Top 10 Scholarships Nigerian Students Can Apply For In 2025

If you’re a Nigerian student, chances are you've already heard the phrase, “school no be scam, but school fee fit be wahala.” And let’s be real—education in Nigeria can be financially draining, especially if you're dreaming of a quality degree either home or abroad. But what if I told you that there are legit scholarships out there waiting for smart, passionate, and hardworking Nigerians like you?

Yes, I’m talking about scholarships that won’t just pay your tuition, but also give you monthly allowances, cover your travel expenses, and even fund your entire study abroad journey. Whether you’re a secondary school leaver eyeing university, a university student, or even a graduate looking to pursue a master’s degree, 2025 might just be your year—if you apply wisely.

So let’s break it down, shall we? Here are the Top 10 Scholarships Nigerian Students Can Apply for in 2025—plus a few real-life gems on how to boost your chances.

1. MTN Foundation Scholarship

Let’s start with one of the biggest players on the block—MTN Foundation Scholarship. If you’re a science or technology student in a public tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, or college of education), and your CGPA is giving brilliance, this is for you.

What it covers:

✔️ N200,000 annually till graduation

✔️ Covers tuition, book allowance, and living expenses

Eligibility:

200-level undergraduates in Nigeria (public institutions only)

Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (2:1 or its equivalent)

Bonus Tip: They now have a separate stream for blind students, so accessibility is improving. Keep an eye on their official site around June/July 2025.

2. PTDF Scholarship (Petroleum Technology Development Fund)

If you're aiming for postgraduate studies in oil & gas, engineering, or environmental science, the PTDF scholarship is top-tier. This is especially powerful for Nigerians who want to study abroad (UK, Germany, France, etc.).

What it covers:

✔️ Full tuition fees

✔️ Flight tickets

✔️ Living allowance (enough to breathe abroad)

✔️ Health insurance

Eligibility:

First degree with at least a second-class upper

Completed NYSC

Valid international passport for overseas studies

Deadline: Usually around March or April each year. Don’t snooze!

3. Chevening Scholarship (UK Government)

This is the king of fully funded scholarships for Nigerians aiming to study in the UK. The Chevening Scholarship is about more than academics; it's about leadership potential.

What it covers:

✔️ Tuition fees for one-year master’s in any UK university

✔️ Monthly stipend

✔️ Return flight ticket

✔️ Visa and travel costs

Eligibility:

At least 2 years of work experience (volunteering counts!)

Good leadership profile

Must return to Nigeria after the scholarship

Application Period: Starts August and ends in November. Use your 2025 wisely.

Pro Tip: Start early! The essay questions are no joke. Write your story like a pro.

4. Commonwealth Scholarship

Dreaming of the UK? The Commonwealth Scholarship is another fully-funded golden ticket.

What it covers:

✔️ Tuition fees

✔️ Monthly stipend

✔️ Flight costs

✔️ Research support

Eligibility:

Nigerian citizen

First-class or strong second-class upper degree

Must study a course relevant to development

Deadline: Early in the year, typically January or February

Insider Advice: Choose a course that aligns with Nigeria’s development needs—public health, agriculture, energy, etc.

5. NLNG Scholarship (Nigeria LNG Limited)

This is a homegrown scholarship that’s been empowering Nigerian students since forever.

What it covers:

✔️ For undergraduates and postgraduates

✔️ N300,000+ yearly for undergrads

✔️ Full funding for masters (abroad)

Eligibility:

For undergrads: Minimum CGPA of 3.5

For postgrads: Must have secured admission in top UK universities

Must be Nigerian

When to Apply:

Undergraduate: May – July

Postgraduate: February – April

Quick Note: NLNG is very competitive. Make sure your documents are 100% correct.

6. Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship

Sponsored by Star Deep (Chevron Nigeria), this one targets students studying medicine, engineering, and health sciences.

What it covers:

✔️ Over N100,000 annually

✔️ Renewable until graduation

Eligibility:

Must be in 100 or 200 level

Must be in a Nigerian university

Must be studying relevant courses (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, engineering)

Application Tip: Always use a valid email and double-check your documents before submitting.

7. Federal Government Scholarship Awards (BEA)

The Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship offers Nigerians the chance to study in countries like Russia, China, Hungary, and Algeria on a full ride.

What it covers:

✔️ Tuition

✔️ Accommodation

✔️ Monthly stipends (varies per country)

✔️ Airfare

Eligibility:

WAEC with at least 5 distinctions (for undergrads)

First class or second-class upper (for PG)

Must be between ages 18–35

Deadline: Often announced by the Federal Ministry of Education around January/February

8. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

Thinking Germany? Think DAAD. This scholarship offers Nigerians a chance to pursue master’s and PhD programs in top German institutions.

What it covers:

✔️ Full tuition (in most cases it's free)

✔️ Monthly stipend (~€934 per month)

✔️ Travel allowance

✔️ Health insurance

Eligibility:

Bachelor’s degree (2.1 or better)

Strong academic and research background

Courses taught in English

Deadline: Depends on the program, but usually between October and December

Top Tip: Learn basic German—it may help you settle faster!

9. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship

A private scholarship with a big heart. The Jim Ovia Foundation supports brilliant Nigerian undergraduates in any discipline.

What it covers:

✔️ Tuition and maintenance

✔️ Access to entrepreneurship networks

✔️ Renewable based on performance

Eligibility:

Nigerian undergraduates in public universities

Excellent academic record (WAEC and CGPA)

Deadline: Usually opens in October every year

Insider Gem: It helps to be involved in leadership or community development activities.

10. Shell Nigeria University Scholarship

You know Shell is big on oil, but they’re also big on education. This scholarship is mainly for first-year students in Nigerian public universities.

What it covers:

✔️ Annual grant throughout your study

✔️ N150,000 or more yearly

✔️ Renewable if you maintain good grades

Eligibility:

Must be in 100 level

Minimum of 5 credits in WAEC (one sitting)

Must be studying a science or engineering course

When to Apply: Typically opens around June or July

How to Boost Your Chances and Actually Win

Now that you’ve seen the scholarships, let’s be honest—everybody and their cousin wants to win these scholarships. So how do you stand out?

1. Keep Your Documents in Order

Make sure you have scanned copies of:

WAEC certificate

Admission letter

Birth certificate

LGA certificate of origin

International passport (for international scholarships)

2. Write a Killer Personal Statement

Your essay is where you show heart. Talk about your background, dreams, struggles, and why you deserve the scholarship. No need to fake accents—just be real and compelling.

3. Maintain a Solid Academic Record

No matter how good your story is, most scholarships still check grades. So please, stop skipping class and aim for a 2:1 or better.

4. Volunteer and Gain Leadership Experience

For international scholarships like Chevening or Commonwealth, volunteering or being a leader in school groups gives you serious edge.

5. Apply Early. Don’t Wait!

Some scholarships are first-come, first-serve. Others have tight deadlines. Start early, write drafts, get someone to review, and hit submit with confidence.

Final Words

Scholarships are not a scam. In fact, they’re real lifelines that can transform your life, career, and future. But you won’t get one if you don’t apply. You also won’t get one if you think it’s only meant for “people that know people.”

This 2025, promise yourself something different. Apply. Apply well. Apply early. Who knows? That full scholarship might just have your name on it.

And if you found this helpful, don’t gatekeep! Share with your friends, siblings, or anyone who needs it. Education should not be a burden in Nigeria—it should be a blessing.