adminTop 10 Countries Offering Fully Funded Scholarships to Nigerian Students in 2025
Introduction
For many Nigerian students, studying abroad represents a life-changing opportunity to access world-class education, international career prospects, and personal growth. However, the high cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses often makes this dream seem unattainable. Fortunately, many countries offer fully funded scholarships to international students, covering tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and monthly stipends.
The scholarships listed in this guide collectively amount to over $500 million annually, benefiting thousands of students worldwide. If you aspire to pursue higher education without financial burdens, this article will provide you with the best options and essential details on how to apply.
1. United Kingdom (UK) – Prestigious Institutions and Global Recognition
Scholarship Worth: Over $100 Million Annually
The UK remains a top destination for Nigerian students due to its high academic standards and internationally recognized degrees. Many universities in the UK offer scholarships that fully fund tuition, accommodation, and other expenses for outstanding students.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK
- Chevening Scholarship – Covers master’s degree programs.
- Commonwealth Scholarships – Open to students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship – Covers postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Key Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Travel allowances
- Health insurance
2. United States of America (USA) – Land of Opportunities
Scholarship Worth: Over $150 Million Annually
The USA offers several fully funded scholarships that provide Nigerian students with an opportunity to study at some of the world’s best universities.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Covers master’s and PhD programs.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Supports undergraduate and master’s students from Africa.
- Harvard University Scholarships – Offers full funding for exceptional students.
Key Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Airfare and living stipends
- Research and academic resources
- Health insurance
3. Canada – A Hub for International Students
Scholarship Worth: Over $80 Million Annually
Canada is known for its friendly immigration policies and high-quality education system.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – For PhD students.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships – For undergraduate students.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – For African students.
Key Benefits
- Full tuition and accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance and travel allowances
4. Germany – Tuition-Free Education with Extra Benefits
Scholarship Worth: Over $50 Million Annually
Germany offers tuition-free education in public universities and also provides fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany
- DAAD Scholarships – Available for master’s and PhD students in all disciplines.
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships – For international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships – Focused on students interested in politics and international affairs.
Key Benefits
- No tuition fees for public universities
- Monthly allowance for living expenses
- Travel costs covered
5. Australia – Fully Funded Opportunities for Nigerians
Scholarship Worth: Over $60 Million Annually
Australia provides various scholarship programs that cover full tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for international students.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia
- Australia Awards Scholarships – Covers undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
- University of Sydney International Scholarships – For research-based postgraduate programs.
- Monash University Scholarships – For outstanding students at all academic levels.
Key Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Annual stipend for living expenses
- Research funding
6. France – A Hub for Quality Education and Research
Scholarship Worth: Over $40 Million Annually
France is known for its strong academic system and low tuition fees, especially in public universities. The country attracts thousands of international students due to its world-class education system, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse cultural environment.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in France
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Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
- Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this scholarship is aimed at international students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees.
- Covers full tuition, monthly stipend (€1,181 for master’s and €1,700 for PhD students), international airfare, and health insurance.
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École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection Scholarships
- Provides full funding for a three-year undergraduate or master’s degree in Science or Humanities.
- Offers a monthly allowance of €1,000 and covers accommodation and health insurance.
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Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
- Covers full tuition, a €10,000 stipend per year, and travel expenses for high-achieving students.
Key Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Free French language training
- Opportunity to work in France after graduation
Application Process
- Applications usually open between December and April every year.
- Required documents include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, and proof of English or French proficiency.
7. Netherlands – High-Quality Education with Global Recognition
Scholarship Worth: Over $35 Million Annually
The Netherlands is a top destination for international students due to its affordable education system, research opportunities, and diverse international environment. Most Dutch universities offer programs in English, making it an excellent choice for Nigerian students.
Top 10 Countries Offering Fully Funded Scholarships to Nigerian Students in 2025
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands
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Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
- Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this scholarship supports master’s degrees and short courses.
- Covers full tuition, accommodation, health insurance, visa costs, and monthly stipends.
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Holland Scholarship
- Offers €5,000–€15,000 towards tuition fees for international students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
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Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS)
- Provides full funding for outstanding non-EU students pursuing master’s programs at Leiden University.
Key Benefits
- Tuition fees covered
- Living expenses and accommodation paid for
- Career opportunities in top European industries
Application Process
- Most scholarships open between October and February each year.
- Applicants need academic certificates, motivation letters, and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS).
