Apply Now! Full Scholarships For Nigerian Students To Study In Canada, Uk & Usa (2025 Guide)
Are you a Nigerian student dreaming of studying abroad in the UK, Canada, or the USA? Good news: there are fully funded international scholarships available in 2025 that will cover everything from tuition and accommodation to monthly stipends and travel costs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best fully funded scholarships for Nigerians to study in top universities across Canada, the UK, and the USA. These scholarships are open to undergraduates, Master’s, and PhD students.
Many of them don’t even require IELTS, and you can apply directly online—no agents needed!
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians – Quick Overview
Scholarship Name |
Study Country |
Eligible Levels |
IELTS Required? |
Application Period |
Chevening Scholarship |
UK |
Master’s only |
Optional |
Sept – Nov 2024 |
Commonwealth Scholarship |
UK |
Master’s, PhD |
Optional |
Aug – Oct 2024 |
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship |
Canada |
Undergraduate |
No |
Sept – Jan 2025 |
Vanier Canada Graduate |
Canada |
PhD |
Yes (usually) |
July – Oct 2024 |
Fulbright Foreign Student |
USA |
Master’s, PhD |
Yes |
Feb – May 2025 |
MasterCard Foundation Scholars |
UK, Canada, USA |
UG, PG |
No |
Varies by university |
Obama Foundation Scholars |
USA |
Master’s (leadership) |
Yes |
Nov 2024 – Jan 2025 |
Knight-Hennessy Scholars |
USA (Stanford) |
Master’s, PhD |
Yes |
June – Oct 2024 |
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and available to outstanding Nigerians wishing to pursue a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Return flight to the UK
- Visa and healthcare fees
Who can apply:
- You must have a 2:1 undergraduate degree
- Minimum of 2 years’ work or volunteer experience
- Commitment to return to Nigeria for at least 2 years
Apply via: www.chevening.org
2. Commonwealth Shared and Split Site Scholarships (UK)
These scholarships are for students from low and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, to pursue Master's and PhD programs in the UK.
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly maintenance allowance
- Thesis grant
- Airfare to and from the UK
No IELTS required if your degree was taught in English.
Apply via: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
3. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
This scholarship at the University of Toronto is open to outstanding secondary school students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, and leadership.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Full tuition for 4 years
- Books and school fees
- Accommodation and living expenses
Who can apply:
- Final-year secondary students applying to U of T
- Nominated by your school
Apply via: future.utoronto.ca/pearson
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Canada)
Designed to attract top doctoral students globally, the Vanier CGS supports PhD studies in health, sciences, engineering, and humanities.
Scholarship Value:
- $50,000 (CAD) per year for 3 years
Requirements:
- Research experience
- Academic excellence
- Strong leadership potential
Apply via: vanier.gc.ca
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
This prestigious U.S. scholarship funds Master’s and PhD studies for Nigerian graduates in all disciplines.
Covers:
- Full tuition and fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Round-trip airfare
Application Notes:
- Requires TOEFL/IELTS
- Personal statement and strong academic CV required
Apply via: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
6. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
This program is available at partner universities in the USA, Canada, and the UK, such as:
- University of Toronto
- University of Edinburgh
- McGill University
- University of California, Berkeley
Covers:
- Full tuition
- Living expenses
- Laptop and travel allowance
- Mentorship and leadership development
Apply through individual university websites.
7. Obama Foundation Scholars Program (USA)
A leadership development scholarship hosted at Columbia University for emerging young leaders from around the world, including Nigeria.
What’s Included:
- Full tuition for Master’s
- Furnished apartment in NYC
- Monthly stipend
- Travel and leadership programming
Apply via: obama.org/scholars
8. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University (USA)
One of the most competitive scholarships globally, this program funds graduate degrees at Stanford University.
Funding Package:
- Full tuition
- Living stipend
- Travel and conference grants
- Leadership development programs
Requirements:
- Strong academic record
- English proficiency
- Must apply separately to Stanford program of interest
Apply via: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
Table: What You Need to Apply
Requirement |
Details |
Academic Transcripts |
From secondary school or previous university |
International Passport |
Not always required to apply, but needed if selected |
Personal Statement |
Must reflect leadership, vision, and academic goals |
Letter(s) of Recommendation |
Usually 2–3 from academic or professional referees |
Proof of English (if needed) |
IELTS/TOEFL or university letter stating English as language of instruction |
Resume/CV |
Updated and tailored to academic strengths |
Application Tips for Nigerian Students
- Start Early: Some scholarships open as early as August 2024.
- Get English Proficiency Letter: If you don’t have IELTS, ask your school to issue one.
- Customize Your CV: Tailor it to reflect academic awards, community work, or leadership.
- Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t rely on just one. Increase your chances.
- Use Only Official Websites: Avoid agents—most applications are free and done online.
FAQs: Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians
1. Can I apply without an international passport?
Yes, but make sure to start processing your passport early because you’ll need it after selection.
2. Can I apply without IELTS?
Yes. Many of these scholarships accept an English Proficiency Certificate from your university or secondary school.
3. Are these scholarships only for Master’s or PhD students?
No. Some like the Lester B. Pearson and MasterCard Foundation also support undergraduate students.
4. Can I get a scholarship with a 2:2 degree?
Some scholarships like Commonwealth Shared and Türkiye Burslari accept 2:2 if other aspects of your application are strong.
Conclusion
Your dream of studying abroad can come true with the right information and timing. These fully funded scholarships for Nigerians in 2025 offer the opportunity to study in world-class universities in the UK, Canada, and USA without financial stress.
Take action early, prepare your documents, and apply confidently. Your future could be just one application away.