UK Scholarships for Nigerian Students: Chevening and Beyond

British degrees are respected worldwide, and the UK has long welcomed Nigerian students. What many do not realise is how much funding is available — from government-backed flagship awards to university-specific bursaries that can slash or eliminate tuition.

This guide covers the leading UK scholarships for Nigerians and how to approach them.

The Chevening Scholarship

Chevening is the UK government’s flagship scholarship, funding a one-year master’s degree with tuition, a living stipend, and return flights all covered. It is aimed at emerging leaders who can show ambition, clear career goals, and the potential to make a difference back home.

Chevening is competitive, but it actively seeks candidates from Nigeria and values leadership and a strong story as much as raw grades.

Commonwealth and University Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship supports master’s and PhD study for students from Commonwealth nations, including Nigeria, and often covers full costs. On top of these, individual UK universities offer their own international scholarships — sometimes partial, sometimes full — to attract strong applicants.

Checking the funding page of every university you apply to is essential; many awards are given simply to those who apply on time and meet the criteria.

What You Will Need

Most UK scholarships require a good first degree, proof of English proficiency such as IELTS, and a compelling personal statement. Flagship awards like Chevening also value work experience and a clear leadership trajectory.

References from people who know your work well can make a real difference at the shortlisting stage.

How to Give Yourself the Best Shot

Start early, since UK scholarship deadlines often fall many months before the course begins. Craft a focused application that connects your past, your chosen course, and your future plans into one clear narrative.

Apply to both national schemes and university-specific awards to widen your net, and never miss a deadline — UK panels are strict about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chevening really fully funded? Yes — it covers tuition, living costs and flights for a one-year master’s.

Do I need work experience for Chevening? Yes, it typically expects a couple of years of experience, but this can include a range of roles.

Can undergraduates get UK scholarships? Some universities offer undergraduate awards, though most major schemes focus on postgraduate study.