Fully Funded Scholarships and Grants for Nigerians in 2025: Study Abroad Without Breaking the Bank

For many young Nigerians, the dream of studying abroad often hits a roadblock: the cost. Between tuition, visa fees, travel expenses, and living costs, studying in countries like the UK, US, or Canada feels out of reach. But here’s the truth: every year, hundreds of Nigerians receive fully funded scholarships and grants that pay for everything from flights to feeding. These aren’t just for first-class students or the elite. Many are open to undergraduates, postgraduates, and even professionals from all walks of life.

So, if you’re passionate about education, ready to explore a new country, and committed to improving your future, this is your chance. Below, we’ve curated a list of some of the best fully funded scholarships and international grants for Nigerians in 2025, along with tips on how to apply and what you should know.

Top Scholarships Nigerians Can Apply for in 2025

Here are some of the most reputable and fully funded scholarships available to Nigerians this year:

Chevening Scholarships (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship remains one of the most prestigious and fully funded opportunities for Nigerian graduates to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. It covers:

Eligibility: You must have at least two years of work experience and demonstrate leadership potential.

Tip: Don’t just focus on grades—highlight your community impact or professional achievements.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EU)

Want to study in multiple countries across Europe with a single scholarship? The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme funds you to study in two or more European universities, offering a diverse, international experience.

Covers:

Tuition fees
Travel costs
Monthly stipend

Bonus: You’ll leave with degrees from multiple European universities.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa, Canada, USA)

Mastercard Foundation offers fully funded scholarships to brilliant but financially disadvantaged students across Africa.

Partner Institutions Include:

Coverage:

DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

If you’re eyeing Germany for postgraduate studies, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers full funding for master’s and PhD students from developing countries like Nigeria.

Perks:

Extra Tip: Apply early. Many DAAD scholarships have deadlines as early as September.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (UK)

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is for low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. It supports one-year master’s degrees in the UK at select universities.

What’s covered:

Tuition
Living allowance
Flights
Study travel grant

Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Funded by the U.S. government, Fulbright supports graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study and conduct research in the United States.

What it pays for:

Tuition and fees
Living stipend
Airfare
Health insurance

Bonus: It offers cultural enrichment and career-boosting networks.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship is perfect for professionals who want to build skills and return home to make a difference. It is available to Nigerians applying for development-related master’s degrees in participating universities across the world.

Benefits:

Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge for any postgraduate program.

What’s included:

Tuition
Visa costs
Maintenance allowance
Travel

Fun Fact: Gates Cambridge Scholars are chosen not just for intelligence, but for a strong commitment to improving the lives of others.

Australian Awards Scholarship

These scholarships are for students from developing countries, including Nigeria, to study at universities in Australia.

Benefits:

France – Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

Want to study in France? The Eiffel Scholarship supports top-performing international students in master’s and PhD programs.

What you get:

Monthly stipend (€1,181 for master’s, €1,700 for PhD)
Health insurance
International airfare

Canadian Government International Scholarships

Canada has several programs for international students:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD)
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (Undergraduate at University of Toronto)

These programs cover everything from tuition to living expenses and health insurance.

International Grants for Nigerians

In addition to scholarships, grants are another way Nigerians can fund their education or research abroad.

Here are some notable grant providers:

Ford Foundation International Fellowships – For social justice-focused postgraduate studies
African Union Scholarships and Grants – For research and innovation within Africa and globally
Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF Grant for Young Entrepreneurs) – While not for study, it helps aspiring Nigerians grow their ideas and businesses.
Women in Tech Grants (UK/US/EU) – Offers tech-focused training and startup funding for Nigerian women in STEM

Application Tips for Nigerians

Start early: Some of these scholarships open a year before the start of the program.
Prepare a strong personal statement: Don’t just talk about your grades—share your story.
Get great references: Ask mentors or lecturers who know your work.
Watch deadlines: Missing one could cost you the opportunity of a lifetime.
Apply for multiple options: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a rich uncle or a miracle to study abroad. With the right information, consistent effort, and well-prepared documents, your dream can become a reality in 2025. These fully funded scholarships and grants exist because the world wants more Nigerian voices in global classrooms, research labs, and innovation hubs.

So, take that bold step today. Research, prepare, and apply. Your opportunity to study abroad without breaking the bank is waiting.