Studying in the United Kingdom is a top goal for many Nigerian students, thanks to its world-class universities, internationally recognised degrees, and attractive post-study work opportunities. However, high tuition fees and living costs often make this dream difficult to achieve. That’s where UK Scholarships for Nigerian students play a crucial role.
For the 2026 academic year, the UK government, British Council, and leading universities are offering a wide range of UK Scholarships for Nigerian students and other Africans. These opportunities include fully funded government scholarships, partial tuition awards, and merit-based university grants. This guide presents a comprehensive overview of the best UK Scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026, covering eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, and official application links to help you apply with confidence.
🎓 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:
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Be citizens of eligible countries, including Nigeria and most African nations
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Hold a recognised bachelor’s degree
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Have at least two years of work experience (employment, internships, volunteering, or entrepreneurship)
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Apply to three eligible UK master’s programmes
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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:
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Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible Commonwealth country
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Hold a minimum of a second-class upper (2:1) undergraduate degree
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Demonstrate financial need
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Meet the admission requirements of the chosen UK university
How to Apply
Applicants must:
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Apply for admission to an eligible UK master’s programme
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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
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Nigerian and other eligible African students
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Applicants with strong academic records
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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)
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University of Warwick (Nigeria-specific award)
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Brunel University London
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Cranfield University
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University College London (UCL)
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University of Bath
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Edinburgh Napier University
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Nottingham Trent University
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Many others listed annually by the British Council
How to Apply
Applicants must:
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Apply for and receive an offer from a participating university
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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
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University of Glasgow – African Excellence Scholarships (Master’s)
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University of Warwick – GREAT Scholarships (Nigeria) (~£15,000)
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Brunel University – GREAT Scholarships (~£12,000)
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University of Bath – GREAT Scholarships (~£10,000)
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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
| Scholarship | Funding | Level | Application Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | Fully Funded | Master’s | https://www.chevening.org/apply/ |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarships | Fully Funded | Master’s | https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/ |
| GREAT Scholarships | Partial | Master’s | British Council GREAT page |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Varies | UG / Master’s / PhD | Individual university pages |