Have you ever imagined studying abroad but stopped yourself because of the cost?
Tuition fees. Accommodation. Flights. Visa expenses. Food. Books. Living expenses.
For many international students, these costs can make studying overseas seem completely out of reach.
But there is another option that many people don’t know enough about: fully funded scholarships.
Every year, governments, universities, international organizations and foundations provide scholarships that can cover some or most of the major costs associated with studying abroad.
Depending on the scholarship, funding may include tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances, health insurance, airfare, research expenses or other study-related costs.
And the opportunities aren’t limited to students from wealthy countries.
Many major scholarship programmes specifically accept applicants from developing and low- and middle-income countries.
Before You Start Applying
Don’t rush through this article just to find a scholarship link.
The scholarship itself is only one part of the process.
Your eligibility, academic background, work experience, personal statement, references, course choice and application strategy can all determine whether you have a realistic chance of being selected.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
- What fully funded scholarships actually cover
- Which types of international students can apply
- 20 major scholarship opportunities worth researching
- Which opportunities are suitable for undergraduate, Master’s and PhD applicants
- What documents you should prepare
- Common mistakes that can ruin an otherwise strong application
- How to improve your scholarship application
- And, most importantly, where to find the official application portals and scholarship information for the programmes discussed in this guide
Keep reading because the official scholarship portals are collected in one place near the end of this guide.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship is a scholarship designed to cover the major costs associated with an academic programme.
However, there is an important distinction:
“Fully funded” does not necessarily mean that absolutely every expense you will ever have is paid for.
Each programme has its own funding package.
For example, one scholarship may cover:
- 100% tuition
- Monthly living allowance
- Health insurance
- Airfare
while another may cover tuition and living expenses but have different rules regarding travel or accommodation.
That is why you should always read the official funding conditions before accepting an award.
What Can a Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
Depending on the programme, funding can include:
🎓 Tuition Fees
Some scholarships pay the university directly or cover your approved tuition costs.
This can remove one of the biggest financial barriers to studying abroad.
🏠 Accommodation
Some programmes provide accommodation directly, while others provide a living allowance that can be used toward housing.
💰 Monthly Living Allowance
A stipend may be provided to help with food, transportation and everyday expenses.
✈️ Airfare
Some fully funded programmes provide travel support, including flights to and from the host country.
🏥 Health Insurance
Certain scholarship programmes include health insurance or healthcare-related support.
📚 Additional Allowances
Depending on the programme, students may receive support for books, research, relocation, visas or other approved expenses.
Always check the exact benefits for the scholarship you’re applying for.
20 Fully Funded International Scholarships Worth Exploring
Below are major scholarship programmes that international students should know about.
Important: Application dates vary by programme and year. Some opportunities below have current or upcoming 2026/27 application windows, while others follow annual cycles. Always confirm the current status through the official portal before applying.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Study level: Master’s
Destination: United Kingdom
Chevening is one of the UK’s major international scholarship programmes.
It supports outstanding emerging leaders from eligible countries to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the UK.
For Nigerian applicants, the current 2027–2028 Chevening cycle is open, with applications scheduled to close on October 6, 2026.
Chevening looks beyond academic performance. Leadership potential, experience, influence and your plans for creating impact are important parts of the selection process.
The programme also expects successful scholars to return to their country of award for at least two years after the scholarship.
So this isn’t simply a programme for someone who wants to study overseas. You need to demonstrate why the opportunity fits your career and long-term goals.
2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Study level: Master’s
Destination: United Kingdom
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships support talented applicants from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
The programme focuses strongly on development-related fields and aims to help candidates gain knowledge and skills that can contribute to development in their home countries.
For the 2027/28 academic year, applications are scheduled to open on September 8, 2026, and close on October 20, 2026.
That makes this particularly important for prospective applicants who are preparing now.
Don’t wait until the application opens before gathering your documents.
3. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Study level: PhD
Destination: United Kingdom
If you’re planning a doctorate, the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is another major opportunity to investigate.
The programme supports high-quality graduates whose proposed research can contribute to development.
The 2027/28 application cycle is scheduled to open on September 8, 2026, with applications closing on October 20, 2026.
Unlike some scholarship programmes where applicants apply directly, Commonwealth PhD applications involve a nominating process, so applicants should carefully check the requirements of the relevant nominator.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Study level: Master’s
Destination: Multiple European countries
Erasmus Mundus is different from a conventional scholarship attached to one university.
Joint Master’s programmes are delivered by international university consortia, meaning students may study in multiple countries during their programme.
Students from around the world can apply.
The EU-funded scholarships can contribute toward participation costs, travel, visa expenses and living expenses.
Most Erasmus Mundus programmes typically accept applications between October and January for programmes beginning the following academic year, although exact deadlines depend on the specific Master’s programme.
This means September is a good time to start researching the upcoming programmes rather than waiting until deadlines are close.
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Study level: Master’s / Doctoral / research opportunities, depending on country
Destination: United States
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the best-known international education programmes in the United States.
It provides opportunities for students and young professionals from participating countries to undertake graduate-level study or research in the US.
The exact eligibility requirements, application process and benefits vary by country.
For Nigerian applicants, it is particularly important to check the US Embassy or relevant Fulbright programme information for Nigeria rather than assuming that requirements are identical everywhere.
6. DAAD Scholarships
Study level: Mainly postgraduate, depending on programme
Destination: Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service, commonly known as DAAD, provides a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students and researchers.
The major advantage is variety.
There isn’t simply one “DAAD scholarship.”
Different programmes have different academic requirements, fields, funding packages and deadlines.
Some opportunities are particularly relevant to graduates from developing countries.
Instead of applying blindly, search the DAAD scholarship database and filter programmes according to your academic level and field.
7. Australia Awards
Study level: Mainly Master’s and postgraduate study
Destination: Australia
Australia Awards are Australian Government scholarships designed to contribute to the development of eligible partner countries.
They can provide significant support for eligible students undertaking study in Australia.
Eligibility and participating countries vary by programme.
Applicants should therefore check the official Australia Awards information for their country rather than relying on social media posts claiming that “Australia is giving everyone free education.”
8. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Study level: Master’s
Destination: Participating universities around the world
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is designed for citizens of eligible developing countries who want to pursue Master’s-level study in development-related fields.
The programme works with participating universities and specific Master’s programmes.
The scholarship can provide tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance and travel allowance.
However, admission to a participating Master’s programme is an important part of the process.
For the 2027 cycle, the World Bank has announced two application windows:
- January 18 – February 26, 2027
- March 29 – May 21, 2027
This is therefore an opportunity to prepare for rather than rush into today.
9. Rhodes Scholarship
Study level: Postgraduate
Destination: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarship programmes.
It provides fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford for selected scholars.
The programme is highly competitive and focuses not only on academic excellence but also on character, leadership and commitment to making a positive impact.
The Rhodes Trust currently states that applications for the 2027 scholarship are open, although eligibility and deadlines depend on the applicant’s constituency.
10. Reach Oxford Scholarship
Study level: Undergraduate
Destination: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
For students looking for undergraduate funding, the Reach Oxford Scholarship is worth knowing about.
It is aimed at students from low-income countries who may not otherwise be able to study at Oxford.
For eligible scholars, the award covers course fees, provides a grant for living costs and includes one return airfare per year.
Nigeria is included among the eligible nationalities listed by Oxford.
However, the 2026 entry application cycle is already closed. Oxford states that information for 2027 entry will be released in January 2027.
This is exactly why preparing early matters.
11. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Study level: Postgraduate
Destination: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is another highly competitive opportunity for international students seeking postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.
The programme is designed to attract outstanding students from outside the UK.
