Studying in the UK remains one of the most attractive options for Nigerian students looking to advance their education and career. With world-class universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and global networking possibilities, the UK is a top destination for postgraduate studies. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a barrier. That’s where postgraduate scholarships in the UK for Nigerians in 2026 come in.
This comprehensive guide will help Nigerian students identify the best fully funded and partial scholarships in the UK for Master’s and PhD programs, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application tips.
Why Nigerians Should Pursue Postgraduate Studies in the UK
- Top-ranked universities: The UK is home to institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London.
- High employability: A UK postgraduate degree is internationally recognized, boosting job prospects globally.
- Networking opportunities: Access to international communities, research groups, and professional networks.
- Scholarship options: Multiple UK government, university, and private scholarships target Nigerians.
- Work opportunities: UK postgraduate students can work part-time and transition to work visas after graduation.
List of Postgraduate Scholarships in UK for Nigerians – 2026
| Scholarship | Level | Coverage | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Master’s | Full tuition, monthly stipend, flights, visa fees | Nov 2025 |
| Commonwealth Master’s & PhD Scholarships | Master’s & PhD | Full funding (tuition, living, airfare) | Dec 2025 |
| GREAT Scholarships | Master’s | £10,000 towards tuition fees | Feb 2026 |
| Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford) | Master’s & PhD | Full tuition, living stipend, travel allowance | Oct 2025 |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Master’s & PhD | Tuition, living allowance, visa costs | Dec 2025 |
| Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford) | Master’s & PhD | Full tuition + generous stipend | Jan 2026 |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | Master’s | Full tuition, travel, and living costs | March 2026 |
| University of Warwick Chancellor’s Scholarship | Postgraduate (Research) | Full tuition + maintenance | Dec 2025 |
| Imperial College London President’s Scholarship | PhD | Tuition + annual stipend | Jan 2026 |
Quick Overview of UK Postgraduate Scholarships for Nigerians
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligible Applicants | Nigerian graduates (Master’s & PhD) |
| Funding | Fully funded & partial scholarships |
| Application Window | October 2025 – March 2026 |
| Host Institutions | Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Warwick, Imperial, and others |
| Fields of Study | Open (STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities, Business, Law, Health, Cybersecurity, AI, etc.) |
| Mode of Study | On-campus (some blended/remote options) |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for Nigerians
- Nationality – Must be a Nigerian citizen with a valid international passport.
- Academic Requirements – At least a Second Class Upper (2:1) undergraduate degree. Some scholarships accept Second Class Lower with relevant experience.
- English Proficiency – IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or proof of English-medium degree.
- Leadership & Work Experience – For scholarships like Chevening and Rhodes, leadership and community service are required.
- Admission Offer – Most scholarships require admission or application to a UK university.
- Age Limit – Some scholarships (like Rhodes) have age restrictions (usually under 28 years).
Required Documents
- International passport
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Admission letter (or proof of application)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Personal statement / research proposal
- Two or three academic/professional references
- Proof of English proficiency
- Work experience certificates (if applicable)
Application Timeline for 2026
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | October 2025 |
| Scholarship Deadlines | Oct 2025 – March 2026 |
| University Deadlines | Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 |
| Shortlisting & Interviews | Feb – May 2026 |
| Final Awards Announced | May – July 2026 |
| Start of Programs | September 2026 |
Best UK Universities Offering Scholarships to Nigerians
| University | Popular Scholarship |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Rhodes Scholarship, Clarendon Fund |
| University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge Scholarship |
| Imperial College London | President’s PhD Scholarship |
| University of Warwick | Chancellor’s International Scholarship |
| University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh Global Scholarships |
| University College London (UCL) | UCL Global Masters Scholarships |
| University of Manchester | Equity and Merit Scholarships |
Cost of Studying vs Scholarship Coverage
| Expense | Average Annual Cost (£) | Scholarship Support |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Master’s) | 18,000 – 25,000 | Fully or partially covered |
| Tuition (PhD) | 15,000 – 22,000 | Fully or partially covered |
| Living Expenses | 12,000 – 15,000 | Covered in fully funded scholarships |
| Health Insurance | 500 – 800 | Included in some packages |
| Visa & Flight | 1,500 – 2,000 | Covered in most fully funded programs |
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Apply early (before deadlines).
- Maintain a strong academic record (GPA 3.5/4.0 or equivalent).
- Gain relevant work or research experience.
- Write a compelling personal statement highlighting goals and leadership.
- Network with professors, alumni, and scholarship committees.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews.
FAQs – UK Postgraduate Scholarships for Nigerians (2026)
Q1: Are UK postgraduate scholarships fully funded?
Yes. Scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, Clarendon, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge offer full funding.
Q2: Can Nigerian students apply without IELTS?
Some universities waive IELTS if your undergraduate degree was taught in English. But most scholarships require proof of proficiency.
Q3: Do I need work experience?
For Chevening, at least 2 years of work experience is required. Others may not demand it.
Q4: Can I work while studying in the UK?
Yes. Nigerian students can work 20 hours weekly during term and full-time during holidays.
Q5: When should I start applying?
Applications open October 2025. Begin preparing documents as early as possible.
Summary
The 2026 postgraduate scholarships in the UK for Nigerians offer a life-changing opportunity to access world-class education without financial stress. Whether through the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth funding, Rhodes, or university-specific programs, Nigerian students can achieve their academic and professional dreams.
Start early, prepare strong applications, and leverage these opportunities to join the thousands of Nigerians thriving in UK universities.