8. Japan – High-Tech Innovation and Advanced Research
Scholarship Worth: Over $60 Million Annually
Japan is a global leader in technology, research, and innovation, making it an ideal study destination for Nigerian students interested in fields like engineering, robotics, and medicine. The Japanese government and universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan
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MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship
- Sponsored by the Japanese Government, it covers tuition, monthly stipend (¥143,000 for master’s and ¥145,000 for PhD), accommodation, and round-trip airfare.
- Available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
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Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS)
- Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japan, it supports master’s students in engineering and development-related fields.
- Covers full tuition, living expenses, travel, and research costs.
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JASSO Scholarships
- Offered by the Japan Student Services Organization, this scholarship provides financial support for international students.
Key Benefits
- 100 percent tuition fee waiver
- Monthly allowance for food and housing
- Access to world-class technology and research institutions
Application Process
- Applications typically open between April and September every year.
- Required documents include academic records, a research proposal, and a statement of purpose.
9. China – Affordable Education with Full Sponsorship
Scholarship Worth: Over $70 Million Annually
China has become a popular destination for Nigerian students due to its affordable tuition, strong economic ties with Africa, and high-quality universities. The Chinese government and universities offer fully funded scholarships to international students.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in China
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Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Covers full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend (¥3,000 for master’s and ¥3,500 for PhD), and medical insurance.
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Belt and Road Initiative Scholarships
- Designed for students from Belt and Road Initiative countries, including Nigeria.
- Provides full tuition, a monthly allowance, and research grants.
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Schwarzman Scholars Program
- A prestigious scholarship for students pursuing a master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University.
Key Benefits
- Free tuition, accommodation, and living allowance
- Language training for non-Mandarin speakers
- Career opportunities in China’s booming industries
Application Process
- Most scholarships open between March and June every year.
- Requirements include academic records, recommendation letters, and a study plan.
10. Sweden – Free Education for High Achievers
Scholarship Worth: Over $25 Million Annually
Sweden is one of the best European countries for higher education, offering fully funded scholarships to international students with excellent academic backgrounds.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Sweden
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Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses (€10,000 per month), health insurance, and travel grants.
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Lund University Global Scholarship
- Provides 100 percent tuition coverage for students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s programs.
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Chalmers IPOET Scholarships
- Offers tuition fee waivers of up to 100 percent for master’s students.
Key Benefits
- Full financial coverage for study and living costs
- World-class education system
- Internship and job placement opportunities
Application Process
- Scholarship applications open between October and January every year.
- Requires academic transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
Top 10 Countries Offering Fully Funded Scholarships to Nigerian Students in 2025
Success Stories: Nigerians Who Benefited from Fully Funded Scholarships
1. Tunde’s Journey to the UK
Tunde, a graduate of the University of Lagos, received the Chevening Scholarship in 2023. He pursued a master’s in International Development at the University of Manchester. Today, he works for a global NGO in London, helping communities in Africa.
2. Aminat’s Experience in the USA
Aminat secured the Fulbright Scholarship for her PhD in Environmental Science at Harvard University. She has since published groundbreaking research on climate change and now lectures at a top American university.
3. Chukwudi’s Path to Canada
Chukwudi won the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, which fully funded his PhD in Engineering at the University of Toronto. His research on renewable energy has earned international recognition.
4. Fatima’s Story in Germany
Fatima received the DAAD Scholarship for her master’s in Public Health at the University of Heidelberg. She now works with the World Health Organization (WHO) on health policies for African nations.
5. Ibrahim’s Success in Australia
Ibrahim, a recipient of the Australia Awards Scholarship, completed his MBA at the University of Melbourne. He now leads a multinational company in Nigeria.
6. Ezinne’s Opportunity in France
Ezinne won the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, allowing her to study Data Science at Sorbonne University. She now works as a data analyst for a leading European tech company.
7. Hassan’s Breakthrough in China
Hassan received the Chinese Government Scholarship and completed his PhD in Artificial Intelligence at Tsinghua University. He is now leading a startup in Lagos, focused on AI-driven business solutions.
Final Thoughts: A Life-Changing Opportunity for Nigerian Students
Studying abroad is no longer a distant dream for Nigerian students. With the right scholarship, you can access world-class education without financial burdens. These top 10 countries offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, travel, and even personal expenses.
To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, start preparing early. Research requirements, apply on time, and submit strong applications with outstanding academic records and personal statements.
Your dream of studying abroad can become a reality with the right information and determination.
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