Quick Answer: Oxford Brookes University offers several scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship (£3,000), and subject-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-May, requiring academic excellence (minimum 70% aggregate) and strong English proficiency.

Securing funding for international education remains a top priority for Nigerian students aspiring to study in the UK. Oxford Brookes University, consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Britain and placed 401-500 globally by Times Higher Education 2026, presents excellent scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students, including those from Nigeria.

This comprehensive guide explores every available Oxford Brookes University scholarship option for Nigerian students, providing detailed application strategies, eligibility requirements, and insider tips to maximize your chances of success in the 2026 academic year.

Understanding Oxford Brookes University's Commitment to Nigerian Students

Oxford Brookes University has maintained a strong relationship with Nigeria, welcoming over 800 Nigerian students annually across its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university's strategic location in Oxford, combined with its excellent graduate employment rates (94% of graduates employed within six months), makes it an attractive destination for Nigerian students seeking quality education and career advancement.

The university's scholarship program reflects its commitment to diversity and academic excellence, with approximately £2.8 million allocated annually for international student scholarships. For the 2026 intake, Oxford Brookes has increased its scholarship budget by 15%, creating more opportunities for deserving Nigerian students.

Major Oxford Brookes University Scholarships for Nigerian Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship International Excellence Scholarship represents Oxford Brookes' most prestigious award for international students, including those from Nigeria. This merit-based scholarship offers:

• Award Amount: £3,000 to £5,000 per year
• Duration: Full degree duration (renewable annually)
• Eligibility: Minimum 70% aggregate in qualifying examinations
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Available Slots: 150 scholarships globally

Nigerian students with WAEC grades of A1-B3 in core subjects or university graduates with Second Class Upper Division are particularly competitive for this award.

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for Academic Achievement

Designed specifically for exceptional academic performers, this scholarship targets students who demonstrate outstanding scholarly potential:

• Award Amount: £3,000 per year
• Target: Top 10% of international applicants
• Requirements: Minimum IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
• Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission
• Renewal Criteria: Maintain 60% average annually

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Oxford Brookes offers targeted scholarships across various faculties, particularly beneficial for Nigerian students in high-demand fields:

Business School Excellence Award

• Amount: £2,500 annually
• Target Programs: MBA, MSc Finance, MSc Marketing
• Special Consideration: Work experience in Nigerian financial sector

Engineering and Technology Innovation Scholarship

• Amount: £3,500 annually
• Focus Areas: Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering
• Priority: Students from STEM backgrounds in Nigeria

Health and Life Sciences Scholarship

• Amount: £4,000 annually
• Programs: Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health
• Additional Benefit: Priority placement for clinical attachments

Regional Scholarships and Special Considerations

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Programme

While administered separately, Nigerian students at Oxford Brookes can apply for Commonwealth scholarships, which provide:

• Full tuition coverage
• Living allowance (£1,347 per month for 2026)
• Return airfare to Nigeria
• Thesis grant and study travel allowance

Nigerian applicants must demonstrate financial need and commit to returning to Nigeria for at least two years post-graduation.

Chevening Scholarship Partnership

Oxford Brookes maintains strong ties with the Chevening programme, offering:

• Priority admission for Chevening scholars
• Additional pastoral support for Nigerian recipients
• Networking opportunities with Chevening alumni in Nigeria
• Career guidance focusing on Nigeria-UK business opportunities

Application Process and Timeline for 2026

Key Dates for Nigerian Students

January 15, 2026: Scholarship applications open February 28, 2026: Early application deadline (recommended) March 31, 2026: Final deadline for most scholarships April 30, 2026: Commonwealth scholarship deadline May 15, 2026: Notification of scholarship decisions June 30, 2026: Acceptance deadline for scholarship offers

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Secure University Admission: Apply for your chosen program through UCAS or direct application
2. Gather Documentation: Academic transcripts, English proficiency scores, financial statements
3. Complete Scholarship Application: Submit via Oxford Brookes online portal
4. Write Compelling Essays: Address how the scholarship aligns with your career goals in Nigeria
5. Obtain Strong References: Academic and professional referees familiar with your work
6. Submit Supporting Materials: Portfolio for creative programs, research proposals for postgraduate study

Eligibility Requirements Specific to Nigerian Students

Academic Qualifications

For Undergraduate Programs:

• WAEC with minimum 5 credits at A1-C6 levels, including English and Mathematics
• NECO equivalent qualifications accepted
• Minimum aggregate of 70% in qualifying examinations

For Postgraduate Programs:

• Bachelor's degree with minimum Second Class Upper Division (3.5/5.0 CGPA)
• Professional qualifications (ICAN, CIPM, etc.) may be considered for relevant programs
• Master's degree holders given preference for PhD scholarships

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 87 overall with minimum component scores
• PTE Academic: 58 overall
• Cambridge CAE/CPE: Grade C or above

Note: Students who completed their previous education in English may qualify for exemptions.

