Nigerian students are eligible for scholarships to study in the UK, USA, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, and across Europe in 2026, many of which cover full tuition, a living stipend, travel costs, and health insurance.
That list covers 8 countries. Most Nigerian students know about two or three of them. This article covers all of them.
Nigerian students have the advantage of being eligible for Commonwealth scholarships, African Union programmes, and bilateral government scholarships from countries like Japan (MEXT), South Korea (KGSP), and China (CSC).
These programs award places to Nigerian students every single year, quietly, without the social media attention that Chevening receives.
This is the master list: every major fully funded scholarship available to Nigerians for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 study cycles, organized by country, with deadlines and key requirements for each.
United Kingdom
Chevening Scholarship
Deadline: October 6, 2026 | Level: Master’s | Open now
The UK government’s flagship scholarship. Covers full tuition, monthly living stipend, return flights, and visa fees for a one-year master’s degree at any eligible UK university. Requires two years of work experience and demonstrated leadership. Full guide in our dedicated UK Scholarships article.
Apply at: chevening.org
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
Deadline: ~October-November 2026 | Level: Master’s and PhD
Administered through Nigeria’s Federal Scholarship Board (FSB). Covers tuition, living allowance, and return airfare for study at UK universities. Requires admission offers from at least two UK universities before applying through the FSB.
Apply through: fsb.gov.ng and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission portal.
NLNG Postgraduate Scholarship
Deadline: Varies annually (check nlngscholarships.smapply.io)
The NLNG Postgraduate Scholarship funds Nigerian graduates through a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom, with tuition, accommodation, living expenses, flights, and medical insurance all covered. This is a Nigerian-government-adjacent scholarship specifically for Nigerian nationals in petroleum technology, engineering, and related fields.
United States
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Deadline: June 1 annually | Level: PhD research
US government scholarship for Nigerian academics and researchers. Covers tuition, monthly stipend, return flights, and health insurance for doctoral research at a US university. Primarily targets Nigerian university faculty and researchers, not fresh graduates.
Apply through: ng.usembassy.gov
EducationUSA Opportunity Fund Program (OFP)
Deadline: June 30 annually | Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Not a scholarship itself but covers the costs of applying to US universities (test fees, application fees, visa fees, and flights). Places students with full financial aid at elite US universities. Primarily for Nigerian students from low-income backgrounds with exceptional academic and leadership records.
Apply through: EducationUSA Nigeria (educationusanigeria.state.gov)
Canada
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Deadline: November 6, 2026 | Level: Undergraduate (4 years)
University of Toronto’s flagship award; 37 places per year. Covers full tuition, books, fees, and residence for four years. Requires school nomination. Full guide in our Canada Scholarships article.
Apply through: utoronto.ca (via school nomination)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Deadline: November 1, 2026 | Level: PhD
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships provide CAD $50,000 per year for up to three years for PhD or combined master’s-to-PhD studies. Requires university nomination and an exceptional research record.
Apply through: vanier.gc.ca (via Canadian university)
McCall MacBain Scholarship (McGill University)
Deadline: ~October 2026 | Level: Master’s
Fully funded master’s at McGill including tuition, stipend, and mentorship. Strong leadership and service record required. No mandatory return-to-Nigeria requirement.
Apply through: mcallmacbain.ca
Germany
DAAD Scholarship
Deadline: Varies by program, typically October to January | Level: Master’s and PhD
The DAAD offers numerous funding programs for Nigerian students pursuing Master’s degrees and PhDs at German universities, where tuition at public universities is free or nominal even without a scholarship. Monthly stipend of €992 for Master’s students and €1,400 for doctoral candidates as of 2026. Health, accident, and personal liability insurance included.
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is Germany’s national scholarship organization and one of the largest in the world. Several DAAD programs are open to Nigerians:
- DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS): For applicants from developing countries pursuing master’s degrees related to development (engineering, agriculture, economics, public health, urban planning). Covers fees, living costs, flights, and health insurance.
- DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates: For PhD researchers at German universities.
- DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme: For postgraduate students in public policy and good governance.
Germany tops the list of countries with free tuition; public universities are free for everyone. The DAAD scholarship additionally covers €1,000-1,200 per month in living costs.
Apply at: daad.de/en (search “scholarships for development”)
Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships
Deadline: April 30 annually (2027 cycle opens February 2027) | Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage includes full tuition, return economy airfare, establishment allowance, and living costs. Australia Awards are the Australian government’s flagship international scholarship program, and Nigeria is an eligible country.
The program focuses on fields relevant to Australian development priorities: agriculture, water, environment, economics, education, health, and public policy. You must return to Nigeria for at least two years after completing your scholarship.
Apply through: australiaawardsnigeria.org
Destination Australia Scholarships
For Nigerians pursuing study at regional Australian universities (outside the major cities). Multiple universities participate, with funding varying by institution. Less competitive than Australia Awards due to regional focus.
Japan
MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government Scholarship)
Deadline: ~May-June annually (2027 cycle) | Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and research
MEXT scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare from Nigeria to Japan.
The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) scholarship is Japan’s government scholarship program for international students. Nigeria is eligible, and Nigerian students are awarded MEXT scholarships annually.
Two application routes:
- Embassy recommendation route: Apply through the Japanese Embassy in Abuja. More competitive but does not require prior university admission. Covers undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research programs.
- University recommendation route: Apply directly through a Japanese university that nominates you after admission. Often for graduate students with a specific academic relationship with a Japanese faculty member.
Monthly allowance: JPY 144,000-145,000 (approximately ₦700,000-₦710,000 per month)
Apply through: Abuja Embassy of Japan for the embassy route; directly with Japanese universities for the university route.
