Last Updated: June 2026 | All deadlines verified from official scholarship portals.
Planning to study abroad in 2027? Share this in your alumni or NYSC group chat — Chevening opens in August 2026 and most people start preparing too late. {alertInfo}
Every year, a new list of fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students appears online. Most are copied from the year before. Half the deadlines are wrong. A few of the scholarships listed don't even accept Nigerians anymore — nobody updated the article.
This guide is different. Every deadline below comes directly from the official scholarship portal. Every stipend figure is the current 2026/2027 rate. Where a deadline has already closed for this cycle, we say so clearly — no point sending you after something that shut in April.
Below you will find the 10 most popular fully funded scholarships available to Nigerian graduates, which ones you can get without sitting IELTS, which ones accept a 2:2, and the exact documents you need before you apply. There is also a full calendar with every major deadline in one table.
If you are specifically an ABUAD graduate, we also have a dedicated guide covering how to get your official transcript sent internationally, how to request your MOI letter from the registry, and the ABUAD-specific documents foreign universities ask for — read the full Study Abroad After ABUAD guide here.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is Open Right Now (June 2026)
- 2. The Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarship (UK)
- Commonwealth Masters Scholarship (UK)
- PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship (UK)
- 3. Scholarships You Can Get Without IELTS
- 4. Which Scholarships Accept a 2:2 Degree?
- 5. Documents You Need Before You Apply
- 6. Full 2026/2027 Application Calendar
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is Open Right Now (June 2026)
Before the full list, here is what you can actually act on today. These windows are live or opening within the next few weeks.
Rhodes Scholarship – West Africa Constituency
Applications officially opened on June 1, 2026. This covers fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford and is open to Nigerian applicants. The deadline is August 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Apply at rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk.
DAAD EPOS Scholarship – Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service opens its development-focused postgraduate scholarship on June 15, 2026. The deadline is October 15, 2026. This is ideal if you have at least two years of work experience after graduation. Full details in the DAAD section below.
KOICA Scholarship – South Korea
The Korea International Cooperation Agency is accepting applications for fully funded Masters and PhD programs in South Korea. The deadline is June 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Focus areas are development, technology, and public policy. Check opportunitiesforafricans.com for the direct application link.
PTDF closed June 5. SNEPCo/NNPC closed June 10. Fulbright Nigeria closed June 1. If you missed them, do not panic — use this guide to prepare properly for the next cycle instead of rushing. {alertWarning}
2. The Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students
1. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)
Chevening is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It covers a one-year taught Masters degree at any eligible UK university, in any subject. Nigeria is consistently one of the largest recipient countries — hundreds of Nigerians win this every year.
The application window for 2027/28 entry opens around August 5, 2026 and closes around October 7, 2026. These are estimated dates based on previous cycles; the official confirmation will appear on chevening.org/apply.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | £1,200 (London) / £950 (outside London) |
| Tuition | Fully covered at any eligible UK university |
| Flights | Return economy airfare included |
| Extras | £1,000 arrival allowance, visa fee, Immigration Health Surcharge |
| Work experience required | 2,800 hours post-graduation before applying |
| Minimum degree | 2:1 (Upper Second Class) — 2:2 is possible, see below |
| IELTS required? | No — Chevening removed its own IELTS requirement in 2020 |
| NYSC counts? | Yes — counts toward your 2,800 work hours |
The 2,800-hour requirement catches a lot of people off guard. Here is the math: one year of full-time work is roughly 2,080 hours. Your NYSC year counts. Add any post-graduation internship or employment and most ABUAD graduates can meet this without waiting years after convocation. The hours must be earned after your undergraduate degree — time during your degree does not count.
Start now, not in August. By the time the portal opens, you need four essays written, three UK university courses chosen, and two referees confirmed. Most people who miss Chevening do not fail the interview — they run out of time on the application itself. {alertWarning}
Still building toward that 2,800-hour work experience total? The Everything ABUAD Career Center lists internship and employment opportunities you can add to your verified experience record before the August 2026 window opens.
2. Commonwealth Masters Scholarship (United Kingdom)
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) funds this, but Nigerian applicants cannot apply directly to the UK. You must go through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) under the Federal Ministry of Education, which nominates candidates locally before forwarding to the CSC. Watch education.gov.ng from August 2026 for the announcement.
