Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships Every Nigerian Student Must Apply For In 2025

Are you a Nigerian student with big dreams but limited funds? Good news — fully funded scholarships can turn your dreams into reality.

In 2025, many international and local organizations are offering scholarships that cover tuition fees, accommodation, flights, living expenses, and more. Whether you want to study in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, or stay in Nigeria, there’s a scholarship for you.

Here are 10 top fully funded scholarships every Nigerian student must apply for in 2025.

What Does “Fully Funded” Mean?

A fully funded scholarship typically includes:

• 100% tuition fees

• Living allowance or monthly stipend

• Travel and visa costs

• Accommodation or housing grants

• Health insurance

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians (2025)

Details on Each Scholarship

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

• For future leaders and influencers

• Covers tuition, monthly stipend, travel

• Open to all fields

• Apply via: chevening.org

2. Commonwealth Scholarship

• For high-achieving students from Commonwealth countries

• Covers full tuition, flights, and living expenses

• Priority given to development-focused courses

3. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

• For postgraduate students in development-relevant fields

• German language training included

• Offers a monthly stipend of ~€861 (Master's), ~€1,200 (PhD)

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s

• Study in 2–3 countries across Europe

• One of the most prestigious EU-funded scholarships

• Covers tuition, travel, and living costs

5. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

• Focused on empowering young Africans

• Available at universities like AUB, UBC, and McGill

• Offers mentoring, leadership training, and full funding

6. Fulbright Program (USA)

• Sponsored by the U.S. government

• For master’s or doctoral study

• Open to all fields including arts and sciences

7. Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship

• Supports global professionals

• Offers tuition, monthly stipend, insurance, and travel

• Great for tech, social sciences, and sustainability fields

8. PTDF Overseas Scholarship

• Sponsored by Nigeria's Petroleum Technology Development Fund

• For studies in oil, gas, and related fields abroad

• Covers everything — tuition, airfare, health insurance, and more

9. NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship

• For top-performing Nigerian secondary school graduates

• Available at Nigerian public universities

• Covers full tuition and living expenses annually

10. Australia Awards Scholarship

• Aimed at developing leadership and change-makers

• Open to Master's and PhD students from developing countries

• Includes tuition, return flight, establishment allowance, and a generous stipend

General Requirements

While each scholarship has its own criteria, here are common requirements:

• Strong academic performance

• Admission offer or proof of application (for international ones)

• Leadership potential or community service

• Valid passport

• Statement of purpose or essay

• Reference letters

• English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc. for some programs)

Pro Tips for Scholarship Applications

1. Start Early – Most scholarships open months before the deadline.

2. Tailor Each Application – Don't use the same SOP or essay for all.

3. Highlight Impact – Show how your goals benefit Nigeria or your community.

4. Stay Organized – Use a spreadsheet to track deadlines and submitted documents.

5. Practice for Interviews – Some scholarships include virtual or in-person interviews.

FAQ

Q1: Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
A: Yes! You’re encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances.

Q2: Do I need an admission letter before applying?
A: Some require proof of admission, others don’t. Always check the specific requirements.

Q3: Is IELTS mandatory for all international scholarships?
A: Not all. Some programs waive it for Nigerians or accept alternative English proof.

Q4: Can undergraduates apply for these?
A: Most scholarships are for postgraduates, but the NLNG and MasterCard Foundation support undergraduates too.

Conclusion

With dedication, preparation, and the right guidance, you can study anywhere in the world for free. These top 10 fully funded scholarships for Nigerians in 2025 are more than just financial support — they’re life-changing opportunities.

Don’t wait until the last minute — research, prepare, and apply early. Your dream university and future career might just be one application away.