The Commonwealth Scholarships are among the most prestigious scholarships available to Nigerian students who wish to study abroad. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and aim to support students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, like Nigeria, in pursuing higher education in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
These scholarships cover various academic levels, from Master’s to PhD programs, and focus on fields that can contribute to the development of your home country.
Below is a list of the top 10 Commonwealth Scholarships for Nigerian students in 2024, along with details on how to apply and what each scholarship offers.
Top 10 Commonwealth Scholarships for Nigerians in 2024
Master’s Scholarships
This scholarship is for students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, who want to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK.
It covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and other necessary allowances. The scholarship focuses on fields related to sustainable development and is ideal for students who wish to make a difference in their home country.
PhD Scholarships
These scholarships are designed for Nigerian students who want to undertake doctoral studies in the UK.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a living stipend, airfare, and other allowances. It is open to students in various fields, particularly those that have a significant impact on development.
Shared Scholarships
This scholarship allows students from developing Commonwealth countries to study specific Master’s courses in the UK, in partnership with UK universities.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend. It’s perfect for students interested in studying subjects that promote economic, social, and technological development.
Distance Learning Scholarships
For those who want to study in the UK but cannot afford to travel, this scholarship offers an opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree via distance learning.
The scholarship covers all the costs associated with the program, including tuition and necessary study materials.
Split-site Scholarships
This scholarship is for PhD candidates who want to spend up to 12 months in the UK as part of their doctoral studies.
It’s ideal for students who wish to access specific facilities or expertise in the UK that is not available in their home country. The scholarship covers travel, living expenses, and tuition fees for the UK portion of the study.
Professional Fellowships
These are short-term fellowships aimed at mid-career professionals from developing Commonwealth countries.
The fellowship covers travel, living expenses, and other costs related to the fellowship. It’s designed for professionals who wish to enhance their skills in their field and bring back this expertise to their home country.
Medical Fellowships
Targeted at doctors and other medical professionals from developing Commonwealth countries, this fellowship allows for a period of advanced study or research at a UK institution.
It’s fully funded and focuses on enhancing the expertise of medical professionals in areas critical to the health systems in their home countries.
Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowships
This fellowship is aimed at early-career researchers from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who wish to spend one or two years at a UK university.
It’s fully funded and is designed to support the research and development of young academics.
Youth Program Scholarships
This scholarship is for young leaders and activists who wish to pursue studies that will enhance their capacity to contribute to social and community development. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Climate Resilience Scholarships
For students who wish to focus on climate change and environmental studies, this scholarship offers full funding for relevant Master’s and PhD programs in the UK.
It’s designed for those who aim to work in fields that address climate change and its impacts in their home country.
FAQs On Commonwealth Scholarships for Nigerians
How do I apply for Commonwealth Scholarships?
Applications are usually made online through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website. You’ll need to submit academic transcripts, references, a personal statement, and a research proposal for PhD applications.
What are the eligibility criteria?
You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, have a relevant undergraduate degree, and demonstrate academic excellence.
Each scholarship may have specific criteria, so it’s important to check the details for the one you’re interested in.
When is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary depending on the scholarship, but they typically fall between October and December each year. It’s important to check the specific deadlines for each scholarship.