Studying abroad can be expensive, but fully funded scholarships can make international education more accessible to qualified Nigerian students. These awards may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs and other study-related expenses.
If you are a Nigerian student planning to study abroad in 2027, it is worth preparing early. Some scholarship applications are already open, others are expected to open soon, while some major 2027/2028 opportunities have closed for this application cycle.
In this guide, we highlight selected opportunities, explain their general eligibility requirements and share practical steps to help you prepare a stronger application.
Last verified: 2 November 2026. Always check the official scholarship website before applying, as requirements and dates can change.
1. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/2028
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is an opportunity for eligible students from Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, to undertake selected Master’s degree programmes at participating universities in the United Kingdom.
The programme is designed to support talented students who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK and whose studies can contribute to development in their home countries.
Application status: Upcoming
- Application opening date: 10 November 2026.
- Application deadline: 8 December 2026, at 16:00 GMT.
- Study period: September/October 2027.
- Study level: Master’s degree only.
- Eligible nationality: Nigerian citizens are included among eligible Commonwealth applicants.
What does the scholarship cover?
The award normally provides:
- Approved tuition fees.
- Approved living allowance.
- Airfare to and from the UK.
- Other eligible allowances specified by the programme.
Applicants should consult the official scholarship guidance for the precise funding package and conditions.
Who can apply?
The published eligibility requirements include:
- Being a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, including Nigeria.
- Being permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Holding a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard, or a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
- Being unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
- Meeting the programme’s restrictions on previous study or work in high-income countries.
Applicants must also apply separately for an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university.
Important: The approved courses and participating universities for the 2027/2028 round should be checked on the official website when the updated list is published. This scholarship is not for undergraduate or PhD study.
Official information: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/shared/
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes offer international students the opportunity to study at universities in different countries through a joint Master’s programme.
Students from around the world, including Nigeria, can apply. Full scholarships are available to highly ranked candidates on participating programmes.
Application status: Programme-dependent; applications for many programmes are expected between October 2026 and January 2027.
What does it cover?
Depending on the scholarship and programme, funding can contribute towards:
- Participation or tuition costs.
- Travel expenses.
- Visa-related costs.
- A living allowance.
The exact funding and conditions should be confirmed with the individual Master’s programme.
Who can apply?
The general requirements include:
- Holding a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Final-year Bachelor’s students may apply if they graduate before the Master’s programme begins.
- Meeting the academic and language requirements of the chosen programme.
Each participating university consortium sets its own admission requirements and application deadlines.
How to apply
- Visit the official Erasmus Mundus programme catalogue.
- Identify programmes that match your academic background and career goals.
- Visit the programme’s official website.
- Check its scholarship availability, eligibility requirements and deadline.
- Submit your application directly to the institution or consortium running the programme.
Official information: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
3. Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028
The Chevening Scholarship is a UK Government-funded programme for people with leadership potential who want to pursue a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
It is a well-known opportunity for Nigerian graduates interested in developing their professional skills and building international networks.
Application status: Closed for the 2027/2028 application cycle.
The application round opened in August 2026 and closed in October 2026. Applicants who missed the deadline should monitor the official Chevening website for information about the next application cycle.
Chevening scholarships generally support eligible one-year Master’s study in the UK. Applicants should review the official eligibility rules, including work experience, course selection and leadership requirements, before preparing for a future round.
Official information: https://www.chevening.org/scholarship/nigeria/
4. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028 – Nigeria Nomination Route
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is another opportunity for qualified Nigerian graduates seeking postgraduate study in the UK.
Unlike the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, this route involves nomination through an approved national nominating agency.
Application status: Closed for the 2027/2028 Nigerian nomination round.
The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education announced an application deadline of 20 October 2026 for its 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan selection process.
The announced Master’s and doctoral categories had different academic requirements. Applicants should not confuse this national nomination route with the separate Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, which has its own application process and timetable.
For future rounds, check announcements from the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Official information: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/
5. Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Scholarship applications can require several documents. Preparing them early can help you avoid last-minute problems.
Depending on the scholarship, you may need:
- International passport or other accepted identification.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate.
- Academic transcripts.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Personal statement or motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters.
- English-language proficiency evidence, where required.
- Research proposal, where applicable.
- Proof of relevant employment or professional experience, where required.
Not every scholarship requests all these documents. Always follow the official checklist for the programme you are applying to.
6. How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
A scholarship application should do more than list your academic qualifications. It should explain why you are a suitable candidate and how the opportunity fits your future plans.
Consider these practical tips:
Choose a programme that matches your background
Apply for courses that relate to your previous education, professional experience or clearly explained career direction. A strong connection between your background and your proposed study can make your application more convincing.
Write a clear personal statement
Explain your academic journey, achievements, motivation and future plans. Where relevant, show how your proposed studies could contribute to your community or Nigeria’s development.
Follow the instructions carefully
Check the application format, document requirements, word limits and deadlines. An otherwise strong application can be weakened by incomplete or incorrectly submitted documents.
Request recommendations early
If your application requires references, contact your lecturers, supervisors or professional referees early enough to give them time to prepare.
Apply through official channels
Use the scholarship provider’s official website or authorised application portal. Avoid individuals or organisations promising guaranteed admission or scholarship awards in exchange for payment.
7. Beware of Scholarship Scams
Scholarship opportunities attract fraudulent websites and individuals who exploit applicants’ desire to study abroad.
Be cautious if someone:
- Promises a guaranteed scholarship in exchange for money.
- Requests payment into a personal bank account.
- Claims to have special access to scholarship selection officers.
- Uses unofficial email addresses or suspicious application links.
- Requests sensitive documents without a clear, verifiable application process.
Always confirm an opportunity through the official scholarship provider or participating university before submitting personal information or making payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian students apply for fully funded scholarships abroad?
Yes. Nigerian applicants are eligible for a range of international scholarship programmes, including Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarships, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Can I apply without a Master’s degree?
Yes, some scholarships accept applicants with a Bachelor’s degree. However, eligibility depends on the programme and the level of study. For example, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is specifically for Master’s study.
Do fully funded scholarships cover accommodation and living expenses?
Some do. The exact benefits vary by scholarship. Check whether the award includes tuition, living allowance, travel, visa-related support and other expenses before applying.
Do I need IELTS to apply?
Not necessarily. English-language requirements vary between universities and scholarship programmes. Some institutions accept alternative evidence of English proficiency, while others require an approved test.
When should I start preparing for 2027 scholarships?
Start as early as possible. Prepare your academic documents, passport, CV, personal statement and references before applications open.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded scholarships can create valuable opportunities for Nigerian students who want to pursue higher education abroad. However, successful applications require careful preparation, accurate information and attention to deadlines.
For students planning to study in 2027, the upcoming Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application window and the programme-specific Erasmus Mundus opportunities are worth investigating.
Remember to check official sources regularly, prepare your documents early and apply only through verified channels.
Educhrona will continue to share verified scholarship opportunities, application guidance and educational resources to help Nigerian students make informed decisions.
Disclaimer: Educhrona is an independent educational information website and is not affiliated with the scholarship providers mentioned in this article. Scholarship details can change, so applicants should confirm all requirements and deadlines with the official providers.