Top UK Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025 — Apply Before August!

Every year, many Nigerian graduates dream of a UK master’s degree—but feel held back by the cost. The truth is, there are fully funded scholarships available—and many close before August 2025. From Chevening to Commonwealth Shared, GREAT, Rhodes, and university awards at Birmingham, Newcastle, Oxford, and more—all provide tuition, living support, and travel expenses.

If you’re aiming to study in the UK in September 2025, this guide is your roadmap. We’ll breakdown eligibility, deadlines, application strategies, and FAQs to help you succeed.

Scholarships Table Snapshot:

Scholarship	Coverage	Deadline
Chevening Scholarship Nigeria	Full (tuition + UK stipend)	Mid‑August
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Nigeria	Full (tuition + stipend)	July–August
GREAT Scholarships 2025	Part (£10K tuition)	Varies (July)
Univ of Birmingham Anniversary Scholarship	Full tuition	Late July
Newcastle Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship	Full/partial tuition	July
Edinburgh Napier West Africa Scholarship	Partial/full tuition	Aug
Clarendon Scholarships (Oxford)	Full tuition + living	Early Sept
Distance Learning Commonwealth Scholarship	Full remote master’s	July–Aug

1. Chevening Scholarship Nigeria 2025 (Apply Before Early November)

• What It Offers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel grants, arrival/departure allowance, visa costs
  
  
  
• Eligibility: Nigerian citizen, bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1, minimum 2 years’ work experience, leadership potential
  
  
• Deadlines: Opens early August 2025, closes 7 October 2025 (12:00 UTC)
  
  

Insider Tips:

• Apply to three eligible programs in different universities
  
  
• Highlight your leadership vision for Nigeria
  
  
• Network with Chevening alumni in Nigeria for insights
  
  

2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Nigeria 2025 (Deadline: July–August)

• What It Offers: Full tuition + stipend support, open to low-income applicants from Nigeria
  
  
  
  
• Eligibility: Nigerian national, cannot study in UK without scholarship
  
  
• Deadline: Varies by university partner; usually July–August 2025
  
  
• Requirement: Return to Nigeria post-study to contribute to development
  
  

Tips: Emphasize your impact plan and financial need.

3. GREAT Scholarships on the GREAT Britain Campaign (Deadline: Varies by Institution)

• What It Offers: £10,000 tuition award to a range of universities including Manchester, Warwick, Edinburgh Napier, Sheffield Hallam, and more
  
  
  
  
• Eligibility: Nigerian citizen, UK undergrad equivalent, meet English requirements
  
  
• Tips: Apply to multiple universities offering GREAT awards to increase chances
  
  

4. Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa 2026 (Deadline: Aug 2025)

• What It Offers: Fully funded study at University of Oxford, generous stipend
  
  
  
• Eligibility: Exceptional leadership, academic excellence, community service
  
  
• Deadline: Typically late August 2025
  
  

5. University-Specific Awards & Regional Scholarships

a. University of Birmingham – West Africa Postgraduate Chancellor’s Scholarship 2025

• Award value: £10,000
  
  
• Deadline: June 30, 2025
  
  

b. Newcastle University – Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship

• Significant tuition support
  
  
• Deadline: July 2025
  
  

c. Edinburgh Napier West Africa Scholarship

• Partial/full tuition
  
  
• Deadline: July–August 2025
  
  

d. University of Westminster – GREAT Scholarship in Justice & Law

• 50% tuition relief
  
  
• Deadline: First half of 2025
  
  

e. University of Dundee – Africa Scholarships

• Discounts up to £20,000 (deadline July–Aug 2025)
  
  

f. University of Glasgow – James McCune Smith Scholarship

• £2,000 tuition award (deadline June 2025)
  
  

6. Distance Learning Commonwealth Scholarship 2025

• Fully-funded part-time master’s you can complete remotely
  
  
• Ideal for Nigerian professionals with jobs or family commitments
  
  
• Available through Commonwealth Shared partners
  
  

Benefits: Study without leaving home, full funding included

Deadline: July–August

7. Additional Options & Emerging Scholarships

• UK National Scholarship Week corporate awards — major UK employers (Amazon, Kantar, etc.) now offer bursaries, mentorship & internships for underrepresented groups
  
  
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s — popular across EU universities, open earlier, check institute-specific dates
  
  

🧠 Application & Interview Tips

1. Start early: essays + reference letters take weeks
   
   
2. Tailor your essay to show clear impact for Nigeria
   
   
3. Highlight leadership (volunteering, community projects)
   
   
4. Prepare for interviews (Chevening & Commonwealth panels)
   
   
5. Secure at least one unconditional UK university offer before interview
   
   
6. Network with Nigerian scholarship alumni
   
   

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which scholarship supports short programs or part-time study?

A: Distance Learning Commonwealth Scholarship is tailor-made for remote learning while working.

Q: Can I apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously?

A: Yes — you can apply to multiple as long as application rules allow, and you meet deadlines.

Q: What if I don’t have strong work experience?

A: Focus on strong academic excellence, community service, and clear motivation goals (for Commonwealth and GREAT scholarships).

Stay tuned to Civic Vibe NG — your #1 resource for study, visa & money guides for Nigerians abroad.

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Photo Credit:  Shalom Ejiofor in Unsplash