Nigeria is considered one of the most dynamic countries in Western Africa. Studying in Nigeria promises an immersive experience in culture as there are hundreds of varieties in traditions as it is home to 500 ethnic groups. If you decide to study in Nigeria, it is easily accessible with its improved facilities that are established by the government of Nigeria.
You won’t have a problem choosing a school as there are over 130 universities and institutions, with one university, the University of Ibadan, in the top 500 universities in the QS rankings. International students are most welcome in the country as most schools offer undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees in the English curriculum. There are only a few scholarships offered in Nigeria for international students. So, we have compiled the top scholarships in Nigeria for all levels.
Best Scholarships in Nigeria
1. Covenant University International Excellence Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: partial and full-tuition waiver
- Eligible Degree: master’s
The Covenant University International Excellence Scholarship is awarded to international students pursuing a master’s degree at Covenant University at Ota, Nigeria. The scholarship has three classifications: First Class (100% tuition waiver), Second Class Upper ≥ 4.0 (75% tuition waiver), and Second Class Upper < 4.0 (50% tuition waiver). This scholarship in Nigeria only offers tuition fee waivers, so other expenses such as living and housing must be covered by the applicant.
To apply for the scholarship, apply online to any of the postgraduate programs worth 18 months of study. The application form must be completed and submitted with degree certificates, school records, and a personal statement. However, the scholarship depends on whether or not you are accepted into a program at Covenant University. Find a program and apply for an applicable postgraduate program. Covenant University promises its students to acquire the needed skills in Business, Data, Leadership, and Technology.
2. Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE) Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: sponsorship and 3 months of English language training
- Eligible Degree: master’s, PhD
The Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE) Scholarship is covered by the World Bank-funded African Centre of Excellence IMPACT project (ACE-IMPACT). It was established due to the demand of needing indigenous African scientists knowledgeable in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and information and communications. Moreover, it is to develop more research in major issues like prostate and breast cancer, malaria, and cloud and high-performance computing.
Outstanding applicants from West and Central Africa pursuing master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in the subject of Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, and Information & Communication Engineering (ICE) are invited to apply. To qualify for this Nigeria scholarship, master’s degree applicants need to have a CGPA of 3.5 from a university in West and Central Africa. Ph.D. applicants need to present bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and have at least a CGPA of 4.0/5.0. To apply for the scholarship, prepare the required documents such as CVs and academic credentials, and send them via email.
3. The UNILAG African Cluster Centre Scholarship
The UNILAG African Cluster Centre Scholarship is one of the best scholarships in Nigeria for international students. It is made possible with the help of the German Research Foundation, the University of Bayreuth, and the African Multiple Cluster system. It is given to eligible Ph.D. students who are focused on Africa’s history, politics, religion, herbal medicine, philosophy, languages, literature, musicology, arts, and environmental changes. Eligible applicants will receive an NGN 750,000 scholarship per year.
It is required to be admitted to a Ph.D. program at the University of Lagos with ongoing fieldwork of the research proposal or in the process of writing a thesis. To send your application for the scholarship, write a 1,000-word research proposal and send it via email with an academic writing sample and a CV that includes your academic standing.
4. Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship (JOFLS)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fee waiver, accommodation allowance, books allowance, study allowance, roundtrip tickets
- Eligible Degree: bachelor’s
Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship (JOFLS) is a collaborative scholarship of the Jim Ovia Foundation and AAI that aims to help outstanding young Africans to pursue an undergraduate degree at Covenant University. Eligible applicants must be a citizen from any African country, have excellent academic standing, need financial assistance, and have active participation in community leadership programs.
If accepted for this scholarship in Nigeria, the awardee benefits from tuition fee waivers, and room and board expenses. Additionally, applicants are given extensive career support and a prestigious network for global opportunities.
5. African Union Mwalimu Nyerere Scholarships Scheme
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: 50%, 85% or 100% tuition waiver
- Eligible Degree: master’s, PhD
Established in 2007, the Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship Scheme is aimed at young female African applicants pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The goal of this scholarship in Nigeria is to bring great minds to contributing to the development of Africa and its developing regions. If the scholarship is granted, the awardee will be in a binding agreement to work in Africa for the same duration of the completed studies.
Eligible applicants should be female citizens of Africa, must not be more than 35 years old (master’s) or 40 years old (Ph.D.), holds a bachelor’s degree for master’s students, or a master’s degree for Ph.D. Students. Additionally, the applicant should present excellent academic standing through school transcripts and have the willingness to work for a minimum of three years in an African Union member State after graduation.
The application will only be considered if there is an admission letter from a partner university in Nigeria. To keep the scholarship, the applicant should be enrolled in a two-year master’s degree program or a three-year Ph.D. program in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
If granted the scholarship, the benefits are a full-tuition fee waiver according to the receipt of the host university, a monthly stipend of USD 500 for living expenses like food and housing, a yearly book allowance of USD 500, a computer allowance of USD 1,000, and an economy round trip ticket.
We hope that this article on the best scholarships in Nigeria for international students was helpful! If you’re interested in studying abroad make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
