For Nigerian students who wish to study abroad, international scholarships might be crucial to achieving their academic and professional goals. These opportunities provide access to excellent education, the ability to build significant networks, and the chance to gain new perspectives. The fact that many of these scholarships pay for a range of fees, such as living expenses and tuition, makes the goal of studying abroad feasible.
For the most recent information, applicants should visit the official websites, as scholarship requirements are subject to annual changes.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening Scholarships include full tuition costs, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare to the UK, and additional funds for essential expenses like thesis binding and visa fees. It is meant for applicants seeking a one-year master's degree in any discipline from UK universities. In addition to having at least two years of work experience, candidates must demonstrate their leadership skills. Academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, an online application, and, if accepted, an unconditional offer from a UK university are all necessary.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus scholarships cover full tuition, insurance, travel costs, and a monthly living allowance. This award is intended for students who wish to pursue a master's degree in Europe; candidates must possess a first degree and a strong academic background. The application requires academic transcripts, a personal statement, and recommendation letters.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright program covers round-trip airfare to the United States, tuition, living stipend, health insurance, computer allowance, and books and materials allowance. In addition to medical studies, students who want to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in any field can apply. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The application process requires a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, academic and professional references, a TOEFL score report, and a strong proposal.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD Scholarships cover full or partial tuition, a monthly stipend, travel costs, health insurance, and support for studies and research. Graduates with at least a second-class upper degree are qualified to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in Germany. Applicants can choose from a variety of fields, such as engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Interested parties must submit their academic records, recommendation letters, and a research proposal (for PhD candidates) while submitting an online application through the DAAD portal.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa)
This program covers travel expenses, books, other course materials, housing, full tuition, and a monthly stipend. It focuses on disadvantaged students who have shown leadership potential and academic proficiency. US, Canadian, and African partner universities offer undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Students must apply directly to partner universities like the American University of Beirut, the University of British Columbia, or the University of Toronto, providing academic records, personal essays, and proof of financial need.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK)
Full tuition, a monthly living allowance, airfare to and from the UK, and additional funds for research trips, thesis costs, and additional luggage are all included in Commonwealth Shared Scholarships. These awards are available to candidates with master's degrees. Applicants should possess a first degree of at least second-class upper level or a lower second-class degree plus a suitable postgraduate certificate, usually a Master's degree. Forms, together with academic transcripts, personal statements, and reference letters, must be submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and the chosen UK university.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Full tuition, living expenses, health insurance, academic support, return travel, and an establishment allowance are all covered by Australia Awards Scholarships. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time in graduate or undergraduate programs at participating Australian universities. Studying global politics, energy, mining, agriculture, social inclusion, and climate change is a top priority for Africans. Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree, be at least 25 years old, and have five years of relevant work experience. It is not appropriate for candidates to have a master's degree or a long-term Australia Award. English competence is demonstrated by at least IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE results. It is necessary to provide proof of citizenship, degree certificates, transcripts, a resume, references, and proof of English proficiency. You can apply online at the Australia Awards.
Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
For graduate-level study or research abroad in the applicant's home country or any country with a host Rotary club or district, the Rotary Foundation Global Grant offers up to $30,000. This sum includes supplies, travel, lodging and board, and tuition. Students who plan to pursue graduate-level coursework or research are encouraged to apply in any of Rotary's six areas of focus: economic and community development, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, peace and conflict prevention and resolution, basic education, and literacy. Candidates must visit the Rotary International website and be sponsored by a nearby Rotary club before submitting their applications.
Global Korea Scholarship
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is open to students who wish to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies in South Korea. The scholarship covers a number of expenses, including tuition, round-trip airfare, health insurance, a settlement payment, a monthly living allowance, and a Korean language training fee. A completed application, a personal statement and study plan, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts and certificates (bachelor's or master's), proof of citizenship (passport and birth certificate), a medical evaluation form, and, if available, certificates of proficiency in Korean or English (TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK) are all required. Publications or awards may also be included, if applicable. You can apply through the Korean embassy in Nigeria or directly to a participating Korean university.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The prestigious Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) provides scholarships to people from developing countries, including Nigeria, so they can pursue master's degrees in development-related disciplines at specific universities worldwide. The scholarship covers a number of expenses, including full tuition, a living allowance each month, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel stipend. A bachelor's degree, at least three years of recent experience in an area focused on development, and a commitment to returning to their home country after graduation to support its development are all requirements for candidates. Academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and proof of employment are all necessary application materials. The goal of this curriculum is to improve knowledge in areas including public administration, infrastructure management, tax policy, and economic policy management.
Advice for a successful scholarship application
Start early: Look into each scholarship's deadlines and begin gathering the necessary paperwork, such as recommendation letters and academic transcripts, well in advance.
Personalise your statement: Make sure your statement conveys the goals of the scholarship. Highlight your accomplishments in school, your leadership capacity, and how you hope to use your education to improve Nigeria.
Prepare for interviews: Interviews are required for several scholarships, such as Fulbright and Chevening. Prepare to talk about your leadership experiences and educational goals by practising standard interview questions.