Finding fully funded opportunities can make studying abroad much more achievable for Nigerian students. With several major scholarship programmes opening applications or accepting applications during August 2026, this is a good time to start preparing documents, checking eligibility requirements, and submitting applications.
If you are searching for Scholarships for Nigerian Students, here are some of the most important opportunities to consider this month and in the months immediately ahead.
1. Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the best-known Scholarships for Nigerian Students seeking to study for a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Applications for the 2027–28 cycle opened on August 4, 2026, and the deadline is October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC.
Chevening provides funding for eligible students to pursue a one-year master’s degree at a UK university. Applicants should check the programme’s eligibility requirements carefully, including its work-experience requirement.
Apply for the Chevening Scholarship
2. Nifemi Brown Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
For Nigerian undergraduates, the Nifemi Brown Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is another opportunity worth considering. The 2026 programme offers a full-ride scholarship to two selected Nigerian undergraduate students currently enrolled at a higher-learning institution.
The application deadline is August 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. WAT. Applicants can submit their applications through the foundation’s stated application channel.
Nifemi Brown Foundation Scholarship details
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides opportunities for talented young Africans to access higher education and develop skills for the world of work. The programme has supported tens of thousands of young African scholars through its network of partner institutions.
For prospective master’s students at the University of British Columbia, applications for the Winter 2027 intake open on August 31, 2026. Eligible applicants must be citizens or refugees of an African country, among other requirements.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC
4. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme is another major opportunity for Nigerian students interested in graduate study in the United States. The programme is open to applicants from around the world and does not impose regional quotas.
Applications for the 2027 cohort are currently open, with a deadline of October 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Applicants must also apply separately to an eligible Stanford graduate programme.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars application information
Also Read: How to Increase Your Chances of Winning Scholarships This Summer
5. GREAT Scholarships for Nigerian Students
The GREAT Scholarships programme gives eligible international students the opportunity to receive funding toward postgraduate study at participating UK universities.
For Nigerian applicants, the available universities and individual scholarship deadlines vary. The British Council advises applicants to check the relevant university’s scholarship page for the specific deadline and application requirements.
This makes GREAT Scholarships particularly useful for students who already have a preferred UK university or master’s programme.
GREAT Scholarships for Nigeria
6. University-Specific Scholarships
Nigerian students should not limit their search to large international scholarship programmes. Many universities offer their own scholarships and tuition discounts specifically for international students.
For example, the University of Exeter currently lists a postgraduate scholarship worth £10,000 for eligible students from Nigeria enrolling on qualifying master’s programmes in September 2026 or January 2027.
University of Exeter funding information for Nigerian students
Start Preparing Before the Deadline
The best Scholarships for Nigerian Students can be extremely competitive, so waiting until the final days to apply can put you at a disadvantage. Many programmes require academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, proof of work experience, identification documents, and evidence of admission or course applications.
Students should also remember that opening dates and deadlines can change. Always check the official scholarship website before submitting an application, particularly when dealing with international programmes.
Whether you are looking for undergraduate funding in Nigeria, a master’s opportunity in the UK, or graduate funding in the United States or Canada, August 2026 provides several opportunities worth exploring.
The key is to start early, read the eligibility requirements carefully, prepare strong application materials, and apply only through the official channels. With the right preparation, these Scholarships for Nigerian Students can provide a pathway to quality education without leaving students to carry the entire financial burden themselves.
