If you have been dreaming of studying abroad but held back by finances, this might be your best time to go for it.
In this article, we have compiled a list of ongoing study abroad scholarships for Nigerian students that are fully/partially funded and might be closing anytime soon.
Whether you are a secondary school leaver, undergraduate, graduate, there is always a study abroad scholarship for everyone.
These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, books, academic materials while some also cover travel costs, monthly stipend and many more.
To get a study abroad scholarship, you ought to be academically outstanding as most of these scholarships are been awarded on academic merit. You also need determination, the right information, and a timely application.
Let’s dig in!
Why Apply for a Fully or Partially Funded Study Abroad Scholarship
Studying abroad is life-transforming, but it can be expensive, especially for aspiring students from low-income families. That’s where a scholarship comes in.
Scholarships will reduce or eliminate your financial burden, be it a fully or partially funded scholarship, giving you access to world-class education, global networks, and life-changing opportunities you might not afford on your own.
With scholarships you can pay your tuition, process your visa, pay for flight, accommodation, study materials, books and sponsor your living costs. Scholarship gives you international exposure, and better career opportunities, connects you to global mentors, internships, and employers, allows you to focus on your studies, and help you grow personally and professionally in a new environment.
The Difference Between Fully and Partially Funded Scholarships
A fully funded scholarships usually cover full tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, health insurance, and flight tickets, sometimes study materials and visa fees, while a partially funded scholarship covers only part of your expenses which may include a percentage of tuition, a stipend or one-time grant, some accommodation or travel support.
Ongoing Study Abroad Scholarships for Nigerian Students
There are numerous scholarships available to international students interested in studying abroad but below we have only the list of top ongoing study abroad scholarships for Nigerian students.
These scholarships are currently ongoing, which means you’re expected to apply immediately.
The scholarships includes;
- Mpower scholarship
- DAAD Leadership For African Scholarship, Germany
- Fullbright Scholarship
- University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – South Africa
- Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grant
- University of Birmingham Africa High Achievers Scholarship – UK
#1. Mpower Scholarship
Mpower scholarship was founded in 2014 by Manu Smadja and Mike Davis. The aim of this scholarship is to help thousands of students achieve their dream of studying abroad.
Mpower offers six different scholarships which includes:
- Global Citizen Scholarship
- Women in STEM Scholarship
- MBA Scholarship
- Monthly Stipend Scholarship
- Udaan Indian Scholarship
- 追梦永不息 Scholarship
These scholarships are only available to students enrolled in U.S and Canadian schools supported by Mpower, and are not Canadian or U.S citizens. To view list of schools supported by Mpower, CLICK HERE.
Mpower scholarships available to Nigerian students are the global citizen scholarship, women in STEM scholarship, the MBA scholarship and monthly stipend scholarship.
The Global Citizen Scholarship:
- Grand Prize: $8,000
- First Runner-Up: $2,000
- Second Runner-Up: $1,000
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be accepted at, or enrolled in, a full-time degree program at a U.S. or Canadian school that MPOWER supports, and
- Be an international student allowed to legally study in the U.S. or Canada, as applicable:
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
- Has a valid visa that permits study in the U.S.
- Is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Is a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
- For study in Canada, this means the applicant meets one of these criteria:
- Is a Canadian permanent resident
- Has a valid Canadian study permit
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
Scholarship Deadline: July 31, 2025
The Women in STEM Scholarship:
- Grand Prize: US$5,000
- First Runner-Up: US$2,000
- Second Runner-Up: US$1,000
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be accepted at, or enrolled in, a full-time degree program at an MPOWER-eligible school in the U.S. or Canada
- Be an international student allowed to legally study in the U.S. or Canada, as applicable:
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
- Has a valid visa that permits study in the U.S.
- Is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Is a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
- For study in Canada, this means the applicant meets one of these criteria:
- Is a Canadian permanent resident
- Has a valid Canadian study permit
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
Scholarship Deadline: July 31, 2025
The MBA Scholarship:
- Grand Prize: US$5,000
- First Runner-Up: US$2,000
- Second Runner-Up: US$1,000
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be admitted to, or enrolled in, a full-time MBA degree program at a U.S. or Canadian school that MPOWER supports, and
- Be an international student permitted to legally study in the U.S. or Canada, as applicable:
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
- Has a valid visa that permits study in the U.S., or
- Is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- For study in Canada, this means the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Has a valid Canadian study permit
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
Scholarship Deadline: July 31, 2025
The Monthly Stipend Scholarship
Mpower offers monthly stipend scholarships to international/DACA students enrolled in any the universities they are supporting in the U.S or Canada. Check their website every first day of the month to find scholarships and apply.
