Securing a UK scholarship for Nigerian students can be a life-changing opportunity, opening doors to world-class education, career advancement, and networking opportunities. However, finding the right scholarship and successfully applying for it can be overwhelming. I remember the countless hours I spent researching, comparing eligibility criteria, and perfecting my application. The good news? Many UK universities and government-funded programs offer generous scholarships specifically for Nigerian students—some covering full tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs.
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about getting a scholarship to study in the UK, from finding opportunities to crafting a winning application.
How to Get a Scholarship in the UK from Nigeria
Getting a scholarship to study in the UK requires extensive research, preparation, and a strong application strategy. Follow this step-by-step guide to increase your chances of securing financial aid.
#1. Identify Available Scholarships
There are different types of scholarships available for Nigerian students, each with its eligibility criteria:
A. Government-Funded Scholarships (Fully Funded)
- Chevening Scholarship: Covers full tuition, accommodation, flights, and living expenses for Nigerian students pursuing a master’s degree. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and work experience (minimum of 2 years).
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Funded by the UK government, this scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and research costs for master’s and PhD students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria.
B. University-Specific Scholarships
- Many UK universities offer partial or full tuition scholarships based on academic excellence, leadership, or financial need. Examples include:
- Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford) – Fully funded for master’s and PhD students.
- Think Big Scholarships (University of Bristol) – Covers 25% to 100% of tuition for international students.
- Global Masters Scholarship (University of Birmingham) – Tuition fee reductions of £2,000 to £10,000.
C. Private and NGO Scholarships
- Organizations such as the British Council Nigeria, Shell Nigeria, and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) offer funding for Nigerian students.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (University of Edinburgh) – Fully funds academically talented students from Africa, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
D. Research and PhD Grants
- Many postgraduate scholarships focus on research. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship and the Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships offer full funding for PhD students.
Tip: Use platforms such as British Council Nigeria, UKCISA, and Scholarship Positions to find up-to-date scholarship listings.
#2. Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Most UK scholarships for Nigerian students require candidates to meet specific academic, leadership, and language requirements. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
A. Strong Academic Record
- Scholarships often require at least a Second-Class Upper (2:1) or First-Class degree. Some competitive programs may accept Second-Class Lower (2:2) with exceptional experience.
B. English Language Proficiency
- Most scholarships require an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.5, depending on the program. Some universities waive this requirement if you study in English in Nigeria.
C. Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Essay
- A well-written personal statement should highlight:
- Your academic achievements and career goals.
- Why you chose the UK for your studies?
- Your leadership, community service, or volunteer experience.
- How the scholarship will help you contribute to Nigeria’s development.
D. Leadership and Community Service
- Scholarships such as Chevening and Commonwealth prioritize applicants with strong leadership qualities and a record of community impact.
E. Work Experience (for postgraduate scholarships)
- Some scholarships, like Chevening, require at least two years of work experience in a relevant field.
Tip: Since each scholarship has different requirements, always check the official websites before applying to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
#3. Apply on Time and Submit a Strong Application
Applying early significantly improves your chances of getting a scholarship. Here’s how to prepare a strong application:
- Start Early – Begin researching and preparing at least 6-12 months before the deadline.
- Write a compelling personal statement – Showcase your leadership skills, academic achievements, and career ambitions.
- Secure strong recommendation letters – Request letters from professors, employers, or mentors who know your academic and leadership potential.
- Tailor each application – Avoid using generic essays. Customize each application to match the scholarship’s objectives.
💡 Tip: Some scholarships require an interview, so practice answering common scholarship interview questions to prepare.
How Can I Get a Full Scholarship in the UK?
Securing a fully funded scholarship to study in the UK is highly competitive, but with the right approach, it’s possible. Below are some of the best full scholarships for Nigerian students:
#1. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
- Covers full tuition, living expenses, travel, and visa fees.
- For master’s degree students with leadership potential.
- Requires at least two years of work experience.
- Application Period: August – November.
#2. Commonwealth Scholarships
- Covers tuition, living costs, airfare, and research funding.
- Available for master’s and PhD students from developing Commonwealth countries.
- Prioritizes students who will contribute to their home country’s development.
- Application Period: September – December.
#3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Covers full tuition, accommodation, and a stipend of up to £18,744 per year.
- Open to exceptional students with a strong academic background.
- Application Period: September – January.
#4. University-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships
- University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarships
- University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships
- University of Nottingham – Developing Solutions Scholarships
- University of Edinburgh – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
💡 Tip: Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive, so maintain a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership and community engagement in your application.
Which University in the UK Offers 100% Scholarships?
If you’re looking for UK universities that offer fully funded scholarships, here are some of the best options, along with details on what they cover and their eligibility criteria:
#1. University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund & Rhodes Scholarship
- Clarendon Fund:
- Covers full tuition and college fees for master’s and PhD students.
