Studying in the UK is a major dream for many Nigerian students, but tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs can make it feel out of reach. The good news is that there are many UK scholarships for Nigerian students, ranging from partial funding to fully funded packages that cover fees, living allowances, and other study expenses.
Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD program, there are opportunities designed specifically to support talented Nigerian students.
This guide explains the top scholarships, how to qualify, and what Nigerian students can do to increase their chances of securing financial support in 2026 and beyond.
Read on!
Why Scholarships Matter for Nigerian Students
The UK offers world-class education, but the cost can be high for many families. Scholarships make it possible for students to reduce tuition fees, manage living costs, and focus on their studies without financial stress.
Many universities and organisations offer UK funding for Nigerians, targeting strong academic performers, students with leadership potential, or individuals committed to community impact.
As a Nigerian student, understanding these scholarship types and requirements helps you choose the right opportunity for your goals.
Top UK Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Here are some of the most recognised and valuable scholarships in the UK for Nigerian students:
- Chevening Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Chevening is one of the most prestigious scholarships for Nigerians. It covers full tuition, living allowance, travel costs, and visa fees for one-year master’s programs. The award is given to students with strong academics and leadership qualities.
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
This fully funded scholarship supports Nigerian students who want to study development-related master’s programs. It pays for tuition, flights, living expenses, and other essential costs. It is highly competitive but worth applying for.
- GREAT Scholarship
The GREAT Scholarship offers financial support for Nigerian students applying to selected UK universities. Scholarships typically range from £10,000 to full tuition, depending on the institution.
- University-Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer UK scholarships for Nigerian students, including:
- University of Birmingham
- University of Manchester
- University of Leeds
- Coventry University
- Bristol University
These may include discounts, merit awards, or automatic fee reductions.
- Nigeria-UK Education Partnership Scholarships
Several UK universities collaborate with Nigerian organisations, agencies, or foundations to offer special scholarships for selected programs. These scholarships may cover part of the tuition or, in some cases, provide full funding for high-performing students.
Types of Funding Available for Nigerians
Scholarships for Nigerian students generally fall into three categories:
- Fully Funded Scholarships
These are the most generous awards because they cover almost all major study expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, travel, books, and even visa costs. They are highly competitive and usually require strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and a well-written personal statement.
Examples: Chevening, Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
- Partial Scholarships
These scholarships help reduce the financial burden by covering a percentage of your tuition or offering a fixed fee discount. While they don’t pay for living expenses, they still make studying in the UK much more affordable and are usually easier to obtain than fully funded awards.
Examples: GREAT Scholarship, university-specific merit awards or early-payment discounts.
- Grants & Bursaries
These are smaller financial supports provided by universities or external organisations to help students with specific needs. They may assist with accommodation, research costs, study materials, or unexpected one-time expenses during the program. These Nigerian UK study grants are helpful for students who need extra support beyond scholarships.
Understanding these categories helps you choose realistic opportunities and focus on the type of funding that matches your goals.
How Nigerian Students Can Increase Their Scholarship Chances
Applying for scholarships can be competitive, but the process becomes easier when you prepare early. Here are simple ways to strengthen your profile:
- Maintain strong grades: Most scholarships require a good academic record.
- Write a compelling personal statement: Share your goals, achievements, and why the UK is important for your future.
- Build leadership experience: Scholarships like Chevening value leadership and community impact.
- Apply early: Many scholarships close months before the admission deadline.
- Meet the English requirement: IELTS, PTE, or MOI may be needed, depending on the university.
Research the right universities: Some universities offer generous awards specifically for Nigerian students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get a 100% scholarship to study in the UK?
Apply early for fully funded scholarships like Chevening or Commonwealth and ensure you have strong academics, leadership experience, and a well-written personal statement. Fully funded scholarships are competitive but achievable with strong preparation.
How much will it cost a Nigerian to study in the UK?
Most Nigerian students pay between £11,000–£20,000 per year for tuition, plus living costs of £9,000–£12,000, depending on the city. Scholarships can significantly reduce these expenses.
Which country gives a fully funded scholarship to Nigerian students?
Countries like the UK, Canada, the USA, Germany, and the Netherlands offer fully funded international scholarships. The UK is especially popular because of Chevening, GREAT, and Commonwealth programs.
How do I qualify for a scholarship in the UK?
Eligibility varies, but most require good academic performance, a strong personal statement, leadership potential, and meeting English language requirements. Some scholarships also target specific fields or backgrounds.
What GPA do you need for a scholarship?
Most scholarships require at least a Second Class Upper (2:1) or equivalent. Some competitive programs may require higher grades, while a few university awards accept Lower Credit or 2:2.
Conclusion
Scholarships make studying in the UK much more accessible for Nigerian students. With options ranging from fully funded awards to partial fee reductions, there is financial support available for different academic backgrounds and goals.
The key is to research early, prepare strong documents, and choose scholarships that match your strengths and ambitions. With the right strategy, your dream of studying in the UK can become a reality.
Need help finding the best scholarships for your UK study plan?
Addvor guides Nigerian students step-by-step to secure funding and admission opportunities. Send a message today!
