Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025



Education is a powerful tool that can unlock numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, one of the most significant barriers many Nigerian students face when pursuing higher education abroad is the cost. Fortunately, there are several fully funded scholarships available for Nigerian students in 2025. These scholarships can cover everything from tuition fees to living expenses, providing students with the chance to study at some of the world’s top universities without the financial burden.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 fully funded scholarships available to Nigerian students in 2025. Whether you're looking to study in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or other parts of the world, this guide will provide you with valuable information about the scholarships you can apply for, how to apply, and the benefits that come with each scholarship.

1. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It allows international students, including Nigerians, to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees at accredited universities in the United States. This program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Living stipend
  • Airfare to and from the United States
  • Health insurance
  • A professional development allowance

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian students who are interested in pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in any field.
  • Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
  • Strong academic performance and leadership qualities.
  • Proficiency in English, with a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (internet-based).

How to Apply:

Visit the official Fulbright Foreign Student Program website and submit an online application. Be sure to include your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining your goals and the impact you hope to have after completing your studies.

Deadline:

The application period for the Fulbright program typically opens in April, with deadlines in the fall.

2. The Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)

Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program aimed at developing global leaders. It offers Nigerian students the opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees coverage
  • A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
  • Travel costs (economy airfare to and from the UK)
  • A thesis grant (if applicable)

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian citizens with at least two years of work experience.
  • A strong academic background.
  • Applicants must return to Nigeria for at least two years after their studies.
  • English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL scores.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Chevening scholarship, you must submit an online application through the Chevening website. You will need to provide academic transcripts, a personal statement, and references from your previous employers.

Deadline:

The application usually opens in August and closes in November.

3. The DAAD Scholarship Program (Germany)

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship is one of the most well-known and competitive scholarships available to Nigerian students. It covers a wide range of study fields for Nigerian students who wish to study at German universities.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly stipends for living expenses
  • Travel allowances
  • Health insurance
  • Funding for research and language courses

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian students applying for postgraduate courses or research programs.
  • Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in the relevant field.
  • Must show strong academic achievements and a passion for further academic research.

How to Apply:

The application process is done online through the DAAD portal. Ensure you submit your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of language proficiency, and your research proposal if applicable.

Deadline:

DAAD scholarships typically have deadlines in the late summer or early fall (July or September).

4. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides full scholarships to students from Africa, including Nigeria, to study at partner institutions in North America and Africa. The program aims to develop the next generation of leaders who will return to their countries to create social and economic change.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees coverage
  • Accommodation and living allowances
  • Mentorship and leadership development programs
  • Internship and employment opportunities with Mastercard Foundation partners

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian students with a demonstrated need for financial assistance.
  • Strong academic records.
  • Applicants must exhibit leadership potential and a commitment to giving back to their community.

How to Apply:

Application procedures vary depending on the partner institution. However, you must apply through the respective university or organization’s website, often including personal essays, recommendation letters, and proof of community involvement.

Deadline:

Applications typically close between February and March of the application year.

5. The Rhodes Scholarship (United Kingdom)

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs. It is awarded to exceptional students from Nigeria and other countries around the world to study at the University of Oxford.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees
  • A generous living stipend
  • Travel and visa costs
  • Networking opportunities with global leaders and experts

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian students with outstanding academic achievements.
  • Applicants must be between 18 and 24 years old.
  • Proven leadership potential and extracurricular involvement.
  • A clear vision for using the scholarship to contribute to society.

How to Apply:

Applicants must apply through the Rhodes Trust website and submit academic transcripts, reference letters, and a personal statement.

Deadline:

The application deadline is typically in October each year.

6. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) is one of Canada's most prestigious scholarships aimed at attracting world-class doctoral students. Nigerian students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. at Canadian universities are eligible for this highly competitive scholarship.

Benefits:

  • $50,000 per year for up to three years
  • Full tuition coverage
  • Research funding
  • Health benefits

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian students applying for a Ph.D. or combined master’s and doctoral program.
  • A minimum CGPA of 3.7/4.0 or equivalent.
  • Strong research capabilities and a proposed research project that aligns with the scholarship goals.

How to Apply:

Applications are made through participating Canadian universities, which will nominate candidates. You will need to submit your academic records, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.

Deadline:

The application period usually opens in September, with the deadline typically in November.

7. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer postgraduate scholarships for Nigerian students to study at one of Switzerland’s top universities. The scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded based on academic excellence and research potential.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Monthly stipend
  • Travel expenses
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity to participate in research programs

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian students holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
  • Applicants must have a strong academic record and an interest in research or specific fields of study.
  • Proficiency in English or French, depending on the program.

How to Apply:

Applications are made through the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria or the respective university. You will need to provide your academic records, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.

Deadline:

Applications typically close in mid-November.

8. The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) – Japan Scholarship Program offers fully funded scholarships to students from developing countries, including Nigeria, to pursue postgraduate studies in fields such as economics, business, public administration, and related fields at universities in Japan.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Travel expenses
  • Living allowance
  • Health insurance
  • Allowances for thesis writing

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian citizens with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants must have a strong academic background and leadership potential.
  • Applicants must be under 35 years of age at the time of application.

How to Apply:

Submit your application to the university of your choice, which is a partner of the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program. Each university will have its own application process and specific eligibility criteria.

Deadline:

Applications are generally accepted from February to March each year.

9. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships (EU)

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships provide fully funded opportunities for Nigerian students to pursue joint master's programs in Europe. This program is known for its global prestige and interdisciplinary approach to education.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees coverage
  • Monthly stipends for living costs
  • Travel allowances
  • Health insurance

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian students with a strong academic background.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to international cooperation and intercultural dialogue.

How to Apply:

Applications are submitted through the specific Erasmus Mundus Master’s program you wish to apply for. Be sure to check eligibility requirements and submit the necessary academic documents.

Deadline:

Applications typically close in January or February each year.

10. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) offers fully funded scholarships for postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, to study in the UK. It is one of the most competitive and respected scholarship programs globally.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Living stipend
  • Travel expenses
  • Additional allowances for family members (if applicable)

Eligibility:

  • Nigerian students applying for a postgraduate degree.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background and leadership potential.

How to Apply:

Applications are made through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website. Ensure to provide the necessary documents, including your academic transcripts and reference letters.

Deadline:

Application deadlines typically fall in December or January.

Conclusion

These 10 fully funded scholarships provide Nigerian students with incredible opportunities to pursue higher education at top universities across the globe. By applying for these prestigious scholarships, students can achieve their academic and professional goals without the financial burden that often accompanies studying abroad. Remember to carefully follow the application instructions, gather all necessary documents, and meet the deadlines for each scholarship program. Good luck!