Top 15 Fully Funded Scholarships for Students in 2024

14 Nov, 2024

Top 15 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2024 – Apply Now!

When it comes to higher education, the cost can often be a huge barrier. But the good news? There are incredible opportunities out there that cover everything from tuition to living expenses – giving students the chance to study at top universities worldwide, completely funded.

For Nigerian students, these scholarships offer a golden chance to pursue education without the financial burden. Here’s a roundup of the top 15 fully funded scholarships for 2024, including programs across different fields and destinations.

1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Description: The UK’s Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious program that covers tuition, a monthly stipend, travel, and visa costs.
Eligibility: Open to graduates with at least two years of work experience. Applicants should show leadership potential and a commitment to return to Nigeria to implement change.
Application Deadline: November 2023
How to Apply: Apply online through the Chevening website.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

Description: Aimed at students from Commonwealth countries, this scholarship covers tuition, airfare, living stipend, and more for master’s and PhD studies.
Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, demonstrate financial need, and have a strong academic record.
Application Deadline: December 2023
How to Apply: Through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's website.

3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Description: The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Germany. The program includes a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, and free tuition.
Eligibility: Open to graduates, particularly those in development-related fields. Proficiency in German or English required.
Application Deadline: Varies by program, generally September-December 2023.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the DAAD portal.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships (Europe)

Description: A highly competitive scholarship that allows students to study in multiple European universities over two years.
Eligibility: Open to students worldwide with a strong academic background.
Application Deadline: January 2024
How to Apply: Submit an application to Erasmus Mundus, choosing from a list of joint master’s programs.

5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Description: Funded by the US government, this program offers Nigerian students the chance to pursue a master’s or PhD in the USA, covering tuition, airfare, health insurance, and a stipend.
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed undergraduate studies and demonstrate leadership potential.
Application Deadline: May 2024
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Nigerian Fulbright website.

6. Australia Awards Scholarships

Description: Offered by the Australian government, these scholarships are for master’s degree studies and cover all expenses, including health insurance.
Eligibility: Focus on development fields; candidates must return to Nigeria after completion.
Application Deadline: April 2024
How to Apply: Apply online on the Australia Awards Africa website.

7. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

Description: This program partners with top universities worldwide to offer scholarships that cover tuition, books, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Open to academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Application Deadline: Varies by partner university.
How to Apply: Apply directly to a participating university, such as the University of Edinburgh, McGill University, or the University of Toronto.

8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Description: Covers tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and airfare for master’s and PhD studies in Switzerland.
Eligibility: Open to graduates with an excellent academic record.
Application Deadline: Varies by country, usually around September-December.
How to Apply: Applications are made through the Swiss Embassy.

9. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)

Description: Provides a full scholarship covering tuition, a monthly stipend, and travel grants for master’s programs in Sweden.
Eligibility: Candidates must have demonstrated leadership skills and a strong commitment to social impact.
Application Deadline: January 2024
How to Apply: Apply via the Swedish Institute website.

10. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

Description: This program, funded by the Gates Foundation, supports master’s and PhD students at the University of Cambridge, covering tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Eligibility: High academic achievement and a strong commitment to improving the lives of others.
Application Deadline: October 2023
How to Apply: Apply through the Gates Cambridge Scholarship portal.

11. Rotary Peace Fellowship

Description: This fellowship covers all expenses for a master’s degree in peace and development studies at various institutions worldwide.
Eligibility: Open to applicants with a commitment to peace and conflict resolution.
Application Deadline: May 2024
How to Apply: Submit an application on the Rotary Peace Fellowship website.

12. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Description: Covers full tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, and health insurance for development-related master’s programs.
Eligibility: Must be from a developing country, demonstrate a commitment to returning to Nigeria, and have a good academic record.
Application Deadline: March 2024
How to Apply: Apply via the World Bank website.

13. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)

Description: This scholarship offers fully funded master’s programs in Belgium in fields related to development.
Eligibility: Open to students from select countries, including Nigeria.
Application Deadline: Varies by program.
How to Apply: Apply through the VLIR-UOS website.

14. Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)

Description: Fully funded scholarships covering tuition, travel, and living expenses for short courses and master’s programs in the Netherlands.
Eligibility: Open to professionals from select countries, including Nigeria.
Application Deadline: February, May, and October 2024
How to Apply: Apply through the OKP portal.

15. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Description: Fully funded scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and a living stipend for studies in China.
Eligibility: Open to all degree levels; applicants must have an impressive academic record.
Application Deadline: March 2024
How to Apply: Apply through the Chinese Embassy or designated universities.

Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application

Applying for scholarships is competitive, so you’ll want to put your best foot forward. Here are some tips to stand out:

Start Early: Give yourself enough time to research, gather materials, and perfect your application.
Write a Strong Personal Statement: Explain why you’re passionate about your field and how you plan to use your studies to make an impact.
Highlight Leadership and Volunteering: Many scholarships prioritize applicants who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to their communities.
Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted, you may need to undergo an interview. Practice speaking confidently about your academic goals and career aspirations.
Request Strong References: Choose recommenders who know your work ethic and dedication well.

Conclusion

If you’re a Nigerian student with dreams of studying abroad, there’s no better time than now to take action. These fully funded scholarships offer an incredible opportunity to get a top-notch education without financial stress. Make sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application process for each, then start applying! Good luck – your future starts now.