10 Legit Scholarships Nigerians Can Still Apply for in 2026 (Fully Funded & Partially Funded)
If you’re a Nigerian student or graduate searching for legit scholarships you can still apply for in 2026, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Nigerians miss out on real opportunities simply because they don’t know where to look or believe scholarships are “not for people like them.”
The truth is this: there are still fully funded and partially funded scholarships open to Nigerians in 2026 — and many of them don’t require agents, special connections, or huge amounts of money.
In this guide, you’ll discover 10 verified scholarships Nigerians can still apply for in 2026, what they cover, who is eligible, and how to apply successfully.
Table of Contents
- Why Nigerians Miss Scholarship Opportunities
- 10 Legit Scholarships Nigerians Can Still Apply for in 2026
- Important Tips Before You Apply
- Common Scholarship Scams Nigerians Should Avoid
- Final Thoughts
Why Nigerians Miss Scholarship Opportunities
Many Nigerians assume scholarships are only for “brilliant students” or people with foreign connections. Others wait too long, rely on unverified agents, or get discouraged by rejection.
What most successful applicants do differently is simple: they apply early, follow instructions carefully, and apply to multiple opportunities — not just one.
Now let’s get into the scholarships.
10 Legit Scholarships Nigerians Can Still Apply for in 2026
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This is one of the most popular fully funded scholarships available to Nigerians. It supports undergraduate and postgraduate students to study in Africa, Europe, and North America.
- ✔ Covers tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses
- ✔ Open to students from low-income backgrounds
- ✔ Focus on leadership and community impact
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship is funded by the UK government and is open to Nigerians for postgraduate studies.
- ✔ Full tuition
- ✔ Monthly stipend
- ✔ Travel costs covered
3. Chevening Scholarship
Chevening offers fully funded master’s degrees in the UK. It is highly competitive but achievable for Nigerians with leadership potential.
- ✔ Tuition fully covered
- ✔ Living allowance
- ✔ Return flight tickets
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany remains one of the most affordable study destinations, and DAAD scholarships help Nigerians cover tuition and living expenses.
- ✔ Mostly for postgraduate programs
- ✔ Monthly stipend provided
- ✔ Many programs taught in English
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
This scholarship allows Nigerians to study in two or more European countries during their program.
- ✔ Full tuition
- ✔ Travel and living costs
- ✔ No agent required
6. MTN Foundation Scholarship (Nigeria)
This is a popular Nigerian-based scholarship for undergraduates in public universities.
- ✔ Annual financial support
- ✔ Based on academic performance
- ✔ Nigerian students only
7. NNPC / TotalEnergies Scholarship
Oil and gas companies continue to support Nigerian students through annual scholarship schemes.
- ✔ For undergraduate students
- ✔ Renewable yearly
- ✔ Transparent selection process
8. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship
This scholarship supports Nigerians in science, technology, and development-related fields.
- ✔ Tuition covered
- ✔ Monthly allowance
- ✔ Medical insurance
9. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Japan offers scholarships for Nigerians to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- ✔ Tuition fully covered
- ✔ Monthly stipend
- ✔ Language training included
10. African Development Bank (AfDB) Scholarships
AfDB partners with universities to fund African students in development-related fields.
- ✔ Tuition support
- ✔ Living expenses
- ✔ Focus on Africa’s development
Important Tips Before You Apply
Before applying for any scholarship, always:
- ✔ Read the eligibility criteria carefully
- ✔ Prepare your documents early (CV, transcript, references)
- ✔ Apply directly on official websites
- ✔ Avoid paying anyone to “help” you secure a scholarship
Also, apply to more than one scholarship. Many successful Nigerians applied multiple times before getting selected.
Common Scholarship Scams Nigerians Should Avoid
Be careful of:
- ❌ Agents asking for “processing fees”
- ❌ WhatsApp messages claiming guaranteed slots
- ❌ Fake websites that copy real scholarship names
Legit scholarships do not guarantee selection and do not ask for payment.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships are real, and Nigerians win them every year. The key is information, consistency, and patience.
If you missed opportunities before, 2026 is still open for you. Start with one application, then another, and keep going.
Bookmark this page and check back often, because scholarship deadlines change and new opportunities open regularly.