3 Powerful Scholarships Nigerians Can Apply For In 2025: Daad, Chevening & Ptdf

Dreaming of studying abroad without breaking the bank? You're not alone. Thousands of Nigerian students are searching for opportunities that offer zero tuition fees, monthly stipends, and international exposure. Fortunately, a few scholarship programs consistently stand out as game-changers.

In this guide, we’re covering three of the most powerful fully funded scholarships for Nigerians in 2025:

• DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

• Chevening Scholarship (UK)

• PTDF Scholarship (Nigeria to global universities)

Each of these scholarships has helped hundreds of Nigerian students study at top global institutions—all expenses paid. Let's break them down.

Overview of the 3 Scholarships

1. DAAD Scholarship – Study in Germany

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship is one of the most respected international funding programs. It supports postgraduate students from developing countries, especially those from Africa.

What the DAAD Covers:

• Full tuition fee (even though most German public universities charge little or nothing)

• Monthly stipend:

  • €934 for Master’s

  • €1,200 for PhD

• Travel allowance

• Health insurance

• Research and family support (if applicable)

Fields of Study:

DAAD focuses on high-impact fields like:

• Engineering

• Renewable Energy

• Public Policy

• Agriculture

• Environmental Sciences

• Medicine and Public Health

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree (with at least Second Class Upper)

• At least 2 years of work experience (including NYSC)

• Proof of English or German proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or letter from institution)

How to Apply:

Applications are done through the DAAD portal and/or partner universities.

Website:

www.daad.de

2. Chevening Scholarship – Study in the UK

The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is a prestigious global award that allows students from Nigeria and other developing countries to pursue one-year Master’s degrees at any UK university.

What Chevening Covers:

• Full university tuition

• Monthly stipend of approximately £1,300

• Visa costs

• Health surcharge

• Return airfare to the UK

• Networking with global leaders

Who Is Eligible?

• Nigerian citizenship

• Undergraduate degree (Second Class Upper)

• Minimum 2 years of work experience (this includes internships and NYSC)

• Strong leadership potential

• No IELTS required if your previous degree was in English (letter from institution works)

How to Apply:

Submit your application on the Chevening website. You’ll need:

• 2 reference letters

• University admissions (you can apply for up to 3 UK universities)

• Leadership and career essays

Website:

www.chevening.org

3. PTDF Scholarship – Nigeria’s Own Full Ride

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) scholarship is funded by the Nigerian government and targets talented Nigerians in oil and gas-related fields.

PTDF sponsors students for Master’s and PhD programs in top universities in:

• United Kingdom

• United States

• Germany

• France

• Malaysia (sometimes)

What PTDF Covers:

• Full tuition

• Monthly living allowance (₦500,000 and above depending on country)

• Return flight ticket

• Health insurance

• Allowance for books and laptop

Fields Covered:

• Petroleum Engineering

• Mechanical & Chemical Engineering

• Energy Studies

• Geology, Geosciences

• Law (Oil & Gas focus)

• Environmental Science

• ICT

Eligibility:

• First degree (minimum Second Class Upper)

• Valid international passport

• Statement of purpose

• Admission letter (preferred but not compulsory at first stage)

• NYSC certificate

How to Apply:

Through the PTDF scholarship portal. The process involves CBT test and document screening.

Website:

www.ptdf.gov.ng

Comparing the 3 Scholarships

Pro Tips to Secure Any of These Scholarships

1. Start early: Most of these scholarships open 6–9 months before the next academic session.

2. Draft a killer personal statement: Be clear about your goals, leadership experience, and why you're a good fit.

3. Apply to multiple universities (especially for Chevening and PTDF).

4. Get strong references: Preferably from former lecturers, mentors, or employers.

5. Prepare your documents in advance: scanned transcripts, international passport, certificates, etc.

6. Practice for scholarship exams/interviews – especially for PTDF, which involves CBT and interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for more than one of these scholarships?

Yes. In fact, many students apply to all three and pick the best offer.

2. Do I need to pay for anything?

No. All three scholarships are 100% free, but you may need to pay for transcript courier or passport photos.

3. Can I take dependents (spouse/kids)?

DAAD and PTDF may offer family support, especially for PhD students. Chevening does not cover dependents.

4. What if I don’t get admitted into a university yet?

You can still apply. Most scholarships allow you to secure admission after shortlisting.

Conclusion

If you're a Nigerian student dreaming of international education in 2025, you don’t need to rely on luck. The DAAD, Chevening, and PTDF scholarships are powerful, proven, and fully funded opportunities that can change your life forever.

Start preparing now—gather your documents, write your essays, and aim high. These scholarships have helped thousands of Nigerians... you could be next.