Top 10 Study Abroad Scholarships for Nigerians

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, providing Nigerian students with the opportunity to gain international exposure, access world-class education, and build a global network. However, the cost of studying abroad can be prohibitive. Thankfully, numerous scholarships are available to help Nigerian students achieve their academic dreams. Here are the top 10 study abroad scholarships for Nigerians.

1. Chevening Scholarships

What is the Chevening Scholarship?

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious award funded by the UK government, aimed at developing global leaders. It offers fully-funded scholarships for a one-year master's degree at any UK university.

Benefits

• Full Tuition Fees: Covers the full cost of tuition.
• Living Expenses: Provides a monthly stipend for living costs.
• Travel Costs: Includes travel allowances to and from the UK.

Eligibility

• Academic Excellence: Must have an undergraduate degree.
• Work Experience: Requires at least two years of work experience.
• Leadership Potential: Demonstrated leadership qualities.

For more information, visit the Chevening Scholarships page.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

What is the Commonwealth Scholarship?

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships to students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, to pursue master's and PhD studies in the UK.

Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Covers full tuition fees.
• Living Allowance: Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Travel Costs: Includes return airfare.

Eligibility

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
• Academic Merit: Demonstrated academic excellence.
• Development Impact: Commitment to contributing to Nigeria's development.

For more details, visit the Commonwealth Scholarships page.

3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

What is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program?

The Fulbright Program offers scholarships to Nigerian students to pursue graduate studies (master’s or PhD) in the United States. It aims to enhance mutual understanding between the people of the US and other countries.

Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Covers full tuition costs.
• Living Expenses: Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance.

Eligibility

• Academic Excellence: Must hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Leadership Qualities: Demonstrated leadership potential.
• Civic Engagement: Commitment to community service.

For more information, visit the Fulbright Program page.

4. DAAD Scholarships

What is the DAAD Scholarship?

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to Nigerian students for graduate studies in Germany. It supports a wide range of programs across various fields.

Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Covers tuition costs.
• Living Allowance: Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Travel Costs: Includes travel allowances.

Eligibility

• Academic Merit: Demonstrated academic excellence.
• Field of Study: Open to various disciplines.
• Language Proficiency: German or English proficiency, depending on the program.

For more details, visit the DAAD Scholarships page.

5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships to academically talented, yet economically disadvantaged young people from Africa to study at partner universities in the US, Canada, and Africa.

Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Full tuition coverage.
• Living Expenses: Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Mentorship and Career Services: Access to comprehensive support services.

Eligibility

• Academic Talent: Demonstrated academic excellence.
• Leadership Potential: Strong leadership skills.
• Economic Need: Financially disadvantaged background.

For more information, visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page.

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

What is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees Program?

Erasmus Mundus offers full scholarships for international students, including Nigerians, to pursue joint master’s degree programs across multiple European universities.

Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Full tuition coverage.
• Living Allowance: Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Travel Costs: Includes travel and installation costs.

Eligibility

• Academic Excellence: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Mobility Requirement: Must be willing to study in at least two different European countries.
• Field of Study: Various programs available.

For more details, visit the Erasmus Mundus page.

7. ARES Scholarships

What is the ARES Scholarship?

The ARES Scholarships are offered by the Academy of Research and Higher Education in Belgium to students from developing countries, including Nigeria, for master’s and training courses.

Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Covers full tuition fees.
• Living Allowance: Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Travel Costs: Includes travel costs to and from Belgium.

Eligibility

• Academic Merit: Must hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Development Impact: Commitment to contributing to home country’s development.
• Field of Study: Various programs available.

For more information, visit the ARES Scholarships page.

8. Australian Awards Scholarships

What is the Australian Awards Scholarships?

The Australian Government offers Australia Awards Scholarships to Nigerian students to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at Australian universities.

Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Covers full tuition costs.
• Living Allowance: Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Travel Costs: Includes return airfare and other allowances.

Eligibility

• Academic Excellence: Must meet academic requirements.
• Development Impact: Commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s development.
• Field of Study: Various programs available.

For more details, visit the Australia Awards page.

9. Holland Scholarship

What is the Holland Scholarship?

The Holland Scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is aimed at international students, including Nigerians, for bachelor’s or master’s programs in the Netherlands.

Benefits

• One-Time Grant: €5,000 to cover initial expenses.

Eligibility

• Academic Excellence: Must meet academic requirements of the chosen program.
• Nationality: Non-EEA students, including Nigerians.
• Field of Study: Various programs available.

For more information, visit the Holland Scholarship page.

10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

What is the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

The JJ/WBGSP provides scholarships to students from developing countries, including Nigeria, to pursue master’s degree programs in development-related fields at selected universities around the world.

Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Covers full tuition costs.
• Living Allowance: Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Travel Costs: Includes airfare and travel allowances.

Eligibility

• Academic Excellence: Must hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Development Impact: Commitment to contributing to home country’s development.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of three years of related work experience.

For more details, visit the JJ/WBGSP page.

Conclusion

Securing a scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and open up opportunities for Nigerian students to gain a world-class education. Each of these scholarships has its unique requirements and benefits, so it is essential to research thoroughly and apply to the ones that best align with your academic and career goals. Pursuing these opportunities can be the first step toward achieving your educational aspirations and making a lasting impact in your field and community.