Looking for fully funded scholarships for Nigerians in 2026? Explore top awards like Chevening, Fulbright, DAAD, and Mastercard Foundation that cover tuition, flights, and living costs. Apply now!
Are you a Nigerian student dreaming of studying abroad but worried about finances? The good news is that several fully funded scholarships are available in 2026 that cover tuition, accommodation, flights, and even stipends.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best fully funded scholarships for Nigerians — from the UK to the USA, Germany, and Canada. We’ll also share insider tips to increase your chances of winning.
🎓 Why Fully Funded Scholarships Are Important
Many Nigerians abandon study abroad dreams due to high costs — with tuition alone reaching millions of naira. Fully funded scholarships eliminate these financial burdens by covering:
- Tuition fees
- Visa & flight costs
- Monthly living stipends
- Accommodation & health insurance
This means you can focus on studying, not struggling with expenses.
🌍 Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians in 2026
| Scholarship | Destination | Benefits | Eligibility | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | UK | Tuition, living stipend, flights, visa fees | Nigerian graduates with leadership potential | chevening.org |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | USA | Tuition, stipend, travel, health insurance | Nigerian postgraduates/researchers | ng.usembassy.gov |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Full tuition, living stipend, travel | Nigerians in postgraduate fields | daad.de |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | USA, Canada, Africa | Full tuition, accommodation, living, travel | High-achieving Nigerians with financial need | mastercardfdn.org |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s | Europe | Tuition, travel, monthly allowance | Nigerians applying for Master’s programs | erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Full tuition, travel, stipend, health insurance | Nigerians meeting merit & leadership criteria | dfat.gov.au |
📝 How to Win Fully Funded Scholarships as a Nigerian
- Start applications early – Most close 9–12 months before study begins.
- Tailor personal statements – Show how your education will benefit Nigeria.
- Get strong recommendation letters – From professors, employers, or mentors.
- Highlight leadership & community impact – Most programs value change-makers.
- Apply to multiple opportunities – Don’t put all your hopes on one.
📅 Application Timeline for Nigerians (2026)
- Sep–Nov 2024: Research and shortlist scholarships
- Dec–Feb 2025: Write essays and prepare references
- Mar–Apr 2026: Submit applications before deadlines
- May–Aug 2026: Get ready for interviews & results
📚 Helpful Resources for Nigerians
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Which scholarships are fully funded for Nigerians in 2026?
Top fully funded options include:
- Chevening (UK)
- Fulbright (USA)
- DAAD (Germany)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars
- Erasmus Mundus (Europe)
- Australia Awards
❓ Can undergraduate Nigerians get fully funded scholarships?
Yes. Programs like Mastercard Foundation Scholars and some university-specific awards cover full tuition and living expenses for undergraduates.
❓ Are there fully funded PhD scholarships for Nigerians?
Yes. The DAAD (Germany), Fulbright (USA), and Erasmus Mundus (Europe) all offer PhD-level scholarships for Nigerians that cover tuition, stipends, and research funding.
❓ Which country gives the most fully funded scholarships to Nigerians?
- UK (Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT Scholarships)
- USA (Fulbright, Mastercard Foundation)
- Germany (DAAD)
- Canada (Mastercard, Vanier)
- Australia (Australia Awards)
❓ When should Nigerians apply for 2026 scholarships?
Most applications open in August–October 2024 and close by March 2026. Always check official deadlines on program websites.
✅ Final Thoughts
Fully funded scholarships for Nigerians are life-changing opportunities that make studying abroad achievable regardless of financial background. From Chevening in the UK to Fulbright in the USA and DAAD in Germany, 2026 offers countless doors of opportunity.
🚀 Your next steps:
- Pick at least 3 scholarships from this list.
- Prepare your documents early.
- Apply before deadlines and stay persistent.
💡 Need expert help? At iZENT Education, we guide Nigerian students to win fully funded scholarships abroad. to start your journey!