Selection considers academic excellence, reasons for choosing the course, commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential.
Prospective applicants should check Cambridge’s official funding information and the specific deadline applicable to their course.
12. University of Cambridge Trust Scholarships
Study level: Undergraduate / Postgraduate
Destination: United Kingdom
The University of Cambridge has a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.
Funding differs depending on the scholarship, college and programme.
Some awards are full-cost scholarships, while others provide partial financial support.
This is important because applicants should never assume that every scholarship displayed on a university’s funding page covers the entire cost of study.
Use Cambridge’s official funding search to identify awards for which you actually qualify.
13. Schwarzman Scholars
Study level: Master’s
Destination: China
Schwarzman Scholars provides a fully funded Master’s-level programme at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
The programme is designed around leadership, global affairs and interdisciplinary study.
It attracts students from around the world and is particularly suited to applicants interested in international relations, public policy, economics, leadership and related areas.
Competition is intense, so applicants should treat the personal statement and leadership portions of the application as seriously as the academic requirements.
14. Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Study level: Graduate
Destination: Stanford University, United States
Knight-Hennessy Scholars supports graduate students studying at Stanford University.
The programme combines graduate study with leadership development and a multidisciplinary scholars community.
It can be particularly attractive to applicants who have a clear academic direction and a strong record of leadership or community impact.
Because Stanford programmes have their own admission requirements, applicants should carefully coordinate their graduate application with the scholarship application.
15. University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Study level: Undergraduate
Destination: Canada
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is designed for exceptional international students entering undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
The award focuses heavily on academic achievement, creativity, leadership and impact within the student’s school or community.
This is one to investigate if you’re currently completing secondary education and looking for an undergraduate route into Canada.
The nomination and university admission process is important, so applicants should not wait until the final deadline to begin.
16. UBC International Scholars Program
Study level: Undergraduate
Destination: Canada
The University of British Columbia offers major awards for international undergraduate students through its International Scholars Program.
The programme is aimed at students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership potential and significant community involvement.
UBC has multiple award categories, so applicants should carefully check which award best matches their circumstances.
17. McCall MacBain Scholarships
Study level: Master’s / Professional graduate programmes
Destination: Canada
The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University is designed around graduate study, leadership and community engagement.
The programme looks for people who demonstrate leadership and a desire to create meaningful impact.
It is particularly interesting for students considering graduate study in Canada and looking for a scholarship that goes beyond academic grades.
18. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
Study level: Undergraduate
Destination: Canada
The University of Calgary offers scholarships for international students entering undergraduate programmes.
Awards and eligibility conditions vary by scholarship and intake.
Students should therefore check the university’s current international awards information and admission requirements before assuming they qualify for a particular award.
19. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
Study level: Primarily Master’s and PhD
Destination: Ireland
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is designed to attract high-calibre international students to Ireland.
The programme can provide significant financial support for eligible students accepted into participating Irish institutions.
Applicants should check the current programme cycle, participating institutions and nomination requirements before applying.
20. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Study level: Undergraduate / Master’s / depending on partner institution
Destination: Multiple countries and institutions
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program works through partner universities and organizations to support talented young people who face financial and other barriers to higher education.
There isn’t one universal application portal for every Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
Instead, applications are usually handled through participating partner institutions.
This means you should identify the university or programme you’re interested in and follow that institution’s official application process.
How Do You Know If You Qualify?
One of the biggest mistakes students make is seeing the words “fully funded” and immediately assuming they qualify.
Scholarships can have very specific requirements.
You may be assessed based on:
Academic Performance
Some programmes require a particular grade or degree classification.
Others are more flexible but expect evidence of academic excellence.
Level of Study
A scholarship might be available only for:
- Undergraduate students
- Master’s students
- PhD candidates
- Researchers
- Professionals
Always check this before applying.
Work Experience
Some scholarships, particularly leadership-focused Master’s programmes, require applicants to demonstrate professional or relevant work experience.
