Introduction
Studying abroad is one of the most transformative decisions a young Nigerian can make. But the conversation around international education too often stops at tuition ignoring the elephant in the room: how do you pay for rent, food, transport, and daily living in some of the world’s most expensive cities while also focusing on your degree?
The answer, for thousands of Nigerians every year, is a fully funded scholarship that includes a monthly living stipend, a regular cash allowance paid directly to the scholar to cover day-to-day living expenses. These scholarships do not just open doors to world-class education; they make it financially possible to walk through them.
This guide covers the most valuable, reputable, and accessible stipend-paying scholarships available to Nigerian students in 2026 which include how much they pay, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply.
What Is a Living Stipend Scholarship and Why Does It Matter?
A living stipend is a periodic sometimes monthly cash payment included in a scholarship package, separate from tuition coverage. Its purpose is to cover a scholar’s basic living costs, accommodation, food, local transportation, books, and personal expenses so they can study without financial distraction.
Not all scholarships include stipends. Many cover only tuition, leaving students to fund their own living costs, which in cities like London, Toronto, or New York can exceed CAD/USD $1,500–$2,000 per month. Scholarships that bundle tuition coverage with a monthly stipend and sometimes return airfare and health insurance on top are the gold standard, and they are what this guide focuses on.
For Nigerian students, who are often converting savings from naira and may not have access to part-time work in their early months abroad, a stipend scholarship is not just a bonus it is frequently the difference between going and not going.
1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Monthly Stipend: Approximately £1,093–£1,200/month (London rate higher)
Covers: Full tuition, monthly living allowance, return flights, arrival allowance, travel grant for Chevening events
Level: Masters (one year)
Host Country: United Kingdom
Funded by: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Chevening is arguably the most prestigious scholarship available to Nigerians seeking UK postgraduate study. It selects future leaders, people who have demonstrated ambition, networking ability, and a clear vision for how their UK education will benefit Nigeria and the wider world.
Nigeria consistently ranks among the top recipient countries globally, meaning competition is fierce but real Nigerians win this scholarship every single year.
Eligibility highlights:
Nigerian citizen, not holding UK citizenship or permanent residence
Minimum of two years’ work experience by the time of scholarship start
Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second class (2:1)
Commit to returning to Nigeria for a minimum of two years after the scholarship
Application window: Typically opens August–November each year for the following academic year.
Key tip: Chevening is as much a leadership selection as an academic one. Your three essays, on leadership, networking, and career plan carry as much weight as your academic record. Generic answers do not win Chevening. Specific, evidence-based stories do.
Apply at: chevening.org
2. Commonwealth Scholarships, United Kingdom
Monthly Stipend: Approximately £1,347/month (London) or £1,133/month (elsewhere in the UK)
Covers: Full tuition, monthly living allowance, return airfare, thesis grant (for PhD scholars), arrival allowance
Level: Masters and PhD
Host Country: United Kingdom
Funded by: UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Commonwealth Scholarships target candidates from lower and middle-income Commonwealth countries, Nigeria qualifies with a focus on development impact. Unlike Chevening, which emphasises leadership potential broadly, Commonwealth Scholarships give significant weight to how your proposed studies will contribute to development in your home country.
Two main streams for Nigerians:
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for taught Masters at participating UK universities, available to those who have NOT lived in a high-income country for two or more years
Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships, this is for PhD students who wish to spend 12 months of their PhD at a UK university while registered at a Nigerian institution
Eligibility highlights:
Nigerian citizen, ordinarily resident in Nigeria
Strong academic record usually a first-class or upper second-class degree
Unable to afford UK study without the scholarship
Clear development impact statement
Application window: Typically, December–January for the following academic year.
Apply via: Your Nigerian nominating agency which is the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the CSC online portal at cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
3. DAAD Scholarships, Germany
Monthly Stipend: €934/month for Masters students, €1,200/month for PhD students, €1,300/month involves postdoctoral researchers.
Covers: Monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, study and research allowance
Level: Masters, PhD, postdoctoral research
Host Country: Germany
Funded by: German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
Germany is known to be one of the top destinations for Nigerian students seeking affordable, high-quality postgraduate education and the DAAD scholarship is the flagship funding vehicle. Many German public universities charge no tuition fees for international students, meaning the DAAD stipend stretches remarkably far.
Key DAAD programmes for Nigerians:
DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS): For Nigerians employed in development-relevant roles seeking a Masters in sustainable development, public health, engineering, economics, or related fields. Candidates must be employed and plan to return to Nigeria after the degree.
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme: For postgraduates in public policy and good governance.
DAAD Research Grants: For PhD students and researchers seeking to undertake research stays in Germany.
Eligibility highlights:
Nigerian citizen with a strong academic record
Relevant work experience, for the EPOS programme.
German language skills are not typically required for English-taught programmes, though basic German is advantageous for daily life.
Application window: Varies by programme but generally August–October for the following year.
Apply at: daad.de/en
4. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Monthly Stipend: Varies by host university however USD $500–$1,000/month equivalent, plus full living support.
