Guide · Nigeria · PhD & master’s abroad

Fully funded PhD and master’s scholarships abroad for Nigerian students (2027)

Updated 24 October 2026 · For applicants from Nigeria · Always confirm details in the official call

The main fully funded routes

Below are routes whose eligibility for Nigerian applicants we checked on official sites on 24 October 2026. “Fully funded” means either a scholarship covering fees and living costs, or a salaried PhD post.

• Commonwealth PhD and Master’s Scholarships (UK): Nigeria is eligible for both.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: any nationality.
• DAAD doctoral grants and EPOS master’s courses in Germany.
• Salaried PhDs in Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordics.
• US PhD assistantships.

Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

Nigeria is on the eligible country lists for both Commonwealth PhD Scholarships and Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for 2027/28. Both cover approved tuition fees in full, approved return airfare and a stipend of £1,712 per month (£2,000 in the London area), at current rates. You apply through CSC Central and a national nominating agency or eligible NGO nominator; the CSC does not take direct applications. The 2027/28 round closed on 20 October 2026, with nominations due by December 2026 and outcomes by July 2027, so prepare now for the 2028/29 round. Scholars commit to returning home after the award. Also check Chevening eligibility for a UK master’s.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (any nationality)

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students from anywhere in the world, including Nigeria. The Erasmus+ programme page states the EU scholarship for individuals is €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, and consortia cannot charge tuition or other mandatory participation fees to scholarship holders. You apply directly to each programme; browse the official EACEA Erasmus Mundus catalogue. Most programmes close between October and January for the following September intake, but each sets its own date. See our Erasmus Mundus guide and 2027 deadlines.

DAAD: doctoral grants and EPOS

The DAAD’s Doctoral Programmes in Germany grant funds a full doctorate for up to four years. The current call lists €1,400 per month, a €460 annual research allowance, insurance payments and a travel allowance on application. Deadlines depend on your country of residence: select your country in the DAAD scholarship database for the exact date. If the date has passed, plan for the next round; the DAAD says deadlines usually fall in the same period each year.

Our DAAD guide recorded a 24 September 2026 deadline for Nigeria in the doctoral round for funding from 2027, so that round has closed; plan for the next one.

Nigeria is on the DAAD EPOS eligible country list (PDF). EPOS funds selected development-related master’s (and some doctoral) courses in Germany for graduates with at least two years’ professional experience, at €992 per month for master’s under the current call. Each EPOS course sets its own deadline.

Salaried PhDs in Europe via EURAXESS

In Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries many PhD candidates are employees on a salary, not scholarship holders, and posts are usually open to any nationality. Search EURAXESS and university job pages. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks recruit researchers of any nationality, subject to a mobility rule (generally no more than 12 months in the host country in the previous 36). See funded PhD in Germany, funded PhD in the Netherlands and MSCA Doctoral Networks.

US PhD assistantships

Most funded US PhD programmes admit international students with a tuition waiver plus a teaching or research assistantship stipend. Amounts differ by university and department, so read each programme’s funding page. Deadlines are usually December–January for autumn entry. See our funded PhD in the USA guide.

FAQ

Are Nigerian students eligible for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships?

Yes. Nigeria is on the 2027/28 eligible country list for both Commonwealth PhD and Master’s Scholarships. The stipend is £1,712 per month (£2,000 in London) at current rates, plus tuition and airfare. Applications go through CSC Central and a nominator.

Can I get Erasmus Mundus from Nigeria?

Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters accept applicants of any nationality. The EU scholarship is €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, and scholarship holders pay no tuition. Apply directly to each programme via the official EACEA catalogue.

How much does a DAAD doctoral grant pay?

The current Doctoral Programmes in Germany call lists €1,400 per month plus a €460 annual research allowance, insurance payments and a travel allowance on application.

Sources

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• EACEA — Erasmus Mundus catalogue
• Erasmus+ — Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students)
• DAAD — Doctoral Programmes in Germany
• DAAD — EPOS
• DAAD — EPOS eligible countries (PDF)
• European Commission — MSCA Doctoral Networks
• EURAXESS — Job search