Financial Documentation

Nigerian applicants must demonstrate:

• Bank statements covering 28 consecutive days
• Currency conversion based on current CBN rates
• Sponsorship letters if applicable
• Evidence of scholarship applications to other bodies

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Crafting Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement should specifically address:

• How studying at Oxford Brookes aligns with Nigeria's development needs
• Your commitment to returning to Nigeria post-graduation
• Specific career goals and how they benefit Nigerian society
• Leadership experience in Nigerian contexts
• Academic achievements relative to Nigerian educational standards

Securing Strong References

Choose referees who can speak to:

• Your academic potential in the UK system
• Leadership qualities demonstrated in Nigerian contexts
• Professional achievements relevant to your chosen field
• Character traits that indicate scholarship worthiness

Building a Competitive Profile

Strength areas valued by Oxford Brookes scholarship committees include:

• Community service in Nigeria
• Academic research or publications
• Professional certifications relevant to your field
• Entrepreneurial initiatives or business experience
• Demonstrated English proficiency beyond minimum requirements

Alternative Funding Sources

Nigerian Government Scholarships

• Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA): Limited slots for Oxford Brookes
• TETFund Scholarships: For academic staff in Nigerian institutions
• PTDF Scholarships: Petroleum-related programs

Private Sector Opportunities

• MTN Foundation Scholarship: Technology and business programs
• Shell Nigeria Scholarship: Engineering and geosciences
• Dangote Foundation: Various fields with emphasis on agriculture and business
• Access Bank Scholarship: Business and finance programs

International Organizations

• World Bank Graduate Scholarship: Development-focused programs
• African Development Bank: Economics and development studies
• DAAD Scholarships: Joint programs with German institutions

When exploring funding options, consider using resources to explore UK universities and compare scholarship offerings across different institutions.

Living Costs and Budget Planning

Estimated Annual Expenses (2026)

• Tuition: £14,500-£16,500 (varies by program)
• Accommodation: £7,200-£9,600
• Living Expenses: £9,000-£12,000
• Books and Supplies: £800-£1,200
• Personal Expenses: £2,000-£3,000
• Total Annual Cost: £33,500-£42,300

Scholarship Impact

A £5,000 annual scholarship reduces your funding requirement by approximately 12-15%, making Oxford Brookes significantly more accessible for Nigerian families. Combined with part-time work opportunities (20 hours per week on student visa), the financial burden becomes more manageable.

Post-Graduation Benefits and Opportunities

Graduate Route Visa

Nigerian graduates from Oxford Brookes can apply for the Graduate Route visa, allowing:

• Two years post-study work in the UK (three years for PhD graduates)
• Opportunity to gain UK work experience
• Pathway to skilled worker visa sponsorship
• Enhanced career prospects in Nigeria with UK experience

Alumni Network Benefits

Oxford Brookes maintains an active Nigerian alumni network with:

• Over 2,500 graduates currently working in Nigeria
• Regular networking events in Lagos and Abuja
• Mentorship programs for current students
• Career placement assistance through alumni connections

The scholarship investment in your education creates lasting value, with Oxford Brookes graduates in Nigeria earning an average of 40-60% higher salaries compared to local degree holders in equivalent positions.

Conclusion

Oxford Brookes University scholarships represent exceptional opportunities for Nigerian students to access world-class education with significant financial support. With careful preparation, strong academic credentials, and a compelling application showcasing your potential contribution to both the university and Nigeria's development, these scholarships can transform your educational aspirations into reality. Begin your application process early in 2026 to maximize your chances of success.

Key Statistics

📊 Oxford Brookes University allocates £2.8 million annually for international scholarships, with a 15% increase for 2026

🎓 Over 800 Nigerian students currently study at Oxford Brookes across undergraduate and postgraduate programs

💰 International Excellence Scholarships range from £3,000-£5,000 per year, reducing total study costs by 12-15%

📈 94% of Oxford Brookes graduates are employed within six months of graduation, with Nigerian alumni earning 40-60% higher salaries

🌍 Oxford Brookes ranks 401-500 globally in Times Higher Education 2026 rankings among modern universities

✈️ Graduate Route visa allows Nigerian students 2-3 years post-study work opportunity in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Oxford Brookes University scholarships as a Nigerian student in 2026?

