University study in a foreign country can be a worthwhile investment in a student’s academic and professional development. It also gives students international exposure and can broaden their perspectives beyond the classroom.
As a result, many students from Nigeria view studying abroad as a way to grow academically and professionally. Scholarships can help reduce the cost of international education and make these opportunities more accessible.
Therefore, many students look for universities and scholarship programs in countries with strong higher education systems. We have included some of the best-known scholarship options for Nigerian students below.
Scholarships for Nigerian Students
1. The Fulbright Scholarship Program, USA
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Funding support; exact benefits vary by award and country
- Eligible Degree/s: Graduate study or research, including Master’s and doctoral-level opportunities, depending on the annual country-specific call | Offered by: U.S. Department of State
Our first recommendation is the Fulbright Scholarship Program, which is offered through the U.S. government. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from other countries to study or conduct research in the United States.
Nigerian applicants should check the annual U.S. Embassy Nigeria announcement because country-specific eligibility, supported degree levels, deadlines, and placement procedures can vary. Fulbright benefits commonly include funding support, health benefits, and program activities, but applicants should confirm the exact package for the specific Nigeria call before applying.
The program is highly competitive and is available in many fields. Placement at a U.S. institution depends on the applicant’s award type, academic fit, admission requirements, and the Fulbright placement process.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships, European Union
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Full scholarship for selected students
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s | Offered by: European Union
Through Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, Nigerian students can apply for master’s programs delivered by international consortia of higher education institutions. Students normally study in at least two countries as part of an integrated master’s program.
For Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship holders, the EU scholarship is calculated at €1,400 per month for the duration of the study program. The scholarship is intended to contribute to travel, visa, installation, and subsistence costs. Selected Erasmus Mundus projects also cannot charge tuition fees or other mandatory participation costs to Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders.
Students apply directly to the institution or consortium running their chosen Erasmus Mundus program. Eligibility requirements vary by program, so applicants should review the official course catalog and the requirements of each master’s program before applying.
3. Global Excellence Scholarships, Australia
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Partial tuition fee discount
- Eligible Degree/s: Eligible undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs | Offered by: University of Western Australia
The third suggestion on our list is the Global Excellence Scholarship at the University of Western Australia. High-achieving international students from across the world, including students from Nigeria, may be considered for this scholarship when they apply for an eligible course.
For students starting in 2026, eligible undergraduate students may receive up to AUD 48,000 over four years, up to AUD 36,000 over three years, or up to AUD 60,000 over five years for certain eligible combined degrees. Eligible postgraduate coursework students may receive up to AUD 24,000 over two years.
The scholarship is an annual tuition fee discount for the normal full-time duration of the student’s course, and the value depends on the applicant’s equivalent Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or UWA weighted average mark (WAM). University of Western Australia applicants are automatically assessed for this scholarship when they apply for an eligible course.
4. MEXT Scholarship, Japan
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding
- Eligible Degree/s: Undergraduate, graduate research, and other MEXT categories | Offered by: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Japan is a major study destination with a wide range of universities and research opportunities. The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship supports several categories of international students, including undergraduate students and research students at the graduate level.
For research students, MEXT currently lists monthly stipends of ¥143,000 for non-degree students, ¥144,000 for regular students in master’s or professional degree courses, and ¥145,000 for regular doctoral students. Undergraduate students receive ¥117,000 per month. MEXT also provides tuition exemption and round-trip airfare, subject to the official guidelines.
Applicants must meet the eligibility rules for the MEXT category they choose, including age, academic background, nationality, and application-route requirements. Nigerian students should review the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria’s current MEXT announcement before applying.
Studying internationally can be an excellent way to advance your education and career, but it can also be expensive. Scholarships can help reduce the cost, so Nigerian students should compare official program pages carefully before applying.
We hope this article helped you find scholarship opportunities for students from Nigeria. Make sure to also check out our Scholarships Page and available courses for international students!