Covers: Full tuition, accommodation, meals or food stipend, return travel, health insurance, personal development support.
Level: Undergraduate and Masters
Host Countries: Partner universities across Africa, USA, Canada, UK, and beyond
Funded by: Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the most generous scholarship packages available to young Nigerians and crucially, it has a strong focus on students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, making it accessible to those who might not have the polished professional profiles that Chevening or Commonwealth require.
The programme is built around a philosophy of transformation: scholars are selected not only for academic excellence but for demonstrated commitment to giving back to their communities and continent.
Partner universities as selected:
University of Toronto (Canada)
Arizona State University (USA)
Sciences Po (France)
African Leadership University (Rwanda/Mauritius)
University of Edinburgh (UK)
Several African universities including University of Lagos
Eligibility highlights:
African citizen (Nigerian students fully eligible)
Demonstrated financial need
Strong academic performance
Evidence of leadership and community commitment
Young professionals and recent graduates welcome for Masters programmes
Application window: It varies by partner university, check each institution’s specific deadline.
Apply via: Individual partner university websites. Search “Mastercard Foundation Scholars [University Name]” for the relevant portal.
5. Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and French Government Scholarships, France
Monthly Stipend: Approximately €700–€900/month
Covers: Partial or full tuition, monthly living allowance, health cover contributions
Level: Masters and PhD
Host Country: France
Funded by: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs / Campus France.
France is an increasingly popular destination for Anglophone Nigerian students, particularly for those seeking business, international relations, social science, and engineering programmes at institutions like Sciences Po, HEC Paris, and various Grandes Écoles.
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Bourse Eiffel) is France’s most prominent merit-based scholarship for international students and includes a monthly stipend, return travel, and health insurance. Nigerians in fields including engineering, law, economics, political science, and management are eligible.
Key tip: French government scholarships are applied for through Campus France Nigeria, which has offices in Lagos and Abuja. Engaging with Campus France early in the process significantly improves your application experience.
Apply via: campusfrance.org and the Eiffel portal
6. Australia Awards Scholarships
Monthly Stipend: Approximately AUD $2,362/month (2025–2026 rate).
Covers: Full tuition, return airfare, establishment allowance, monthly living stipend, health cover (OSHC), academic support.
Level: Masters PhD and some undergraduate.
Host Country: Australia
Funded by: Australian Government through Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Australia Awards are among the most financially comprehensive scholarships available to Nigerians. The monthly stipend of over AUD $2,300 is designed to cover full living costs in Australia without the need for additional work, although scholars may work limited hours if they choose.
The programme prioritises development impact: Applicants must work in sectors relevant to Australia’s development cooperation priorities in Nigeria, including agriculture, health, governance, and education, and must commit to returning to Nigeria after the award.
Eligibility highlights:
Nigerian citizen, resident in Nigeria at time of application
Minimum three years’ relevant work experience
Not currently in Australia or holding Australian permanent residency
Clear plan for applying qualifications in Nigeria upon return
Application window: February–April each year for the following academic year.
Apply at: australiaawardsafrica.org
Tips for Winning a Stipend Scholarship as a Nigerian Student
Start your application at least 12 months in advance. Most of the top scholarships listed above open applications 9–12 months before the study start date. Rushed applications rarely win.
Tailor every essay to the scholarship’s values. Chevening wants leaders. Commonwealth wants development impact. Mastercard Foundation wants transformed lives that will transform others. Read the scholarship’s stated goals and mirror them with your genuine story do not submit a generic personal statement across multiple applications.
Secure strong references early. Most of these scholarships require two to three academic or professional references. Give your referees at least 6–8 weeks’ notice and share your CV, personal statement draft, and notes on what the scholarship values this helps them write targeted, compelling letters.
Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously. There is no rule against this. Many successful Nigerian scholars applied to Chevening, Commonwealth, and DAAD in the same cycle. Spread your effort across two or three well-suited options rather than placing all your hopes on one.
Connect with Nigerian alumni networks. Former Chevening scholars, DAAD alumni, and Mastercard Foundation graduates in Nigeria are often willing to share advice, review personal statements, and offer guidance. Search LinkedIn for Nigerian alumni of these programmes and reach out respectfully.
The Bigger Picture: Scholarships as Career Infrastructure
A stipend scholarship does not just get you through your degree financially but it shapes your career in ways that compound over time. Chevening scholars gain access to a lifetime alumni network of global leaders. Commonwealth scholars build connections with researchers and policymakers across 56 nations. Mastercard Foundation scholars become part of a continent-wide community of change-makers.
For Nigerians navigating the high costs of living abroad, detailed in companion guides on this site covering Canada, the UK, and beyond a fully funded scholarship with a monthly stipend transforms the financial equation entirely. Instead of depleting savings, taking on debt, or working excessive hours to survive, you can focus entirely on your studies, your network, and your future.
The scholarship opportunities exist; the funding is real but the only question is how well-prepared your application is.
