Scholars from Nigeria can reach major academic heights by securing fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students. From world-class education to advanced degrees, these scholarships can help turn your dreams into a reality.
Studying abroad sets the stage for global opportunities. I’m sure you know this even if your financial challenges make a debt-free education seem unattainable.
The good news? Your dreams don’t have to expire. In this guide, you will find funding programs designed to pave the way for your academic success.
List of fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students
DAAD scholarship Germany
Since its inception in 1925, DAAD has funded the academic ambitions of over three million students. The organization supports professionals and graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in German universities. DAAD scholarships cover degrees in all disciplines.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates must have;
- A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, depending on their preferred course
- Enrolled in a postgraduate program at an accredited German university
- English language proficiency is required in the form of IELTS or TOEFL certifications
Award value
- € 992 for master’s students
- € 1300 for doctoral or PhD students
- Travel allowance
- One-off study allowance
- Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance
Application deadline: July 15, 2025.
Start the application process through this website
Bocconi Graduate Merit Award
Bocconi University offers full-ride scholarships for first-year graduate students based on academic merit. Selection is also based on the applicant’s admission to the university. Therefore, a separate application is irrelevant.
Eligibility
- Strong academic profiles
- First-year students in a graduate program
- Domestic and international students
Award benefits: €12,000 per year
Closing date: May 27, 2025.
Australia Award scholarship
The Australian government provides fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students and citizens from other developing countries. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade administers these long-term awards to support students enrolled in study programs at Australian universities.
Eligibility
- Minimum of 18 years of age
- Non-Australian citizens
- Have satisfied the admission requirements of an accredited Australian university
- Not currently serving military personnel
- Previous beneficiaries of Australian Award scholarships are not eligible
Scholarship benefits
- Full tuition fees
- Return travel expenses
- Stipends
Value: AUD 34,500
Application deadline: April 30, 2025.
Also Read: 2025 Fully funded scholarships for online Masters
Yale University scholarships
Yale University, an Ivy League school, annually hosts fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students. More than 63% of international students rely on the school’s financial aid programs. Fortunately, funding is available for all academic levels, with awardees selected based on academic merit.
Eligibility
- English proficiency certifications
- Demonstrates financial need
- The student’s family receives financial assistance
- Possess a supporting statement from a school official, community leader
Award value Scholarship value benefits: $50,000 – $70,000
Closing date: December 15, 2025.
IOE Centenary Master’s scholarship
IOE collaborates with the International Students’ House to provide financial support for one academic year. This scholarship covers full tuition and accommodation, with renewals subject to academic performance.
Eligibility
- Students from low-income country
- Have an unconditional offer to study a full-time master’s degree at IOE
- Have not studied or lived in the UK before
Scholarship value: £14,000.
Application deadline: May 5, 2025.
Chinese Government Scholarship
The Chinese Government Council awards Chinese government scholarships to students enrolled in CSC partner institutions. These scholarships are available in 280 Chinese universities. CSC offers full funding across all study levels. The award is also open to international scholars.
Eligibility
- Admitted to CSC partner universities
- High school certificate for undergraduate students
- Bachelor’s degree for master’s students
- Masters for doctoral degree
- Not be a recipient of other Chinese scholarships
Award benefits: CNY 3000 per month
Closing date: December 9, 2025.
MEXT scholarship Japan
MEXT is awarding fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students in Japan. Funded by the Japanese government, these scholarships assist foreign students enrolled in degree programs at accredited universities. TOEFL or IELTS certification is not required to receive MEXT scholarships.
Eligibility
- Open to applicants from different countries
- Undergraduate students must be between 17 and 25 years of age
- Doctoral and research students must be under 35 years of age
Scholarship value: 117,000 Yen per month
Application deadline: May 27, 2025.
Fulbright Scholarships USA
The Fulbright Student program offers a merit-based award that enables graduate students, researchers, and young professionals to study in the USA. This program is impossible to overlook on our list of fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students.
The U.S. Department of State sponsors the Fulbright scholarship. However, it is also available to graduate students who are non-US citizens.
Eligibility
- Possess a bachelor’s degree
- May hold a J.D at the time of application
- Meet the language requirement for the scholarship
Award benefits: $66,000
Closing date: June 1, 2025.
Gates Cambridge scholarships
This scholarship supports Nigerian students enrolled at the University of Cambridge. Gates Cambridge scholarships are accessible to masters and doctoral students. Benefits include tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational expenses.
Eligibility
- Academic excellence
- Leadership skills
- Passion for improving lives
Scholarship value
- £21,000 stipend per annum
- family allowance up to £16,548
- academic development funding up to £2,000
- Health insurance
Closing date: Varies by course
Chevening scholarships
International students applying for master’s degree programs in the UK can benefit from Chevening scholarships. They provide full funding to young talents, influencers, and professionals ready to advance their degrees in the UK. Please note that British citizens or permanent residents are not eligible.
Eligibility
- Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries
- Willing to return to home country after completion of studies
- Have at least two years of work experience
- Completed an undergraduate degree with an excellent result
Scholarship benefits
- Full tuition
- Travel allowance
- The cost of one visa application
- Monthly stipend
Closing date: November 5, 2025.
Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship
The University of Adelaide offers annual scholarships to high-achieving international students. As a merit-based scholarship, selection is based on excellence in previous academic programs. The Global Academic Excellence Award is available for both undergraduate and post-graduate studies.
Eligibility
- International students pursuing degree programs at the University of Adelaide, Australia
- Enrolled in the Direct entry program
- Demonstrates academic excellence
Scholarship value: $35,013
Application deadline: May 31, 2025.