Top Fully Funded International Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025
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Are you a Nigerian student dreaming of studying abroad in 2025 but worried about the cost? Good news—you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not out of options! Whether you want to pursue your Master’s in the UK, a PhD in the U.S., or research in Japan, fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students are opening doors to top universities around the world.
In fact, thousands of Nigerian students apply every year, and many succeed with the right scholarship, timing, and preparation. From the prestigious Fulbright and Gates Cambridge Scholarships to the highly competitive MEXT and DAAD programs, these scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and more. Ready to make your academic journey global without breaking the bank? Let’s explore the top scholarships you can apply for in 2025!
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students looking to study in the United States. Administered by the U.S. Department of State and facilitated in Nigeria through the U.S. Embassy and EducationUSA, the scholarship covers everything you need—from full tuition and living expenses to airfare and visa support. It opens doors to top U.S. universities, including Ivy League and top public research institutions. In recent years, over 350 Nigerian scholars have benefited from the Fulbright Program. Following are the key details of Fulbright Scholarship:
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | United States |
| Degree Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Fields of Study | All academic disciplines (except clinical medicine) |
| Eligible Nigerian Scholars (Past Decade) | 350+ |
| Eligibility Criteria | Nigerian citizens; 16 years of education for Master’s, 18 for PhD; strong academic background and leadership qualities |
| English Language Requirement | GRE required for most programs; TOEFL mandatory for non-native speakers |
| Benefits | Full tuition coverage, monthly living stipend (varies by city), round-trip airfare, visa processing fee, health insurance, and settling-in allowance |
| Application Period | February – May 2024 |
| Program Start Date | Fall 2025 |
| Application Support | EducationUSA centers in Abuja and Lagos |
| Official Website | ng.usembassy.gov |
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most competitive and fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students aiming to study in the UK. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this prestigious award supports outstanding students from outside the UK to pursue a full-time Master’s or PhD degree at the University of Cambridge.
Each year, around 80 scholarships are awarded, and since its launch in 2000, over 2,000 Gates Scholars from more than 100 countries—including Nigeria. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship not only covers full tuition and living costs but also offers additional grants for academic development, fieldwork, and family allowances, making it one of the most generous scholarships available to international students. Below are the key details of Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| University | University of Cambridge |
| Degree Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Fields of Study | All full-time postgraduate courses offered at the University of Cambridge |
| Number of Scholarships Awarded Annually | ~80 |
| Total Gates Scholars to Date | 2,000+ from 100+ countries |
| Eligibility Criteria | Non-UK citizens, including Nigerian nationals, with an excellent academic record and leadership potential |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+ (depending on department) |
| Benefits | Full tuition fees, annual stipend (£20,000+), round-trip airfare, visa fees, and additional funding for academic development, family support, and fieldwork |
| Monthly Stipend | Approx. £1,700/month (₦1.7–2.1 million depending on exchange rate) |
| Program Start Date | October 2025 |
| Official Website | www.gatescambridge.org |
MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
The MEXT Scholarship for Nigerian students 2025—offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (Monbukagakusho) —is one of the most prestigious and fully funded international scholarships for students from developing countries. This scholarship is highly competitive and open to students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees in Japan.
Each year, hundreds of Nigerian students apply, and many are selected based on academic merit, language ability, and a strong research proposal. With zero tuition fees, free flights, monthly living stipends, and even subsidized accommodation, the MEXT Scholarship provides everything a Nigerian student needs to succeed abroad. Below are the key details of MEXT Scholarship:
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Japan |
| Scholarship Provider | Japanese Government (MEXT) |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD |
| Eligible Fields of Study | Engineering, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Business, Agriculture, Health Sciences, and more |
| Number of Scholarships Offered | 150+ globally; approx. 20–30 slots for Nigerian students annually |
| Eligibility Criteria | Nigerian citizenship, good academic standing, and recommendation from Japanese Embassy or university |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS/TOEFL recommended; Japanese language proficiency may be required depending on the program |
| Benefits | Full tuition coverage, monthly stipend (JPY 117,000–145,000), round-trip airfare, accommodation subsidy, visa processing support |
| Monthly Stipend | JPY 117,000–145,000 (Approx. ₦750,000–₦950,000/month) |
| Selection Process | Written test + Interview via Japanese Embassy or direct university recommendation |
| Program Start Date | April or October 2025 (varies by program) |
| Official Website | www.studyinjapan.go.jp |
Leakey Foundation Research Grants
If you’re a Nigerian student passionate about anthropology, evolutionary biology, or human origins, the Leakey Foundation Research Grants could be the one for you. These grants are specifically designed to support PhD and postdoctoral research students. The foundation has supported over 700 research projects globally, including several in Africa, where human origins research is especially relevant.
