For many Nigerian students, studying in the UK represents a dream opportunity, offering world-class education and cultural exposure.
Well, the financial burden can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous fully funded scholarships are available for Nigerians to study in the UK. This article highlights the top seven scholarships for the 2024/2025 academic year, providing essential details and application tips.
Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious award offered by the UK government to outstanding emerging leaders from around the world. It provides full financial support for a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Arrival allowance
- Homeward departure allowance
- Cost of one visa application
- Travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, including Nigeria.
- Return to your country of citizenship for at least two years after your award has ended.
- Have an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry to a postgraduate program at a UK university.
- Have at least two years of work experience.
- Meet the Chevening English language requirement.
Application Tips
- Start preparing your application early.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a strong professional background.
- Provide well-thought-out essays that reflect your personal and professional goals.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria. These scholarships are available for master’s and Ph.D. studies.
Benefits
- Approved airfare from Nigeria to the UK and return at the end of your award.
- Approved tuition and examination fees.
- Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,133 per month, or £1,390 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area.
- Warm clothing allowance.
- Thesis grant towards the cost of preparing a thesis or dissertation.
- Study travel grant.
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year.
- By October 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honors standard or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
Application Tips
- Highlight your academic achievements and leadership potential.
- Outline how your studies will benefit your home country.
- Ensure all parts of your application are complete and submitted by the deadline.
Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.
Benefits
- All University and College fees
- University application fee
- A living stipend (£17,310 per annum 2023-24)
- Settling in allowance, healthcare, and visa fee
Eligibility
- Citizenship of Nigeria.
- Age: You must have reached your 19th and not have passed your 25th birthday by 1 October 2024.
- Education: By July 2024, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a university with a GPA of at least 3.70/4.00 or equivalent.
Application Tips
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.
- Obtain strong references from individuals who know you well.
- Prepare thoroughly for the interview process, as it is highly competitive.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is for outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
Benefits
- The University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate
- A maintenance allowance for a single student (£18,744 for 12 months at the 2023-24 rate)
- One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
- Inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
- Applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study: Ph.D., MSc/MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course.
Application Tips
- Demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others.
- Exhibit leadership capacity and a good fit with the Gates Cambridge mission.
- Provide a strong research proposal if applying for a research degree.
Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford
The Clarendon Fund offers around 140 new, fully funded scholarships each year to academically outstanding graduate students from all around the world, including Nigeria, at the University of Oxford.
Benefits
- All tuition and college fees
- A generous grant for living expenses (at least £15,009)
Eligibility
- All applicants for graduate study at the University of Oxford are eligible.
- Selection is based on academic excellence and potential across all subject areas.
Application Tips
- Submit a thorough and polished application by the December or January deadline (depending on your course).
- Highlight your academic achievements and research potential.
Westminster Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
The Westminster Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships are among the most competitive and fully-funded scholarships available to international students, including Nigerians, at the University of Westminster.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Flights to and from London
Eligibility
- You must be an international student from a developing country and hold an offer for a full-time undergraduate course at the University.
- Equivalent of a UK First Class Honours degree, financial need, and development potential.
Application Tips
- Emphasize your financial need and how the scholarship will impact your education.
- Provide evidence of your commitment to contributing to the development of your home country.
Developing Solutions Scholarship at the University of Nottingham
The Developing Solutions Scholarship is designed for international students from Africa, India, or selected Commonwealth countries who want to study a master’s degree at the University of Nottingham and make a difference in the development of their home country.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee scholarship
Eligibility
- Be a national of Africa, India, or one of the selected Commonwealth countries.
- Classed as an overseas student for fee purposes.
- Hold an offer to start a full-time master’s degree (excluding MRes) at the University of Nottingham UK in September 2024.
Application Tips
- Demonstrate your vision for contributing to the development of your home country.
- Provide a strong case for why you should be awarded the scholarship based on your background and future goals.
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and British Council, with participating UK higher education institutions. They offer a number of scholarships for students from Nigeria.
Benefits
- Minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course.
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of Nigeria.
- Hold an offer from a participating UK university for a one-year postgraduate course.
- Demonstrate a passion for the chosen field of study.
Application Tips
- Focus on how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career goals.
- Show your enthusiasm for studying in the UK and contributing to your home country upon return.
University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship
The University of Sussex offers Chancellor’s International Scholarships to international students from non-EU countries, including Nigeria, who have demonstrated academic excellence.
Benefits
- 50% off international student tuition fee for the duration of the course.
Eligibility
- Be classified as overseas for fee purposes.
- Have accepted a place on a full-time eligible Master’s course at Sussex.
Application Tips
- Provide clear evidence of academic excellence and potential.
- Explain how the course and scholarship will support your career plans.
University of Bradford Global Development Scholarships
The University of Bradford offers Global Development Scholarships to students from developing countries who are in financial need.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
Eligibility
- Be enrolled in a full-time Master’s program at the University of Bradford.
- Demonstrate that you are in financial need and that your course will contribute to the development of your home country.
Application Tips
- Provide a detailed explanation of your financial circumstances.
- Outline how your studies will benefit your home country.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh offers Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships to outstanding international students who plan to undertake a Ph.D. research program.
Benefits
- Covers the difference between the tuition fee for UK/EU postgraduate students and international postgraduate students.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be liable to pay tuition fees at the rate applicable to international students.
- Must have applied for and be accepted for a full-time Ph.D. research program.
Application Tips
- Prepare a robust research proposal.
- Highlight your academic achievements and research potential.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK is an excellent opportunity for Nigerian students to gain world-class education and experience. These fully funded scholarships offer financial support, ensuring you can focus on your studies and personal growth. Start your application process early, prepare thoroughly, and take the first step toward achieving your academic and professional dreams in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility criteria for most UK scholarships for Nigerian students?
Eligibility criteria generally include being a citizen of Nigeria, meeting specific academic requirements, demonstrating financial need, and sometimes having relevant work experience or community service.
How competitive are these scholarships?
These scholarships are highly competitive due to the large number of applicants and the prestigious nature of the awards. It’s important to submit a strong, well-prepared application.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for each and can manage the application deadlines and requirements.