Top Scholarships for Nigerian Students to Study Abroad

Studying in Nigeria comes with its own difficulties: overcrowded lecture halls, unpredictable academic calendars, outdated labs, and limited resources. Plus, students typically juggle tuition, textbooks, unstable power supply, and regular ASUU strikes just to be in school. In fact, the 2023 ASUU strike interrupted academic calendars for over 1.5 million students, with many institutions losing full semesters.

This combination of poor infrastructure, financial strain, and uncertainty can kill your motivation and derail your dreams even before graduation. Simultaneously, Nigerian students often report stress, lack of practical learning, and employability concerns in a system that leaves them underprepared.

Interestingly, with scholarships for Nigerian students, you can escape these systemic limitations, pursue quality education, and confidently join the growing number of Nigerian students abroad pursuing degrees in top universities worldwide. This guide covers the top scholarships you should know about.

Why Study Abroad as a Nigerian Student?

Studying abroad opens up life-changing opportunities for Nigerian students like you. Outbound student mobility from Nigeria has grown rapidly: in 2021, 84,000 Nigerian students were studying abroad. And in the US alone, numbers reached 17,640 in the 2022/23 academic year. 

This is a 22.2% increase over the previous year. From world-class education to global career paths, it’s a smart move with unending benefits. Let’s look at why more Nigerian students abroad are thriving academically and professionally.

1. Global Exposure and Top-tier Education

As a Nigerian student, studying abroad gives you access to renowned institutions and world-class teaching approaches unavailable at home. 

Universities in the U.S., UK, Germany, Canada, and beyond offer global learning styles and innovative curricula that mold your analytical and critical thinking. In the 2021/22 academic year, the UK hosted 44,195 Nigerian students, making Nigeria the UK’s third-largest source market.

Additionally, attending college in a country with diverse cultures and a different academic environment expands your worldview and exposes you to new perspectives. All these make you stand out culturally and intellectually.

2. Access to Innovative Research and Facilities

Imagine having the opportunity to study and work with industry-grade research tools, high-tech labs, and faculty abreast with the latest technology and sustainable development. 

All of this is what you gain when you study abroad, where projects are fully hands-on and internships incorporate your coursework to deepen your learning.

Having this exposure equips you with modern, relevant skills alongside the capability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life settings. This gives you an edge over your colleagues in Nigerian higher institutions, as many Nigerian universities run on outdated infrastructure.

3. Networking and Career Opportunities Abroad

Having an international network (including peers, mentors, professors, and fellow students) can benefit your career long after graduation. 

In today’s job market, many employers prefer candidates with international experience, and these global connections can give you access to borderless opportunities you wouldn’t typically have. 

Even better, depending on your study destination, you may be offered an internship and a post-study work visa. So, you’ll benefit from real-world experience that enriches your CV (resume) and broadens your professional reach.

4. Improved Employability Upon Return to Nigeria

Many companies and employers in Nigeria highly value Nigerian students who graduated from an institution abroad. An international degree signals advanced communication skills, adaptability, and confidence.

All of these give you an edge in a competitive job market. In addition, you’ll develop soft skills like multicultural communication, leadership, and independence, which are qualities that are highly prized by recruiters.

Top Scholarships for Nigerian Students to Study Abroad

Worried about the cost of studying overseas? These scholarships for Nigerian students make international education more accessible. 

Here are the top programs offering financial support for your study abroad journey. And if you’re exploring global opportunities beyond these, don’t miss this curated list of fully funded scholarships for international students.

1. Commonwealth Scholarship

If you’re a Nigerian student dreaming of studying in the UK but worried about the costs, the Commonwealth Scholarship is for you.

This life-changing program offers postgraduate international scholarships to talented students across the Commonwealth, especially those who wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise.

What makes this scholarship extra special? Besides hitting the books, the Commonwealth Awards are the UK government’s flagship scholarship scheme focused on building future global leaders and supporting international development. 

Essentially, it helps brilliant students like you access world-class education while contributing to sustainable progress back in Nigeria.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for this funding opportunity, you must:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country (Nigeria included)

• Hold a first degree with at least a 2:1 (upper second-class honours)

• Have a relevant master’s degree if applying for a PhD

• Show that you genuinely can’t afford to study in the UK without financial support

• Refugees and British-protected persons are also eligible

Note that eligibility can vary depending on the specific type of Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship you’re applying for. So, be sure to double-check the eligibility criteria and how to apply on the official website.

2. Chevening Scholarship

Want to study in the UK, build a solid global network, and return home with a degree and a worthwhile experience? That’s exactly what the Chevening Scholarship offers.

This prestigious international scholarship is designed for passionate and ambitious individuals who want to solve real-world problems (in Nigeria or globally). 

Each year, the Chevening program selects emerging leaders from around the world, offering a fully funded one-year master’s degree at any UK university. By fully funded, we mean it covers your tuition fees, living expenses, and flights.

That means you can focus 100% on your studies, personal growth, and exploring everything the UK has to offer without stressing about finances.

Who Can Apply?

If you’re a Nigerian professional with leadership potential, a drive to create change, and a vision for your future, you can apply. There's no “perfect profile” for a Chevening Scholar. What matters is your ability to tell your story, show your impact, and explain how a master’s in the UK will help you amplify your work. 