In 2025, the foundation is expected to award dozens of research grants, with funding amounts ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the project scope. This is an ideal opportunity if you’re planning fieldwork, data analysis, or lab-based evolutionary research abroad. Following are the key details of Leakey Foundation Research Grants:
| Feature | Details |
| Host Countries | Global – research-based (location of fieldwork/research determines host country) |
| Scholarship Provider | The Leakey Foundation (USA-based) |
| Degree Level | PhD and Postdoctoral Research |
| Eligible Fields of Study | Human Evolution, Anthropology, Archaeology, Evolutionary Biology |
| Eligibility Criteria | Nigerian citizenship or residency in a developing country; enrolled in or affiliated with a research institution |
| Number of Grants Annually | ~40–50 globally |
| Funding Amount | Up to $20,000 USD per grant |
| What It Covers | Fieldwork expenses, equipment, data collection, travel, analysis, and research materials |
| Application Deadlines | Two cycles annually – Spring (February 1) and Fall (August 15) |
| Selection Criteria | Academic merit, research feasibility, proposal clarity, and relevance to human origins |
| Official Website | leakeyfoundation.org |
University of Edinburgh Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of fully funded scholarships for international students, with a strong focus on Nigerian and African students. Among its most prominent offerings is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which provides comprehensive funding for academically talented students. Since launching the Mastercard Foundation partnership, the University of Edinburgh has supported over 200 students from Sub-Saharan Africa, including dozens from Nigeria. These scholarships aim to empower students by covering not just tuition, but full living costs, airfare, and leadership training opportunities. Following are the key details of University of Edinburgh:
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| University | University of Edinburgh |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate and Master’s |
| Fields of Study | STEM, Health Sciences, Law, Development Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences |
| Scholarship Name | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| Eligibility | Nigerian citizens with a track record of academic excellence and leadership; committed to returning to Nigeria to create change |
| Benefits | Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, return airfare, visa fees, housing, and leadership development training |
| Number of Scholarships | 80+ total slots over the next 5 years for Sub-Saharan African students |
| Scholarship Focus | Social impact, community leadership, and development |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent (waivers may apply) |
| Official Website | www.ed.ac.uk |
Stanford University Scholarships
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University offers fully funded scholarships to exceptional international students. This is one of the most competitive and prestigious graduate scholarship programs in the world.
Launched in 2018, the program selects up to 100 scholars annually from around the globe. These students represent more than 75 countries, and many are from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Whether you’re aiming for an MBA, MS in Engineering, or a master’s in education, the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship gives you access to fully funded education, plus opportunities for leadership training, global networking, and cross-cultural exchange. Below are the key details of Stanford University Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | United States |
| University | Stanford University |
| Scholarship Name | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program |
| Degree Level | Master’s and PhD (any full-time graduate program at Stanford) |
| Fields of Study | All Stanford graduate programs (Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, Education, etc.) |
| Eligibility | Nigerian citizens and other international students applying for Stanford graduate programs with a strong academic and leadership background |
| Number of Scholars | ~100 globally selected each year |
| Benefits | Full tuition fees, annual living stipend, round-trip airfare, academic enrichment funds, leadership training, and community engagement |
| Monthly Stipend | Approx. $2,300 (covers living costs in California) |
| Program Start Date | Fall 2025 |
| Official Website | knight-hennessy.stanford.edu |
Conclusion
Studying abroad is no longer just a dream for Nigerian students—it’s a real, achievable goal thanks to fully funded international scholarships in 2025. Whether you’re aiming for the world-class campuses of Cambridge, Stanford, or top universities in Germany, Japan, or Australia, the financial barriers are being lifted like never before.
Now’s the time to take action: shortlist your programs, prep for tests like IELTS or GRE, and start your application early. And once you’ve secured your spot, don’t forget to plan where you’ll stay. Need help finding safe, student-friendly housing abroad? University Living is here to help you compare, book, and move in stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students to study abroad in 2025?
Some of the top fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students in 2025 include:
1. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
3. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
4. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
5. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
6. Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
7. Leakey Foundation Research Grants
These cover tuition, living costs, airfare, and more for eligible students.
Which countries offer fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students?
Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and Australia regularly offer fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students across various degree levels—Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral.
Is the Fulbright Scholarship available for Nigerian students in 2025?
Yes, the Fulbright Scholarship 2025 is open to Nigerian students pursuing a Master’s or PhD in the United States. It covers full tuition, airfare, living stipend, visa fees, and health insurance.
How competitive is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for Nigerians?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly competitive, with only about 80 scholarships awarded globally each year. However, Nigerian students with excellent academic performance and strong leadership qualities are encouraged to apply.
What does the MEXT Scholarship cover for Nigerian students?
The MEXT Scholarship for Nigerian students 2025 covers:
1. Full tuition fees
2. Monthly stipend (JPY 117,000–145,000)
3. Round-trip airfare
4. Accommodation subsidies
It supports undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs in Japan.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh offers fully funded undergraduate and master’s scholarships for African students, including Nigerians. It includes tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and return airfare.
