Insight

• Ikiodiete George
• 4 Min Read

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships Every Nigerian Student Must Apply For In 2025

If you’re a Nigerian student dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost—this is your golden ticket.

With the rising cost of education and the current exchange rate, fully funded scholarships are the smartest way to earn a world-class degree without piling up debt or stressing your family.

In this post, we’ll reveal the top 10 fully funded scholarships in 2025 that every ambitious Nigerian student must apply for—whether you're aiming for an undergraduate, master's, or PhD degree.

These scholarships cover tuition, living allowance, travel, health insurance, and sometimes even stipends for books and family!

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

“Fully funded” means all your educational expenses are covered. This typically includes:

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships Nigerian Students Should Apply for in 2025

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

Host Country: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s
Deadline: November 2025 (usually opens August)

Benefits:

• Full tuition at any UK university
• Monthly living allowance
• Travel to and from the UK
• Thesis grant and more

Eligibility:

• Must have at least 2 years of work experience
• Strong leadership qualities
• Must return to Nigeria for at least 2 years after the scholarship

Website: chevening.org

2. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

Host Country: Germany
Level: Master’s and PhD
Deadline: Varies by course

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend (€934 for master’s, €1,200 for PhD)
• Travel allowance
• Full tuition cover
• Health insurance

Eligibility:

• Strong academic performance
• Relevant work experience (for postgrad)

Website: daad.de

3. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

Host Country: UK
Level: Master’s & PhD
Deadline: October to December

Benefits:

• Full tuition
• Living expenses
• Travel allowance
• Family support (in some cases)

Eligibility:

• Must be from a Commonwealth country (Nigeria qualifies)
• Academic merit and financial need

Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk

4. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Host Institutions: African & Global Universities (e.g., University of Toronto, AUB, Ashesi)
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Deadline: Varies by institution

Benefits:

• Tuition and fees
• Living stipend
• Books and supplies
• Holistic student support

Eligibility:

• Strong academic performance
• Leadership and community service
• Financial need

Website: mastercardfoundation.org

5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Host Country: United States
Level: Master’s & PhD
Deadline: May–June annually

Benefits:

• Full tuition
• Monthly stipend
• Travel costs
• Health insurance

Eligibility:

• Strong academic background
• Must return to Nigeria after study

Website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

Host Countries: Multiple EU Nations
Level: Master’s
Deadline: October–January

Benefits:

• Tuition waiver
• €1,000+ monthly stipend
• Travel allowance
• Insurance

Eligibility:

• Must apply to eligible joint master programs
• Must be ready to study in at least 2 EU countries

Website: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

7. Australia Awards Scholarship

Host Country: Australia
Level: Master’s
Deadline: February 2025

Benefits:

• Full tuition
• Travel expenses
• Health insurance
• Living allowance

Eligibility:

• Strong academic background
• Work experience in development-related fields

Website: dfat.gov.au

8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

Host Country: Canada
Level: PhD
Deadline: November 2025

Benefits:

• $50,000 per year (3 years)
• Health insurance via host university

Eligibility:

• Outstanding academic grades
• Leadership and research potential

Website: vanier.gc.ca

9. Japanese MEXT Scholarship

Host Country: Japan
Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
Deadline: May–June 2025

Benefits:

• Tuition fee waiver
• Monthly allowance
• Return airfare

Eligibility:

• Age requirements (under 25 for undergrad)
• Must pass embassy screening and exams

Website: studyinjapan.go.jp

10. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Host Country: China
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD
Deadline: January–April 2025

Benefits:

• Full tuition
• Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• Medical insurance

Eligibility:

• Nigerian students with strong academics
• Must apply via Chinese embassy or designated universities

Website: campuschina.org/

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Fully Funded Scholarship

FAQs

1. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at once—as long as you're eligible.

2. What if I don't have a First Class?

Many scholarships accept Second Class Upper (2:1). Focus on other strengths like leadership or community service.

3. Do these scholarships require IELTS or TOEFL?

Some do (especially UK, Canada, Australia), but others waive it if your degree was taught in English.

4. Can HND holders apply?

Some scholarships accept HND with strong academic background and experience—check individual program requirements.

Conclusion

If you’ve been holding back on applying to study abroad because of funding, 2025 is your year. The scholarships listed here aren’t just for the lucky few—they’re for Nigerians who are bold enough to try.

Pick the ones that match your goals, prepare your documents, and start applying. Every success story began with an application form—and yours could be next.