UK Scholarships for Nigerian & African Students — 2026

Studying in the United Kingdom remains one of the most popular aspirations for Nigerian and African students, thanks to the UK’s world-class universities, globally recognised qualifications, and strong post-study work opportunities. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a major barrier.

To address this, the UK government, British Council, and individual universities offer a wide range of scholarships for the 2026 academic year, specifically targeting talented students from Nigeria and across Africa. These scholarships range from fully funded government awards to partial tuition grants and merit-based university discounts.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the top UK scholarships for Nigerian and African students in 2026, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and official application links.

🎓 1. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government – Fully Funded)

Overview

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It supports outstanding students from over 160 countries to pursue one-year master’s degrees at any UK university.

Chevening focuses strongly on leadership, influence, and long-term impact, making it ideal for early- to mid-career professionals who plan to return home and contribute to national development.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of eligible countries, including Nigeria and most African nations

• Hold a recognised bachelor’s degree

• Have at least two years of work experience (employment, internships, volunteering, or entrepreneurship)

• Apply to three eligible UK master’s programmes

• Secure at least one unconditional UK university offer by July 2026

What the Scholarship Covers

✔ Full tuition fees
✔ Monthly living allowance (stipend)
✔ Return airfare to the UK
✔ Visa application fees
✔ Arrival and departure allowances
✔ Access to an influential global Chevening alumni network

Application Link

🔗 Official Chevening Application Portal:
https://www.chevening.org/apply/

Important Note:
Applications for the 2026–2027 Chevening cycle are currently closed. Prospective applicants should monitor the official website, as new applications typically open between August and November each year.

🌍 2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (Fully Funded)

Overview

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and participating UK universities. They are aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study in the UK.

These scholarships mainly support master’s degrees aligned with global development priorities, such as health, education, climate change, governance, and technology.

What the Scholarship Covers

✔ Full tuition fees
✔ Monthly living allowance
✔ Return airfare
✔ Study-related grants (thesis costs, travel, warm clothing allowance)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country

• Hold a minimum of a second-class upper (2:1) undergraduate degree

• Demonstrate financial need

• Meet the admission requirements of the chosen UK university

How to Apply

Applicants must:

1. Apply for admission to an eligible UK master’s programme

2. Submit a separate scholarship application through the CSC online portal

Both applications must be completed before the stated deadline.

Application Links

🔗 CSC Official Application Portal:
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/

🔗 Scholarship Information (British Council – Study UK):
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/commonwealth-scholarships

Tip:
Deadlines are very strict and usually fall between December 2025 and early 2026 for the 2026–27 intake.

🇬🇧 3. GREAT Scholarships (British Council + UK Universities)

Overview

The GREAT Scholarships programme is jointly funded by the British Council and the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign. It offers partial tuition fee scholarships for one-year postgraduate taught courses at selected UK universities.

Each scholarship is awarded by an individual university, meaning requirements and deadlines may vary.

Who It’s For

• Nigerian and other eligible African students

• Applicants with strong academic records

• Students who demonstrate motivation, leadership, and commitment to their chosen field

Scholarship Benefits

✔ £10,000–£15,000 reduction in tuition fees
✔ Applied directly to the university tuition cost
✔ Covers one academic year

Participating Universities (Examples)

• University of Warwick (Nigeria-specific award)

• Brunel University London

• Cranfield University

• University College London (UCL)

• University of Bath

• Edinburgh Napier University

• Nottingham Trent University

• Many others listed annually by the British Council

How to Apply

Applicants must:

1. Apply for and receive an offer from a participating university

2. Apply for the GREAT Scholarship directly through the university’s scholarship page

Useful Link

🔗 British Council GREAT Scholarships – Nigeria:
https://www.britishcouncil.org.ng/study-uk/great-scholarships

🎓 4. University-Specific Scholarships

Overview

In addition to national scholarship schemes, many UK universities offer institution-specific scholarships for Nigerian and African students. These awards are often merit-based and may be automatic or competitive.

They are available across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels, depending on the institution.

Examples for the 2026 Cycle

• University of Glasgow – African Excellence Scholarships (Master’s)

• University of Warwick – GREAT Scholarships (Nigeria) (~£15,000)

• Brunel University – GREAT Scholarships (~£12,000)

• University of Bath – GREAT Scholarships (~£10,000)

• International Postgraduate Merit Scholarships (various universities)

💡 Most university-specific scholarships require applicants to already hold an offer of admission.

🧠 Tips for Applicants (2026 Cycle)

✔ Start early: Scholarship preparation should begin at least 12 months in advance
✔ Apply for admission first: Many scholarships require a conditional or unconditional offer
✔ Write strong personal statements: Emphasise leadership, impact, and long-term goals
✔ Prepare references early: Especially important for Chevening and Commonwealth
✔ Track deadlines carefully: Missing a deadline automatically disqualifies applications

📌 Summary Table