- There are numerous scholarships for Nigerian students in popular study destinations like the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and the EU.
- Scholarships range from fully-funded government programmes to university-specific scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and more.
Hey there! Are you dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost? You're not alone. More and more Nigerian students are looking to take their education overseas, and scholarships can make that dream a reality.
The hottest destinations for Nigerian students are Canada, the UK, the US, and Germany. The European Union, as a whole, is also very attractive even if, looking at the region country by country, the interest is relatively small. All of these places provide world-class education, but they are also expensive. So, let's dive into some of the best scholarships to help you study abroad there!
1. Scholarships to study in the United States
The US is a top destination for Nigerian students, and it's easy to see why. With world-class universities and tons of opportunities, it's a great place to be. But let's be real—it can get expensive. Luckily, some amazing scholarships can help:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: This one's a biggie! It covers tuition, living expenses, and more. You'll need a solid academic record and a plan to make a difference back home after your studies. Read our guide about the Fulbright Student Program for more details.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: This scholarship is offered at several universities in the US and is aimed at bright students from Africa. It covers just about everything, from tuition to living costs.
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: This program is great if you're looking for a non-degree experience focused on professional development.
Other scholarships for Nigerian students in the US
- Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development: The scholarships funds graduate-level coursework or research for one to four academic years.
- AAUW International Fellowships: Funding for graduate studies for women.
- Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG): Grants for women from developing countries.
Tips for Applying: Make sure you prepare well for standardised tests like the GRE or TOEFL—they're often a key part of the application process. Also, start early and keep track of deadlines!
Check out more scholarships for Nigerian students in the US.
2. Scholarships to study in the United Kingdom
The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, and there are plenty of scholarships to help you get there.
- Chevening Scholarshipsv: This is a prestigious scholarship that covers all your expenses. It's highly competitive, but it's worth a shot if you're ambitious and have leadership potential. Read more about the Chevening Scholarship in this complete guide.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: These scholarships are for students from Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria (one of the 21 African countries members of the Commonwealth). They cover tuition and living expenses, and they're a great opportunity if you're interested in postgraduate studies. Find out all there is to know about the Commonwealth Scholarships by reading our guide on the topic.
- GREAT Scholarships: GREAT Scholarships give students from 18 countries, including Nigeria, a chance to get 10,000 British Pounds (over 20 million Naira) off their tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded for a series of one-year taught Master's courses. Each year, about 200 scholarships are available in more than 70 universities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
- University-specific scholarships: Many UK universities offer their scholarships. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fantastic option for postgraduate students.
Tips for Applying: The personal statement is crucial! Make it unique, and let your passion for your chosen field shine through.
Browse all scholarships in the United Kingdom for students from Nigeria.
3. Scholarships to study in Canada
Canada is known for its welcoming atmosphere and top-notch education. Here are some scholarships that can help you get there:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships awarded by the Canadian government are for doctoral students and cover everything from tuition to living costs. You get 50,000 Canadian Dollars per year (about 60 milion Naira).
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships: If you want to do your undergraduate studies, this scholarship is perfect. It's highly competitive but covers almost all costs.
- Canadian Government Scholarships: There are several government-funded options that are worth checking out, especially for graduate students.
- Study in Canada Scholarships: This programme provides short-term exchange opportunities for study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions. It is open to students from various countries, including Nigeria, and covers expenses such as tuition, airfare, and living costs.
Other scholarships for Nigerian students in Canada
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships:Provides $70,000 per year for postdoctoral researchers.
- Canada-Africa Exchange Scholarship: Supports short-term study and research exchanges for African students.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Grants $15,000 annually for master's or doctoral students in Ontario.
Tips for Applying: You’ll need a study permit, so plan for that alongside your scholarship applications.
Check out more scholarships in Canada for Nigerian international students.
4. Scholarships to study in Germany
Germany is super popular for Nigerian students because of its affordable (sometimes even free) education. Plus, the quality is top-notch.
- DAAD Scholarships: The DAAD offers a variety of scholarships for Nigerian students at different levels. It's one of the most popular options for studying in Germany. Check out our guide on the DAAD Scholarships if you want to learn everything you need about this type of aid.
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships: These are aimed at students from developing countries, and they cover both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
- Erasmus+ Program: If you're planning to study at a partner university, Erasmus+ can provide some fantastic funding.
Other scholarships for Nigerian students in Germany:
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships: Supports students dedicated to social democracy.
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships: For academically strong students active in voluntary work.
- Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships: For those passionate about social justice and political engagement.
Tips for Applying: You might need some German language skills, depending on the program. But don't worry, there are also plenty of English-taught courses available!
Check out more scholarships for Nigerian students in Germany.
5. Scholarships to study in the EU
The EU has so many scholarship options that it can be hard to choose! Here are some of the best scholarships for Nigerian students:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: This fully funded program lets you study in multiple countries, giving you an incredible international experience.
- Government Scholarships: Many European countries offer financial aid to foreign students. Sweden and the Netherlands, for example, offer scholarships like the Swedish Institute Scholarships and the Dutch Orange Knowledge Programme.
- University Scholarships: Universities also offer scholarships to international students, so be sure to check their websites.
Other scholarships for Nigerian students in the European Union:
- Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden): Fully funded scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel grants.
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (Netherlands): This scholarship is for talented students from emerging economies, including Nigeria, and covers tuition fee reductions at participating Dutch universities.
- VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium): These scholarships allow students from developing countries to study at Flemish universities and cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme(France): Offers funding for Nigerian students to pursue master's and PhD degrees in various fields, covering monthly allowances and other costs.
- University of Helsinki Scholarships (Finland): Scholarships for academically talented international students, covering full or partial tuition for Master's programmes.
- University of Padua Scholarships (Italy): This scholarship program covers full tuition and offers a subsistence allowance to international students pursuing a master's degree.
Tips for Applying: Each EU country has its own requirements, so make sure you're well-informed about what's needed for your specific destination.
Browse through thousands of available scholarships for Nigerian students and filter them by any European country you prefer.
Student success stories: Nigerian students abroad
Studying abroad is about more than just scholarships—it's also about the incredible journeys students take to achieve their dreams. Check out the experiences of some Nigerian students who pursued their dream of studying abroad:
- Chizitara shares her success story to inspire women to pursue their dreams, no matter the field. She talks about her journey into tech and the challenges she faced, encouraging women to stay confident and resilient, even in male-dominated careers.
- Chizi talks about her journey from Nigeria to the UK to study Environmental Management. After getting accepted, she applied for financial aid, which helped her fulfil her dream of studying abroad. Chizi tells us about how she managed to make it with the visa process and adapting to life in the UK.
- Durojaiye shares his journey from Nigeria to Ireland to study Bioprocess Engineering and how he overcame the challenges of moving abroad.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity, and scholarships can make it happen. The key is to start early, stay organised, and be persistent. Don't let the fear of rejection hold you back—keep pushing, and you might just land that scholarship that changes your life. Remember, international education can open doors not just for your career but also for making a difference in your community back in Nigeria.
If you're ready to take the next step, check out scholarship databases or official university websites for up-to-date information. And don't forget to share this article with friends or family members who might also be interested in studying abroad—let's help each other succeed!