Nigerian students must first secure admission to Oxford Brookes through UCAS or direct application, then submit scholarship applications via the university's online portal. Applications open January 15, 2026, with most deadlines on March 31, 2026. You'll need academic transcripts, English proficiency scores (IELTS 6.5 minimum), personal statement, and references. Some scholarships like the Vice-Chancellor's Award are automatically considered upon admission, while others require separate applications.

What are the minimum academic requirements for Oxford Brookes scholarships for Nigerian students?

For undergraduate scholarships, Nigerian students need WAEC with minimum 5 credits at A1-C6 levels including English and Mathematics, plus a minimum 70% aggregate. For postgraduate scholarships, you need a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Upper Division (minimum 3.5/5.0 CGPA). English proficiency requirements include IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, though exemptions may apply for students who completed previous education in English.

How much can Nigerian students receive through Oxford Brookes University scholarships?

Oxford Brookes offers various scholarship amounts for Nigerian students: International Excellence Scholarship provides £3,000-£5,000 annually, Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship offers £3,000 per year, subject-specific scholarships range from £2,500-£4,000 annually. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships cover full tuition plus £1,347 monthly living allowance. These scholarships are renewable annually based on maintaining required academic performance (typically 60% average).

What is the application timeline for Oxford Brookes scholarships in 2026?

The 2026 scholarship timeline for Nigerian students begins with applications opening January 15, 2026. Early applications are recommended by February 28, 2026, with final deadlines on March 31, 2026 for most scholarships. Commonwealth scholarships have a later deadline of April 30, 2026. Scholarship decisions are communicated by May 15, 2026, with acceptance deadlines on June 30, 2026. Starting early gives you the best chance of success and allows time for document preparation.

Can Nigerian students combine Oxford Brookes scholarships with other funding sources?

Yes, Nigerian students can often combine Oxford Brookes scholarships with other funding sources including Nigerian government scholarships (BEA, TETFund, PTDF), private sector opportunities (MTN Foundation, Shell Nigeria, Dangote Foundation), and international organizations (World Bank, African Development Bank). However, some scholarships have restrictions, so students should check terms and conditions. Part-time work (20 hours per week on student visa) can also supplement scholarship funding.

What career benefits do Nigerian graduates receive after completing their studies with Oxford Brookes scholarships?

Nigerian graduates from Oxford Brookes gain access to the Graduate Route visa allowing 2-3 years of post-study work in the UK, providing valuable international experience. The university maintains an active alumni network of over 2,500 graduates in Nigeria, offering networking events in Lagos and Abuja, mentorship programs, and career placement assistance. Oxford Brookes graduates in Nigeria earn 40-60% higher salaries compared to local degree holders, with 94% employment rate within six months of graduation.

Key Takeaways

✅ Oxford Brookes offers multiple scholarships for Nigerian students ranging from £2,500-£5,000 annually, with applications opening January 15, 2026

✅ Academic requirements include minimum 70% aggregate for undergraduates and Second Class Upper Division for postgraduates, plus IELTS 6.5

✅ Early application by February 28, 2026 is recommended, with most scholarship deadlines on March 31, 2026

✅ Nigerian students can combine Oxford Brookes scholarships with government, private sector, and international funding sources

✅ Graduates benefit from Graduate Route visa (2-3 years UK work rights) and strong alumni network of 2,500+ in Nigeria

✅ Oxford Brookes graduates in Nigeria earn 40-60% higher salaries with 94% employment rate within six months

---

📚 Recommended Reading

1. UK Graduate Visa for Nigerian Students 2026: Complete Guide to Post...
   Everything you need to know about UK student visas

2. University of Hull Scholarships for Nigerian Students 2026: Complet...
   Funding opportunities at University Of Hull

3. Best MBA Courses in UK for Nigerian Students: Complete Guide 2026
   Top-ranked programs and universities to consider

4. UK University Admissions Updates for Nigerian Students 2026: Essent...
   Step-by-step application guide for Nigeria students

5. Architecture Career Opportunities in UK for Nigerian Graduates 2026
   Job prospects and career opportunities after graduation