Top Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025: Fully Funded Opportunities

Education is the ladder to opportunity—but for many Nigerian students, financial barriers make that ladder hard to climb. The good news? Numerous local and international organizations offer scholarships for Nigerian students, helping you achieve your academic dreams without the burden of tuition and living costs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best available scholarships in 2025, how to apply, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and insider tips to boost your chances of winning.

Types of Scholarships Available for Nigerian Students

Scholarships generally fall into the following categories:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Awarded to students with exceptional academic achievements or talent in sports, arts, or leadership.

Need-Based Scholarships

Designed for students from low-income backgrounds to support their education.

Government Scholarships

Offered by the Nigerian government or foreign governments for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

University Scholarships

These come directly from universities (local or abroad) and often cover tuition, accommodation, and sometimes stipends.

SEE ALSO UK Scholarships Without IELTS in 2025: Study in the UK Without English Test Worries!

Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students (2025)

1. Chevron/NNPC JV National University Scholarship

• For: Undergraduate students in Nigerian universities

• Deadline: Usually opens in September

• Coverage: Tuition + annual grant

• Website: Chevron Scholarship Portal

2. PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme

• For: Postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD)

• Deadline: Annually (Feb–Mar)

• Coverage: Tuition, flight, accommodation, living allowance

• Website: ptdf.gov.ng

3. Federal Government BEA Scholarships

• For: Undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Russia, Hungary, Morocco, etc.

• Deadline: Typically in January

• Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, stipends

• Website: Federal Ministry of Education

4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

• For: Nigerian students pursuing Master’s degrees in the UK

• Deadline: December–January

• Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, stipend

• Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk

5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

• For: Undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Africa and North America

• Deadline: Varies by institution

• Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses

• Website: mastercardfoundation.org

Scholarships by Level of Study

Undergraduate Scholarships for Nigerian Students

• NNPC/SNEPCo National Scholarship

• Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship

• MTN Foundation Scholarship

• Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship

Postgraduate Scholarships

• DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

• Chevening Scholarship (UK)

• Australia Awards

• Erasmus+ (Europe)

How to Find the Right Scholarship for You

Follow these tips to narrow down the right fit:

• Match eligibility (age, field of study, level of education)

• Prepare required documents in advance (transcripts, reference letters, ID)

• Subscribe to scholarship websites like:

  • SchoolIsle.org

  • Scholarship Positions

  • OpportunitiesForAfricans.com

Common Requirements for Scholarship Applications

Most scholarship applications will require:

• Academic transcripts or certificates

• Statement of purpose or motivation letter

• Reference/recommendation letters

• Proof of nationality (passport, NIN, etc.)

• Language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL for international scholarships)

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

1. Start early and apply on time

2. Apply for multiple scholarships

3. Write a compelling personal statement

4. Maintain strong academic results

5. Get strong recommendation letters

6. Follow application instructions to the letter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes. In fact, applying for multiple opportunities increases your chances of success.

Do I need IELTS to apply for scholarships abroad?

For most English-speaking countries, yes. However, some universities waive this requirement for Nigerians due to English being our official language.

Can I get a fully funded undergraduate scholarship abroad?

Yes. Programs like the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (Canada) and Mastercard Foundation cover full undergraduate funding.

How do I know if a scholarship is legit?

Always apply via official websites. Avoid paying money to agents. Check reviews or confirm with the scholarship provider.

Where to Get Updates on Scholarships for Nigerian Students

To stay updated, follow:

• Official scholarship portals (e.g., DAAD, Commonwealth)

• Nigerian education blogs like SchoolIsle.org

• LinkedIn and Twitter (follow hashtags like #ScholarshipAlert, #StudyAbroad)

Final Thoughts: Your Future Starts Now

Education shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s your right. Whether you dream of studying in the UK, Canada, or right here in Nigeria, there’s a scholarship out there with your name on it.

Don’t wait. Start applying today and take that bold step toward your future.

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