International scholarships can be a key to reaching academic and professional objectives for Nigerian students who want to study elsewhere. These chances provide access to top-notch education, the ability to develop important networks, and the chance to acquire fresh viewpoints. The ambition of studying abroad is made possible by the fact that many of these scholarships cover a variety of costs, including living expenses and tuition.
Scholarship requirements are subject to change every year, so applicants should check the official websites for the most up-to-date details.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Full tuition costs, a living allowance each month, round-trip flights to the UK, and extra funding for necessary costs like thesis binding and visa fees are all covered by Chevening Scholarships. It is intended for students applying to UK universities for a one-year master's degree in any field. Candidates must have at least two years of work experience and show that they have the ability to lead. An online application, academic transcripts, two reference letters, and, if accepted, an unconditional offer from a UK university are required.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus scholarships include a monthly living allowance, travel expenses, insurance, and full tuition. Students who want to study a master's degree in Europe are the target audience for this grant; applicants must have a good academic background and a first degree. A personal statement, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts are required for the application.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Tuition, a living stipend, health insurance, a computer allowance, a books-and-supplies allowance, and round-trip airfare to the United States are all covered by the Fulbright program. Besides medical studies, it is available to students wishing to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in any discipline. Candidates must exhibit academic excellence and hold an undergraduate degree. Academic and professional references, a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a TOEFL score report, and a compelling proposal are all required for the application procedure.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Full or partial tuition, a monthly stipend, travel expenses, health insurance, and assistance with studies and research are all provided by DAAD Scholarships. Graduates who wish to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in Germany and have at least a second-class upper degree are eligible. A wide range of disciplines, including engineering, the social sciences, and the humanities, is available to applicants. Through the DAAD portal, interested individuals must apply online and submit their academic records, recommendation letters, and a research proposal (for PhD candidates).
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa)
Full tuition fees, housing, books, other course materials, travel costs, and a monthly stipend are all covered by this program. It targets underprivileged students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership ability. Undergraduate and graduate scholarships are offered at partner universities in the US, Canada, and Africa. Students must submit direct applications with academic records, personal essays, and evidence of financial need to partner universities such as the American University of Beirut, the University of British Columbia, or the University of Toronto.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK)
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships include full tuition, a living stipend each month, airfare to and from the UK, plus extra money for study trips, thesis expenses, and extra baggage. Master's degree applicants are eligible for these awards. A first degree of at least second-class upper level or a lower second-class degree plus an appropriate postgraduate qualification—typically a Master's degree—should be held by applicants. Forms must be submitted via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and the selected UK university, together with reference letters, academic transcripts, and personal statements.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships pay for complete tuition, living expenses, health insurance, academic support, return airfare, and an establishment allowance. Participants in the scholarship program must be enrolled full-time in undergraduate or graduate programs at participating Australian universities. Africans prioritise studying international politics, energy, mining, agriculture, social inclusion, and climate change. In addition to having an undergraduate degree, candidates must be at least 25 years old and have five years of relevant professional experience. Candidates should not have previously received a long-term Australia Award or a master's degree. At least IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores demonstrate English proficiency. Evidence of citizenship, degree certificates, transcripts, a resume, references, and evidence of English ability are all required. Applications can be made online at the Australia Awards.
Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
Up to $30,000 is awarded by the Rotary Foundation Global Grant for graduate-level study or research abroad in the applicant's home country in any nation with a host Rotary club or district. This amount covers tuition, travel, accommodation and board, and materials. In one 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—students who intend to pursue graduate-level coursework or research are encouraged to apply. Before submitting their applications, candidates must be sponsored by a local Rotary club and use the Rotary International website.
Global Korea Scholarship
Students who want to study undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees in South Korea are eligible to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also called the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP). Tuition, round-trip flights, a monthly living allowance, health insurance, a settlement payment, and a Korean language training charge are all covered by the scholarship. Applicants must submit a completed application, a personal statement and study plan, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts and certificates (master's or bachelor's), proof of citizenship (birth certificate and passport), a medical evaluation form, and, if available, certificates of proficiency in Korean or English (TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK). Awards or publications may also be added, if appropriate. Applications can be sent directly to a participating Korean university or via the Korean embassy in Nigeria.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is an esteemed initiative that offers scholarships to individuals from developing nations, including Nigeria, to attain a master’s degree in fields related to development at selected universities around the globe. The scholarship encompasses various costs, such as full tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel stipend. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree, have a minimum of three years of recent experience in a development-oriented field, and demonstrate a commitment to returning to their home country post-graduation to aid in its development. Required application documents include proof of employment, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and a statement of purpose. This program aims to enhance expertise in areas such as economic policy management, public administration, infrastructure management, and tax policy.
Advice for a successful scholarship application
Begin early: Investigate the deadlines for each scholarship and start collecting the required documents, such as academic transcripts and letters of recommendation, well ahead of time.
Customise your personal statement: Ensure your statement reflects the scholarship’s objectives. Emphasise your academic successes, leadership skills, and how you aim to utilise your education to impact Nigeria.
Get ready for interviews: Numerous scholarships, including Chevening and Fulbright, mandate interviews. Practice typical interview questions and be prepared to discuss your educational aspirations and leadership experiences.