Nigerian students aiming to study in the United Kingdom can access a wide range of competitive scholarships in 2025.
These scholarships cover undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies and are often fully funded or significantly reduce tuition and living expenses.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Organiser: UK Government
Eligibility: Postgraduate students with at least two years of work experience
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel cost, and visa fees
Website: chevening.org
The Chevening Scholarship remains the UK’s flagship international scholarship program. It is awarded to exceptional leaders worldwide to pursue a one-year master’s degree. Applications for 2025 will open in August 2024.
2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Organiser: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Eligibility: Low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries
Coverage: Tuition, airfare, and living expenses
Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
This scholarship supports full-time study for a Master’s degree at a UK university. Nigerian students with a first degree of at least second class upper and who are unable to afford UK studies are encouraged to apply.
3. University of Oxford – Reach Oxford Scholarships
Institution: University of Oxford
Eligibility: Students from low-income countries, including Nigeria
Coverage: Course fees, a grant for living expenses, and one return airfare per year
Website: ox.ac.uk
Targeted at students from developing nations, this scholarship enables high-achieving students to study any undergraduate course except medicine.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Institution: University of Cambridge
Eligibility: Non-UK citizens applying for postgraduate degrees
Coverage: Full cost of study, including maintenance allowance, airfare, and visa
Website: gatescambridge.org
Although not UK government-funded, Gates Cambridge is highly prestigious and competitive. It is open to academically outstanding Nigerian students with strong leadership capacity and a commitment to improving lives.
5. University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
Institution: University of Edinburgh
Eligibility: International students, including Nigerians
Coverage: Partial or full tuition waivers depending on program
Website: ed.ac.uk
Edinburgh offers several merit-based scholarships for Nigerian students, including Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships.
6. GREAT Scholarships for Nigeria
Organiser: British Council and UK Universities
Eligibility: Postgraduate students
Coverage: £10,000 towards tuition fees
Website: study-uk.britishcouncil.org
Several UK universities, including the University of Manchester, University of Kent, and University of Warwick, offer this scholarship in partnership with the British Council. The funding supports one-year postgraduate programs.
7. Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford University)
Institution: University of Oxford
Eligibility: Postgraduate students under 27 years
Coverage: Tuition, fees, travel, and living expenses
Website: rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs globally. Nigerian students who demonstrate academic brilliance and moral character are encouraged to apply.
8. University-Specific Scholarships for Nigerians
Many UK universities now offer scholarships specifically targeting Nigerian or African students. Examples include:
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University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships
Covers 50%–100% tuition for master’s students
nottingham.ac.uk -
University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship
50% reduction in tuition fees
sussex.ac.uk -
University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarships
£2,000 tuition fee reduction
birmingham.ac.uk
Summary
With numerous opportunities across both public and institutional channels, Nigerian students have a wide selection of scholarships to fund their UK education in 2025. Candidates are advised to apply early, ensure strong academic and personal statements, and visit the official websites of each scholarship for deadlines and requirements.