- Three awards of US$1,000
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be admitted to, or enrolled in, a full-time degree program at a U.S. or Canadian school that MPOWER supports, and
- Be an international student permitted to legally study in the U.S. or Canada, as applicable:
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
- Has a valid visa that permits study in the U.S., or
- Is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- For study in Canada, this means the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Has a valid Canadian study permit
- For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
#2. DAAD Leadership For African Scholarship, Germany
DAAD scholarship is currently ongoing. This scholarship is for African refugees with an undergraduate degree to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Germany.
This scholarship aims to support outstanding young students and refugee scholars by providing them with the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Germany free of charge.
Who Can Apply for this Scholarship
The DAAD scholarship is available to Refugees and National Graduates who meet the following criteria:
- Must hold official refugee status granted before April 2, 2024
- The country of asylum must be Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
- Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application
- Must have refugee status that is valid until April 2026
- Must be a citizen and resident of Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
- Must hold a completed Bachelor’s degree by the time of application
Scholarship Benefits
- Up to 6 months of intensive German language training in Germany
- Full tuition coverage for a public/state-recognized German Master’s degree
- Monthly stipend of €992
- Travel allowance and yearly study allowance
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Rent subsidy and family allowance, if applicable
Funding Duration
- Language course: Starting as early as April 2026
- Master’s studies: Commencing around October 2026, lasting 2 years.
DAAD Scholarship Application Requirements
- CLICK HERE to apply (only if you are from Togo, Cameroon, or Senegal)
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages)
- Motivation Letter (1–3 pages)
- Study Course Profile Form with 3 tuition-free Master’s programmes
- Language certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, DSH, or TestDaF)
- University degree and transcripts
- National ID/passport
- Refugee documents (for refugee applicants)
- Optional documents include proof of employment/internships, certificates, and previous scholarship records.
To find DAAD Scholarships for Nigerians, CLICK HERE.
Application Deadline: 10 June 2025.
#3. Fullbright Scholarship
The Fullbright Scholarship is open to African students, including Nigerians. It is a research program fully funded by the U.S Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education in New York.
The scholarship is for Doctoral and PhD students from Nigeria, undergraduate and Masters students are not eligible for this scholarship.
Eligibilty Criteria
- Must be Nigerian citizens or permanent residents in possession of a valid Nigerian passport.
- A PhD or Doctoral students who have made substantial progress in their doctoral studies at a Nigerian university.
- Applicants must be officially supported by their home institution in Nigeria.
- A strong academic track record and excellent command of English are essential.
- Candidates must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 90, with results submitted by September 2025. Applicants who do not meet the minimum score requirement will not proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
- Candidates should demonstrate strong motivation, a clear intent to complete the program within the scheduled timeframe, and a firm commitment to return to Nigeria afterward.
- Only those with well-developed research proposals—clearly stating research goals, methodology, timeline, and reasons for conducting the research in the United States—will be considered for interviews.
- Priority will be given to candidates who have not previously studied in the United States.
- Individuals who have already received a Fulbright Student grant or are alumni of the Humphrey Fellowship Program are ineligible. This restriction does not apply to past participants of the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program.
Scholarship Deadline: June 1.
#4. University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – South Africa
The University of Pretoria (UP) is in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and has been offering scholarships to high-achieving African students for undergraduate and master’s programs since 2014.
The program has not only targeted outstanding, but also talented young people facing economic and social barriers, including those with disability in Africa and the internally displaced/refugees.
This Scholarship is open to undergraduate, honours, and master’s students from all African countries, and the aim is to train students; in turn, the students will contribute to the transformation of the continent through their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.
Undergraduate students from Nigeria who want to apply for this scholarship have to apply through their partner university in Nigeria (Pan Atlantic University), which is where they will do their undergraduate studies.