The 2026/27 cycle opened September 2 and closed October 14, 2025. The 2027/28 cycle is expected to follow the same pattern — opening approximately September 2, 2026 and closing October 14, 2026.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | £1,452 (£1,781 in the London area) |
| Tuition | Fully covered |
| Flights | Return airfare from Nigeria |
| Family allowance | £622/month for first child (for eligible single parents) |
| Minimum degree | First Class or 2:1 for Masters |
| NYSC required? | Yes — NYSC discharge or exemption is mandatory |
| IELTS required? | The CSC itself does not require IELTS — the individual UK university may |
| How to apply | Via FSB Electronic Application System at education.gov.ng, not directly to the CSC |
The scholarship leans toward development-focused fields — public health, agriculture, governance, education, climate. If your ABUAD degree is in pharmacy, medicine, law, or engineering with a development angle, this is worth serious preparation.
3. PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund sends Nigerian graduates to do Masters and PhD programs in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia. If you studied engineering, geosciences, or any discipline tied to oil and gas at ABUAD, this one is built for you.
The 2026/27 cycle opened April 27 and closed June 5, 2026 — it has now closed. The 2027/28 cycle is expected to open around April 2027. Apply at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Host countries | UK, Germany, France, Malaysia |
| Degree levels | MSc and PhD |
| Coverage | Full tuition, return flights, health insurance, bench fees, monthly living allowance |
| Minimum for MSc | 2:1 (2:2 accepted with relevant oil/gas industry experience) |
| Minimum for PhD | 2:2 first degree + Merit at Masters level |
| NYSC required? | Yes — mandatory for both MSc and PhD |
| UK PhD structure | Split-site only — part at UK partner university, part at CPESK Kaduna |
PTDF's interview phase requires your official transcript on the spot. If you are preparing for the 2027 cycle, request your transcript from transcript.abuad.edu.ng now and store it in the ETX.NG e-wallet — you can then deliver it to any institution within 24 hours when you need it. {alertSuccess}
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus is the EU's flagship postgraduate scholarship. You study across two or three different European countries within a single two-year degree, earning a joint qualification from the consortium universities. The monthly stipend alone makes this one of the richest scholarships on this list.
There are 200+ active programmes. Each runs its own application deadline. For 2027 entry, most programmes open in October–November 2026 and close in January–February 2027. Browse the full catalogue at erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Host countries | At least 2 different European countries per programme |
| Monthly stipend | €1,400 for the full duration (up to 24 months) |
| Tuition | Fully covered across all partner universities |
| Travel costs | Covered between consortium locations |
| Insurance | Health and accident coverage included |
| Minimum degree | Any recognized Bachelor's degree |
| IELTS for Nigerians? | Many programmes waive IELTS for Nigerian degree holders — see Section 3 |
The Mundus MAPP programme explicitly lists Nigeria as a country whose graduates qualify for an English language waiver, provided your degree was taught in English. Most Nigerian universities qualify. You still need to request a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your registry to confirm this officially.
Do not send one generic letter to ten Erasmus programmes. Each consortium is a separate institution with its own priorities. A tailored motivation letter is the difference between a scholarship and a rejection. {alertWarning}
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (United Kingdom)
The Gates Cambridge is one of the most competitive scholarships in the world. Roughly 80 awards go to non-UK applicants each year across all postgraduate degrees at Cambridge. The selection is not primarily about grades — it weighs your demonstrated commitment to improving other people's lives just as heavily as your academic record.
For 2027/28 entry, the portal opens in September 2026. The deadline is December 2026 or early January 2027, depending on your chosen Cambridge course. Check your course's specific deadline in the Cambridge Course Directory. Apply via gatescambridge.org.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Annual stipend | £22,050 (based on 2025/26 rate, pro-rated for shorter courses) |
| Tuition | Full University Composition Fee covered |
| Flights | One economy return at start and end of course |
| Visa costs | Inbound visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge covered |
| Child allowance | Up to £11,604 for one child |
| Degree levels | MPhil, MLitt, and PhD |
| Minimum degree | No stated minimum GPA — must meet Cambridge's admission standards |
About two-thirds of Gates Cambridge awards go to PhD applicants. If you are targeting an MPhil, your competition pool is smaller. The application goes through Cambridge's own graduate portal — there is no separate Gates Cambridge form. The scholarship section is embedded in the standard Cambridge funding application.
6. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation partners with specific universities globally to fully fund young Africans with financial need. What makes this different from other scholarships is the wraparound support — mentorship, leadership development, internship funding, and post-graduation career placement are all part of the package, not extras.
