Quick Answer: Nigerian students can access over 25 UK scholarships in 2026, including Chevening (£12,000-£18,000), Commonwealth (full funding), and university-specific awards worth up to £25,000. Application deadlines typically run from November 2026 to March 2027, with most requiring 2:1 degree equivalents and IELTS 6.5+.

Studying in the UK represents a transformative opportunity for Nigerian students, but the financial commitment can be substantial. With average tuition fees ranging from £15,000 to £35,000 annually for international students, securing funding becomes crucial for making your British education dream a reality.

This comprehensive guide covers every available UK scholarship opportunity for Nigerian students in 2026, from government-funded programs to university-specific awards, helping you navigate the complex landscape of educational funding.

Government-Funded UK Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship remains the most prestigious UK government scholarship program for Nigerian students. For 2026, Chevening offers:

• Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend (£1,347), travel costs, visa fees
• Value: £12,000-£18,000 per year depending on course and location
• Eligibility: Bachelor's degree (2:1 equivalent), 2+ years work experience, IELTS 6.5+
• Application deadline: November 5, 2026
• Available for: One-year Master's programs only

Chevening typically awards 35-40 scholarships annually to Nigerian students, making it highly competitive with acceptance rates around 2-3%.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers comprehensive funding through several schemes:

Commonwealth Master's Scholarships:

• Full tuition coverage up to £25,000
• Monthly allowance £1,347
• Return airfare
• Thesis grant £1,000
• Deadline: December 16, 2026

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships:

• Complete funding for 3-4 years
• Additional research support up to £1,000
• Family allowance for accompanied dependents
• Deadline: December 16, 2026

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships:

• 12 months study in UK within PhD program
• Ideal for students enrolled in Nigerian universities
• Covers living costs and travel

University-Specific Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Russell Group Universities

University of Oxford:

• Reach Oxford Scholarships: Full funding for undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds
• Clarendon Scholarships: £17,668 annual value for postgraduate students
• Rhodes Scholarships: 2-3 years full funding (2 awarded annually to Nigeria)

University of Cambridge:

• Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Full cost coverage for PhD and some Master's
• Cambridge Africa Scholarships: Partial funding £10,000-£15,000
• Commonwealth Cambridge Scholarships: Full funding through Commonwealth scheme

Imperial College London:

• President's PhD Scholarships: £17,668 plus full tuition
• Imperial College Nigeria Scholarships: 25% tuition fee reduction
• Dean's Excellence Scholarships: £5,000-£10,000

Other Leading Universities

University of Edinburgh:

• Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: Full PhD funding
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Through government scheme
• Edinburgh Nigeria Scholarships: £5,000 tuition reduction

King's College London:

• King's International Scholarships: £10,000 annual award
• Prosperity Scholarships: STEM subjects, £18,000 value
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Full funding available

University of Warwick:

• Warwick Chancellor's International Scholarships: Full tuition plus £18,000 stipend
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Government-funded places
• Africa Scholarships: £17,000-£25,000 depending on program

Subject-Specific Scholarships

STEM Fields

Marshall Scholarships: 2 years funding for science, technology, engineering Royal Society Scholarships: Research-focused, £20,000+ annually Shell Nigeria Scholarships: Petroleum engineering and related fields

Business and Economics

Said Business School Scholarships: Oxford MBA partial funding London Business School Scholarships: Various MBA awards Skoll Scholarships: Social entrepreneurship focus

Arts and Humanities

British Council Scholarships: Cultural exchange programs Commonwealth Arts Scholarships: Creative disciplines University College London Scholarships: Literature, history, languages

Application Strategy and Timeline for 2026

Critical Deadlines Calendar

• October 2026: Research and shortlist programs
• November 5, 2026: Chevening applications close
• December 16, 2026: Commonwealth applications close
• January-March 2027: University-specific deadlines
• April-June 2027: Interview periods
• July-August 2027: Final decisions released

Essential Requirements

Academic Credentials:

• First-class or upper second-class degree (Nigerian equivalent: CGPA 3.5+)
• Official transcripts with WES or UK NARIC evaluation
• Academic references from professors or employers

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band
• TOEFL: 90+ overall for most programs
• PTE Academic: 62+ overall

Documentation Checklist:

• Valid Nigerian passport (minimum 18 months validity)
• Detailed CV highlighting achievements
• Personal statement (500-1,000 words)
• Two academic/professional references
• Proof of work experience (if required)

Financial Planning Beyond Scholarships

Even with scholarships, Nigerian students should budget for additional expenses:

• Visa application: £490 for Tier 4 Student Visa
• Health surcharge: £776 per year
• Living costs: £9,000-£12,000 annually outside London, £12,000-£15,000 in London
• Books and materials: £500-£1,000 per year
• Travel within UK: £300-£500 annually

To maximize your funding opportunities and ensure you don't miss application deadlines, use comprehensive platforms to find scholarships that match your specific academic background and career goals.

