International Scholarships for Nigerian Students: 2025 Update

Overview of International Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025

Finding the right scholarship can open doors to world-class education without the burden of high costs.

Many global institutions recognize your potential and offer funding opportunities tailored to support Nigerian students. 

Fully funded master’s programs, research grants, and tuition waivers are available in 2025 to help you succeed. 

Countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and Australia continue to invest in scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and travel, the right opportunity allows you to focus on your studies and build a future without financial stress.

First: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides full scholarships for academically talented students from Nigeria, ensuring you receive quality education without financial stress. 

Partnering with top universities worldwide, the program covers tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses. 

Leadership development, mentorship, and career guidance prepare you for success beyond the classroom. Institutions in the USA, Canada, Africa, and Europe participate, offering opportunities at undergraduate and master’s levels. 

This scholarship seeks commitment to giving back to their communities, ensuring you become a changemaker in your field.

No application fee is required for the scholarship itself, but some partner universities can charge admission processing fees.

Steps to Register for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:

• Check Partner Universities: Identify institutions participating in the program and confirm available courses.
• Meet Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you demonstrate financial need, strong academic performance, and leadership potential.
• Prepare Required Documents: Gather academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and proof of financial need.
• Complete the University Application: Apply directly to the partner university of your choice, following its admission guidelines.
• Indicate Interest in the Scholarship: Select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program option during your application.
• Submit Your Application: Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline set by the university.
• Attend an Interview (if required): Some universities conduct interviews to assess leadership potential and financial need.
• Wait for Selection Results: Successful applicants receive notifications from the university and begin preparations for enrollment.

Second: Chevening Scholarships (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship offers fully funded opportunities for you to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. 

Sponsored by the UK government, this prestigious program covers your tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. 

Leadership, networking, and professional development opportunities equip you for global impact. 

Academic excellence and a strong commitment to leadership and community service increase your chances of selection. 

Note that you don’t need to pay any application fee, making this a cost-free opportunity for ambitious individuals.

Steps to register for the Chevening Scholarship:

1. Check eligibility requirements: Ensure you meet academic, leadership, and work experience criteria.
2. Choose your UK universities: Select three eligible master’s programs that align with your career goals.
3. Get the required documents: Gather academic transcripts, references, a personal statement, and work experience details.
4. Create a Chevening account: Register on the official Chevening website and complete the application form.
5. Submit Your Application: Upload all necessary documents before the deadline.
6. Sit tight for selection results: If you emerge successful, you are going to receive notifications and begin preparations for their studies in the UK.

Third: DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

DAAD stands for Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, which translates to the German Academic Exchange Service. 

It is a German organization that supports international academic exchange, providing scholarships and funding to you if you’re a student, researcher, and professional seeking to study or conduct research in Germany. 

To apply for this scholarship opportunity, forget about the application fee, it’s free!

The DAAD Scholarship gives you a chance to study in Germany with full financial support. 

German universities offer diverse programs in science, engineering, social sciences, and the arts. 

A strong academic record, relevant work experience, and a well-structured study plan increase your chances of selection. 

Your tuition fees, travel expenses, health insurance, and a monthly stipend are all covered, allowing you to focus entirely on your education.

Learning German is not always required, but basic knowledge can improve your experience and chance of getting selected for the scholarship. 

How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship

• Look for an eligible program: Visit the DAAD portal and choose a program that matches your academic background.
• Check eligibility: Review academic qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency conditions for your chosen course.
• Ensure your documents are ready: Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, a CV, proof of work experience, and a research proposal or motivation letter.
• Submit your application: Apply through the DAAD portal or directly to the university offering the program.
• Provide language proof: Some programs require an English (IELTS/TOEFL) or German (TestDaF) language certificate.
• Await selection outcome: Once selected, you are going to receive funding confirmation and proceed with visa and travel planning

Fourth : Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) aim to enhance the quality of higher education by offering you the opportunity to study across multiple European universities. 

These programmes provide a unique, multicultural learning experience and award joint, double, or multiple degrees upon completion. 

You gain exposure to diverse academic and cultural environments, improving your global employability. 

With full scholarships covering tuition fees, travel, insurance, and a monthly allowance, you can focus entirely on your studies without financial concerns. While there is no general application fee for the programme itself, some partner universities charge specific processing or administrative fees.

How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

• Browse the Erasmus Mundus catalog and select a program that aligns with your academic background and career aspirations.
• Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the academic qualifications, language proficiency, and other program-specific requirements.
• Gather your documents, including academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, letters of recommendation, and proof of language proficiency.
• Submit your application directly to your chosen Erasmus Mundus programme through the consortium’s website, following the specific instructions for each program.
• Wait for potential shortlisting, which can involve an interview or additional assessments.
• Receive the results, if successful, you are going to be notified about your scholarship award and can start preparing for your European adventure!

