Pursuing higher education abroad can be a life-changing experience for Nigerian students, but the cost of tuition and living expenses often presents a major barrier. Fortunately, there are numerous fully funded scholarships available for Nigerian students in 2025 that can help alleviate financial burdens. These scholarships offer opportunities to study in some of the world’s top universities and institutions.
Here are some of the top fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2025:
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program, offering full funding to exceptional students from around the world, including Nigeria. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other associated study costs.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree, work experience (usually at least two years), and a proven record of leadership.
- Fields of Study: Available for all fields.
- Application Period: Typically opens in August and closes in November each year.
2. The United States’ Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program offers fully funded scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from Nigeria to study, research, and teach in the United States. This prestigious scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have a strong academic record, relevant professional experience, and the ability to demonstrate leadership.
- Fields of Study: Open to all fields, with specific programs for arts, science, and research.
- Application Period: Varies each year, generally opening in May.
3. The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship (South Africa)
This fully funded scholarship provides a unique opportunity for African students, including Nigerians, to study at top universities in South Africa. The Mandela Rhodes Foundation offers a comprehensive program focusing on leadership, academic excellence, and community service.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be African citizens (including Nigeria), demonstrate strong academic performance, and show leadership potential.
- Fields of Study: Open to students in various fields.
- Application Period: Applications typically open in March and close in May.
4. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are offered by the European Union to international students, including Nigerians, to study in Europe. These scholarships cover tuition, travel, and living costs for students pursuing a master’s degree in a range of disciplines at multiple European universities.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have a strong academic background and meet the specific requirements of the chosen program.
- Fields of Study: Available for various fields including engineering, business, social sciences, and health sciences.
- Application Period: Each program has its own deadline, generally between October and February.
5. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students wishing to study in Germany. This includes undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in various fields of study. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have a strong academic background and meet the specific requirements for the desired program.
- Fields of Study: Available for a wide range of academic disciplines.
- Application Period: Varies by program, typically between August and October.
6. The Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for students from low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. The scholarships provide full tuition, airfare, and living expenses for students pursuing postgraduate study in the UK.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country (including Nigeria) and meet specific academic and professional criteria.
- Fields of Study: Available for all fields of study.
- Application Period: Application opens in August and closes in November.
7. The Rhodes Scholarship (UK)
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships, offering full funding for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the UK. Nigerian students are eligible for this highly competitive scholarship.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be Nigerian citizens, demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.
- Fields of Study: Available for all academic fields.
- Application Period: The application window typically opens in July and closes in October.
8. The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (Asian Development Bank)
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program offers fully funded scholarships to students from developing countries, including Nigeria, to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science, and technology at participating universities in Asia.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be from a developing country in Asia or the Pacific, including Nigeria, and must have an undergraduate degree and professional experience.
- Fields of Study: Economics, management, science, technology, and other development-related fields.
- Application Period: Varies by university and program.
9. The MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students from Nigeria who wish to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees at universities in Japan. The scholarship covers tuition, airfare, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Applicants must meet the age, academic, and language requirements set by the Japanese government.
- Fields of Study: Available in various fields of study.
- Application Period: Varies, but generally opens in April and closes in May.
10. The Chinese Government Scholarship (China)
The Chinese Government Scholarship offers full funding to international students, including Nigerians, who wish to study in China. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs for students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have a strong academic record and meet specific entry requirements.
- Fields of Study: Available for a wide range of academic disciplines.
- Application Period: The scholarship application period is generally from January to April.
