Fully Funded UK Scholarships for Nigerians to Study in the UK – Learn How to Apply For UK Scholarships

The United Kingdom (UK) remains one of the most popular destinations for higher education among Nigerian students. The UK’s rich academic heritage, diverse cultural experiences, and world-renowned universities make it a sought-after location for students globally. For many Nigerians, the opportunity to study in the UK comes with the need for financial support. Fully funded scholarships offer a gateway to achieving their academic dreams without the burden of financial constraints. This comprehensive guide explores various fully funded scholarships available to Nigerian students who aspire to study in the UK.

1. Chevening Scholarships

Overview: Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. These scholarships offer future leaders the unique opportunity to study in the UK.

Eligibility:

• Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, including Nigeria.
• Return to your country of citizenship for at least two years after your scholarship has ended.
• Have an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry to a postgraduate program at a UK university.
• Have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience.
• Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from one of these choices by the deadline.

Benefits:

• Tuition fees.
• A monthly stipend.
• Travel costs to and from the UK.
• An arrival allowance.
• A homeward departure allowance.
• The cost of one visa application.
• A travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK.

Application Process: Applications open in August and close in early November. Applicants must complete an online application and provide references, academic transcripts, and evidence of work experience.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

Overview: The Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).

Eligibility:

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October.
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honors standard, or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).

Benefits:

• Approved airfare from Nigeria to the UK and return at the end of your award.
• Approved tuition and examination fees.
• Stipend (living allowance).
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
• Thesis grant towards the cost of preparing a thesis or dissertation, where applicable.
• Study travel grant towards the costs of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Excess baggage allowance, where applicable.

Application Process: Applications are made through a national nominating agency or a university. Deadlines and application requirements vary, so it is crucial to check the Commonwealth Scholarships website and the nominating agency’s details.

3. Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa

Overview: The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international scholarship program, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa are specifically for students from West African countries, including Nigeria.

Eligibility:

• Nationality and Citizenship: You must be a citizen of an eligible West African country.
• Age: You must have reached your 19th and not have passed your 26th birthday on October 1st in the year of application.
• Education: You must have completed an undergraduate degree with a first-class or a high upper-second class standard (i.e., an average mark of 69%/GPA 3.7 or higher).

Benefits:

• University and college fees.
• The university application fee.
• A personal stipend.
• Private health insurance.
• One economy class airfare to Oxford at the start of the scholarship and one economy flight back to the student’s home country at the conclusion of the scholarship.

Application Process: Applications typically open in June and close in September. The process involves submission of a detailed application form, personal statement, reference letters, and an interview.

4. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Overview: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program was established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. It offers full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.

Eligibility:

• Be a citizen of any country outside the UK.
• Applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge: PhD, MSc/MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course.

Benefits:

• The full cost of studying at Cambridge.
• A maintenance allowance for a single student.
• One economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course.
• Inbound visa costs and the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Application Process: Applicants must apply to both the University of Cambridge and the Gates Cambridge Trust by the specified deadline, usually in early December for courses starting the following October.

5. Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Overview: The Clarendon Fund offers around 140 new scholarships every year to academically excellent graduate students from all around the world. Clarendon scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and potential across all graduate degree-bearing subjects at the University of Oxford.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must apply by the January deadline for their course.
• Candidates must be applying to start a new graduate course at Oxford.

Benefits:

• All Clarendon Scholarships cover tuition and college fees in full.
• Scholars receive a generous annual grant for living costs.

Application Process: By applying for graduate study at Oxford by the January deadline, you will automatically be considered for a Clarendon Scholarship.

6. The University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships

Overview: The University of Edinburgh offers 30 scholarships for PhD Research Programme in any field of study offered by the university.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be liable for the overseas rate of tuition fees.
• Applicants must have applied to the University of Edinburgh for admission to a full-time PhD research program.

Benefits:

• Each scholarship covers the difference between the tuition fee for a UK/EU graduate student and that chargeable to an overseas graduate student.

Application Process: Applications are made through the university’s online postgraduate application system, with deadlines typically in early February.

7. The University of Westminster International Scholarships

Overview: The University of Westminster offers scholarships aimed at fully funding students from developing countries, including Nigeria, to study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Westminster.

Eligibility:

• Be an international student from a developing country.
• Hold an offer for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University of Westminster.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee waiver.
• Accommodation.
• Living expenses.
• Flights to and from London.

Application Process: Applicants must submit a scholarship application form alongside their course application. Deadlines vary but are typically in May for September intake and October for January intake.

8. The University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Overview: The University of Sussex offers a number of Chancellor’s International Scholarships, which are available in the majority of Sussex Schools and are awarded on the basis of academic performance and potential.

Eligibility:

• Be classified as overseas for fee purposes.
• Have accepted a place on a full-time eligible Master’s course at the University of Sussex.

Benefits:

• 50% off international student tuition fees.

Application Process: Applications are submitted online, and the deadline is usually in May.

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships provide a remarkable opportunity for Nigerian students to pursue their academic ambitions in the UK without the financial burden. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but often also provide allowances for living expenses, travel, and other related costs. Aspiring students should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application processes for each scholarship, ensuring they submit thorough and compelling applications. With dedication and preparation, Nigerian students can unlock these opportunities and achieve their educational goals in the UK.