2023 entry: International scholarships for Nigerian students

Nigerian students who hoped to study abroad have been bracing increasing uncertainties in their plans. With yet another currency crisis, students are facing the brunt of it having to put their study plans on hold. Thankfully, there are numerous financial aid and scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students to take advantage of. 

Most of these international scholarships are targeted towards Europe and are open to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA countries. Even so, it’s still best to check with the respective university on course specifications and whether your course is eligible. 

To make life easier for you, below are international scholarships for Nigerian students that are still accepting 2023 applications: 

University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)

The University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) is open to students from both EU/EEA countries and non-EU/EEA countries who want to pursue an MSc programme in subjects like Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, European Studies, Nanotechnology and Psychology. 

Fifty scholarships are available, with each valuing between 3,000 euros to 22,000 euros (US$3,117.78 to US$2,2863.72 at time of writing) annually. 

Do note that this scholarship requires IELTS. These are the rest of the requirements. 

The King Carl Gustaf Scholarship 

The King Carl Gustaf Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for master’s programmes at Uppsala University. It aims to help students living in unsafe and dangerous conditions in areas affected by conflict or natural disasters. Applicants would have to show proof of why they are vulnerable to the situation and show that they have academic talent.

Though this is one of the international scholarships for Nigerian students, it’s important to note that the list of citizenships that are eligible for this scholarship also varies from year to year. Again, it’s best to check other eligibility requirements before applying. Click here for an application guide.

Radboud Scholarship 

The Radboud Scholarship Programme offers partial scholarships to non-EU/EEA students to pursue a complete English-taught master’s degree programme at Radboud University.

A maximum of 26 Radboud Scholarships are available under these faculties: Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nijmegen School of Management, Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences. 

Awardees will only have to pay 2,314 euros (US$2,404.85) for tuition fees instead of 16,000 euros (US$16,628.16). What’s more, the scholarship also covers visa costs, residence permits, health insurance and liability insurance during your stay in the Netherlands. 

Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

For Nigerian students seeking a master’s programme at ETH Zurich, consider applying for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP). The scholarship is worth 12,000 Swiss francs per semester (US$12,688.22). It also provides mentorship and opportunities to build your professional network under the ETH Foundation. 

There are approximately 60 ESOP scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year. Existing master’s students at ETH Zurich and those who hold a master’s degree are not eligible to apply for this scholarship. Find out more here. 

Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships at Roskilde University

Students arriving from countries outside of the EU/EEA who require financial aid can apply for tuition fee waivers and scholarships under the Danish institution. 

The scholarship is only awarded to those applying to these programmes: Master in Environmental Science, Master in Global and Development Studies, Master in International Politics and Governance, Master in Media and Communication, Master in Nordic Urban Planning Studies and Master in Computer Science.

Given that there are limited amounts of tuition fee waivers and scholarships being offered, applying for this scholarship doesn’t guarantee you will be awarded. It is credit-based rather than need-based financial aid. Meaning the emphasis is placed on academic performance, work experience and your motivational letter; family or social background won’t be taken into account.