Top 7 Fully-Funded Scholarships Nigerians Don’t Know About 2024/2025 (Apply Before It’s Too Late)

This article will highlight 7 fully-funded scholarships that most Nigerians are unaware of, providing all the essential details about eligibility, benefits, application procedures, and tips to stand out in the application process. If you’re a Nigerian student seeking a fully-funded scholarship in 2024, this guide is for you!

Why Do Most Nigerians Miss Out on Hidden Scholarship Opportunities?

1. Limited Access to Information: Many Nigerian students rely on mainstream media or local resources that often overlook smaller, lesser-known scholarship programs. Additionally, many scholarships may not be advertised widely in Nigeria.
2. Complexity of the Application Process: Some fully-funded scholarships have lengthy and complex application procedures, and students might get discouraged or miss deadlines. For example, many international scholarships require multiple documents, including recommendation letters, a personal statement, and standardized test scores, which can be intimidating.
3. Timing: Some scholarships have application deadlines that come and go before students are even aware of them. Missing deadlines is a common reason why Nigerian students miss out on opportunities.
4. Competition: As international scholarships become more popular, the competition for fully-funded programs has increased. This makes it harder for students to stand out without strategic application efforts.

However, by knowing where to look and staying on top of deadlines, you can position yourself to take full advantage of these opportunities.

7 Fully-Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students You Should Know About

Here’s a breakdown of 7 lesser-known fully-funded scholarships that Nigerian students can apply for in 2024. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and more, making them great opportunities to study abroad.

1. The Danish Government Scholarship (Danish State Scholarships)

• Country/University Offering It: Denmark (Various Universities)
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • You must be a non-EU/EEA citizen (Nigerians are eligible).
  • The scholarship is available for Master’s degree programs.
  • Applicants must have a strong academic background with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition fee coverage.
  • A monthly stipend of DKK 7,500 (approx. USD 1,100) for living expenses.
  • Travel expenses for flights to and from Denmark.
  • Some programs also include a language course.
• Step-by-Step Application Process:
  1. Choose your program from the list of eligible master’s programs at Danish universities.
  2. Submit your application via the university’s portal.
  3. Fill out the scholarship application form as part of the university application.
  4. Attach all required documents (academic transcripts, CV, proof of English proficiency, etc.).
  5. Submit the application before the deadline (usually in March or April).
• Direct Link: Danish Government Scholarships

2. The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)

• Country/University Offering It: Sweden (Various Swedish Universities)
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be a citizen of Nigeria.
  • Applicable for Master’s programs in specific fields (e.g., business, environmental science, public health).
  • At least 3,000 hours of work experience in the relevant field.
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition coverage.
  • A monthly living allowance of SEK 10,000 (approx. USD 950).
  • Travel grant up to SEK 15,000 for flights to and from Sweden.
  • Insurance coverage during the period of study.
• Step-by-Step Application Process:
  1. Apply for a master’s program at a Swedish university.
  2. Apply for the scholarship through the Swedish Institute website (applications open in February).
  3. Provide necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, proof of work experience, and motivation letter.
  4. Submit the application before the deadline (usually in February).
• Direct Link: Swedish Institute Scholarships

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs)

• Country/University Offering It: Europe (Multiple Universities across the EU)
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Open to students from non-EU countries, including Nigeria.
  • Applicants must apply for a specific Erasmus Mundus Joint Master program.
  • Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen program (e.g., academic qualifications, language proficiency).
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition coverage.
  • A monthly allowance of EUR 1,000 for living expenses.
  • Travel allowance for flights within Europe.
  • Health and accident insurance for the duration of the program.
• Step-by-Step Application Process:
  1. Choose an Erasmus Mundus program from the official Erasmus website.
  2. Apply to the program directly through the university’s online portal.
  3. Submit all required documents, including academic records, letters of recommendation, and a motivation letter.
  4. Complete the Erasmus Mundus scholarship application.
• Direct Link: Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

4. Oxford University Clarendon Scholarship

• Country/University Offering It: United Kingdom (Oxford University)
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Open to all graduate applicants (Masters and PhD).
  • You must apply to one of Oxford University’s graduate programs.
  • You must meet the general academic and English language requirements for the program you apply for.
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition fees for the duration of your course.
  • A generous living stipend of about £15,000 per year.
  • Funding for research, travel, and conferences for PhD students.
• Step-by-Step Application Process:
  1. Apply for a graduate program at Oxford.
  2. Submit your scholarship application as part of the application process.
  3. Prepare required documents, such as transcripts, references, and a personal statement.
  4. Ensure you meet the deadline (usually in January for the following academic year).
• Direct Link: Clarendon Scholarships at Oxford

5. Chevening Scholarships

• Country/University Offering It: United Kingdom (Various UK Universities)
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be a Nigerian citizen.
  • You should have at least two years of work experience (approx. 2,800 hours).
  • Applicants must hold a good undergraduate degree and meet English language proficiency requirements.
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition fees coverage.
  • Monthly living allowance.
  • Travel costs to and from the UK.
  • Additional allowances for visa application and other essentials.
• Step-by-Step Application Process:
  1. Apply online through the Chevening website during the application window (usually opens in August).
  2. Provide personal details, education history, and work experience.
  3. Write personal statements and essays demonstrating your leadership potential.
  4. Submit references from two individuals who know you professionally or academically.
• Direct Link: Chevening Scholarships

6. The Schwarzman Scholars Program

• Country/University Offering It: China (Tsinghua University, Beijing)
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be between the ages of 18 and 29.
  • Applicants should have completed their undergraduate degree or be in the final year of undergraduate study.
  • Leadership potential, academic excellence, and extracurricular achievements are highly valued.
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition fees and living costs.
  • Travel expenses to and from China.
  • Comprehensive health insurance.
  • Additional funds for books and supplies.
• Step-by-Step Application Process:
  1. Apply online via the Schwarzman Scholars website.
  2. Submit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and video essay.
  3. Complete an interview process (either in person or virtual).
• Direct Link: Schwarzman Scholars Program

7. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

• Country/University Offering It: United States (Partner Universities such as Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Michigan)
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nigerian students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an eligible university.
  • Academic excellence and community involvement are key selection criteria.
• Benefits:
  • Full tuition and fees.
  • Housing and living stipends.
  • Leadership and development programs.
• Step-by-Step Application Process:
  1. Apply directly through the partner universities that offer the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
  2. Submit your academic records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
  3. Follow the application guidelines provided by the specific university.
• Direct Link: MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

Tips for Writing Winning Scholarship Essays and Acing Selection Interviews

1. Be Clear About Your Goals: Many scholarships focus on leadership potential, so be sure to articulate your long-term goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
2. Showcase Your Unique Qualities: Highlight what sets you apart. Whether it’s your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or community involvement, make sure your application reflects your strengths.
3. Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement should tell a compelling story about who you are, your achievements, and your ambitions. Show the selection committee why you’re the ideal candidate for the scholarship.
4. Prepare for Interviews: Practice common scholarship interview questions, such as “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” or “What are your career goals?” Be confident, concise, and articulate during the interview.
5. Proofread Your Application: Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from the professionalism of your application. Always proofread your essays and ask someone else to review them.

Conclusion

Nigerian students have a wealth of opportunities when it comes to fully-funded scholarships in 2024. These scholarships can cover everything from tuition and living costs to travel expenses, providing a life-changing opportunity to study abroad. By staying informed about less-publicized scholarships and following a strategic approach to your application process, you can unlock access to some of the best educational opportunities in the world.

Don’t let these opportunities slip by—start your application today!