1. Chevening Scholarship — UK 🇬🇧
This is one of the best options for a Nigerian Master’s applicant.
The 2027–28 Chevening application is currently open and closes 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. �
Chevening +1
Usually covers:
Full tuition
Monthly living allowance
Return flight
Arrival allowance
Visa-related allowance
Other permitted allowances
Chevening is for one-year taught Master’s degrees. It does not fund PhDs. �
Chevening
Main requirements include:
Nigerian citizenship
An undergraduate degree that qualifies you for postgraduate study in the UK
Relevant work experience
Leadership/influence potential
Strong application essays
Application to eligible UK Master’s courses
Apply/learn about Chevening for Nigeria⁠�
2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship — UK 🇬🇧
Very important for Nigerian students.
Applications for the 2027/28 academic year open 8 September 2026 and close 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST. �
Commonwealth Scholarships UK
It is intended for talented students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria.
Level: Master’s
Typical support includes:
Tuition fees
Living allowance
Travel support
Other scholarship allowances
The programme is designed for students who otherwise could not afford to study in the UK. �
Commonwealth Scholarships UK
Typical eligibility:
Nigerian/Commonwealth citizenship
First degree
Strong academic record
Admission/appropriate course requirements
Demonstrated development impact/potential
You normally need to satisfy the scholarship’s financial/eligibility conditions.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship official page⁠�
My advice: Start preparing now, because applications open in only a few days.
3. Commonwealth PhD Scholarship — UK 🇬🇧
If you are looking for a PhD, this should be one of your first targets.
Applications for 2027/28 open 8 September 2026 and close 20 October 2026. �
Commonwealth Scholarships UK
Typical requirements include:
Nigerian citizenship
Relevant Master’s degree
Strong academic background
A suitable PhD research proposal
Evidence that the research has developmental relevance
Appropriate university/supervisor arrangements
The scholarship is specifically aimed at doctoral research that can contribute to development in Commonwealth countries. �
Commonwealth Scholarships UK
Commonwealth PhD official information⁠�
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship — UK 🇬🇧
This is an extremely competitive scholarship at the University of Cambridge.
Level: Master’s/PhD and other eligible postgraduate programmes.
It can provide comprehensive funding, making it particularly attractive if you need tuition, living costs and other expenses covered.
The 2027 cycle is opening around September 2026, with different deadlines depending on the course. A current scholarship listing also indicates deadlines in October 2026, December 2026 and January 2027 depending on the programme. �
Scholarships for Development
Important: You must first identify an eligible Cambridge course and meet its academic admission requirements.
Gates Cambridge⁠�
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 🌍
This is particularly interesting if you are seeking Bachelor’s or Master’s funding.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program operates through partner universities, rather than allowing students to simply submit one general application to the Foundation.
It supports:
Tuition
Accommodation
Books/academic materials
Mentoring
Counselling
Leadership development
In applicable cases, return air travel. �
Mastercard Foundation +1
It supports secondary, undergraduate and Master’s levels, but currently does not offer PhD scholarships. �
Mastercard Foundation
Important for you: Look specifically for Mastercard Foundation partner universities currently accepting applications from Nigerian/African students.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program⁠�
6. DAAD Scholarships — Germany 🇩🇪
DAAD has many scholarships for African students, particularly for Master’s and PhD programmes.
The exact requirements depend heavily on the particular DAAD programme.
For example, some DAAD development-related postgraduate programmes provide tuition support and scholarship funding. �
DAAD
Common requirements:
Bachelor’s degree for Master’s
Master’s degree for PhD
Strong academic record
Relevant field
Language requirements depending on programme
CV
Motivation letter
Recommendation letters
Sometimes professional experience
DAAD official scholarship database⁠�
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s — Europe 🇪🇺
This is another excellent option for a Nigerian graduate.
You apply to a specific Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme, and many programmes offer highly generous scholarships.
Depending on the programme, funding can include:
Tuition
Monthly stipend
Travel
Installation allowance
Insurance
The exact amount and eligibility depend on the individual programme.
Erasmus+ official information⁠