Would you like to study abroad in 2027 on a fully funded scholarship as a Nigerian student? Here is some of the most crucial information you need to know: There are a number of notable scholarship programs that are accepting applications right now for the 2027 entry and more will open soon.
This guide provides up-to-date details on the best fully funded scholarships for Nigerians in 2027, including current deadlines, eligibility, and how to apply.
Currently Open Fully Funded Scholarships for 2027 Entry
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/28 for Nigerian Students
– Deadline: October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST (3:00 PM Nigerian time)
The periods for applications are open
– Official application link: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission announce that applications are open for Master’s and PhD programmes starting September or October 2027 for the 2027/28 academic year.
What it covers:
– Approved full tuition fees
– Return airfare from Nigeria to the UK
– Monthly living allowance of £1,712 (or £2,000 for London area)
Eligibility:
– Nigerian citizen or refugee status in Nigeria
– First degree of at least second class upper (2:1)
– Unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
– Willing to return to Nigeria after studies
How to apply:
– Register on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Electronic Application System (EAS)
– Complete the application form and upload all required documents
– Submit before October 20, 2026
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2027 at Stanford University (USA)
– Deadline: October 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time (9:00 PM Nigerian time)
– Official application link: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission
This is one of the most generous fully funded scholarships available to international students, including Nigerians.
What it covers:
– Full tuition and associated fees
– Living stipend for room, board, books, and personal expenses
– Travel stipend for one annual trip to and from Stanford
Eligibility:
– Citizens of all countries, including Nigeria
– First/bachelor’s degree earned within the last 7 years
– Must demonstrate leadership potential and civic mindset
– Must be an applicant to Stanford graduate degree program.
Application tips:
– The deadline is 1:00 PM Pacific Time, not midnight
– You must apply separately to your Stanford graduate degree program
– Prominent mention of leadership or civic involvement in essays
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship 2027 at University of Toronto (Canada)
– School nomination deadline: October 9, 2026
– University admission deadline: October 16, 2026
– Scholarship application deadline: November 6, 2026
– Official application link: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/
This is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious scholarship for international students.
What it covers:
– Full tuition fees for four years
– Books and incidental fees
– Full residence support for four years
Eligibility:
– International student requiring a study permit
– Currently in final year of secondary school or graduated no earlier than June 2026
– Exceptional academic achievement and creativity
– Strong leadership potential
– Must be nominated by your school
Important timeline:
– Your school must nominate you by October 9, 2026
– Submit admission application by October 16, 2026
– Submit scholarship application by November 6, 2026
DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2027 for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (Germany)
– Deadline: Varies by course (multiple deadlines throughout the year)
– Status: Applications are currently open for various programs
– Official application link: https://www.daad.de/en/
What it covers:
– Monthly stipend of €861 for master’s students (€1,200 for PhD)
– Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
– Travel allowance
– Study and research allowance
Eligibility:
– Nigerian citizen
– Bachelor’s degree in a related subject
– At least two years of professional experience
– Degree completed no more than 6 years ago
How to apply:
– Choose an eligible development-related postgraduate course
– Apply directly to the university at https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/
– The university provides DAAD EPOS application information
Also see USA Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2027
Upcoming Fully Funded Scholarships for 2027 Entry
Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 for Nigerian Students (UK)
– Opens: August 4, 2026 at 11:00 UTC (12:00 PM Nigerian time)
– Closes: October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC (12:00 PM Nigerian time)
What it covers:
– Full tuition fees
– Monthly living stipend
– Return economy flights from Nigeria to the UK
– Visa application costs
Eligibility:
– Nigerian citizen
– Undergraduate degree equivalent to UK 2:1
– At least two years of work experience (2,800 hours)
– Must return to Nigeria for a minimum of two years after the award
– Apply to three different eligible UK university courses
Application process:
– You do not need university offers when you apply
– Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews between February and April 2027
– Results are announced around mid-June 2027
– Must secure at least one unconditional university offer by early July 2027
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/28 (UK)
– Opens: September 2026
– Deadlines: December 8, 2026 or January 6, 2027 (depending on course)
What it covers:
– Full cost of studying at Cambridge
– Maintenance allowance of £22,050 per year
– One economy airfare at the beginning and end of the course
– Inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge
Eligibility:
– Citizen of any country outside the UK
– Applying to pursue PhD, MSc, MLitt, or one-year postgraduate course at Cambridge
– Outstanding intellectual ability
– Leadership potential and commitment to improving the lives of others