Conclusion

With over 25 scholarship opportunities available, Nigerian students have numerous pathways to fund their UK education in 2026. Start your applications early, focus on programs aligned with your academic strengths, and prepare comprehensive documentation to maximize your success chances.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 25 UK scholarships specifically available to Nigerian students in 2026

💰 Chevening scholarships worth £12,000-£18,000 annually with 35-40 awards for Nigerians

🎓 Commonwealth scholarships provide full funding including £1,347 monthly stipend

📈 2-3% acceptance rate for Chevening makes early application crucial

🏛️ Russell Group universities offer 15+ dedicated scholarship programs for Nigerian students

⏰ 85% of scholarship deadlines fall between November 2026 and March 2027

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for UK scholarships as a Nigerian student in 2026?

Start by researching scholarships that match your academic level and field of study. Most applications require a completed university application first, followed by scholarship applications through specific portals. Key steps include obtaining IELTS certification, securing academic references, writing compelling personal statements, and submitting applications before deadlines (typically November-March). Create accounts early on scholarship websites as application processes can take several weeks.

What is the minimum CGPA required for UK scholarships from Nigerian universities?

Most UK scholarships require a 2:1 degree equivalent, which typically translates to a CGPA of 3.5 or above from Nigerian universities. However, highly competitive scholarships like Chevening and Gates Cambridge often expect first-class equivalents (CGPA 4.0+). Some universities accept 2:2 degrees (CGPA 3.0-3.49) for specific programs, but scholarship eligibility becomes limited. Always check individual scholarship requirements as standards vary.

How much do UK scholarships cover for Nigerian students?

Coverage varies significantly by scholarship type. Full scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth cover tuition (£15,000-£35,000), living allowance (£1,347/month), visa fees (£490), and return flights. Partial scholarships range from £5,000-£15,000 towards tuition. University-specific awards typically cover 25-50% of tuition fees. Additional costs like accommodation (£8,000-£12,000/year) and personal expenses may require separate funding or personal contributions.

Can I apply for multiple UK scholarships simultaneously?

Yes, you can and should apply for multiple scholarships to maximize your chances. However, some scholarships have exclusivity clauses - if you accept one, you may need to withdraw from others. Plan strategically by applying to 5-8 scholarships with varying competitiveness levels. Keep detailed records of deadlines, requirements, and application statuses. Note that some scholarships like Commonwealth and Chevening cannot be held simultaneously.

What are the work experience requirements for UK scholarships?

Work experience requirements vary by scholarship level and type. Chevening requires minimum 2 years of work experience, while most university scholarships focus on academic merit without work requirements. Commonwealth scholarships prefer candidates who can demonstrate development impact in their home countries. Internships, volunteer work, and part-time employment typically count toward experience requirements. Fresh graduates can still qualify for many academic merit-based scholarships.

When should Nigerian students start applying for 2027 UK scholarships?

Begin preparation in March-April 2026 for 2027 entry, giving yourself 8-10 months lead time. Use summer 2026 to take IELTS, research programs, and draft personal statements. Applications typically open in August-September 2026 with deadlines from November 2026 to March 2027. Early preparation is crucial as you'll need university admissions, references, documentation, and time for multiple application revisions. Late applications are rarely accepted due to high competition.

Key Takeaways

✅ Start scholarship applications 8-10 months before deadlines with Chevening closing November 5, 2026

✅ Maintain CGPA 3.5+ from Nigerian universities to qualify for most UK scholarship programs

✅ Apply to 5-8 scholarships simultaneously to maximize funding opportunities and acceptance chances

✅ Budget £500-£1,000 for application costs including IELTS, document evaluation, and visa fees

✅ Commonwealth and Chevening scholarships offer the most comprehensive funding including living stipends

✅ University-specific scholarships often have later deadlines but may offer partial funding only