Chevening, for example, currently requires at least two years of work experience equivalent to 2,800 hours. (Chevening)
Leadership
Leadership doesn’t necessarily mean that you were the president of an organization.
It can include:
- Starting a community project
- Leading a student organization
- Building a business
- Organizing a social initiative
- Creating an educational project
- Taking responsibility for meaningful change
The important part is being able to demonstrate what you actually did and what changed because of your involvement.
Documents You Should Start Preparing
Don’t wait until a scholarship application opens before gathering your documents.
Depending on the programme, you may need:
1. International Passport
Make sure your passport information is accurate and your passport is valid.
2. Academic Transcripts
Universities and scholarship organizations often request official academic records.
3. Degree or School Certificate
Depending on your academic level, this could be a secondary-school certificate, Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree.
4. CV
Create a clean academic or professional CV.
Focus on achievements rather than simply listing responsibilities.
5. Personal Statement
This is one of the most important parts of many applications.
Don’t write one generic essay and send it everywhere.
Your statement should explain:
- Who you are
- What you have achieved
- Why you chose your field
- Why the particular programme matters
- What you intend to accomplish
- Why the scholarship should invest in you
6. Recommendation Letters
Identify potential referees early.
A strong recommendation from someone who actually knows your academic or professional work is much more useful than a generic letter from someone with an impressive title.
7. Proof of English
Some programmes require IELTS, TOEFL or another approved form of English-language evidence.
Others may have alternative requirements or exemptions.
Never assume that “No IELTS” applies to every university or scholarship.
7 Mistakes That Can Destroy a Scholarship Application
Mistake 1: Applying Without Checking Eligibility
Don’t spend hours completing an application before checking whether your nationality, degree, age, academic level or work experience qualifies.
Mistake 2: Using the Same Personal Statement Everywhere
Scholarship committees can often tell when an application hasn’t been tailored.
Make every application specific.
Mistake 3: Exaggerating Your Achievements
Don’t invent leadership positions, work experience or community projects.
Your application should be credible.
Mistake 4: Waiting Until the Deadline
Technical problems, missing documents and recommendation letters can cause unnecessary stress.
Start early.
Mistake 5: Paying Someone Who Promises a Scholarship
Be extremely careful with anyone claiming:
“Pay me and I’ll guarantee your scholarship.”
No legitimate consultant can guarantee that a scholarship committee will select you.
Mistake 6: Applying Through Random Links
Scammers often create fake scholarship pages designed to collect personal information or money.
Whenever possible, begin with the official university, government or scholarship organization’s website.
Mistake 7: Ignoring the Course Requirement
A scholarship may be fully funded but still be unsuitable for your intended field.
Always check which programmes and universities participate.
Can You Get a Fully Funded Scholarship Without IELTS?
Sometimes.
But there is no universal rule.
Some universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency. Some may waive a test under specific circumstances. Others require IELTS, TOEFL or another approved test.
So don’t believe a headline simply because it says:
“Study abroad without IELTS.”
Check the exact university and programme requirements.
Can Nigerians Apply for International Scholarships?
Yes, Nigerians are eligible for many international scholarship programmes, although eligibility depends on the specific award.
For example, Nigeria is listed among the eligible nationalities for the Reach Oxford Scholarship, while Chevening maintains a dedicated scholarship programme for Nigerian applicants. (Oxford University)
The important thing is to check each scholarship individually.
Being Nigerian does not automatically qualify you for every scholarship, but it also should never stop you from looking for opportunities.
Do You Need to Be Extremely Rich to Study Abroad?
Not necessarily.
That’s one of the reasons scholarships are so valuable.
However, you should understand that even a scholarship that covers tuition and major expenses may have conditions and expenses that are not fully covered.
