Top 10 Best fully funded international scholarships for nigerian students

Top 10 Best fully funded international scholarships for nigerian students

 

Let’s be honest, the dream for many of us is to study abroad. But the cost? It’s crazy. You’ve probably searched for fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students dozens of times and felt completely overwhelmed by the options. It’s a lot, and the competition is stiff. I get it.

This isn’t just another long list. I’ve broken down the 10 best, genuinely full-ride scholarships that cover everything—tuition, flights, and even monthly stipends.

Let’s get straight to it.

1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

This is probably the most famous one, and for good reason. Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program, and they love future leaders. It’s for a one-year Master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.

What does “fully funded” mean here? They pay for your entire tuition, give you a monthly stipend for accommodation and living, and cover your flight to and from the UK. It’s the total package.

The catch? You need at least two years of work experience, and you must prove you’re a leader in your field. They want people who will come back to Nigeria and make a real impact. You can find the official details at the Chevening website.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

This is another big one for the UK, aimed at students from Commonwealth countries (which, of course, includes Nigeria). It’s mainly for Master’s and PhD programs.

Like Chevening, it’s a full-ride. It covers your tuition, airfare, and a living allowance. They also offer specific grants for things like thesis research or warm clothing (yes, seriously, it gets cold).

A lot of students ask, “Which is better, Chevening or Commonwealth?” The truth is, you should apply for both. They have different criteria, and the Commonwealth program often has specific “themes” like ‘Science and technology for development’.

3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

If your dream is the USA, this is the one. Fulbright is the American government’s flagship program, and it’s incredibly prestigious. This is for graduate-level study (Master’s or PhD).

It’s not just a scholarship; it’s a cultural exchange. They cover everything: tuition, books, airfare, a living stipend, and even health insurance while you’re in the US.

The application is tough, I won’t lie. You’ll need a strong academic record (a 2:1 or First Class), a solid research proposal, and to pass the GRE/TOEFL. It’s a long process, so you have to start early.

4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Don’t sleep on Germany. Many public universities there have no tuition fees, but you still need money to live. That’s where DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) comes in.

They offer a massive database of scholarships for Master’s and PhD students. Their “Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)” program is perfect for Nigerians. It provides a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel allowance. The main DAAD portal is the best place to start. Check their database to see which courses fit your profile.

5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)

This one is unique and, honestly, amazing. Instead of studying in one country, an Erasmus Mundus scholarship funds you for a Master’s program that takes place in at least two different European countries.

Imagine doing your first semester in Spain and your second in France. It’s a full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, travel, installation costs, and a generous monthly stipend.

The competition is global, so your application (especially your “motivation letter”) has to be top-notch. They want to see that you’re adaptable and genuinely interested in the specific joint program.

6. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

China has become a major destination for Nigerian students. The CSC scholarship is the main one, and it’s incredibly comprehensive. It’s available for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs.

It covers tuition, gives you a free room in a university dormitory (or a housing allowance), provides a monthly stipend, and covers medical insurance.

One common mistake: Many students apply only to the “Type A” (Bilateral Program) through the Nigerian government. You should also apply for “Type B” directly to the Chinese universities you’re interested in. It can increase your chances.

7. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

If you’re interested in Japan’s high-tech world, the MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) scholarship is the gold standard. It’s for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students.

It’s fully funded: tuition, stipend, and round-trip airfare. The best part? For undergrads, it includes a one-year preparatory year of Japanese language training before your degree starts. You usually apply through the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria. Be prepared for an exam and an interview; they are very serious about academics.

8. Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)

This is in a league of its own. It’s not just a scholarship; it’s a leadership program designed to create the next generation of global leaders. It’s a one-year, fully funded Master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing—one of the best universities in the world.

They cover everything. Tuition, a private room, travel, books, a personal stipend, and even a laptop. You’ll be living and learning with students from all over the globe. It’s extremely competitive and focused on leadership.

9. Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship (South Africa)

Want to study closer to home? This scholarship funds postgraduate study (Honours or Master’s) at any recognized university in South Africa.

It’s built on the principles of Nelson Mandela. It’s not just about academics; it’s about leadership and reconciliation. The scholarship covers your tuition, registration, a stipend for living, and book/research allowances. Plus, you become part of a lifelong network of Mandela Rhodes Scholars.

10. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (Global)

This is a massive program that partners with top universities around the world (in the US, Canada, Europe, and Africa) to provide scholarships to academically bright African students.

It’s a “full-package” deal: tuition, accommodation, books, stipend, and travel. But it’s more than just money; it’s a leadership program. They provide mentors, internships, and a support system to make sure you succeed.

You don’t apply to the MasterCard Foundation directly. You find their partner universities (like the University of Edinburgh or the University of Toronto) and apply for admission and the scholarship through the school.

What to Know Before You Apply for Fully Funded International Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Okay, that’s the list. But let me give you some real advice before you rush off to apply.

A lot of students just spam-apply to every single one. That’s a waste of time. These scholarship bodies aren’t just looking for “A” students (though good grades, like a First Class or 2:1, are almost always required). They are looking for a story.

They want to know why you want this, what you’ve done so far (even small projects or volunteer work counts!), and how you will use this degree to help Nigeria or your community when you return. Your “Statement of Purpose” is everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get a scholarship with a 2:2 (Second Class Lower)? I’ll be honest, it’s very difficult for the big academic scholarships like Chevening or Fulbright. Most require a 2:1 (Second Class Upper) or First Class. However, some university-specific scholarships might be more flexible if you have strong work experience or a great portfolio.

2. Do I need to write IELTS or TOEFL for all these scholarships? Almost always, yes, for study in the UK, USA, and Canada. Many schools offer a waiver if your BSc was taught in English (which it was), but you often have to request it. My advice? Just plan to write the IELTS. It makes your application stronger and opens more doors.

3. Are there fully funded undergraduate scholarships? Yes, but they are much rarer than for Master’s and PhD. The MEXT (Japan) and CSC (China) scholarships are two of the best that regularly offer undergraduate spots. Many others, like the MasterCard Foundation, also have undergraduate partners.

Final Thoughts

The application process is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s tough, and you will get rejections. Everybody does.

The key is to start early (like, a year in advance), read every single instruction, and write an application that truly shows who you are.

My advice? Pick the 2-3 scholarships from this list that fit you perfectly. Then, spend your time making those applications undeniable. Good luck.