There is no central application. You apply directly to the partner institution. In Nigeria, Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos is a partner. Their 2026 window opened April 27 and closed May 22 — it has passed. University of Pretoria (South Africa) has its 2027 intake open until approximately August–September 2026. Check all partner institution deadlines at mastercardfdn.org.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Host institutions | Cambridge, Edinburgh, McGill, Toronto, Pan-Atlantic University, University of Pretoria, and others |
| Degree levels | Undergraduate and Masters |
| Coverage | Full tuition, accommodation, travel, health insurance, mentorship and career support |
| Key eligibility | Strong academic record + demonstrable financial need |
| How to apply | Directly to the individual partner university |
If you are targeting Mastercard Foundation at Cambridge or Edinburgh, you must first secure academic admission to those universities. The Foundation's selection comes second. Your transcript and other documents need to be ready before you even start the university application. {alertInfo}
7. DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)
DAAD EPOS funds mid-career professionals from developing countries to study Masters and PhD programs in Germany. The key requirement is that you already have at least two years of professional work experience. This is not a scholarship for recent graduates — it is for people who are already working and want to add formal postgraduate training.
The 2027 intake opens June 15, 2026 and closes October 15, 2026. Nigeria is an eligible country. Apply at the DAAD scholarship database.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | Germany |
| Monthly stipend | €992 for graduates / €1,400 for doctoral candidates |
| Coverage | Stipend, health/accident/liability insurance, travel allowance, possible rent subsidy |
| Work experience required | Minimum 2 years professional experience after graduation |
| Eligible courses | Only courses on DAAD's approved development-related list |
| Minimum degree | Bachelor's degree in the top third of graduating class |
| NYSC required? | Not explicitly — but work experience must be formally documented |
8. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Here is something most scholarship lists get wrong about Fulbright Nigeria: it is not open to general Masters degree seekers. In Nigeria, the program runs exclusively for doctoral candidates and academic staff at Nigerian universities who are already at least two years into a PhD programme.
The 2026/27 cycle opened February 1 and closed June 1, 2026 — it has now closed. The 2027/28 cycle is expected to open February 2027. Apply at the US Embassy Nigeria portal.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | United States of America |
| Who can apply in Nigeria | Doctoral students at least 2 years into a PhD at a Nigerian university — not Masters seekers |
| Coverage | Round-trip airfare, settling-in allowance, monthly stipend, housing, health coverage, books and computer allowance |
| Institutional endorsement | Your Nigerian university must formally endorse your application |
If you are a fresh ABUAD graduate looking for Masters funding abroad, Fulbright Nigeria is not the right route. Skip it and focus on Chevening, Commonwealth, or Erasmus Mundus instead. {alertWarning}
9. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
Before you add this to your list, read this carefully: the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship is structured as a 50% grant and 50% loan. The loan portion carries a 5% annual service charge, repayable over 5 years starting six months after graduation. You will also need a guarantor.
Most online scholarship lists describe it as "fully funded" without mentioning this. It is not a pure grant. That does not make it useless — the funding is still real and covers meaningful costs — but you need to go in knowing you will owe money afterward.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Structure | 50% grant + 50% loan (5% annual service charge, repayable over 5 years) |
| Coverage | Tuition and living expenses |
| Host countries | Reputable institutions globally — UK and Russia are currently excluded |
| Degree levels | Masters (priority) and PhD in exceptional cases |
| Application window | Opens January 2027, deadline March 31, 2027 |
| Key requirement | Demonstrable financial need alongside strong academic record |
| Portal | akf.org/international-scholarship-programme |
10. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship (United Kingdom)
This one is underrated and underdiscussed. It funds a full UK Masters degree delivered entirely online, which means you study from Nigeria without relocating, without a visa, and without interrupting your current job or career. Tuition is fully covered by the CSC.
The catch: there is no monthly stipend, no flights, no arrival allowance. You are getting tuition only. For a mid-career professional who cannot relocate but wants a UK qualification, this is worth serious consideration.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Delivery | 100% online — you remain in Nigeria throughout |
| Coverage | Full tuition only — no stipend, no travel, no visa costs |
| Minimum degree | 2:1 required; 2:2 considered with strong work experience |
| Application window | Estimated February–mid-March 2027 |
| Portal | cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk |
3. Scholarships You Can Get Without IELTS
IELTS currently costs over ₦100,000 in Nigeria. For a lot of graduates, that is a real barrier. The good news is that several major scholarships have removed IELTS from their requirements entirely — and for UK universities specifically, your WAEC result or a letter from your university registry can do the same job.