Fifth: Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers you a prestigious opportunity to study in the U.S. with full financial backing. 

This program covers all major expenses, including tuition fees, travel, living stipends, and health insurance, allowing you to immerse yourself in your academic journey without financial barriers. 

It is designed to foster mutual understanding between cultures, encouraging you a Nigerian to engage with the American society while contributing to global development. 

The program seeks to help you with the potential to become a leader in your field. 

How to Apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Review the requirements to ensure you meet the academic, leadership, and language proficiency standards.
• Select a graduate program that aligns with your passions and career objectives.
• Gather academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and standardized test scores (if required).
• Submit your application online or through your home country’s Fulbright commission or the U.S. embassy.
• Double-check your application, ensuring all documents are submitted before the deadline.
• Prepare to discuss your goals and aspirations with the selection committee.
• Get ready to embark on your U.S. academic journey if selected!
• Remember, there’s no application fee for the Fulbright Scholarship, but some costs like visa application fees can apply.

Sixth: Australia Awards Scholarships

The Australia Awards Scholarships aim to provide you with the opportunity to pursue higher education in Australia while developing the skills needed to contribute to your country’s growth. 

Funded by the Australian Government, this program is designed to enhance leadership, build knowledge, and foster international partnerships. 

By studying in Australia, you gain access to world-class education and training, which can empower you to return home with the expertise needed to tackle key development challenges. 

The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance. 

To apply for this scholarship:

• Confirm the criteria to ensure you meet the requirements, including citizenship, work experience, and academic qualifications.
• Visit the Australia Awards website to discover programs at Australian institutions that align with your career aspirations and development goals.
• Gather essential documents, including academic transcripts, proof of work experience, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and English proficiency test scores (if required).
• Complete the online application through the official Australia Awards portal, following the instructions for your country.
• Ensure all necessary documents are uploaded to the application portal before the deadline.
• Prepare to discuss your academic plans, career goals, and the impact of the scholarship during an interview.
• Receive Scholarship Outcome, as soon as you are successful, you’re to be notified and provided with further instructions on next steps for studying in Australia.

Note: There is no application fee; however, some administrative costs may apply.

Seventh: African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALT) Scholarship (Canada)

The African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALT) Scholarship is a unique opportunity designed to support you in pursuing graduate-level studies in Canada. 

This scholarship targets you as you demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in their home countries. 

ALT provides full financial support, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance. The goal of the program is to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive development in Nigeria and beyond. 

The scholarship is particularly focused on individuals in the fields of governance, public policy, and development. 

How to Apply for the African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALT) Scholarship

• Confirm your eligibility by ensuring you’re a citizen of Nigeria, have a strong academic record, and possess professional experience in a relevant field.
• Identify a graduate program at a participating Canadian university that aligns with your professional goals and the scholarship’s focus areas.
• Compile your academic transcripts, a detailed CV, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and evidence of leadership experience.
• Submit your application through the ALT Scholarship portal, following all guidelines provided. Don’t worry, there’s no application fee!
• Upload all required documents and ensure you meet the submission deadline.
• Prepare to discuss your goals and aspirations during an interview, if selected.
• Await notification of your acceptance into the program and receive further instructions for your scholarship and studies in Canada.

Eighth: Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)

The Schwarzman Scholars Program offers you the unique chance to study at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, one of the world’s leading institutions.

This prestigious program is designed to develop leadership skills through a master’s degree in global affairs, with a special focus on China’s global influence. 

The scholarship pays for all your expenses, including tuition, fees, living costs, travel, and a stipend, so you can focus fully on your studies and leadership development, by joining this program, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese culture and engage with other young leaders from around the world. There is no application fee, but you can incur visa-related costs.

How to Apply for the Schwarzman Scholars Program

• Get hold of a completed undergraduate degree.
• Present all your necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume highlighting leadership experience.
• Submit your online application, uploading all required documents and meeting the deadline.
• Provide test scores (GRE or GMAT) if required, checking the program’s website for specific requirements.
• Receive notification of the scholarship offer and next steps if selected and begin preparing for your studies in China.

Pro Tips 

• Research Thoroughly: Take time to explore multiple scholarship options and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for each one.
• Tailor Your Application: Customize your personal statement and other application materials to reflect the specific requirements and goals of each scholarship.
• Meet Deadlines: Stay organized and submit all required documents ahead of the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Showcase Leadership Skills: Highlight your leadership experience, volunteer work, and other accomplishments that demonstrate your potential to make a positive impact.
• Seek Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well and can write compelling, personalized letters that support your scholarship application.
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice for interviews by discussing your goals, achievements, and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.