EDUCATION

Fully Funded Scholarships for Masters in the UK for Nigerian Students

Studying for a master’s degree in the UK is a dream for many Nigerian students. However, the cost of education, living expenses, and visa fees can be significant challenges. Fortunately, fully funded scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for Nigerian students to pursue their education in the UK without worrying about financial burdens. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes additional costs such as travel or health insurance.

Below is an overview of the best fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the UK, along with application details and links to get started.

1. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for Nigerian students. It is funded by the UK government through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The scholarship covers full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances. Chevening places a strong focus on leadership and academic excellence, seeking applicants with a clear vision for their future.

Eligibility:

Be a Nigerian citizen.
Return to Nigeria for at least two years after completing the master’s program.
Hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a 2:1 or higher in the UK.
Have at least two years of work experience.

Application Process: The Chevening application involves submitting academic transcripts, work experience details, and personal statements. Applicants must also apply to three UK universities and receive an offer from at least one.

Deadline: Typically around November.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Commonwealth Scholarships offer full financial support for Nigerian students to study in the UK. These scholarships focus on development, particularly in countries that are part of the Commonwealth, including Nigeria. The program offers opportunities in a wide range of fields, particularly those aligned with the development goals of the Commonwealth.

Eligibility:

Be a Nigerian citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country.
Intend to return to Nigeria after the scholarship.
Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) degree.
Demonstrate financial need and academic merit.

What’s Covered: The Commonwealth Scholarship provides full tuition, airfare, and a living allowance, among other benefits.

Application Process: Applicants are required to submit their academic transcripts, references, and a personal statement. They also need to apply to a UK university.

Deadline: Applications usually close in December.

3. The Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most competitive scholarship programs globally. It is offered by the Rhodes Trust and provides funding for outstanding students from West Africa, including Nigeria, to study at the University of Oxford. This scholarship covers all university fees, a monthly stipend, and economy-class airfare to and from the UK.

Eligibility:

Nigerian citizenship.
Applicants must be between the ages of 19 and 25.
A bachelor’s degree with a first-class or strong upper second class (2:1) in any discipline.
Demonstrated leadership abilities and commitment to service.

Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application, academic references, and personal statements. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview.

Deadline: Usually closes around late October.

4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Though primarily for PhD students, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship also offers a small number of master’s scholarships each year. This prestigious scholarship covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, including tuition, living expenses, and travel. It was established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to encourage students from outside the UK to pursue graduate studies at Cambridge.

Eligibility:

Be a citizen of any country outside the UK, including Nigeria.
Apply for a full-time master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
Exhibit outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

What’s Covered: Full cost of tuition, a living allowance, visa fees, and airfare.

Application Process: Applicants must apply for admission to Cambridge and complete a separate scholarship application.

Deadline: Applications typically close in early December.

5. The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Scholarships

The University of Sheffield, in partnership with the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, offers scholarships to Nigerian students who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses.

Eligibility:

Be a Nigerian citizen.
Hold an offer to study at the University of Sheffield.
Demonstrate financial need and academic merit.

What’s Covered: The scholarship includes full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.

Application Process: Students must apply for a master’s program at the University of Sheffield and then apply for the scholarship.

Deadline: Applications typically close around May.

6. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

This program aims to support outstanding young people from Africa, including Nigeria, who have a strong commitment to social change. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh offers fully-funded scholarships for master’s students. This includes full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.

Eligibility:

Must be a citizen of an African country, including Nigeria.
Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to giving back to your community.
Hold a first-degree qualification in any field.

What’s Covered: The scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, as well as support for travel to and from the UK.

Application Process: Applicants must first apply to the University of Edinburgh for a master’s program, and then apply for the scholarship.

Deadline: The deadline typically falls in January.

7. The University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships

The University of Manchester provides the Equity and Merit Scholarships to students from Nigeria and other developing countries. These scholarships are aimed at students who are academically excellent but lack the financial means to study in the UK. It covers full tuition and living expenses.

Eligibility:

Must be a Nigerian citizen.
Apply for a full-time master’s program at the University of Manchester.
Demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to the socio-economic development of your home country.

What’s Covered: Full tuition fees and living expenses.

Application Process: Submit an application for a master’s program and then apply for the scholarship through the University of Manchester’s scholarship portal.

Deadline: The deadline typically falls in August.

Ensure you stay updated on the deadlines and prepare your applications early to increase your chances of success.