Do you wish to study abroad, but you are worried about the cost? Then, this post is for you. In recent times, more and more Nigerian students are looking to take their education overseas, and fortunately, many funded scholarships can turn that dream into reality.
From undergraduate to postgraduate levels, there are scholarships available that offer full funding, monthly stipends, accommodation, and many other benefits.
For Nigerian students, top study destinations include Canada, the UK, the US, and Germany. The European Union also attracts many due to its affordable options.
These scholarships are provided by universities, government bodies, and global organizations that are dedicated to supporting exceptional students who want to create an impact.
If you are planning to study abroad in 2025/2026, you should check out these top fully funded scholarship opportunities. This list highlights the scholarships based on popularity and benefits across each study destination.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA
Studying in the U.S. offers access to world-class education, diverse learning environments, and cutting-edge research. Here are some of the best fully funded scholarships in the U.S. for Nigerian students:
 Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is for doctoral or PhD students. It covers round-trip airfare, settling-in allowance, monthly stipend, housing, books, computer, and health insurance.
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens enrolled in a doctoral program (at least two years in) at a Nigerian institution with endorsement from the home university
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:
Offered at few U.S. universities, this scholarship supports talented African students. It covers full tuition, accommodation, flight, living expenses, food, books, a laptop, and other study-related costs. It is open to both undergraduates and postgraduates, depending on the institution.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program:
A non-degree program focused on professional development, this scholarship is fully funded by the U.S. Government. It covers tuition, maintenance, airfare, books, and computer allowance.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK
The UK is a popular destination for Nigerian students due to its strong academic heritage and scholarship opportunities.
Chevening Scholarships:
The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded master’s program in the UK. It covers tuition, accommodation, visa fees, and travel expenses.
Commonwealth Scholarships:
This scholarship, open to students from Commonwealth countries, funds tuition and living expenses. It offers a wide range of programs at the master’s and postgraduate levels.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer scholarships. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship and the University of Oxford Rhodes Scholarship are fantastic options for postgraduate students.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Covers full tuition, a £20,000 stipend, airfare, health insurance, and additional allowances.
- Rhodes Scholarships: Offered by the University of Oxford, this award covers full tuition, £19,800 annual living stipend, travel, visa, and health insurance.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Known for its welcoming immigration policies and world-class universities, Canada has varieties of fully funded scholarships you can apply for.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This scholarship provides CAD 50,000 per year for three years. It covers research/graduate studies at top institutions. (Approximately 60 million Naira).
Canadian Government Scholarships:
There are several government-funded programs, especially for graduate students you can consider. Some of them include the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships and the Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany
Aside from its affordability, Germany also offers quality education and numerous funding options.
DAAD Scholarships
One of the most popular funding sources for Nigerian students. It offers €934 monthly for graduates and €1,200 for doctoral candidates. It also covers travel, health, and dependent support.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students from developing countries. Fully funded.
Erasmus+ Program
Since Germany is part of the European Union, Nigerian students studying there can apply for Erasmus+ to study across Europe with full funding, including exchange programs and research training.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe
European countries have so many scholarship options that it can be hard for you to pick. Here are some of the best scholarships for Nigerian students
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees:
This program allows you to study in multiple EU countries while being fully funded. An additional benefit is that it offers a truly global education experience.
Government Scholarships:
Many European countries offer financial aid to foreign students. Countries like Sweden and the Netherlands offer scholarships like the Swedish Institute Scholarships and the Dutch Orange Knowledge. Programme.
University Scholarships:
Universities also offer scholarships to international students. You can explore the websites of the universities to get more information on their scholarships.
Securing a fully funded scholarship is a life-changing opportunity. If you are passionate about studying abroad but funding is a challenge, know that opportunities are out there; you just need to look in the right places.
Start your research early, stay consistent, and put your best into each application. With determination and a strong application, your dream can come true.
