Nigerian students looking to pursue masters degrees abroad have many excellent scholarship opportunities available to help fund their studies. Studying overseas can provide exposure to world-class faculty, research facilities, and a global network, enhancing both the academic and cultural experience. However, the costs of graduate studies abroad can be substantial. Thankfully, many organizations and universities offer scholarships for masters students from Nigeria. Here is an overview of some of the best funding options:
scholarships-for-nigerian-masters-students-in-2024
1. Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious UK university scholarships open to talented students from commonwealth countries, including Nigeria. Key details:
- Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly stipend
- Open to Nigerian students pursuing masters or PhD degrees
- Highly competitive, based on academic merit and leadership potential
you can check out more:- The Ultimate Guide to Applying for Commonwealth Scholarships as a Nigerian Student in 2024
2. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders from around the world, including from Nigeria, to complete a one-year masters program in the UK. Overview:
- Fully-funded scholarship including tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly stipend
- Targets students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential
- Wide range of eligible subject fields
- Requires at least 2 years of work experience
Check out for more
A Complete Guide to Applying for Chevening Scholarships as a Nigerian Student
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships
Erasmus+ is the EU’s program to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe and beyond. It offers scholarships for Nigerians to study masters degrees in Europe.
- Funds studies at universities across Europe
- Offers scholarships and low/zero-interest loans
- Supports short-term credit mobility and full degree mobility
- Provides a monthly living allowance, travel costs, and health insurance
You can check for more The Ultimate Guide to Applying for Erasmus+ Scholarships as a Nigerian Student
4. MasterCard Foundation Scholarships
The MasterCard Foundation offers generous scholarships to academically talented but economically disadvantaged students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Provides full tuition fees, accommodation, books, and stipends
- Targets students with leadership potential and a commitment to giving back
- Partners with top universities worldwide, including in the US, Canada, and Europe
- Focuses on fields that drive economic and social transformation in Africa
check out for more The Ultimate Guide to Applying for MasterCard Foundation Scholarships as a Nigerian Student
5. Mandela Rhodes Scholarships
Mandela Rhodes Scholarships provide full funding for Nigerian students to complete postgraduate studies in South Africa. Highlights:
- Covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and travel
- Targets students with academic achievement, leadership ability, community engagement, and reconciliation
- Tenable at any accredited South African university or tertiary institution
- Supports honours, masters, and PhD studies up to a maximum of 3 years
you can also check for more Mandela Rhodes Scholarships for Nigerian Students: Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply
To give a sense of other scholarship opportunities, here is a table summarizing a few more top options for Nigerian masters students:
| Scholarship | Location | Level of Study | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Australia | Masters/PhD | Tuition fees, travel, stipend |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Masters/PhD | Tuition fees, travel, insurance, stipend |
| Fulbright Scholarships | USA | Masters/PhD | Tuition fees, travel, health insurance, stipend |
| Bocconi Scholarships | Italy | Masters | Tuition waiver, stipend |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Switzerland | Masters/PhD | Tuition fees, health insurance, stipend |
To maximize the chance of success when applying for masters scholarships, Nigerian students should:
- Research the opportunities thoroughly and apply to all scholarships for which they are eligible
- Prepare a compelling personal statement demonstrating their academic achievements, leadership abilities, and career goals
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from faculty who can speak to their abilities and potential
- Submit a complete application well before the deadline, including all required documents like transcripts and test scores
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to returning to Nigeria to apply the knowledge and skills gained
Studying abroad can be an incredibly enriching experience, providing Nigerian students the chance to gain world-class knowledge, build diverse networks, and accelerate their careers. By taking advantage of the range of scholarship opportunities for masters studies, talented Nigerian graduate students can access some of the best universities worldwide.
Conclusion
Nigerian masters students have a wide variety of attractive scholarship options to help fund their graduate studies abroad. From the prestigious Commonwealth and Chevening awards in the UK to Mastercard Foundation and Erasmus+ scholarships worldwide, with effort and a compelling application it is possible to secure substantial funding. Students should carefully research the opportunities, assess their eligibility, craft strong applications, and apply broadly to maximize their chances. Funding a masters abroad can open up a world of opportunities.
