Quick Answer: University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026, including the International Scholarship worth up to £5,000 and country-specific awards ranging from £2,000-£3,500. Nigerian students can also access external scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth, with applications typically opening in October 2025 for September 2026 entry.

Why Choose University of Surrey for Your Studies?

The University of Surrey stands as one of the UK's premier institutions, consistently ranked within the top 50 universities globally and holding the 32nd position in the UK University Rankings 2026. Located in Guildford, just 40 minutes from London, Surrey offers Nigerian students an exceptional academic experience combined with excellent scholarship opportunities that can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.

For Nigerian students seeking quality education with financial support, Surrey presents compelling advantages including its strong industry connections, 95% graduate employment rate, and comprehensive scholarship programs specifically designed for international students from developing nations.

University of Surrey International Scholarships 2026

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship International Excellence Scholarship provides Nigerian students with awards worth up to £5,000 per year for the duration of their undergraduate or postgraduate programs. This merit-based scholarship recognizes academic achievement and is awarded automatically to qualifying students upon admission.

Eligibility Requirements:

• First-class honors degree equivalent (for postgraduate applicants)
• Minimum of 5 A's in WAEC or equivalent (for undergraduate applicants)
• IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0
• Must be classified as an international fee-paying student
• Cannot be combined with other Surrey scholarships

Surrey International Study Centre Scholarships

For Nigerian students who need additional academic preparation, the Surrey International Study Centre offers foundation and pre-master's programs with dedicated scholarships worth £2,500. These programs provide an excellent pathway for students who don't meet direct entry requirements.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

This prestigious award, worth £10,000, is available to exceptional Nigerian students pursuing postgraduate taught programs. Only 20 scholarships are awarded annually across all international students, making this highly competitive but rewarding for top achievers.

External Scholarship Opportunities for Nigerian Students

Chevening Scholarships

The UK government's Chevening program offers full scholarships to outstanding Nigerian professionals and academics. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK. Surrey is among the approved institutions for Chevening scholars.

Application Timeline for 2026:

• Applications open: August 2025
• Application deadline: November 2025
• Results announced: June 2026

Commonwealth Scholarships

Nigerian students can apply for Commonwealth Master's and PhD scholarships, which provide full funding including tuition, stipend, and travel costs. The University of Surrey welcomes Commonwealth scholars across various disciplines.

Developing Countries Scholarship

This need-based scholarship program offers awards ranging from £3,000 to £5,000 for Nigerian students demonstrating financial need combined with academic merit. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Subject-Specific Scholarships at Surrey

Engineering and Physical Sciences Scholarships

Nigerian students pursuing engineering, computer science, or physical sciences can access additional funding through:

• STEM Excellence Awards: £3,000 for undergraduate students
• Engineering Innovation Scholarship: £4,000 for postgraduate students
• Research Excellence Scholarship: Up to £15,000 for PhD candidates

Business and Management Scholarships

Surrey Business School offers several scholarships for Nigerian students:

• Business Leadership Scholarship: £3,500 for MBA students
• Entrepreneurship Award: £2,000 for undergraduate business students
• International Business Excellence: £4,000 for MSc programs

Application Process and Requirements

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Submit University Application: Apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly to Surrey for postgraduate programs by the priority deadline of June 30, 2026

2. Scholarship Application: Most Surrey scholarships are awarded automatically upon admission, but external scholarships require separate applications

3. Document Preparation: Gather academic transcripts, English language certificates (IELTS/TOEFL), personal statements, and reference letters

4. Financial Documentation: Prepare bank statements and financial guarantor letters for visa applications

Required Documents for Nigerian Students

• WAEC/NECO results with certified translations
• University transcripts (for postgraduate applicants)
• IELTS Academic score of minimum 6.5
• Personal statement highlighting career goals and motivation
• Two academic or professional references
• Passport copy and visa application materials

Cost of Studying at University of Surrey 2026

Tuition Fees for Nigerian Students

• Undergraduate programs: £19,800-£24,500 per year
• Postgraduate taught programs: £20,500-£26,000 per year
• MBA programs: £35,000 total
• PhD programs: £19,800-£24,500 per year

Living Costs in Guildford

• On-campus accommodation: £6,500-£9,500 per year
• Off-campus housing: £8,000-£12,000 per year
• Food and groceries: £2,500-£3,500 per year
• Transportation: £1,000-£1,500 per year
• Books and materials: £500-£800 per year

Tips for Maximizing Scholarship Success

Academic Preparation

Nigerian students should focus on achieving excellent grades in their final year examinations. For WAEC candidates, aim for at least 5 A's in relevant subjects. University students should maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (first-class equivalent) to qualify for merit-based scholarships.

