Studying abroad is now possible for many African students thanks to generous fully funded scholarships. These programs cover tuition, lodging, travel, and sometimes even living expenses. Here are ten reputable scholarships you can apply for right now.
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
What it is: Awarded by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to study a one-year master’s in the UK
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and professional networking
Eligibility: Nigerian or other Commonwealth citizens, bachelor’s degree with strong academics, two years of work experience, leadership qualities
Apply: Annually, online application through Chevening website, August to November window
Tip: Your personal statement should clearly explain leadership goals and future impact
2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
What it is: Funded by the UK government for citizens of Commonwealth countries
Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare, and research grants
Eligibility: Nigerian citizenship, strong academics (2:1 or equivalent), leadership potential
Apply: Via official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website, usually between August and November
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
What it is: European Union-funded master’s programs involving study in two or more countries
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel grant, health insurance
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, academic excellence, sometimes language proof
Apply: Directly via Erasmus Mundus catalogue; applications open October to March
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
What it is: German Academic Exchange Service scholarships for postgraduate study in Germany
Coverage: Full tuition waiver, living stipend, travel allowance, health insurance
Eligibility: Nigerian graduates with at least a 2:1 and English or German proficiency
Apply: Through DAAD portal or German university websites, application window varies per program
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
What it is: U.S. Department of State scholarship for master’s or Ph.D. studies
Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance, books allowance
Eligibility: Nigerian citizens, excellent academics, leadership experience, good English
Apply: Through U.S. Embassy in Nigeria or Fulbright portal, usually opens in May, interviews follow
6. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
What it is: Partnership with top universities in Africa, Canada, and the U.S. for undergraduate or master’s study
Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel grants, leadership development
Eligibility: Academic excellence, financial need, strong leadership skills
Apply: Via partner university portals such as University of Toronto, Ashesi, or McGill
7. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (South Africa)
What it is: Postgraduate scholarship for African citizens, including Nigerians
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, meals, book allowance, travel, and leadership programme
Eligibility: African citizens under 30, strong academic record, leadership potential
Apply: Through Mandela Rhodes Foundation portal for master’s or Honours degrees in South Africa
8. ADB – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
What it is: Asian Development Bank-funded scholarship for studies in member institutions in Asia-Pacific
Coverage: Tuition, travel costs, living stipend, thesis allowance, health insurance
Eligibility: Nigerian graduates with bachelor’s degree, age under 35, leadership and academic quality
Apply: Via partner universities in Asia. Most applications open Feb–Mar
9. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey)
What it is: Government-funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. study in Turkey
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, health coverage, accommodation, and travel costs
Eligibility: Nigerian citizens with strong academic records and recommendation letters
Apply: Via Türkiye Scholarships official website, usually application period opens early each year
10. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships
What it is: Scholarships for students from selected countries including Nigeria for postgraduate study
Coverage: Partial tuition, travel grant, living support for one year; renewable based on performance
Eligibility: Financial need, strong academic record, admission to a recognized institution
Apply: Through Aga Khan Foundation portal; requires admission offer before application
How to Improve Your Chances
Final Thoughts
These scholarships are real and available to Nigerian and African students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to returning knowledge to their community.
Take the time to prepare your documents, research each program’s requirements, and apply well before deadlines. Studying abroad can shape your future — and these scholarships can make it happen without financial burden.
Joel
