Study Abroad from Nigeria — Complete Guide 2026
Nigeria is one of the largest source countries for international students, yet most online guides are written for Indian students and do not address the specific challenges Nigerians face — from embassy processing times in Abuja and Lagos to scholarship eligibility that favours African applicants. This guide covers everything a Nigerian student needs to know about studying abroad in 2026.
Best destinations for Nigerian students
| Country | Why it works for Nigerians | Tuition/yr | Key scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Commonwealth connection, MOI accepted, NHS nursing pathway | £12,000–25,000 | Chevening, Commonwealth |
| Canada | Large Nigerian diaspora, PGWP, PR pathway | CAD 15,000–35,000 | Vanier, university-specific |
| Germany | Free tuition, strong tech market, clear PR path | €0–350 | DAAD EPOS |
| Turkey | 14,000 African scholarships, affordable living | €600–1,500 | Türkiye Scholarships |
| South Korea | KGSP fully funded, growing African recruitment | €3,000–5,000 | KGSP/GKS |
| France | €243 tuition, Campus France support | €243 | Eiffel Excellence |
| Malaysia | Affordable, English-taught, UK branch campuses | €2,000–6,000 | MTCP |
Top scholarships for Nigerian students
Fully funded (tuition + living + travel)
- Chevening Scholarship (UK) — Fully funded master's in the UK. Covers tuition, living, flights. Deadline: November annually. Extremely competitive but strong track record with Nigerian applicants.
- Commonwealth Scholarship (UK) — For master's and PhD. Covers tuition, stipend, flights. Apply through the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Nigeria.
- DAAD EPOS (Germany) — Full scholarship for development-related master's programmes. Stipend of €934/month + tuition waiver + travel.
- Türkiye Scholarships — 14,000+ places targeting African students. Covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, flight. Deadline: February annually.
- KGSP/GKS (South Korea) — Full ride including 1 year Korean language training. Apply through the Nigerian Embassy or directly to partner universities.
- MEXT (Japan) — Full scholarship for master's and PhD. Stipend of ¥144,000/month + tuition + flights. Apply through the Japanese Embassy in Abuja.
Partial scholarships (tuition reduction)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars — Available at universities in Canada (UBC, McGill), UK, and across Africa. Covers tuition and living for students from sub-Saharan Africa.
- NNPC/Total scholarship — For Nigerians studying STEM in France.
- Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship — For Nigerians studying medicine or engineering abroad.
Visa application from Nigeria — what to expect
Processing times at major embassies in Nigeria (Abuja/Lagos):
| Country | Visa type | Processing time | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Student Visa | 3–6 weeks | CAS from university, financial proof (28 days in account) |
| Canada | Study Permit | 8–16 weeks | PAL letter, GIC (CAD 20,635), acceptance letter |
| Germany | Student Visa | 6–12 weeks | Blocked account (€11,208), admission letter |
| France | Long-Stay Student | 2–4 weeks | Campus France validation, proof of funds |
| Turkey | Student Visa | 1–4 weeks | Acceptance letter, scholarship confirmation |
Pro tip: Start the visa process as early as possible. Nigerian embassies often have high demand, and processing times can extend significantly during peak season (May–August). Book biometrics appointments early.
IELTS alternatives for Nigerians
Since most Nigerian universities teach in English, many overseas universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your institution. This waives the IELTS requirement for admission (though some countries still require it for the visa).
The Duolingo English Test ($65) is also gaining acceptance and is a budget-friendly alternative. See our full guide: IELTS vs Duolingo vs TOEFL.
Step-by-step planning timeline
12 months before: Research countries and programmes, start IELTS prep if needed, identify scholarships.
8–10 months: Apply for scholarships (Chevening Nov, Türkiye Feb, DAAD varies). Take IELTS/Duolingo.
6–8 months: Submit university applications. Most September intake deadlines fall between December and March.
4–6 months: Receive offers, arrange finances (blocked accounts, sponsor letters). Apply for visa.
1–3 months: Visa processing, accommodation, flights, travel insurance.
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