If you want to apply for open scholarships in Nigeria in 2025, start with these high-impact programmes: Chevening (UK), Commonwealth Scholarships, Mastercard Foundation Scholars, NLNG Scholarships, NNPC/SNEPCo (Shell/Industry) scholarships, MTN Foundation scholarships, Fulbright (USA) and Aga Khan Foundation. These have recurring application windows and large numbers of beneficiaries, read the eligibility and deadlines carefully and apply early.
Why This Guide on Open Scholarships in Nigeria?
We decided to show you the list of open scholarships in Nigeria because these Scholarships change fast: new rounds open, deadlines shift and some awards are limited to certain states, levels (secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate) or institutions. This guide collects the most trusted, open scholarships (2025), explains eligibility, and gives a practical checklist so you can apply with confidence.
List of International Scholarships Open to Nigerians
Below are best open scholarships in Nigeria for 2025(international Scholarships). We’ll show you both local and international fully-funded scholarships, partial awards, deadlines, eligibility, and application tips:
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK — Masters)
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship for one-year master’s degrees in the UK. It’s open to outstanding mid-career leaders and professionals. It covers tuition, living allowance, travel and visa costs.
Applications usually open annually and the global deadline for the 2026 intake is listed as 7 October 2025 (12:00 UTC) on Chevening’s site, also check country page for Nigeria specifics.
Who should apply: Candidates with leadership potential, 2+ years’ work experience, and a good degree.
Why it matters: Fully funded, prestigious, strong networking & career boost.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK — Masters/PhD)
Commonwealth Scholarships are offered for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria. Different schemes exist (Shared Scholarships, Split-site, etc.). Deadlines vary year to year but are mostly announced mid-to-late in the year. The Federal Scholarship Board and British Council pages carry updates when applications open.
Who should apply: Excellent academic record + financial need (for many schemes).
Tip: Watch the British Council / FSB announcements for Nigeria-specific instructions.
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA — Masters/PhD/Research)
Fulbright for Nigerians is administered via the U.S. Mission/Fulbright Commission and supports graduate study and research in the U.S. Deadlines vary; Nigeria’s competition deadlines are announced each cycle, mostly around June/October windows depending on the specific Fulbright track. Always check the U.S. Embassy / Fulbright country page for the current cycle.
Who should apply: Strong academic or professional profile; good research proposal for study/research awards.
4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship (Postgraduate)
The Aga Khan Foundation awards a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from selected developing countries (including Nigeria). Applications are competitive and require demonstration of both academic excellence and financial need.
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation partners with universities and colleges across Africa (and a few international partners) to sponsor secondary and tertiary scholarships and entrepreneurship support. Where partner institutions exist in Nigeria or nearby, eligible applicants can benefit from comprehensive support packages.
Who should apply: Young people with leadership potential and good academic promise, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Read Also: List of Private Universities in Nigeria with Easy Admission Process
Major Nigerian-Based or Nigeria-Targeted Scholarships
See also list of open scholarships in Nigeria for major Nigerian based, as well, we’ll list out their partial awards, deadlines, eligibility, application tips:
1. NLNG (Nigeria LNG) Scholarship Schemes
NLNG runs multiple schemes: Post-Primary Scholarship Scheme (PPSS), Undergraduate (UGSS) and Postgraduate (PGSS). These are often restricted to host communities or specific eligibility (e.g., indigeneeship) for some programmes.
Who should apply: Eligible basic/secondary/tertiary students from host communities (check scheme rules).
2. NNPC/SNEPCo (and other industry scholarships like Shell)
Oil & gas industry scholarships are large and many are targeted (host community, state, merit). The NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship (often run with Shell / industry partners) opened rounds for 2025/2026.
Eligibility: Nigerian citizen, in 200 level at a public university, minimum CGPA threshold (often ~3.5/5.0), and not a beneficiary of other oil & gas scholarships.
Tip: Oil & gas scholarships often shortlist by examination, so you have to prepare well and register early to get this scholarship.
3. MTN Foundation Scholarships
MTN Foundation runs the Science & Technology Scholarship (STS) for Nigerian undergraduates in science/technology courses (often focused on 300-level students). The scholarship offers yearly stipends (example: ₦300,000/year for selected beneficiaries).
4. Stanbic IBTC, UBA Foundation, and Other Bank/Corporate Scholarships
Banks and corporate foundations run scholarships, essay competitions, and national contests (Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship, UBA Foundation essay prizes, etc.). These opportunities are frequent, targeted at undergraduates or secondary students, and often have short application windows.
Where to Find Real Open Scholarships (Avoid Scams)
- Official pages: Chevening, British Council (Commonwealth), Fulbright, NLNG portal, MTN Foundation pages.
- Reputable scholarship aggregators: ScholarshipRegion, ScholarshipSet, and university partner pages.
- Red flags / scams: Requests for payment, unofficial Gmail adverts, “guaranteed success” offers. Real scholarships in Nigeria do not ask for application fees.
That said, now let’s discuss further in detail the open scholarships in Nigeria for 2025 for both local and international fully-funded.
Detailed List of Open Scholarships in Nigeria
Here’s a quick reference of frequently open scholarships Nigerians should watch:
- Chevening Scholarships (Masters — UK): fully funded, apply via Chevening portal; deadline early October.
- Commonwealth Scholarships (Masters/PhD — UK): via CSC or Nigerian Federal Scholarship Board.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA): fully funded research and study awards.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: full packages through partner universities.
- NLNG Scholarships: Post-Primary, Undergraduate, Postgraduate.
- NNPC / SNEPCo / Shell Scholarships: for 200-level undergraduates with strong CGPA.
- MTN Foundation STS: ₦300,000 yearly stipend for 300-level science/tech students.
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships: postgraduate, need + merit based.
- Stanbic IBTC, UBA Foundation, and Bank Awards: competitive essay contests & scholarships.
Scholarship Application Checklist
- Confirm eligibility (nationality, level, CGPA).
- Gather documents (transcripts, ID, admission letter, references).
- Check test requirements (IELTS/TOEFL for international).
- Note deadlines (convert UTC deadlines to Nigerian time).
- Upload clear PDFs and keep backups.
- Remember: most top scholarships are free to apply.
Winning Strategies for Scholarship Applications
- Match your essays to the scholarship’s goals.
- Use specific achievements and measurable impact.
- Get strong reference letters.
- Prepare well for interviews (Chevening, Fulbright, Mastercard partner universities).
Check Also: New Education System in Nigeria
FAQs on Open Scholarships in Nigeria for 2025/2026
Q1. Are all scholarships open to every Nigerian state? Some are national, others are restricted to certain states or host communities.
Q2. Do industry scholarships require CGPA?
Yes, but it’s usually 3.5/5.0 or higher, and you must be in a required year (often 200-level).
Q3. Can undergraduates apply for Chevening?
No, Chevening scholarship is only for master’s degrees.
Q4. Are application fees required?
Not at all. Major scholarships like MTN, NLNG, Chevening, Commonwealth, Fulbright are free to apply.
Scholarship Preparation Timeline (8 Weeks Plan)
- Week 8: Check eligibility & gather transcripts.
- Week 7: Draft essays.
- Week 6: Finalise references.
- Week 5: Register for IELTS/TOEFL if needed.
- Week 3: Review documents.
- Week 1: Submit and screenshot confirmation.
Final Words
There are many legitimate, high-value open scholarships in Nigeria in 2025. Identify the right ones for your level, check official deadlines, prepare early, and submit before deadlines.
You can also bookmark official pages, set reminders, and apply smart to qualify for the scholarship.
Good luck!
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