition Fee Discount) | GBP 10,000 off tuition. | Excellent academic background (2:1 minimum) + Offer Acceptance |
| 125th Anniversary Scholarship | Master’s (Taught) | Partial (Tuition Fee Discount) | GBP 5,000 off tuition. | Strong academic merit + Offer Acceptance |
| Africa High Fliers Scholarship | Undergraduate | Partial (Tuition Fee Discount) | GBP 5,000 off 1st year tuition. | Excellent academic record + Offer Acceptance |
| GREAT Scholarships | Master’s (Taught) | Partial (Tuition Fee Discount) | Minimum GBP 10,000 off tuition. | Undergraduate degree (often 2:1) + Must apply for specific GREAT course |
Also Read: Top 10 Scholarships in the World: Complete Details Here
Details of Birmingham Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Here are the details of the top 5 scholarships most relevant to Nigerian students seeking to study at the University of Birmingham for the 2026-2027 academic year, considering factors such as eligibility, financial support, and program focus.
1. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award sponsored by the UK government, open to exceptional individuals from Nigeria who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to returning home to create positive change. It covers 100% of the tuition fees for any one-year taught Master’s programme at the University of Birmingham (and other UK universities), a monthly living stipend, return airfare, and visa application costs, making it one of the most comprehensive and prestigious scholarships available. Eligibility requires applicants to be a Nigerian citizen, hold an undergraduate degree that enables entry to a Master’s program (usually a 2:1 or higher), and have at least 2,800 hours of work experience.
| Benefits | Full Funding (Tuition, Stipend, Travel) |
| Level | 1-year Taught Master’s |
| Eligibility | 2 Years Work Experience + Nigerian Citizen |
| Application Process | Separate External Application |
| Deadline | Early Nov 2025 |
| Official Link | https://www.chevening.org/ |
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme is a full-funding award for Master’s students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK and are pursuing courses relevant to the development of their home country. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance (stipend), airfare, and a study travel grant, and is aimed at high-calibre candidates with outstanding academic records who demonstrate clear financial need. The award is highly competitive and is offered for specific development-related Master’s courses, often requiring a separate application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in addition to the university application.
| Benefits | Full Funding (Tuition, Stipend, Travel) |
| Level | 1-year Taught Master’s (Development-focused courses) |
| Eligibility | 2:1 Academics + Financial Need + Nigerian Citizen |
| Application Process | Dual Application (UoB admission + CSC Portal) |
| Deadline | Oct – Dec 2025 |
| Official Link | https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/ |
3. West Africa Postgraduate Chancellor’s Scholarship
This is a University of Birmingham-specific partial scholarship targeted directly at high-achieving Master’s students from Nigeria and Ghana, offering a £10,000 award towards tuition fees for the first year of a full-time postgraduate taught programme. To be eligible, candidates must be nationals of or domiciled in Nigeria, possess an excellent academic background (typically a 2:1 or above), have received and firmly accepted an offer from the University of Birmingham, and be classed as an overseas fee payer. Importantly, this award is generally not available for distance learning, research programs (MPhil, MRes, PhD), or Business School programs (which have separate scholarships), but it can sometimes be combined with the £5,000 125th Anniversary Scholarship.
| Benefits | £10,000 Tuition Discount (First Year) |
| Level | Postgraduate Taught Master’s |
| Eligibility | 2:1 Academics + Domiciled in Nigeria/Ghana |
| Application Process | Via UoB Local Representative |
| Deadline | Late June 2026 |
| Official Link | https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/scholarships-funding/west-africa-postgraduate-chancellors-scholarship |
4. 125th Anniversary Scholarships for International Students
The 125th Anniversary Scholarship is a generous partial tuition fee award from the University of Birmingham, offering a £5,000 discount to outstanding international students from a selected list of countries, which consistently includes Nigeria, who are commencing a taught Master’s degree. This scholarship is automatically considered for eligible applicants who have received an offer for an eligible full-time Master’s program on the UK campus, meaning a separate scholarship application is typically not required, and selection is based purely on academic merit. The primary requirement is strong academic performance in previous studies, and students must be classified as an overseas fee payer for tuition purposes.
| Benefits | £5,000 (£7,000 for select PGT) Tuition Discount |
| Level | Postgraduate Taught Master’s |
| Eligibility | Overseas Fee Payer + Domiciled in Nigeria |
| Application Process | Automatic Consideration (No separate application needed) |
| Deadline | Ongoing (Apply for course early) |
| Official Link | https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/scholarships-funding/125th-anniversary-scholarships-for-international-students |
5. Africa High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarships
Designed to reward high academic achievement in prospective undergraduate students, the Africa High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarship is a partial award providing £5,000 towards the first year’s tuition fees for Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, and South African students. Applicants must be domiciled in Nigeria, have received an offer for a full-time undergraduate programme (excluding Medicine and Dentistry), and have selected the University of Birmingham as their firm choice. The scholarship is awarded competitively based on academic merit and often requires the application to be submitted through one of the University’s approved local representatives in Nigeria.