You should therefore calculate:
- Visa costs
- Passport costs
- Travel expenses
- Personal expenses
- Initial accommodation
- Deposits
- Transportation
- Any costs specifically excluded from the scholarship
Never travel based solely on a social-media claim that says “Everything is 100% free.”
Read the official funding conditions.
How to Increase Your Chances
There is no guaranteed formula for winning a scholarship, but you can make yourself a stronger applicant.
Build a Strong Academic Record
Good grades matter, especially for highly competitive scholarships.
Develop Leadership Experience
Don’t wait until scholarship season.
Start taking responsibility now.
Get Involved in Meaningful Projects
Volunteer, build something, organize something or contribute to a cause you genuinely care about.
Develop a Clear Career Direction
Scholarship committees want to understand what you intend to do with the opportunity.
Apply Strategically
Don’t apply randomly to every scholarship you see.
Build a list of opportunities where your academic profile, experience and goals genuinely match the requirements.
What Should You Do Right Now?
If studying abroad is genuinely your goal, don’t wait until you see another viral Facebook post.
Start preparing your application materials now.
Create a folder on your phone or computer containing:
- Passport
- Certificates
- Transcripts
- CV
- Personal statement draft
- Recommendation contacts
- Academic records
- English-language documents
- Certificates from relevant courses or activities
Then create a spreadsheet containing:
| Scholarship | Study Level | Country | Deadline | Eligibility | Status |
| Chevening | Master’s | UK | Oct. 6, 2026 | Eligible countries + requirements | Open |
| Commonwealth Master’s | Master’s | UK | Oct. 20, 2026 | Eligible Commonwealth countries | Opening Sept. 8 |
| Commonwealth PhD | PhD | UK | Oct. 20, 2026 | Eligible Commonwealth countries + nominator | Opening Sept. 8 |
| Erasmus Mundus | Master’s | Europe | Varies | Programme-specific | Upcoming cycles |
| Rhodes | Postgraduate | UK | Varies | Constituency-specific | Check current cycle |
Deadlines and application status can change, so verify each one on the official portal before submitting.
🔗 Official Scholarship Portals
You’ve made it this far, so here’s the most important part: where to verify these opportunities and start the official application process.
1. Chevening Scholarships
For Nigerian applicants, the official Chevening Nigeria page currently shows the 2027–28 application cycle as open.
Chevening Scholarships – Nigeria
2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – Official Portal
3. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships – Official Portal
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s
Erasmus Mundus – Official Student Information
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
6. DAAD Scholarships
7. Australia Awards
Australia Awards – Official Information
8. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
World Bank Scholarship Program
9. Rhodes Scholarship
Rhodes Scholarship – Official Portal
10. Reach Oxford Scholarship
Reach Oxford Scholarship – University of Oxford
11. Gates Cambridge
12. Schwarzman Scholars
13. Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Knight-Hennessy Scholars – Stanford University
14. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
15. UBC International Scholars
UBC International Scholars Program
16. McCall MacBain Scholarships
17. University of Calgary Scholarships
University of Calgary International Awards
18. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
19. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
20. UK Government International Scholarships
UK Government International Scholarship Information
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad may look impossible when you only look at international tuition fees.
But scholarships can completely change the calculation.
The important thing is to stop thinking:
“I need to be rich before I can study abroad.”
Instead, start asking:
“Which opportunities am I eligible for, and what do I need to do to become a competitive applicant?”
There is no scholarship that can guarantee you a place simply because you apply.
There is also no legitimate programme where someone can promise you a visa or admission for a fee.
But there are genuine opportunities available to international students, including applicants from Nigeria.
The people who benefit from them are usually the people who research early, prepare their documents, understand the requirements and actually submit strong applications.
If studying abroad is one of your goals, start preparing now.
Save this page, check the official scholarship portals regularly, and keep a list of upcoming deadlines.
Your opportunity may not be the first scholarship you apply for. It may be the fifth, tenth or twentieth application. The important thing is to keep looking for opportunities where you genuinely qualify.