Quick Summary
This guide brings together the 12 best fully funded Masters scholarships specifically accessible to Nigerian applicants in 2026. Each entry includes what the scholarship covers, the funding value, eligibility basics, and direct links to apply.
Why Nigerian Students Should Pursue a Funded Masters Abroad
A funded international Masters degree can be genuinely life-transforming for Nigerian professionals. Beyond the academic qualification itself, the experience — the networks, the exposure, the confidence — creates a compounding career advantage that is difficult to achieve any other way.
The great news is that more Nigerians win international Masters scholarships every year. The competition is real but very winnable with the right preparation, and this guide will show you exactly where to look.
Top 12 Fully Funded Masters Scholarships for Nigerians
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK) — Masters Only
The UK Government's flagship programme funds one-year Masters degrees at any UK university. Requires 2 years of work experience. Fully funded including stipend, flights, and tuition. Open to all fields. Deadline: November annually.
- Value: Full tuition + ~£14,000/year stipend + flights
- Guide: See our Chevening Guide
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (UK)
Accessible to Nigerian graduates without strict work experience requirements. Specific eligible courses at specific universities. Focused on development-relevant disciplines. Deadline: December–January.
- Value: Full tuition + £1,164–1,347/month + flights
- Guide: See our Commonwealth Guide
3. DAAD Development-Related Masters (Germany)
Funds Masters degrees in development-focused programmes at German universities. Tuition-free universities plus monthly stipend. Often taught in English. Requires 2 years work experience.
- Value: €850–€1,200/month + zero tuition
- Guide: See our DAAD Guide
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)
EU-funded 2-year Masters across two European universities. €1,400/month stipend for full 24 months. Total value ~€48,000. Hundreds of programmes available across all fields.
- Value: €1,400/month + full tuition + travel
- Guide: See our Erasmus Guide
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program — Masters Track (USA)
Full funding for Masters study at US universities. Strong development narrative required. Managed by USEF Nigeria. Deadline: May–June annually.
- Value: Full tuition + living stipend + flights + health insurance
- Guide: See our Fulbright Guide
6. Turkish Government Scholarship (Türkiye Bursları)
One of the easiest fully funded Masters scholarships for Nigerians. No IELTS required. Covers accommodation, flights, stipend, and tuition. Turkish language course provided free. Apply at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.
- Value: Full tuition + accommodation + TRY 800/month stipend + flights
- Deadline: February–March annually
7. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Funds talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa at partner universities globally — including African universities of excellence. Focus on students from underserved communities. Strong leadership and community impact emphasis.
- Value: Full funding (tuition + accommodation + living + travel)
- Official site: mastercardfdn.org/scholars
8. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
50% grant + 50% loan (loan frequently forgiven for outstanding candidates). Open to Nigerian students pursuing postgraduate studies. Strong focus on community leadership and development. Competitive but accessible.
- Deadline: March–April annually
- Official site: akdn.org/akf
9. Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
Funds Masters and research students in Japan. No IELTS required. Monthly stipend ¥117,000–¥145,000. Zero tuition. Apply through the Japanese Embassy in Abuja. Japanese language instruction available.
- Deadline: May–June annually
- Official site: studyjapan.go.jp
10. Chinese Government CSC Scholarship
Covers full tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend for Masters in China. Apply through the Chinese Embassy in Abuja. Many English-taught programmes available. No IELTS often required.
- Deadline: February–April annually
- Official site: campuschina.org
11. African Development Bank (AfDB) Scholarship
The AfDB awards scholarships for Masters programmes in economics, business, and development at African institutions of excellence. Nigerian citizens from underserved communities are priority candidates.
- Official site: afdb.org
12. Korean Government Scholarship (GKS/KGSP)
South Korea funds Masters students from Nigeria through the Global Korea Scholarship. No IELTS. Stipend of KRW 900,000/month. Free Korean language instruction. Apply through the Korean Embassy in Abuja.
- Deadline: March–April annually
How to Maximise Your Chances of Winning
- Apply to at least 3 scholarships per cycle — diversifying significantly improves success rates
- Start preparing your essays and collecting documents 3–4 months before any deadline
- Tailor each application to the specific scholarship's values — a Chevening essay and a Commonwealth essay are very different
- Get your referee letters from people who know your work deeply, not just your most senior contact
- Frame your career narrative around Nigerian development — this resonates with virtually every scholarship committee
| Scholarship | Country | Deadline | Work Exp Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | UK | November | 2 years |
| Commonwealth Shared | UK | December–Jan | No |
| DAAD | Germany | October–Nov | 2 years |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Oct–January | No |
| Fulbright | USA | May–June | Recommended |
| Turkish Government | Turkey | February–March | No |
| Mastercard Foundation | Various | Varies | No |
| Japanese MEXT | Japan | May–June | No |
| Korean GKS | South Korea | March–April | No |