How to apply:
– Apply for admission to Cambridge through the Graduate Admissions website
– In the application form, apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship
– Submit supplementary application materials
PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2027 (Nigeria)
– Opens: Expected late 2026 (monitor PTDF Scholarship Management Portal)
What it covers:
– Full tuition fees
– Generous living allowance
– Return flight tickets
– Health insurance cover
Eligibility:
– Nigerian citizen
– National Identity Number (NIN) verified through NIMC
– Five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics
– For master’s: Minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) in oil and gas-related field
– NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter
– Personal statement of at least 1,000 words
How to apply:
– Wait for the official advert on the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal
– Verify your NIN first (small NIMC verification charge applies)
– Create an account and select your scheme
– Upload all required documents and submit
Nigerian Government Scholarships for 2027
NDDC Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027 (Local – Nigeria)
– Deadline: November 8, 2026
What it covers:
– Full tuition fees
– Accommodation
– Living allowance
– Book allowance
Eligibility:
– Indigene of the Niger Delta region
– 40 years or younger
– First degree with at least Second Class Lower (2:2) or HND Upper Credit
– Secured admission into a Nigerian public university for a master’s program
– NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter
Approved disciplines:
– Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Information Technology, Law, Management Sciences, Medicine, Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences
How to apply:
– Visit the NDDC official scholarship portal
– Create an account and fill out the application form
– Upload all required documents before November 8, 2026
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027/28
1. Check your eligibility and ensure you meet all requirements
2. Get accepted to a UK University and receive an unconditional offer
3. Get your documents ready: academic transcript, degree certificate, references, personal statement, English test scores, passport, birth certificate, NYSC certificate
4) Register on EAS portal and fill up the profile.
5. Fill in the application form accurately and upload all required documents
6. Submit before October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST and save a PDF copy
How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship 2027/28
1. Verify you meet the requirements: Nigerian citizenship, 2:1 degree equivalent, 2,800 hours work experience
2. Conduct research and select three eligible UK Masters courses that suit your career aspirations.
3. Gather documents: degree certificate, transcripts, two reference letters, English test results, passport, work experience proof
4. Write compelling essays focusing on leadership, networking, career plan, and study in the UK
5. Create an account on the Chevening portal and submit your application between August 4 and October 6, 2026
6. Prepare for interviews if shortlisted (February-April 2027)
7. Secure at least one unconditional university offer by early July 2027 if selected
How to Apply for the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme
1. Verify your NIN through NIMC (small verification charge applies)
2. Monitor the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal for the Overseas Scheme announcement
3. Check your eligibility and prepare all required documents
4. Register on the PTDF portal, and choose Overseas Scholarship Scheme
5. Fill out the application form and upload all documents
6. Prepare for the aptitude test if shortlisted
7. Attend the interview if selected
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “fully funded” mean in scholarship terms?
“Fully funded” means the scholarship covers all major costs: full tuition fees, living allowance, accommodation, return airfare (for international), visa costs, and health insurance. Exact coverage is subject to change depending on the program.
When do most 2027 scholarship applications open for Nigerians?
Most open between August and November 2026. Chevening opens August 4, Gates Cambridge in September, Commonwealth deadline is October 20, and NDDC deadline is November 8.
Do I need an admission letter before applying for a scholarship?
– Chevening: No, but you need one by July 2027 if selected
– Commonwealth: Yes, typically required
– PTDF Overseas: Yes, admission letter from partner university required
Apply to study at Cambridge University and for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
What is the easiest fully funded scholarship for Nigerians?
PTDF and NDDC have relatively high acceptance rates for qualified Nigerians as they are Nigerian government programs. However, all fully funded scholarships are competitive.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, and you should! This will enhance your odds. Just monitor deadlines, customize each application and cancel others if you’re offered and accept.
How can I tell if a scholarship is authentic?
Red flags include: application fees, guaranteed acceptance, poor grammar in communications, no official website, requests for bank details. Check on official websites and reliable scholarship databases.
Conclusion
The opportunity to study abroad on a fully funded scholarship is life-changing. The year 2027 offers promising prospects for Nigerian students in the UK, USA, Canada, and Germany.
Currently, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, and DAAD EPOS Scholarships are open. Soon, Chevening, Gates Cambridge, and PTDF Overseas will open.
Your action plan:
1. Identify eligible scholarships
2. Note all deadlines
3. Gather required documents
4. Start working on essays and proposals
5. Apply to multiple scholarships
6. Prepare for interviews
7. Stay organized