South Korea
Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
Deadline: ~February-March annually (2027 cycle) | Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
The Korean Government Scholarship Program is among the most popular fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students. Administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), the KGSP covers:
- Tuition at a Korean university
- Monthly living allowance (KRW 900,000-1,000,000 per month)
- Round-trip airfare
- Korean language training (one full year before degree begins)
- Health insurance
One year of Korean language training is included before your academic program begins, making prior Korean knowledge unnecessary.
Apply through: Korean Embassy in Abuja (embassy recommendation route) or directly through Korean universities (university recommendation route)
China
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Deadline: ~March-April annually | Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
China’s CSC scholarship is a bilateral government program available to Nigerian students. The Chinese Government Scholarship is one of the most awarded scholarships globally and one of the most accessible for Nigerian students, with acceptance rates higher than most Western government scholarships.
What CSC covers:
- Full tuition at a Chinese university
- Free university accommodation (or housing allowance)
- Monthly living stipend
- Comprehensive medical insurance
Languages of instruction: Many Chinese universities offer programs in English at the graduate level, particularly in engineering, medicine, business, and science. Check your specific program’s language of instruction before applying.
Apply through: csc.edu.cn (Chinese government portal) or through the Chinese Embassy in Abuja.
Nigeria (Government-Funded Overseas Scholarships)
PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme
Deadline: ~January-February (2027 cycle) | Level: Master’s and PhD
The PTDF Scholarship is the Nigerian government’s largest fully funded scholarship program, open to Nigerian citizens only. Run by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, it provides fully funded undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies. The Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) covers partner universities in the UK, Germany, France, China, and Malaysia.
Unlike foreign government scholarships, the PTDF awards are for Nigerians specifically, meaning you are not competing with a global pool of applicants, only other Nigerians.
Target fields: Engineering, petroleum technology, energy, environment, sciences, management, law
Apply through: ptdf.gov.ng
Federal Government of Nigeria Scholarship Board (FSB)
Deadline: ~September-October annually | Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
The Federal Scholarship Board administers Nigeria’s bilateral government scholarships from over 20 countries, covering destinations including China, Russia, Morocco, Egypt, Hungary, and others. These bilateral scholarships come with no tuition cost and a monthly allowance, though living standards vary significantly by destination.
Apply through: fsb.gov.ng
Master Deadline Calendar: All Countries
| Country | Scholarship | Deadline | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Chevening | October 6, 2026 | Master’s |
| UK | Commonwealth CSFP | ~October-November 2026 | Master’s/PhD |
| Canada | Vanier CGS | November 1, 2026 | PhD |
| Canada | Lester B. Pearson | November 6, 2026 | Undergraduate |
| Canada | UBC Leader of Tomorrow | November 30, 2026 | Undergraduate |
| Germany | DAAD (various) | October-January | Master’s/PhD |
| Canada | McCall MacBain | ~October 2026 | Master’s |
| USA | Fulbright | June 1 annually | PhD research |
| USA | EducationUSA OFP | June 30 annually | Undergraduate |
| Japan | MEXT | ~May-June (2027 cycle) | All levels |
| South Korea | KGSP | ~February-March (2027) | All levels |
| China | CSC | ~March-April (2027) | All levels |
| Australia | Australia Awards | April 30 (2027 cycle) | Master’s/PhD |
| Nigeria/Overseas | PTDF OSS | ~January-February (2027) | Master’s/PhD |
The Strategy That Wins Scholarships for Nigerians
Most scholarships require a strong academic record, relevant work experience (2+ years for Chevening and Commonwealth), English proficiency at IELTS 6.5-7.0, and compelling personal statements.
Start preparing 12-18 months before the deadline. Take IELTS early; many Nigerian applicants fail because they underestimate the preparation required.
Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously. The most successful Nigerian scholarship winners apply to 5-12 programs per cycle. Different scholarships have different values and assess different qualities; diversifying your applications dramatically improves your odds.
Do not limit yourself to the UK and USA. Japan, South Korea, Germany, and China are far less competitive for Nigerians than US and UK programs, and the education quality is world-class. DAAD and CSC in particular have documented histories of awarding to Nigerians, with significantly higher acceptance rates than Chevening or Fulbright.
The students who win scholarships consistently apply early, apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously, and write personal statements that are specific, honest, and directly connected to why each scholarship exists.
Tailor each application to the specific scholarship’s mission. Chevening wants leaders. DAAD wants development-focused researchers. CSC wants academic achievement. MEXT wants cultural exchange alongside academic excellence. A generic essay will not pass any of their first-round reviews.
Build your application portfolio before the deadline season. Transcripts, reference letters, language test results, and personal statements all take time. Start building these at least 6 months before the earliest deadline in your application cycle.
Final Word
Nigerian students have access to a broader range of scholarship destinations than at any point in the past decade.
The barrier to a fully funded international education for Nigerian students in 2026 is not availability; it is awareness and preparation. The scholarships in this guide collectively award hundreds of places to Nigerian nationals every year.
Most of those places go to applicants who started preparing 12 months before the deadline, wrote specific and tailored applications, and applied to multiple programs simultaneously.
The window for the 2026 scholarship cycle is closing. Chevening closes October 6. Vanier closes November 1. Pearson closes November 6.
Whatever program fits your profile, start your application today.
Scholarship deadlines, coverage details, and eligibility requirements in this article are based on publicly available information from scholarship program websites, Scholar Africa, and official government scholarship portals as of September 2026. Deadlines and requirements change annually. Always verify current details directly with each scholarship program before applying. This article does not constitute application advice; consult EducationUSA Nigeria or your institution’s scholarship coordinator for personalized guidance.