Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians in 2025/2026

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians in 2025/2026

Introduction

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students and young professionals aspire to advance their education and careers through international scholarships. Fortunately, a range of fully funded scholarship programmes offering tuition waivers, stipends, travel costs, and sometimes internships or job placements is accessible to Nigerians. These scholarships open doors to top global universities and transformative educational experiences.

In this comprehensive article, you’ll discover the top 10 fully funded scholarships available to Nigerians for 2025/2026, how to qualify, how to apply, and expert insights on improving your chances. Whether you’re aiming for graduate study abroad or seeking local scholarships with international value, this guide equips you with everything you need for success.

Scholarship 1: DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Scholarships (Germany)

Overview

The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Programme supports Masters and PhD programs for Nigerians in development-relevant fields, including environmental engineering, public policy, economics, and cultural studies.

Key Benefits

1. Full coverage of tuition and living stipend (€850–€1,200/month)

2. Travel allowance covering flight costs

3. Health and liability insurance

4. Research grants (if applicable)

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nigerian citizenship with valid passport

2. Bachelor’s degree (2nd Class Upper or higher) from accredited university

3. Minimum one to two years of relevant experience

4. Strong educational and professional motivation in the chosen field

Application Tips

1. Select a course directly related to development goals in Nigeria

2. Write a strong motivation letter linking your goals to the needs of Nigerian communities

3. Provide compelling references with clear descriptions of your role and potential

Scholarship 2: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EU)

Overview

Offered by the European Union, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programmes span multiple universities across different European countries. Nigerians may receive a full scholarship covering tuition, monthly living allowance (€1,000–€1,200), insurance, and travel.

Fields Available

Disciplines include engineering, public health, data science, arts, and sustainable development.

Why It Stands Out

1. Academic training across two or three European countries

2. Exposure to multicultural cohorts and research collaboration

3. High visibility on graduate CVs and access to EU networks

Application Tips

1. Apply to up to three relevant programs simultaneously to increase chances

2. Emphasize adaptability and international mobility in your essays

3. Ensure referees highlight your team performance, leadership, and cross-cultural skills

Scholarship 3: Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Overview

Chevening is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme. It supports ambitious Nigerians to pursue one-year Master’s degrees in any field at any UK university.

What It Covers

1. Tuition and fees

2. Monthly stipend

3. Travel costs and visa expenses

4. Access to Chevening workshops, networking events, and internship opportunities

Selection Criteria

1. Strong academic record (normally 2:1 or Upper Second)

2. At least two years’ work experience

3. Demonstrated leadership and future impact on Nigeria

4. Thoughtful post-study plans

Application Insights

1. Start early: applications usually open in September and close in November

2. Craft clear leadership accomplishments (e.g. community service, team/project coordination)

3. Structure essays to show your vision for Nigeria and how your UK study contributes

Scholarship 4: Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals

Overview

This programme offers full funding for Nigerian master’s applicants to select Swedish universities.

Benefits

1. Tuition fees fully covered

2. Monthly living stipend (~10,000 SEK/month)

3. Travel grant

4. Insurance and student fees included

Eligibility Essentials

1. Bachelor’s degree (upper second minimum)

2. One to two years of professional or volunteer experience

3. Strong leadership ability and clear development agenda

4. Letter of admission from a participating Swedish university

Guidance Tips

1. Highlight leadership achievements in essays and CV

2. Align your goals with Sweden’s focus on sustainable development and innovation

3. Include tangible examples of societal contribution (volunteer work, local leadership)

Scholarship 5: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Overview

This prominent program partners with several world-class universities to support academically gifted Nigerians pursuing undergraduate or master’s study in various fields.

Key Features

1. Full tuition and living expenses

2. Mentorship and internship opportunities

3. Partner university support services

Ideal Candidates

1. Demonstrated leadership (e.g. founder of community initiative)

2. Financial need

3. Strong academic achievement

4. Commitment to making impact in Nigeria

Tips for Application

1. Apply early through partner university platforms (e.g. Ashesi University, Toronto)

2. Emphasize your leadership record and post-graduate intentions

3. Provide strong academic and activity-based references

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians in 2025/2026

Scholarship 6: PTDF Scholarships for Nigerians (Nigeria Petroleum Fund)

Overview

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund supports Nigerian students in petroleum-related courses at local and international institutions. APPLY 

What’s Included

1. Full tuition

2. Monthly training stipend

3. Air ticket for overseas study (where applicable)

4. Research or industrial training grants

Eligibility Requirements

1. Nigerian citizenship

2. Strong STEM academic record (CGPA ≥ 3.5)

3. Admission offer from accredited university

Tips to Prepare

1. Focus on petroleum or energy-related programs

2. Submit updated CGPA, transcript, and admission letter early

3. Include evidence of extracurricular technical engagement (clubs, competitions)

Scholarship 7: NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship (Nigeria LNG Limited)

Overview

This scholarship supports Nigerian undergraduates studying in public universities in Nigeria.