Not sure how to present your goals? This guide on how to write a winning scholarship essay walks you through examples and tips that have helped real students secure full funding. Past Chevening recipients come from all walks of life, but they all share three key traits:

• A clear sense of purpose

• Proven leadership potential

• A commitment to giving back to their home country

There’s no upper age limit, and no restrictions based on background, gender, religion, or personal status. What matters is your ability to tell your story, show your impact, and explain how a master’s in the UK will help you amplify your work.

Apply for The Chevening Scholarship

3. Fulbright Scholarship

Thinking of heading to the U.S. for a master’s, PhD, or research program? The Fulbright Foreign Student Program can make that dream a reality.

Each year, this program opens doors for around 4,000 international students, including grad students, young professionals, and even artists from over 160 countries. It allows them to study or research in some of the best universities across the United States.

So, what makes the Fulbright program stand out? You don’t only learn in the classroom; you also grow through experiences that expand your worldview and help you become a global changemaker.

The program is managed by U.S. Embassies or local Fulbright Commissions, depending on your country. That means everything from eligibility to how you apply can vary by location. 

If you’re in Nigeria, for instance, you’ll want to check with the U.S. Embassy or local Fulbright office to get the full scoop on requirements and timelines. Still wondering if Nigerians can get scholarships in America, this guide breaks it down in full.

Apply for The Fulbright Scholarship

4. Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development

The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship supports graduate studies abroad and also helps you create real change in communities.

This international scholarship prioritizes impact. It funds graduate-level studies outside the U.S. while supporting meaningful, measurable service projects. 

So, if you're passionate about solving global problems and you’ve got a vision for how education can fuel that change, Rotary wants to hear from you.

Areas of Focus

To qualify, your studies and project must align with one or more of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus:

• Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution

• Disease Prevention and Treatment

• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

• Maternal and Child Health

• Basic Education and Literacy

• Community Economic Development

• The Environment

If you're already thinking of how to apply your degree to real-world challenges, this is a fantastic funding opportunity.

What’s Covered?

Scholars receive a grant of $30,600 that covers:

• Tuition fees

• Airfare

• Living expenses during your study year

Apply for The Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development

5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees

Have you ever dreamed of earning a master’s degree while studying in two or three different countries, all on a full scholarship? That’s what the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's program represents.

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees is an international master’s program designed and delivered by a group of top universities across Europe. 

Each program is a collaboration between at least three universities in three different countries, plus academic and industry partners. So you’re getting real-world, multicultural experience.

These programs go beyond classroom learning. You’ll engage in long study hours, hands-on research, complete a traineeship, and wrap it all up with a master’s thesis and defense. It’s an intense but rewarding journey that preps you for a global career.

What’s Covered?

Many Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's offer full scholarships to the highest-ranking applicants from around the world. That means your:

• Tuition and participation costs

• Travel expenses

• Visa support

• Monthly living allowance

…are all taken care of. It's one of the most generous funding opportunities out there, especially for Nigerians looking for international scholarships. Again, depending on the program, you’ll either earn:

• A joint degree (one certificate on behalf of multiple universities), or

• Multiple degrees (a separate certificate from at least two universities)

You’ll sort out the exact details when you officially join the program and sign your study agreement.

Apply for The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees

Other Noteworthy Scholarships Nigerian Students Should Explore

Beyond the big names, several other programs offer excellent funding opportunities.

These underrated scholarships for Nigerian students can still get you to top destinations worldwide. Take a look at a few worth adding to your scholarship list.

FAQs

1. Which country gives scholarships to Nigerian students?

Study destinations like the US, UK, Canada, the EU, and Germany offer various scholarships for Nigerian students. These include full-ride government financial aid and university-specific awards covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, etc.

2. What is the easiest way to get a full scholarship?

Be at the top of your class and maintain a high GPA. Take AP/honors classes, and get perfect (or nearly perfect) SAT or ACT scores. Along with academic merit, having leadership skills or community involvement increases your chances of landing a full scholarship.

3. Which country is best for Nigerians to study abroad?

The USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, India, Malaysia, France, and Australia.

4. Do I need JAMB to study abroad?

No, you don't need JAMB to study abroad. JAMB UTME is a Nigerian entrance exam used for admission into higher institutions within Nigeria. If you intend to study in another country, you must meet the specific admission requirements of that country and the individual institutions you're applying to, but not JAMB.

5. Which country gives a fully funded scholarship to Nigerian students?

Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and Australia frequently offer fully funded Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and postdoctoral scholarships for Nigerian students.

Bottom Line

Don't let financial constraints deprive you of a world-class education. As this guide has shown, there are transformative scholarships for Nigerian students to study abroad. These awards turn your academic prowess into global opportunities.

Although the journey is competitive, preparing your application and targeting the right opportunities makes success achievable. So, seize these life-changing funding opportunities. 

Start researching, preparing your application, and applying to join the growing community of thriving Nigerian students abroad. Not sure where to begin? Check out the best websites and apps to find scholarships fast, to speed up your search, and track the latest opportunities in real-time. 

By doing so, you’re investing in a future built on international excellence. Don’t allow finances to hold you back from receiving a global education.