| Benefits | £5,000 Tuition Discount (First Year) |
| Level | Undergraduate (First Year) |
| Eligibility | Excellent Academics + UoB as Firm Choice + Domiciled in Nigeria |
| Application Process | Via UoB Local Representative |
| Deadline | Late June 2026 |
| Official Link | https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/scholarships-funding/africa-high-fliers-undergraduate-scholarships |
Tips for a Successful University of Birmingham Scholarship Application for Nigerian Students
Applying for scholarships to study at the University of Birmingham (UoB) requires a strategic and timely approach, especially for competitive international awards. Here are essential tips for a successful scholarship application, tailored for Nigerian students.
- Start the entire application process (course and scholarship) as early as possible.
- Prioritize getting an unconditional offer from UoB; this is the first step for nearly all scholarships.
- Always check each scholarship’s specific rules, especially regarding what other funding you can hold simultaneously.
- For region-specific awards (like the West Africa Chancellor’s Scholarship), apply through a recognized UoB local representative in Nigeria.
- Ensure your academic profile meets the minimum Upper Second Class (2:1) requirement for postgraduate awards.
- Nigerian nationals with a degree from a recognized Nigerian institution are often exempt from the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for UoB admission (confirm with your course, but you generally do not need a test).
- Have authenticated and translated official transcripts ready before you begin applications.
- Do not use a generic personal statement. Tailor it to the exact UoB course and the scholarship’s mission (e.g., development impact for Commonwealth, leadership for Chevening).
- Use the Action-Benefit-Course link structure: detail an experience, quantify the positive result, and explain how the skill gained will help you succeed at UoB.
- Clearly articulate your future career goals and how a UoB degree will specifically enable you to address challenges or contribute to Nigeria.
- Use direct, professional language and avoid overused phrases in your essay. Proofread meticulously.
Why Study at the University of Birmingham for Nigerian Students?
Studying at the University of Birmingham (UoB) offers Nigerian students a blend of prestigious academics, strong employability prospects, and a supportive, diverse environment with established ties to Africa.
Here are the key reasons and supporting facts for Nigerian students to choose UoB:
- UoB is a Top 100 Global University, ranked 93rd in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025) and 76th (QS World University Rankings 2026).
- As one of the original ‘Redbrick’ universities and a member of the elite Russell Group, UoB is committed to world-class research and teaching.
- The University counts 10 Nobel Laureates among its staff and alumni, reflecting its impact on global discovery.
- UoB has been named the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers for multiple consecutive years (High Fliers Report), indicating strong industry links.
- The Careers Network offers dedicated support for international students, including an International Careers Consultant to help students transition into the global job market.
- Graduates are eligible for the UK’s Graduate Route visa (Post-Study Work visa), allowing them to remain in the UK for two or three years to gain professional work experience.
- UoB hosts the prestigious Centre of West African Studies (CWAS), the only university department in the world dedicated specifically to West Africa, offering academic focus and cultural connection.
- Nigerian students account for the second largest international student body at the University.
- UoB has over 500 alumni in Nigeria—some in prominent government, education, and business positions—with active regional alumni groups in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Also Read: UK Scholarships for Ghanaian Students
FAQ’s
The University of Birmingham itself primarily offers partial scholarships (e.g., Chancellor’s Scholarships) and tuition fee discounts for Nigerian students. However, full scholarships that cover tuition, a living stipend, and often airfare are secured through highly competitive external funding bodies that partner with UoB, such as the UK government’s Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme; these programs allow recipients to study at Birmingham with all major expenses covered.
To secure a UK scholarship from Nigeria, focus on fully funded, government-backed schemes like the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarships. Start by checking your eligibility, which typically requires a strong academic record (2:1 or higher), two years of work experience for Chevening, and a clear vision of how your UK degree will contribute to Nigeria’s development. You must apply to eligible UK universities first, then submit a compelling application to the scholarship body, including well-written essays and strong references, ensuring all deadlines are met well in advance.
Multiple countries and their affiliated institutions offer scholarships to Nigerian students, with the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Canada, and Australia being among the most prominent. Full funding is commonly available through prestigious government-sponsored programs such as the UK’s Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarships, the US Fulbright Program, Germany’s DAAD Scholarships, and the Japanese Government’s MEXT Scholarship, which typically cover tuition, living expenses, and travel for various levels of study.
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