Top 20 Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2027: Fully Funded Opportunities to Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a dream shared by thousands of Nigerian students.
For many, however, the biggest obstacle isn’t getting admitted into a good university.
It’s finding the money to pay for it.
Tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, transportation, and living expenses can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars every year. Fortunately, there is good news.
Every year, governments, universities, and international organizations offer fully funded scholarships specifically designed to help talented Nigerian students study abroad. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, health insurance, and even return flight tickets.
If you have been dreaming of studying in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, Europe, or Asia, this guide highlights the top scholarship opportunities available in 2027 and explains how you can position yourself for success.
Why Nigerian Students Should Apply for International Scholarships
Studying abroad offers more than just a degree.
It provides:
• Access to world-class education
• International exposure
• Better career opportunities
• Global networking
• Research opportunities
• Leadership development
• Opportunities for permanent residency in some countries
Thousands of Nigerians have transformed their lives through scholarships and gone on to become global leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals.
Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2027
1. Chevening Scholarship – United Kingdom
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious government-funded scholarship programs in the world.
It offers Nigerian students the opportunity to pursue a one-year Master’s degree at any eligible university in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and visa costs.
Scholarship Benefits
• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Return airfare
• Visa application fees
• Networking opportunities
Official Website:
https://www.chevening.org
2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship – United Kingdom
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission provides fully funded scholarships to students from eligible Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria.
Covers
• Tuition fees
• Airfare
• Monthly stipend
• Research grants
Official Website:
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
3. Rhodes Scholarship – University of Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the world.
Three scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding students from West Africa, including Nigeria.
Covers
• Full tuition
• Living allowance
• Airfare
• Visa expenses
Official Website:
https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship – United Kingdom
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports exceptional international students pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Covers
• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Airfare
• Living expenses
Official Website:
https://www.gatescambridge.org
5. Australia Awards Scholarship – Australia
The Australia Awards Scholarship enables students from developing countries to study at Australian universities.
Benefits
• Full tuition
• Living allowance
• Return flights
• Health insurance
Official Website:
https://www.dfat.gov.au
6. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
The RTP Scholarship supports international students pursuing Master’s by Research and PhD degrees in Australia.
Covers
• Tuition fees
• Annual stipend
• Research expenses
Official Website:
https://www.education.gov.au/research-block-grants/research-training-program
7. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This is one of the most popular scholarship programs for African students.
The scholarship is available at several partner universities in Africa, Canada, and the United States.
Covers
• Full tuition
• Accommodation
• Living expenses
• Leadership training
Official Website:
https://mastercardfdn.org
8. McCall MacBain Scholarship – Canada
The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University is among Canada’s most generous scholarships.
Covers
• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Relocation grant
Official Website:
https://mccallmacbainscholars.org
9. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
One of Canada’s top scholarships for doctoral students.
Value
CAD $50,000 per year for three years.
Official Website:
https://vanier.gc.ca
10. Canadian International Development Scholarships (BCDI 2030)
Provides funding opportunities for students from developing countries, including Nigeria.
Official Website:
https://www.bcdi2030.ca
11. DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship – Germany
Germany’s DAAD Scholarship remains one of the most competitive scholarships for international students.
Covers
• Full tuition
• Monthly stipend
• Health insurance
• Travel expenses
Official Website:
https://www.daad.de
12. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship – Europe
This prestigious European scholarship allows students to study in multiple countries during their program.
Covers
• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• Airfare
Official Website:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
13. Schwarzman Scholars Program – China
This fully funded scholarship allows students to pursue a Master’s degree at Tsinghua University in China.
Covers
• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Airfare
• Monthly stipend
Official Website:
https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org
14. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – South Korea
The Korean Government Scholarship Program attracts thousands of international students annually.
Covers
• Tuition
• Monthly allowance
• Settlement allowance
• Airfare
Official Website:
https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr
15. Romanian Government Scholarship
Romania offers fully funded scholarships to students from non-EU countries, including Nigerians.
Official Website:
https://studyinromania.gov.ro
16. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship
New Zealand offers scholarships to students from developing countries.
Covers
• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Airfare
Official Website:
https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz
17. NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship
The Niger Delta Development Commission offers scholarships for Nigerian students to pursue postgraduate studies abroad.
Official Website:
https://www.nddc.gov.ng
18. PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund provides fully funded scholarships for Nigerians pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
Covers
• Tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Flight tickets
Official Website:
https://ptdf.gov.ng
19. Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship supports outstanding African students pursuing postgraduate education in leadership and governance.
Official Website:
https://mo.ibrahim.foundation
20. GREAT Scholarships for Nigerian Students
The UK Government and participating universities jointly fund the GREAT Scholarships program for Nigerian students.
Official Website:
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org
Scholarship Summary Table
| Scholarship | Country | Degree Level | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | UK | Master’s | Fully Funded |
| Commonwealth | UK | Master’s & PhD | Fully Funded |
| Rhodes | UK | Master’s & PhD | Fully Funded |
| Gates Cambridge | UK | Master’s & PhD | Fully Funded |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Fully Funded |
| RTP | Australia | Master’s & PhD | Fully Funded |
| Mastercard Foundation | Multiple Countries | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Fully Funded |
| McCall MacBain | Canada | Master’s | Fully Funded |
| Vanier | Canada | PhD | Fully Funded |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Master’s | Fully Funded |
| DAAD | Germany | Master’s | Fully Funded |
| Schwarzman Scholars | China | Master’s | Fully Funded |
| GKS | South Korea | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Fully Funded |
| PTDF | Multiple Countries | Postgraduate | Fully Funded |
Documents You Need for Scholarship Applications
Most scholarships require:
• Academic transcripts
• International passport
• Personal statement
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Recommendation letters
• English proficiency test results
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Start Early
Begin preparing six to twelve months before deadlines.
Maintain Strong Academic Results
Many scholarships prioritize excellent grades.
Build Leadership Experience
Volunteer work and community service matter.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Your story can make the difference.
Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Never rely on one application.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
• Missing deadlines
• Incomplete applications
• Generic essays
• Poor recommendation letters
• Ignoring eligibility requirements
Final Thoughts
The opportunities available to Nigerian students in 2027 are incredible.
Thousands of fully funded scholarships exist across the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
The biggest mistake many students make is assuming these opportunities are only for exceptionally gifted individuals.
They are not.
Many scholarship winners are ordinary students who simply prepared well, applied early, and refused to give up.
Your dream of studying abroad may be one application away.
Start researching, prepare your documents, and apply boldly.
The next fully funded scholar could be you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Nigerians get fully funded scholarships abroad?
Yes. Several governments, universities, and organizations offer fully funded scholarships specifically for Nigerian students.
Which scholarship is easiest to get?
There is no “easy” scholarship, but applying to multiple opportunities significantly improves your chances.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Programs like the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and Australia Awards support undergraduate students.
Is IELTS required?
Some scholarships require proof of English proficiency, while others may waive it depending on the university.
When should I begin applying?
Ideally, start preparing at least six months before application deadlines.
Official Scholarship Websites
Chevening: https://www.chevening.org
Commonwealth Scholarship: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
Rhodes Scholarship: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
Gates Cambridge: https://www.gatescambridge.org
Mastercard Foundation: https://mastercardfdn.org
Australia Awards: https://www.dfat.gov.au
DAAD Germany: https://www.daad.de
Erasmus Mundus: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
Schwarzman Scholars: https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org
Global Korea Scholarship: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr