10 Scholarships for Nigerians Looking to Study Abroad in 2024

For many Nigerians, studying abroad represents a life-changing opportunity, offering access to world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and opportunities to advance their careers. However, funding this education can be a challenge. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available for Nigerian students seeking to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs overseas. Here are 10 scholarships for Nigerians looking to study abroad in 2024, providing excellent opportunities for high-quality education and international experience without heavy financial burdens.

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
   The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded program that supports Nigerian students pursuing a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. It covers various subjects, including public policy, business management, and environmental studies. With access to over 12,000 eligible master’s programs at prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics, this scholarship focuses on leadership development and creating future change-makers.

2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
   The Fulbright Program offers full scholarships for Nigerian students to pursue master’s and PhD degrees in the United States, covering diverse fields like the humanities and sciences. Scholars can attend top universities, including Harvard and Stanford, for two to five years. The program emphasizes academic excellence, cross-cultural exchange, and leadership development.

3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
   The DAAD program provides opportunities for Nigerian students to pursue master’s or PhD degrees in Germany, particularly in engineering, public policy, and sustainable development. Covering two-year master’s degrees and three to four-year PhD programs, DAAD also supports language courses for non-German speakers.

   READ ALSO: TETFUND and Cross River State Collaborate to Boost Education Initiatives

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (Europe)
   Erasmus Mundus allows students to pursue joint master’s degrees across multiple European countries. Nigerian students can study in two or more universities in fields such as environmental sciences and business administration. This two-year program covers tuition, travel costs, and living expenses.

5. Australia Awards Scholarships
   The Australia Awards offer full scholarships for Nigerian students to study at top universities in Australia, including the University of Melbourne. The program supports both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, focusing on fields like public policy and environmental management, typically lasting one to two years.

   RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: NCDMB and Shell Joint Venture Donate State-of-the-Art Studio and ICT Hub to FUTO

6. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
   This program provides scholarships for academically gifted African students, including Nigerians, to study at leading universities like McGill and the University of Toronto. Covering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, the scholarship includes mentorship, internships, and leadership training.

7. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
   Commonwealth Scholarships allow Nigerian students to pursue master’s and PhD degrees at world-class UK universities, covering fields such as international development and engineering. Master’s programs typically last one year, while PhD programs can take three to four years, with a focus on societal development upon return to Nigeria.

   YOU MIGHT LIKE: "Don't Japa, Stay and Build the Country"; President Tinubu Urges Nigerian Graduates

8. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
   Supporting master’s studies in fields like public health and economics, this program collaborates with institutions such as Harvard and the University of Tokyo. The scholarship typically covers one to two years of full tuition, living expenses, airfare, and medical insurance for developing country professionals committed to home country development.

9. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
   This program provides CAD 50,000 annually for three years to PhD students in Canada. Nigerian students can apply to top institutions like the University of Toronto and McGill University, focusing on research excellence in health sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

10. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
    This program offers fully funded scholarships for master’s degrees at Swedish universities like Lund University. It emphasizes the development of the students’ home countries upon graduation, providing a unique opportunity for Nigerians to gain valuable education and experience.

These scholarships offer Nigerian students a pathway to gaining high-quality education abroad while alleviating financial burdens. Students are encouraged to apply early and prepare their application materials thoroughly to maximize their chances of success.