List Of UK Scholarships For Nigerian Students 2026 | Fully Funded

Every year, many Nigerians dream of studying in the United Kingdom because of how respected UK universities are. The schools that offer UK scholarships are known for giving world-class education, and their certificates are recognized everywhere in the world. But the big problem for many students is money. School fees, accommodation, and other expenses in the UK can be very expensive.

The good news is that there are many fully funded scholarships available for Nigerian students who want to study in the UK in 2026. These scholarships cover your tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, and even monthly living allowances. Some of them also provide extra support for books, research, and family if you have dependents.

In this post, we are going to look at the top UK scholarships for Nigerian students for the 2026 academic year. We will explain what each scholarship offers, who can apply, and how to apply. By the time you finish reading, you will know which ones fit you best and how to start preparing for them early.

Why Nigerian Students Love Studying In The UK

There are many reasons why Nigerians love studying in the UK. Here are some of the common ones:

• The UK has some of the best universities in the world, like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
• A UK degree is respected all over the world and can help you get better job opportunities.
• You can complete most undergraduate courses in three years and postgraduate courses in one year, which helps save time and money.
• Nigerians can easily connect with other Africans living in the UK, making it easier to adapt.
• The UK education system focuses on real-life skills, not just theory.
• There are many scholarships that help international students cover all their costs.

List Of UK Scholarships For Nigerian Students 2026

Now, let’s look at the best fully funded UK scholarships that Nigerian students can apply for in 2026.

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most popular scholarships for Nigerian students who want to study in the UK. It is funded by the UK government and given to students who show strong leadership skills and great academic potential.

This scholarship is fully funded, meaning it covers everything you need to study in the UK. It pays your tuition fees, travel costs, visa fees, and monthly living allowance. You can study at any UK university and choose almost any course.

To qualify, you must have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of work experience. You also need to show that you are a future leader who will make positive change in your community when you return to Nigeria.

The application usually opens around August and closes in early November every year. If you plan to apply for 2026, you should start preparing early by gathering your documents, updating your CV, and writing your essays.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship is another fully funded program that helps students from Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, study in the UK. It is meant for students who cannot afford to study abroad on their own but have great academic performance and strong motivation to make a difference in their country.

The scholarship covers everything from tuition fees to travel costs, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. It is available for master’s and PhD degrees.

To qualify, you must be a Nigerian citizen and hold at least a second-class upper degree. You must also plan to return to Nigeria after your studies to contribute to development in your field.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It was established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help outstanding students from outside the UK study at the University of Cambridge.

This scholarship covers full tuition fees, visa, airfare, health insurance, and living allowance. It is for master’s and PhD programs only.

To apply, you must have an excellent academic record and a strong passion for making a difference in your community. You should also have leadership qualities and a clear idea of how your studies will benefit others.

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is another fully funded scholarship that gives students the chance to study at the University of Oxford. It is one of the oldest and most respected scholarships in the world.

The scholarship covers tuition, living allowance, flight tickets, and health insurance. It is available for master’s and PhD programs.

To be eligible, you must have an excellent academic record, leadership potential, and a strong desire to make a positive impact in the world. The Rhodes Trust looks for students who combine intelligence, character, leadership, and commitment to service.

Clarendon Scholarship

The Clarendon Scholarship is a fully funded program offered by the University of Oxford. It is available for both master’s and PhD students.

Every year, over 150 scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and potential. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a living stipend.

There’s no separate application for the Clarendon Scholarship. Once you apply for a full-time postgraduate course at Oxford, you will automatically be considered.

University of Edinburgh Global Scholarship

The University of Edinburgh offers several scholarships to attract bright students from around the world, including Nigeria.

The Edinburgh Global Scholarship provides full tuition fees and sometimes a living allowance for master’s degree programs. It is open to students who have a strong academic background and can show that studying in the UK will help them achieve their career goals.

University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship

This is a highly competitive scholarship for international students who want to study at the University of Sussex. It covers full tuition fees and a living allowance.

It is open to students applying for a full-time master’s degree. Nigerian students with excellent academic results and a clear study plan can apply.

University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarship

The University of Birmingham offers the Global Masters Scholarship to students from selected countries, including Nigeria.

This scholarship helps international students pursue a one-year master’s program at the university. It provides financial support that covers part or all of your tuition fees and sometimes helps with living costs.

University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarship

This scholarship was created for students from developing countries who want to make positive change in their home country after studying. Nigeria is one of the countries included.

The Developing Solutions Scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides some financial support for living expenses. It is available for master’s programs in different fields like engineering, health sciences, business, and education.

To qualify, you need to show that your studies will help improve your community when you return home. The selection team values people who are passionate about solving real problems in their country.

University of Westminster Full Scholarship

The University of Westminster offers full scholarships to students from developing countries who cannot afford to study in the UK.

This scholarship is fully funded. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, and travel expenses. It is available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Applicants must show excellent academic performance, leadership qualities, and a strong desire to make an impact in their home country.

Scotland Saltire Scholarships

The Scotland Saltire Scholarships are offered by the Scottish Government in partnership with Scottish universities. They are meant for students from selected countries, including Nigeria, who want to study in Scotland.

Each scholarship provides up to £8,000 towards tuition fees for one year of full-time study in areas like science, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government and UK universities. They are available to students from Nigeria and several other countries.

Each scholarship is worth around £10,000 and can be used to cover tuition fees for a one-year master’s program.

This scholarship is open to students in different fields like law, education, business, and engineering. You must first apply to a participating university before applying for the GREAT Scholarship.

University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships

The University of Bristol offers Think Big Scholarships for international students who want to study in the UK. Nigerian students are among those who can apply.

These scholarships cover part or all of your tuition fees for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. Some also offer additional support for living costs.

To be eligible, you need to have applied to the University of Bristol and written a personal statement showing your academic goals and how you plan to use your degree to make a difference.

University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarship

The University of Leeds offers several scholarships to international students, including Nigerians. One of the most popular is the International Excellence Scholarship.

It covers part of your tuition fees and is given to students who show outstanding academic achievements and strong motivation.

You don’t need a separate application in most cases; the university automatically considers you when you apply for admission.

How To Apply For UK Scholarships As A Nigerian Student

Applying for scholarships can be confusing if you are not sure where to start. But the process becomes easier when you follow the right steps.

Here are some general steps to guide you:

• Choose the scholarship that matches your level and field of study.
• Visit the official scholarship website and read all the details carefully.
• Make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.
• Prepare all your documents early, including your academic transcripts, certificates, CV, and reference letters.
• Write a strong personal statement explaining why you deserve the scholarship and how you plan to contribute to your community.
• Submit your application before the deadline.
• After applying, keep checking your email for updates or interview invitations.

Tips To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Selected

• Apply early before deadlines.
• Keep your academic results strong.
• Show leadership and community service in your essays.
• Write a personal story that shows your passion and goals.
• Get good reference letters from your teachers or supervisors.
• Always read the instructions carefully before submitting your application.

Conclusion

Studying in the UK is a big dream for many Nigerian students, and thanks to these scholarships, it’s now very possible without spending your own money. The most important thing is to start early, prepare your documents, and follow the instructions for each program.

If you plan well and apply carefully, you can be one of the lucky students to study in the UK on a fully funded scholarship in 2026. So don’t wait till the last minute. Choose the right scholarship, prepare your story, and go for it.