With the rising cost of education and the desire for international exposure, many Nigerian students are actively searching for fully funded scholarships to support their academic journey. Whether you’re planning to study abroad or continue your studies in Nigeria, scholarships offer a powerful opportunity to ease the financial burden. In 2025, there are several reputable local and international scholarships available for Nigerian students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This blog post outlines the top 10 scholarships for Nigerian students, covering fully funded programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and useful tips to help you win. These scholarships are not just life-changing opportunities — they also attract high interest from students, parents, and educational institutions globally.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. What Is a Scholarship?
3. Benefits of Scholarships
4. Types of Scholarships Available to Nigerian Students
5. Top 10 Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025
• Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarships (UK)
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
• PTDF Overseas & Local Scholarships
• Federal Government Scholarships (Nigeria)
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• NNPC/Shell/SNEPCo National Scholarship
• Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EU)
• MTN Foundation Scholarship
6. How to Apply for Scholarships as a Nigerian Student
7. Tips to Win a Scholarship
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award granted to a student to support their education. Scholarships can cover part or all of the expenses, including tuition, accommodation, travel, books, and sometimes even living stipends. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid, making them an ideal option for financially challenged but academically qualified students.
Benefits of Scholarships
Scholarships provide more than just free tuition — they offer:
- Financial relief for tuition, books, housing, and transportation
- Access to world-class universities abroad
- Opportunity to network globally with scholars and professionals
- A strong academic record and resume boost
- Some scholarships provide stipends, laptops, and health insurance
Types of Scholarships Available to Nigerian Students
| Scholarship Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Merit-based | Awarded based on academic excellence and outstanding performance. |
| Need-based | For students from low-income families or disadvantaged backgrounds. |
| Government-funded | Offered by Nigerian or foreign governments. Often includes full funding. |
| University-specific | Provided by universities to attract top-performing international students. |
| Corporate/NGO Scholarships | Sponsored by companies, banks, and non-governmental organizations. |
Top 10 Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025
Here are the most recommended Top 10 scholarships for Nigerian student should consider:
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
- Sponsor: Mastercard Foundation
- Target Group: African students, including Nigerians
- Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
- Coverage: Tuition, travel, accommodation, books, stipend
- Universities: University of Edinburgh, McGill, University of Cape Town, AUB
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Sponsor: UK Government (FCDO)
- Target Group: Future leaders from 160+ countries
- Level: Postgraduate (Master’s only)
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, return flights
- Extra: You must return to Nigeria for at least two years
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service
- Target Group: Students from developing countries
- Level: Postgraduate
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel, insurance, monthly stipend
- Language: Many programs available in English
4. PTDF Overseas & Local Scholarships
- Sponsor: Petroleum Technology Development Fund (Nigeria)
- Target Group: Nigerian students in oil and gas-related fields
- Level: MSc and PhD
- Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, insurance, air tickets
5. Federal Government Scholarships (Nigeria)
- Sponsor: Nigerian Government via Federal Scholarship Board (FSB)
- Target Group: Undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nigeria
- Level: UG and PG
- Coverage: Tuition, allowance
- Portal: fsb.gov.ng (Check announcements section)
6. Commonwealth Scholarships
- Sponsor: UK Government (Commonwealth Office)
- Target Group: Students from Commonwealth nations
- Level: MSc and PhD
- Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, airfare, allowances
- Universities: Top UK universities like Oxford, Warwick, UCL
7. NNPC/Shell/SNEPCo National Scholarship
- Sponsor: Shell Nigeria/NNPC Joint Venture
- Target Group: Nigerian undergraduates in public universities
- Level: Undergraduate
- Coverage: ₦150,000+ annually
8. Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship
- Sponsor: Chevron Nigeria
- Target Group: Medical and Engineering students in Nigeria
- Level: Undergraduate
- Coverage: ₦100,000–₦200,000 yearly
9. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EU)
- Sponsor: European Union
- Target Group: Students worldwide
- Level: Master’s degree (joint programs)
- Coverage: Tuition, travel, living stipend
- Unique: Study in multiple European countries in one program
10. MTN Foundation Scholarship
- Sponsor: MTN Nigeria
- Target Group: Students in STEM-related courses
- Level: Undergraduate
- Coverage: ₦200,000 yearly till graduation (subject to performance)
How to Apply for Scholarships as a Nigerian Student
- Search Early – Begin searching for scholarships at least 6–12 months before deadlines.
- Meet All Requirements – Check eligibility carefully (age, grades, course, documents).
- Write Strong Essays – Tell your story, leadership experience, future plans.
- Use Official Websites – Avoid scammers. Never pay for scholarship applications.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- WAEC/NECO/JAMB results
- Birth certificate
- Admission letter
- Reference letters
- International Passport (for foreign scholarships)
Tips to Win a Scholarship
- Maintain a strong academic record (especially for merit-based scholarships)
- Engage in community service or leadership roles
- Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances
- Get help from teachers or mentors for writing essays
- Prepare for interviews, if applicable
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Conclusion
The opportunities for Nigerian students in 2025 are abundant — but only those who prepare and apply on time can benefit. Whether you’re seeking to study in the UK, Canada, Germany, or within Nigeria, scholarships can transform your life by funding your education. Start early, be thorough with your applications, and don’t give up after one rejection. There’s a scholarship out there waiting for your name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. In fact, it is recommended to apply for as many as you qualify for to increase your chances of success.
2. Are these scholarships only for students studying abroad?
No. While some scholarships like Chevening and Erasmus Mundus are for international study, there are many scholarships specifically for Nigerian universities, such as the MTN Foundation and Federal Government scholarships.
3. Do I need to write an exam to win a scholarship?
Not always. Some scholarships require aptitude tests (e.g., NNPC/SNEPCo), while others are based on academic merit, essays, or interviews.
4. What are the basic requirements to apply for scholarships?
Requirements vary, but most scholarships ask for academic transcripts, a personal statement or essay, proof of admission (for foreign studies), and valid identification like a national ID or international passport.
5. Is there an age limit for applying to scholarships?
Some scholarships have age limits, especially for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Always read the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
6. Are there fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students?
Yes. Scholarships like the Mastercard Foundation, Chevening, and Erasmus Mundus often cover tuition, travel, living expenses, and other costs.
7. When is the best time to apply for scholarships in 2025?
Most major scholarships open between January and August 2025. It’s best to check the official scholarship websites early in the year and set reminders for opening dates.
8. Can secondary school leavers apply for any of these scholarships?
Yes, especially for scholarships like the Federal Government scholarship and MTN Foundation scholarship, which are open to secondary school graduates entering university.
9. Do I need an international passport to apply?
For foreign scholarships, an international passport is often required. However, for local scholarships within Nigeria, a national ID, NIN, or school ID is usually enough.
10. How will I know if I am selected for a scholarship?
Successful candidates are usually contacted by email and listed on the official scholarship websites. Always use a valid, frequently checked email during application.