Top Scholarships for Nigerians Students to Study in the UK
Studying in the UK is a life-changing opportunity for Nigerian students — but with tuition and living costs rising, securing a scholarship is often the difference between dreaming and achieving. This definitive guide reveals the best scholarships available for Nigerians looking to study undergraduate, master’s or PhD degrees in the UK in 2026-2027. It’s deeply researched, precise, and designed to help you take action now.
In this article, you’ll discover fully funded and partial scholarships, eligibility criteria, application insights, and answers to the most frequently asked questions — all written for students and search engines alike.
Why UK Scholarships Matter for Nigerian Students
The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities and offers robust support for international students — including those from Nigeria. Scholarships not only reduce financial burden but also boost your profile, ease visa processes, and enhance post-study opportunities. With the right strategy, you could study in the UK for free or with significant financial support.
- Chevening Scholarships — The UK Government’s Flagship Award
Level: Master’s (one year)
Coverage: Fully funded — includes tuition, living allowance, flights, visa costs (varies by year)
Ideal For: Emerging leaders with work experience
The Chevening Scholarship stands as one of the UK’s most prestigious awards for international students. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Chevening supports students with strong leadership potential to pursue a postgraduate degree anywhere in the UK.
Key Features
- Full financial support for one-year Master’s programs
- Global ambassador network and leadership training
- Opens annually (applications usually August–November)
Why It’s Awesome
Chevening prioritises leadership and impact — making it perfect for Nigerians ready to change their communities or industries.
- Commonwealth Scholarships — Fully Funded for Global Leaders
Level: Master’s & PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare
Ideal For: Nigerian students from low- or middle-income backgrounds
The Commonwealth Scholarship is designed to support talented Nigerians who might otherwise not afford UK education. It’s fully funded and open to citizens of Commonwealth countries.
Why It’s Attractive
- Covers airfare, tuition, living costs
- Encourages graduates to return and contribute to home countries
- Supports a wide range of disciplines
- GREAT Scholarships — £10,000+ at Top UK Universities
Level: Predominantly postgraduate
Coverage: £10,000 towards tuition (varies by university)
Ideal For: Nigerians admitted to partner UK universities
The GREAT Scholarships partnership between the British Council and UK universities provides £10,000+ awards specifically for Nigerian students for the 2026-27 academic year. Participating universities include Bath, Brunel, Warwick, Royal Holloway, Kent, Reading and more.
Key Benefits
- Cash support towards tuition fees
- Open to a range of subject areas
- Awarded at top-ranking institutions across the UK
This is one of the most accessible yet valuable scholarship networks for Nigerians studying in the UK.
- University-Specific Scholarships — Scholarships Direct from UK Universities
Beyond national programs, many UK universities offer merit, excellence, or nationality-specific awards that Nigerians can apply for:
- Global Futures Scholarships — University of Manchester
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Coverage: Up to £18,000 (merit-based)
Why It Matters: Offers multiple scholarships based on academic excellence, particularly strong for Nigerian applicants.
- University of York — Global Impact Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Up to £5,000 per year
Why It Matters: Supports international undergraduate students with financial help toward international fees.
- Anglia Ruskin & Other Merit Awards
Several universities like Anglia Ruskin, Aston, Kingston, Middlesex and Salford offer scholarships ranging from £2,000 to £10,000 based on merit or automatic eligibility when you receive an offer.
- Hidden Gems — High-Value Lesser-Known Awards
Don’t overlook smaller but powerful opportunities that often have less competition:
- University of the West of England Chancellor’s Scholarship
Offers 50% tuition discounts and internship support — perfect for high achievers.
- Think Big Scholarship — University of Bristol
Awards between £6,500–£13,000 based on merit and future potential.
- Sussex Nigerian Students Award
A country-specific award designed to support Nigerian students directly.
- Fully Funded & Research Scholarships Worth Exploring
Some scholarships fully cover all costs — not just tuition:
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Fully funds postgraduate degrees at Cambridge University for outstanding scholars.
Clarendon Fund — University of Oxford
Covers tuition and living costs across a broad range of postgraduate fields.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
Supports research students with full tuition coverage.
Proven Tips to Boost Your Scholarship Success
To dramatically increase your chances:
- Apply early — top scholarships have strict deadlines
- Tailor every personal statement to the scholarship’s mission
- Demonstrate leadership, impact & community service, not just grades
- Secure strong letters of recommendation
These small steps often separate successful applicants from the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can Nigerian students get fully funded scholarships to study in the UK?
Yes — options like Chevening, Commonwealth and Gates Cambridge are fully funded, covering tuition, living costs and sometimes return flights.
Q2: Do UK scholarships require IELTS?
Most require proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), but some may grant waivers based on previous study in English. Always check each scholarship’s specific requirements.
Q3: What is the best scholarship for Nigerians studying postgraduate courses?
The Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are among the most valuable and competitive for master’s and PhD applicants.
Q4: Are there undergraduate scholarships for Nigerians in the UK?
Yes — programs like York’s Global Impact Scholarship and various university merit awards support undergraduate students.
Q5: How can I improve my chances of winning a UK scholarship?
Prepare well-written personal statements, gain relevant work or volunteer experience, and submit comprehensive applications before deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Studying in the UK as a Nigerian student is within reach if you know where to look and how to apply. From fully funded government-backed programs to targeted university awards, the opportunities are real — and this guide gives you the roadmap you need.
Ready to start? Make a list of scholarships that match your profile, prepare your documents early, and aim high — your world-class UK degree awaits!