Scholarships That Do Not Require IELTS From You Directly
Chevening removed its own English language requirement in 2020. The official statement from their website: "The Chevening English language requirement was removed in 2020. Candidates will still need to meet all requirements from their chosen university." You do not need an IELTS score to satisfy the Chevening panel — but you may need one to get your university offer, depending on which UK university you pick.
Commonwealth CSC states directly: "The CSC does not require any candidates to take an IELTS test... However, UK universities require candidates to demonstrate proficiency in English language. It is your responsibility to check the requirements directly with the university."
Erasmus Mundus — many consortia waive IELTS for Nigerian applicants. The Mundus MAPP programme explicitly lists Nigeria as a country eligible for the English waiver, as long as your Bachelor's degree was taught in English.
Using WAEC or Your MOI Letter Instead
Over 50 UK universities accept a WAEC or NECO English Language result of C6 or above as proof of English proficiency at postgraduate level. The University of Plymouth and University of Dundee both state this explicitly on their admissions pages. Dundee also requires you to provide your WAEC scratch card PIN and serial number for online result verification — a physical certificate alone is not enough.
The second route is a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your university registry. This is an official letter confirming that your entire degree was taught in English. Email registry@abuad.edu.ng to request one. Always confirm with the specific university that the MOI letter satisfies both admission requirements and CAS (visa sponsorship) requirements — some universities accept it for admission but still require a formal English test for the visa stage.
Russell Group universities — Manchester, King's College London, Birmingham — generally still require IELTS 6.5 or above regardless of your background. If any of these are on your shortlist, budget for the test. {alertWarning}
4. Which Scholarships Accept a 2:2 Degree?
A Second Class Lower is not the end of your international ambitions. Several of the biggest scholarships on this list have verified pathways for 2:2 holders.
- PTDF Overseas Scholarship: Accepts a 2:2 for MSc candidates who have relevant oil and gas industry experience. For PhD applications, a 2:2 first degree is accepted alongside a Merit-level Masters.
- Chevening: A 2:2 is technically eligible provided you independently secure an unconditional offer from an eligible UK university. Chevening defers to the university's judgment on your academic capability. If you can get the offer, you can apply.
- Commonwealth Distance Learning: The CSC explicitly states that lower qualifications are considered if supplemented by sufficient relevant professional experience.
- DAAD EPOS: The primary filter is your 2+ years of professional experience and the strength of your research proposal. A 2:2 with strong professional credentials is considered.
If you have a 2:2 and are targeting the Commonwealth Masters or Gates Cambridge, those require a 2:1 minimum with no exceptions. Focus your energy on the pathways above instead.
If you are still in your final year, use the CGPA Calculator to see exactly what degree class you are on course for — and what your remaining courses can still do to move your aggregate before you graduate.
5. Documents You Need Before You Apply
One of the most common reasons Nigerian applicants miss deadlines is document delays — not weak essays or low grades. Start gathering these now, well before any application window opens.
- Valid international passport — bio-data page. If yours is expired or expiring soon, renew it before August.
- Official academic transcript — must be sent directly from your university, not a personal copy. For ABUAD graduates, request via transcript.abuad.edu.ng. Allow at least 20 working days plus delivery time.
- Degree certificate — original or certified photocopy.
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificate — mandatory for PTDF and Commonwealth FSB nominations. If yours is not with you physically, chase it now.
- WAEC or NECO certificate — C6 or above in English Language is required for IELTS waivers at many UK universities. Make sure your scratch card details are valid for online verification.
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter — request from your university registry. For ABUAD graduates, email registry@abuad.edu.ng.
- Two or three reference letters — on official letterhead in PDF format. Your ABUAD lecturers who hold PhDs from foreign universities are fully legitimate referees for international applications.
If you are applying to Canada, WES (World Education Services) will require your transcript to be sent directly from ABUAD. The ETX.NG platform at exchange.etx.ng/abuad has a verified direct integration with WES, so you can route the transcript there without extra steps.
For internship letters, employment references, or work certificates to support your Chevening application, check the Career Center for verified opportunities you can document formally.
