Studying abroad can open incredible doors — but for many Nigerian students, the cost is a major barrier. That’s where fully funded scholarships come in. If you’ve got strong academic results, leadership skills, or even just a powerful drive to succeed, there are scholarship programs out there looking for someone just like you.
In this guide, we’ve carefully selected ten trusted, fully funded scholarships available to Nigerians in 2025. These are real opportunities to study abroad without paying a kobo in tuition, accommodation, or travel fees.
1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in the UK, the Chevening Scholarship is one of your best options. Funded by the UK government, it’s offered to individuals with leadership potential from countries like Nigeria.
This scholarship covers everything — your tuition, visa, flights, and even monthly living expenses. To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree (at least second-class upper), two years of work experience, and a good reason why you want to study in the UK. Applications typically open around September, so prepare early.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany is known for offering tuition-free education, but the DAAD scholarship takes it further. It fully supports international students who want to pursue master’s or PhD degrees in Germany.
You must have a solid academic background, preferably with a second-class upper or better, plus some relevant work experience. The program covers your tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel. Application deadlines are usually late in the year, around October to December.
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation partners with top universities across Canada, the United States, and Africa to provide full scholarships for talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
What makes this scholarship special is its focus on students who show academic strength and a commitment to giving back to their communities. It covers all costs — tuition, accommodation, books, travel, and more. Each university has its own process, so you’ll need to visit their websites and follow specific application instructions.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)
This program, funded by the U.S. government, gives Nigerian students a chance to study at some of the best universities in the world. Whether you’re going for a master’s or PhD, Fulbright can cover all your expenses — including tuition, airfare, living costs, and health insurance.
To be eligible, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a strong academic profile. Fulbright looks for students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate leadership and a desire to make an impact in their field. The application season usually runs from February to May.
5. Commonwealth Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Offered by the UK government for students from Commonwealth countries, this scholarship supports those who might not be able to afford studying abroad on their own.
It’s aimed at individuals who are academically excellent and committed to making a difference back home. It covers your tuition, travel, living expenses, and more. Nigerian students can apply for master’s or PhD programs at approved UK universities. Applications often open in September and close by December.
6. Australia Awards Scholarships
If Australia is on your radar, this government-funded program is a fantastic way to study in world-class institutions across the country. It’s particularly focused on individuals who plan to return home and contribute to development in their communities.
The scholarship takes care of everything — from tuition fees and airfares to health coverage and a generous monthly allowance. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, at least two years of work experience, and a clear development-focused career goal. Applications usually open in February.
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (European Union)
Erasmus Mundus lets you study in more than one European country under a joint degree program. That means you could spend your first semester in France, your second in Germany, and graduate with a single degree that’s recognized across Europe.
The scholarship includes tuition, travel costs, and a monthly stipend for the entire duration of the program. To be eligible, you need a bachelor’s degree and a strong academic track record. Most programs open applications between October and January.
8. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for global professionals who want to study in Sweden and contribute to sustainable development. It’s very competitive but also very rewarding.
For Nigerians, this is a great chance to study a master’s program in a peaceful and innovative country. The scholarship pays for your tuition, monthly allowance, insurance, and even a travel grant. Applicants must have leadership experience and be able to show how their education will help them impact society.
9. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program
The Asian Development Bank, together with the Japanese government, offers scholarships for students from developing countries like Nigeria to study in Asia and the Pacific.
It’s open mostly for master’s degree programs in fields like economics, science, technology, and public policy. The scholarship covers everything — tuition, accommodation, books, travel, and a living stipend. You’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree, a few years of work experience, and admission to a participating university.
10. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships
If you’re a Muslim student from Nigeria with strong academic performance and a heart for development, the IsDB scholarship might be perfect for you. It supports students at undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and even postdoctoral levels.
This program doesn’t just fund your studies — it invests in your future. It covers tuition, living expenses, health care, and travel. But more importantly, it seeks students who will go back and contribute to their local communities in meaningful ways.
How to Boost Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
Getting a fully funded scholarship is competitive, but it’s absolutely doable if you take the right steps.
Start early. Begin your research months before the application opens. Many students miss out simply because they wait too long.
Write a compelling personal statement. Don’t just list achievements — tell your story. Show why you’re passionate about your chosen course, and how it connects to your long-term goals.
Secure strong recommendation letters. Choose people who know your abilities and can speak genuinely about your potential. Let them know early so they have enough time to write a thoughtful letter.
Organize your documents. Keep your transcripts, certificates, passport, and other key documents ready and well-scanned. Little delays can cost you an entire opportunity.
Follow all instructions. This sounds obvious, but many applicants skip required documents or don’t meet word counts. Be careful. Read every instruction two or three times before submitting.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships are not just for the best students — they’re for those who plan well, apply smartly, and present themselves with clarity and confidence. As a Nigerian student, you have access to some of the most powerful scholarship opportunities in the world — you just need to take the first step.
Each of the programs listed above has funded thousands of students across the globe. Many Nigerians have walked this path and are now making a difference in their fields. You can be next.
Stay with Krain Naija News for timely updates on scholarships, remote job openings, and travel opportunities tailored to Nigerians. Our mission is to bring you real, verified, and life-changing opportunities that can change your story.