English Language Requirements

Invest time in IELTS preparation to achieve scores above the minimum requirements. Higher IELTS scores (7.0+) significantly improve scholarship chances and may qualify you for additional English proficiency awards.

Application Strategy

Apply early to maximize scholarship opportunities. Surrey operates on a first-come, first-served basis for many scholarships. Submit applications by February 2026 for September 2026 entry to access the full range of funding options.

When exploring your options, you can browse all universities to compare scholarship opportunities across different UK institutions, ensuring you make the best choice for your academic and financial situation.

Alternative Funding Options

Payment Plans and Installments

Surrey offers flexible payment plans allowing Nigerian students to pay tuition fees in installments throughout the academic year. This reduces the immediate financial burden and makes budgeting more manageable.

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Nigerian students on Tier 4 visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Surrey's career services help students find suitable part-time employment in Guildford and surrounding areas.

Student Loans and Financial Aid

While UK student loans aren't available to international students, Surrey's financial aid office can provide guidance on private loan options and emergency funding for students facing unexpected financial difficulties.

Conclusion

The University of Surrey presents excellent scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students in 2026, with awards ranging from £2,000 to full funding through external programs. Start your application process early and explore multiple funding sources to maximize your chances of securing financial support for your UK education journey.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Surrey ranks 32nd in UK University Rankings 2026 with 95% graduate employment rate

💰 International scholarships at Surrey range from £2,000 to £10,000 per year for Nigerian students

🎓 Over 200 Nigerian students currently study at University of Surrey across various programs

📈 Surrey's scholarship success rate for Nigerian applicants increased by 35% in 2025-2026

💼 95% of Surrey graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation

🌍 Surrey welcomes students from over 140 countries with 40% international student population

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Surrey scholarships as a Nigerian student?

Most Surrey scholarships are awarded automatically when you apply for admission, requiring no separate application. Submit your university application through UCAS (for undergraduate) or directly to Surrey (for postgraduate) by June 30, 2026. External scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth require separate applications with earlier deadlines. Ensure you meet academic requirements and submit all documents including WAEC/NECO results, IELTS scores, and personal statements.

What are the minimum academic requirements for Surrey scholarships for Nigerian students?

For undergraduate scholarships, Nigerian students typically need 5 A's in WAEC/NECO or equivalent qualifications. Postgraduate applicants require a first-class honors degree or equivalent (minimum CGPA 3.5). All applicants must achieve IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship requires exceptional academic achievement, typically top 10% of your graduating class.

How much do University of Surrey scholarships cover for Nigerian students?

Surrey scholarships for Nigerian students range from £2,000 to £10,000 per year. The International Excellence Scholarship provides up to £5,000 annually, while the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship offers £10,000. Subject-specific awards range from £2,000-£4,000. External scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth provide full funding including tuition (£19,800-£26,000), living costs (£12,000-£15,000), and travel expenses.

Can Nigerian students combine multiple scholarships at University of Surrey?

Nigerian students cannot typically combine University of Surrey internal scholarships, as stated in the terms and conditions. However, you can combine Surrey scholarships with external funding sources like Commonwealth or Chevening scholarships. Part-time work earnings (up to 20 hours per week) and payment plan options can supplement scholarship funding. Always check specific scholarship terms and consult Surrey's financial aid office for clarification.

What is the application deadline for Surrey scholarships for September 2026 entry?

Most University of Surrey scholarships are awarded automatically with university applications, so the key deadline is June 30, 2026, for priority consideration. However, applying by February 2026 maximizes scholarship opportunities as some awards are allocated on a first-come basis. External scholarships have earlier deadlines: Chevening applications close in November 2025, while Commonwealth scholarships deadline is December 2025.

Are there specific scholarships for Nigerian students studying engineering at Surrey?

Yes, Nigerian students pursuing engineering at Surrey can access multiple funding opportunities. The STEM Excellence Award provides £3,000 for undergraduate engineering students, while the Engineering Innovation Scholarship offers £4,000 for postgraduate students. PhD candidates can receive up to £15,000 through Research Excellence Scholarships. These are in addition to general international scholarships, and Surrey's School of Engineering has strong industry partnerships providing additional funding opportunities.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Surrey offers scholarships worth £2,000-£10,000 annually for Nigerian students in 2026

✅ Most Surrey scholarships are awarded automatically upon admission with no separate application required

✅ External scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth provide full funding for exceptional candidates

✅ Nigerian students need minimum 5 A's in WAEC and IELTS 6.5 to qualify for most scholarships

✅ Early application by February 2026 maximizes scholarship opportunities and funding availability

✅ Surrey ranks 32nd in UK with 95% graduate employment rate, making it excellent value for investment