- Provides a generous annual stipend for living expenses.
- Automatically considers all applicants applying for graduate study at Oxford.
- Rhodes Scholarship:
- One of the most prestigious international scholarships.
- Covers full tuition, accommodation, and an annual stipend of around £18,180.
- Open to students from select countries, including Nigeria.
- Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership potential, and community engagement.
#2. University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Covers full tuition fees, maintenance allowance (£18,744 per year), airfare, and research costs.
- Available for master’s and PhD students across all disciplines.
- Requires a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
#3. Imperial College London – President’s PhD Scholarships
- Offers full tuition fee coverage and an annual stipend of £25,150 for living expenses.
- Targets outstanding students applying for PhD research programs in science, engineering, and medicine.
- Highly competitive—applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic performance.
#4. London School of Economics (LSE) – Graduate Support Scheme
- Offers full or partial tuition waivers for master’s students.
- Provides additional support for students in financial need.
- Requires high academic performance and financial need assessment.
#5. University of Edinburgh – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Designed for students from Africa, including Nigerians.
- Covers full tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and living expenses.
- Supports students in fields that contribute to Africa’s development, such as public health, education, and engineering.
#6. University of Nottingham – Developing Solutions Scholarship
- Covers 100% or 50% of tuition fees for students from developing Commonwealth countries.
- Available for master’s students in fields like sustainable development, public policy, and entrepreneurship.
- Requires a strong academic record and a commitment to development work in Nigeria.
#7. University of Birmingham – Global Masters Scholarship
- Provides a tuition fee discount of £2,000 – £10,000 for international students.
- Awarded based on academic merit and leadership potential.
- Available for students pursuing master’s degrees in various disciplines.
Tip: Many UK universities automatically consider students for scholarships when they apply, so apply early and submit a strong application with a compelling personal statement.
Which UK University Offers Scholarships to Nigerians Seeking a Master’s Degree?
Several UK universities have specific scholarships for Nigerian students pursuing a master’s degree, offering partial or full tuition coverage. Here are some of the top options:
#1. University of Sheffield – Africa Scholarship Programme
- Covers 50% of tuition fees for outstanding Nigerian students.
- Available for full-time master’s programs.
- Requires a strong academic background and leadership qualities.
#2. University of Sussex – Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Covers 50% of tuition fees for high-achieving international students.
- Awarded based on academic excellence and potential to contribute to society.
#3. University of Westminster – International Postgraduate Scholarships
- Covers full tuition fees for students from developing countries, including Nigeria.
- Highly competitive—applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and leadership potential.
#4. University of Birmingham – Global Masters Scholarship
- Provides a tuition fee discount of up to £10,000 for master’s students.
- Aimed at students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership experience.
#5. Durham University – Hatfield Lioness Scholarship
- Covers full tuition and living expenses for female scholars from developing countries, including Nigeria.
- Designed to support women who demonstrate leadership potential.
#6. University of Leeds – Masters Scholarships for International Students
- Offers partial and full tuition scholarships for international master’s students.
- Covers fields such as business, engineering, and public health.
#7. University of Glasgow – International Leadership Scholarships
- Provides a £10,000 tuition fee discount for outstanding master’s students.
- Available for various disciplines, including science, business, and social sciences.
#8. University of Manchester – Equity and Merit Scholarships
- Covers full tuition fees and living expenses for students from developing countries.
- Focuses on courses that promote economic and social development.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Master’s Scholarship in the UK
- Maintain a strong academic record – Most scholarships require at least a Second-Class Upper (2:1) or higher.
- Demonstrate leadership experience – Engage in volunteering, internships, or community development projects.
- Prepare a compelling personal statement – Clearly articulate your career goals, achievements, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Secure strong recommendation letters – Get references from professors, employers, or mentors who can vouch for your potential.
- Apply early – Many scholarships close between September and February, so start preparing your application 6-12 months in advance.
Tip: Universities often have department-specific scholarships, so check the funding options available for your specific course of study.
Key Takeaways
- UK scholarships for Nigerian students come from the government, universities, and private organizations.
- Fully funded scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth cover tuition, living expenses, and flights.
- A strong academic record, leadership experience, and work history increase your chances of winning a scholarship.
- Some universities automatically consider applicants for scholarships, so apply early and check deadlines.
- Research and apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of getting funding.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK is a dream for many Nigerian students, but scholarships can make it a reality. With fully funded and partial scholarships available, securing funding depends on research, preparation, and a strong application. Whether you’re applying for Chevening, Commonwealth, or university-specific funding, there’s a scholarship out there for you.
Are you ready to take the next step towards securing a UK scholarship?