Benefits

1. Full tuition support

2. Annual stipend (~₦200,000)

3. Access to academic coaching and special workshops

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nigerian citizen

2. Full-time undergraduate student with CGPA ≥ 3.5

3. Documentation of academic excellence

Application Tips

1. Prepare transcripts and upload as required

2. Include involvement in community service or club leadership

3. Submit before the deadline, and update documents as requested

Scholarship 8: Shell Nigeria Foundation Scholarship

Overview

Shell provides scholarship support to Nigerian undergraduates, especially those in STEM fields.

Package Includes

1. Full tuition

2. Monthly allowance

3. Books and educational materials

4. Internship or mentorship support

Eligibility Conditions

1. Nigerian citizen

2. Undergraduate student in engineering, science, or geoscience

3. Strong academic performance, typically CGPA ≥ 3.5

Application Advice

1. Highlight your interest and potential in STEM fields

2. Provide a succinct personal statement with academic goals

3. Engage in extracurricular STEM or community activities

Scholarship 9: Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship

Description

This program funds Nigerian undergraduates with leadership potential across various academic fields.

Support Provided

1. Tuition fees

2. Annual living stipend

3. Mentorship and leadership training sessions

Who It’s For

1. Full-time Nigerian undergraduate students with strong academic records

2. Minimum CGPA of 3.5 or equivalent

Application Strategy

1. Provide clear examples of student leadership or volunteer experience

2. Ensure application forms are error-free and sincere

3. Recommend reliable academic referees

Scholarship 10: Leventis Scholarship for Nigerians (Greece)

Program Details

This scholarship supports postgraduate studies at the prestigious ALBA Graduate Business School in Athens.

What’s Provided

1. Tuition waiver

2. Monthly living stipend

3. Housing or accommodation support

4. Career development and networking events

Eligibility Conditions

1. Applicants must be Nigerian postgraduate candidates (MBA or MSc)

2. Strong academic and professional record

Application Pointers

1. Demonstrate why Greece is relevant to your future goals

2. Emphasize the connection between your chosen field and regional socio-economic development

3. Submit strong, industry-aligned references

 

Additional Insights and Application Strategies

Multiple Applications

You are allowed—and encouraged—to apply to several of these scholarships to enhance your chances. Each has distinct criteria and may complement your profile differently.

Document Readiness

Prepare these in advance:

1. Academic transcript and certificate(s)

2. International passport

3. Passport photograph (digital and printed)

4. Curriculum Vitae (Europass or similar)

5. Recommendation letters (academic and professional)

6. Statement of Purpose (aligned to scholarship aims)

7. Leadership or community service documentation

English Language Requirements

While local public scholarships often do not require language proof, international scholarships may request IELTS/TOEFL. However:

1. Many European scholarships waive IELTS if your prior education was in English

2. A signed Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your institution may suffice

Letters of Recommendation

1. Use referees who know you well

2. Provide them with clear guidelines on deadlines and content—focus on academic ability, leadership, and potential

3. Ensure referees submit within the portal before the closing deadline

Testimonials from Successful Nigerian Scholars

Amaka Chukwu (DAAD Scholar, Germany)

“After applying with no IELTS, I relied on my MOI letter and CV detailing my community projects. DAAD awarded me and I now study Urban Planning in Berlin with full funding.”

Emeka Uzoma (Chevening Scholar, UK)

“I highlighted my youth development initiatives in my personal statement, and after a successful interview, I earned my Chevening spot to pursue Environmental Policy in London.”

Chioma Ani (NLNG Scholar, Nigerian University)

“The NLNG scholarship made my engineering dreams possible. With their financial support, I graduated with distinction and now work in the energy sector.”

Bayo Adedayo (Erasmus Mundus Scholar)

“My Erasmus Mundus application was strengthened by my research project on maritime economics. I now study in three countries, fully funded.”

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians in 2025/2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does it take to receive a scholarship decision?
Typical timelines range from 8 weeks (local Nigerian scholarships) to 4–6 months (international programmes).

Q2: Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes. Applying to multiple programmes increases your chances of securing funding.

Q3: What if I do not have IELTS?
For most Nigerian-based scholarships, IELTS is not required. For international scholarships, you can often substitute a valid MOI or proof of prior English medium education.

Q4: Are these scholarships open to undergraduates and postgraduates?
Yes. Scholarships like DAAD (postgraduate), Chevening (postgraduate), Erasmus (master’s), and local undergraduate scholarships (NLNG, PTDF) are available.

Q5: Do I need to repay any of these scholarships?
No. All listed scholarships are non-repayable grants.

Q6: Can I change my field after receiving a scholarship?
Generally, scholarships require you to stick to the approved course and institution. Any changes must be approved by the scholarship body.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s brightest students now have access to life-changing fully funded scholarship opportunities listed here—both local and international. From DAAD and Erasmus to NLNG and PTDF, these initiatives provide world-class training, leadership development, and global exposure to help you drive change in Nigeria.

By preparing early, understanding eligibility, crafting standout essays, and maintaining high academic and leadership standards, you can position yourself to benefit from these opportunities. Start preparing your documents, engaging in community projects, and building your profile now—your scholarship could be just one strong application away.