agencyThe United Kingdom remains one of the most popular destinations for international students, including Nigerians and Africans, in 2026-27. Many UK scholarships cover tuition, living costs, travel, and sometimes even health insurance, making study abroad much more affordable. This guide lists top UK scholarships for 2026-27 applicants, who they are for, what they cover, and how to apply.
If you are planning to study and work abroad, you might also find Study and work abroad destinations for students useful before choosing the best UK program for you.
1. Chevening Scholarships
What it is:
UK government’s flagship scholarship for international master’s students.
Who it’s for:
Graduates with work experience ready to study for a one-year master’s degree.
What it covers:
Full tuition, travel allowance, monthly living stipend, visa costs, and some additional grants.
Why apply:
Chevening is highly respected, supports leadership development, and connects you to a global alumni network.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
What it is:
Funding for students from Commonwealth member countries, including many African nations.
Who it’s for:
Master’s and PhD applicants with financial need and strong academic records.
What it covers:
Full tuition, living allowance, travel expenses, and research support.
Special notes:
Selection often considers your commitment to contributing to development in your home country.
3. GREAT Scholarships
What it is:
Partnership between the UK government and universities to fund postgraduate study for students from partner countries.
Who it’s for:
Applicants from selected countries, often including Nigeria and others in Africa.
What it covers:
Partial to full tuition support, depending on the scheme and university.
Tip:
Check the official GREAT website or university pages for specific eligibility.
4. Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford)
What it is:
Prestigious full scholarship for study at the University of Oxford.
Who it’s for:
Exceptional students with leadership potential from eligible countries.
What it covers:
Full tuition, living stipend, health coverage, and travel.
Notes:
Extremely competitive, with emphasis on leadership and character.
5. Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford)
What it is:
Merit-based funding for graduate study at Oxford.
Who it’s for:
Master’s or DPhil applicants with strong academic records.
What it covers:
Full or partial tuition and generous living cost support.
Best for:
Students who apply early and have excellent grades.
6. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships
What it is:
Research scholarship for PhD students at Imperial College.
Who it’s for:
High potential researchers in science, engineering, and related fields.
What it covers:
Full tuition, stipend, and research support.
Tip:
Check department deadlines early, as research scholarships have specific cycles.
7. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
What it is:
University of Edinburgh funding for PhD research students.
Who it’s for:
International PhD applicants in various research disciplines.
What it covers:
Partial to full tuition and annual stipend.
Advice:
Contact potential supervisors before applying to strengthen your application.
8. University of Westminster Full International Scholarships
What it is:
Merit-based awards for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Who it’s for:
High achieving students with strong applications.
What it covers:
Varies by level; can include significant tuition support.
Tip:
Apply early and demonstrate academic excellence.
9. Durham University Global Scholarships
What it is:
Funding opportunities for international students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
Who it’s for:
Qualified applicants with strong academic records.
What it covers:
Tuition support, sometimes combined with living allowances.
Note:
Durham emphasizes academic merit and potential.
10. UK University Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer their own scholarship programs.
Examples include:
- University of Manchester International Scholarships
- King’s College London International Hardship Fund
- University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarships
- University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
These vary by institution but often provide partial to full tuition funding for international applicants.
11. British Council IELTS Scholarships
What it is:
Occasionally offered through partnerships supporting students who excel in language tests.
Who it’s for:
Students with strong IELTS results planning to study in the UK.
What it covers:
May include tuition support or travel grants.
Tip:
Really strong IELTS scores improve scholarship competitiveness overall.
12. UK Sport Scholarships (for students in sports programs)
What it is:
Support for student athletes studying in the UK.
Who it’s for:
Talented athletes with academic offers to UK institutions.
What it covers:
Funding may target training, travel, or tuition support.
Advice:
Contact the university sport department for details.
Eligibility and Common Requirements
Most UK scholarships require:
- Strong academic records
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Clear study goals and future plans
- Letters of recommendation
- Well written personal statement or research proposal
Some also require:
- Work experience (for master’s or leadership focused awards)
- Proof of financial need (for development-focused programs)
Preparing early improves your chances significantly.
How to Prepare a Strong Scholarship Application
These key steps improve success:
- Start early: Deadlines can be many months before term start.
- Understand each requirement: Every scholarship is different; follow instructions closely.
- Write a compelling personal statement: Explain why the scholarship matters for your goals.
- Get strong references: Choose referees who know your work well.
- Prepare for language tests: Strong scores help meet eligibility and stand out.
Scholarship competitions are tough, but preparation and clarity give you an edge.
Combining Study With Work and Migration Plans
Most UK student visas allow part time work during studies. Planning work and study together helps manage living costs and gain experience.
For tips on long term work planning after your studies, see Visa tips for students who want to work after graduation.
Avoid Common Application Mistakes
Many applicants fail because of simple errors:
- Missing deadlines
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Using generic personal statements
- Ignoring eligibility details
Careful checklists and early preparation help avoid these problems.
After Winning a Scholarship
Once you secure funding, you should:
- Apply for your UK student visa on time
- Organize accommodation and living plans
- Understand local transport and safety
- Join student communities early
Resources like Local transport guides for foreign residents and Safety tips for travellers and expats help you settle smoothly.
Final Thoughts
The UK continues to offer world class education with generous scholarship support for international students in 2026-27. Scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and university specific programs make study abroad achievable for many Nigerians and Africans.
Start your search early, prepare documents carefully, and focus on scholarships that match your goals. With persistence and a strong application, you can study in the UK with full financial support and build a powerful foundation for your career and global experience.
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