While those interested in Master’s and postgraduate programs have to apply directly to and get accepted to the University of Pretoria to be eligible
Undergraduate Scholarship Eligibilty Criteria
To be considered for the scholarship at Pan-Atlantic University, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate academic excellence
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Demonstrate financial need
- Are young women interested in STEM programmes
- Are internally displaced young people
- Are young people with disabilities
- Demonstrate commitment to giving back to their community.
- Must have passed WAEC/ NECO/ GCE/ NABTEB with 5 credits including English and Mathematics and three other subjects in Arts, Sciences and Social Science in not more than two sittings.
- UTME Minimum Score of 220 (The required UTME subjects are English Language and any three of Social Science, Arts or Science subjects)
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Mentorship and leadership development
- Internship and career support
- Networking opportunities
Click here to apply for the undergraduate scholarship
Eligibility Criteria for Masters/PhD at University of Pretoria
- Must be a citizen of an African country.
- Preference is often given to applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Outstanding academic performance.
- Must meet the academic requirements for admission to the University of Pretoria for the desired postgraduate program (Honours or Master’s).
- Must be economically disadvantaged and able to demonstrate a lack of financial means to study at university level.
- Must show strong leadership qualities and a commitment to giving back to their community.
- You must first apply and be admitted to a relevant postgraduate degree (often Honours or Master’s) at the University of Pretoria before applying for the scholarship.
- Typically, applicants must be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Preference may be given to programs that align with development goals, such as Agriculture, Engineering, Health Sciences, Education, Natural Sciences, and related disciplines.
- Proficiency in English is required, as it is the language of instruction at the University of Pretoria.
Scholarship Deadline: 30th June.
#5. Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grant
The Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grant is a prestigious and fully funded oportunity for graduate-level students including Nigerians to pursue their studies abroad. The graduate programs must be in fields that aligns with Rotary’s mission to promote peace and development.
Rotary coursework or research focuses on six areas: Peace and conflict, prevention/resolution, Disease pevention and treatment, Water and sanitation, Maternal and child health, Basic education and literacy, and Economic and community development.
The minimium budget for this scholarship is $30,000 which can fund passport/visa, travel expenses, school supplies, tuition, and many more.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be pursuing graduate-level studies (Master’s or equivalent) in a field related to one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus.
- Plan to study abroad in a country where Rotary has a presence.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and the chosen field of study.
- Possess excellent leadership skills and a proven record of academic achievement.
- Be proficient in the language of instruction at the chosen university.
- Not be a Rotarian, an employee of a Rotary club, or a family member of a Rotarian.
Application Process
- Identify and contact a Rotary club in your area to seek sponsorship.
- Work with the club to obtain their endorsement for your scholarship application.
- Gather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of university admission.
- Complete and submit the scholarship application through the Rotary Foundation’s online portal, with the assistance of your sponsoring club.
- Participate in interviews conducted by the local Rotary club and district scholarship committee
#6. University of Birmingham Africa High Achievers Scholarship – UK
The University of Birmingham is a university in the UK that offers 15 scholarships of £5,000 to students with outstanding academic achievements.
The scholarship is offered to students from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa to study any undergraduate course in the following subject areas: Arts and Law, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Life and Environmental Sciences, Nursing and Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Social Sciences.
Scholarship Eligibilty Criteria
- Have received an offer and selected the University of Birmingham as their firm choice for a full-time undergraduate program starting in September 2025.
- Meet the academic conditions of their offer.
- Be domiciled in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa.
- Be classified as an overseas fee payer for tuition purposes.
- Have sufficient funds to cover the remaining tuition fees not covered by the scholarship, as well as living costs and any visa/travel expenses.
- Be registered with, and have their undergraduate study application attached to, one of the University’s local representatives.
- Submit the scholarship application through one of these local representatives by the deadline.
- Upon enrolment in September 2025, pay the net tuition fees for the first year by 1 November 2025.
Application Deadline: 27 June, 2025.
Conclusion
Whether you dream of studying in Canada, the UK, the US, or anywhere around the world, these scholarships can be your ticket to world-class education…tuition-free! Take the first step toward your global academic journey. Review the options, gather your documents, and start applying now. Your future is waiting, apply today before the deadlines close!
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