6. Full 2026/2027 Application Calendar
Here is every major deadline in one place, ordered by when the application window opens. Print this or save it.
| Scholarship | Window Opens | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes Scholarship – West Africa | June 1, 2026 | Aug 27, 2026 | 🟢 Open now |
| DAAD EPOS (Germany) | June 15, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | 🟢 Opening soon |
| KOICA (South Korea) | Now | June 29, 2026 | 🟢 Open now |
| Chevening (UK) | ~Aug 5, 2026 | ~Oct 7, 2026 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Commonwealth Masters (UK via FSB) | ~Sep 2, 2026 | ~Oct 14, 2026 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Gates Cambridge (UK) | Sep 2026 | Dec 2026–Jan 2027 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Erasmus Mundus (Europe) | Oct–Nov 2026 | Jan–Feb 2027 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| PTDF Overseas (next cycle) | ~Apr 2027 | ~Jun 2027 | 🔴 2026 cycle closed |
| Aga Khan Foundation | Jan 2027 | Mar 31, 2027 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Commonwealth Distance Learning | ~Feb 2027 | ~Mid-Mar 2027 | 🟡 Upcoming |
| Fulbright Nigeria (next cycle) | ~Feb 2027 | ~Jun 2027 | 🔴 2026 cycle closed |
The next six weeks are your preparation window. Chevening opens in August. Commonwealth opens in September. Both close within weeks of opening. Whatever essays, references, and university shortlists you have not started yet — start them now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for Chevening with a 2:2 degree?
Yes, but with conditions. Chevening requires that your degree allows entry onto a UK postgraduate programme — typically a 2:1. However, if you can independently secure an unconditional offer from an eligible UK university with a 2:2 (often possible via strong work experience or pre-Masters pathways), you remain eligible to apply for Chevening. Chevening defers to the university's judgment on your academic standing.
Does NYSC count as work experience for Chevening?
Yes. The Chevening Secretariat confirms that your mandatory NYSC year is valid full-time work experience toward the 2,800-hour requirement, regardless of your primary posting. NYSC plus one undergraduate internship or any post-graduation employment is usually enough to meet the threshold. The hours must all be earned after your undergraduate degree — time during the degree does not count.
Do I need IELTS to apply for fully funded scholarships?
Not necessarily. Chevening removed its own IELTS requirement in 2020. The Commonwealth CSC does not require IELTS from applicants. Many Erasmus Mundus programmes waive IELTS for Nigerian graduates whose degrees were taught in English. For UK university admission specifically, a WAEC or NECO grade of C6 or above in English Language is accepted at over 50 UK universities as an alternative to IELTS. You can also request a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your university registry.
Is the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship truly fully funded?
No. The Aga Khan Foundation scholarship is structured as 50% grant and 50% loan. The loan portion carries a 5% annual service charge and must be repaid over 5 years, starting six months after graduation. You will also need a guarantor. Most online scholarship lists call it "fully funded" without mentioning this. Go in with your eyes open.
Can fresh ABUAD graduates apply for Fulbright?
No. In Nigeria, Fulbright targets doctoral students who are already at least two years into a PhD at a Nigerian university. It is not open to Masters degree seekers or recent undergraduates. If you are a recent graduate looking for Masters funding abroad, focus on Chevening, Commonwealth, or Erasmus Mundus instead.
What documents do I need to apply for a UK Masters scholarship?
For most major UK scholarships — Chevening, Commonwealth, or university-specific awards — you need: a valid international passport, official academic transcripts sent from your university (not a personal copy), your degree certificate, an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, your WAEC or NECO certificate, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your registry, and two to three reference letters on official letterhead. Start collecting these months before any deadline opens.
What to Do Next
If you are reading this in June 2026, the Chevening window is about eight weeks away. That is enough time to write your essays, confirm your referees, and shortlist your UK courses — but only if you start this week. If you are still in your final year at ABUAD and watching your CGPA, run your numbers in the CGPA Calculator before you do anything else.
If you are an ABUAD graduate specifically, our step-by-step guide covers the transcript portal, how to get your MOI letter, and how to approach the Chevening essay — read the Study Abroad After ABUAD guide here.
Written by the Everything ABUAD Team
All deadlines and stipend figures verified directly from official scholarship portals — chevening.org, cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk, scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng, gatescambridge.org, erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu, and the US Embassy Nigeria — as of June 2026.
Drop a Comment! 👇 Which scholarship are you targeting — Chevening, Commonwealth, PTDF, or Erasmus? Or do you have a question about one of the deadlines or requirements? Drop it in the comments and we will answer directly.{fullWidth}
