Free Study in London for Nigerians – Full Scholarship, No Hidden Costs
Are you a Nigerian student dreaming of studying in London but worried about the high costs? You’re not alone! Many talented Nigerian students miss out on world-class education because they think studying abroad is too expensive. But here’s the good news: there are fully funded scholarships that cover everything – tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and even living costs.
In this detailed guide, we’ll show you:
✅ The best fully funded scholarships for Nigerians
✅ Step-by-step application process
✅ Eligibility requirements
✅ Tips to make your application stand out
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to apply for these life-changing opportunities. Let’s get started!
Why Study in London?
Before we dive into scholarships, let’s look at why London is such a great study destination:
World-Class Universities: London is home to top-ranked universities like Imperial College, UCL, LSE, and King’s College.
Global Recognition: A UK degree is respected worldwide and can boost your career.
Diverse Culture: You’ll meet students from all over the world.
Work Opportunities: Many scholarships allow part-time work, and you can stay back to work after graduation.
Fully Funded UK Scholarships for Nigerians
Here are the best scholarships that cover all your study costs:
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK Government)
What’s Covered: Full tuition, monthly allowance, flight tickets, visa costs
For: Master’s degree (1 year)
Eligibility:
Nigerian citizen
Bachelor’s degree (2:1 or higher)
2+ years work experience
Strong leadership potential
Deadline: Usually August-November
Tip: Chevening looks for future leaders. Show how you’ll contribute to Nigeria after your studies.
2. Commonwealth Scholarship
What’s Covered: Tuition, living allowance, flights, health insurance
For: Master’s & PhD
Eligibility:
Nigerian citizen
Bachelor’s degree (at least Second Class Upper)
Must return to Nigeria after studies
Deadline: Usually October
3. GREAT Scholarships (British Council)
What’s Covered: £10,000 towards tuition fees
For: Master’s students
Eligibility:
Nigerian passport holder
Good academic record
Deadline: Varies by university
4. University-Specific Scholarships
Many London universities offer their own scholarships:
Imperial College London: Africa Regional Scholarships
University of Westminster: Full Scholarships for Developing Countries
SOAS University of London: International Postgraduate Scholarships
Eligibility Requirements
While each scholarship has its own rules, most require:
✔ Strong academic record (usually minimum Second Class Upper)
✔ English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+)
✔ Admission offer from a UK university (for some scholarships)
✔ Work experience (for Chevening and others)
✔ Leadership qualities (shown through volunteer work or projects)
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
Step 1: Research Early
Start 6-12 months before the deadline
Make a list of scholarships you qualify for
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll typically need:
Academic transcripts and certificates
IELTS/TOEFL results
CV/resume
Personal statement (500-1000 words)
Reference letters (2-3)
Step 3: Write a Winning Personal Statement
This is your chance to stand out. Include:
Your academic achievements
Work/volunteer experience
Career goals
How you’ll contribute to Nigeria after studies
Step 4: Apply to Universities
Some scholarships require admission first. Apply to 2-3 universities to increase your chances.
Step 5: Submit Scholarship Application
Double-check all documents
Submit before the deadline
Keep copies of everything
Step 6: Prepare for Interviews
If shortlisted, you may have an interview. Practice common questions like:
Why do you deserve this scholarship?
How will you use your education in Nigeria?
Tips to Win the Scholarship
Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute!
Follow Instructions Carefully: Many applications are rejected for small mistakes.
Show Your Impact: Scholarship panels want to fund students who will make a difference.
Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Get Feedback: Ask teachers or mentors to review your application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Missing deadlines (set reminders!)
❌ Poor personal statement (generic statements won’t stand out)
❌ Not checking eligibility (don’t waste time applying if you don’t qualify)
❌ Weak reference letters (choose referees who know you well)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work while studying on these scholarships?
A: Yes, most allow part-time work (usually 20 hours/week).
Q: Is IELTS compulsory?
A: For most scholarships, yes. Some universities accept TOEFL or waive English tests if you studied in English.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Usually no, unless you’re on a PhD scholarship with enough funding.
Q: What’s the success rate?
A: Competitive (Chevening selects about 2% of applicants), but possible with a strong application!
Final Advice
Winning a fully funded scholarship to study in London is challenging but absolutely possible. Many Nigerians have done it before you, and you can too! The key is:
Start preparing early
Put effort into your application
Don’t give up if you don’t succeed the first time
Remember, education is an investment that lasts a lifetime. Take this chance to change your future!
