Many Nigerian students are unaware of the scholarships and awards available. This ignorance has made most students miss exceptional opportunities. Concerned about this, we have written an article on over 10 US Scholarships for Nigerian Students. This is prepared to enlighten Nigerian students on the opportunities available in the United States.
This article presents all the information needed to know your eligibility for each scholarship as a Nigerian who wants to study in the US. So what what scholarships are available for Nigerian students In The US?
Table of Contents
Are Fully-Funded Scholarship In The US Worth It?
Of course, a Scholarship in the US is worth it. Some of the benefits of getting a fully funded scholarship in the US as a Nigerian student include
- Tuition & fees
- Pre-academic English Language Training (If Required)
- Living Allowance
- Accident And Sickness Coverage
- A Book Allowance
- Airfare Coverage
- A One-time Computer Subsidy
- A Professional Development Allowance For Professional Activities, Such As Field Trips, Professional Visits And Conferences.
What Are The Requirements For Scholarships In The US For Nigerian Students?
While each scholarship may have its requirements, there are a few requirements that they all have in common. In general, Nigerian students applying for scholarships in the US must meet the following requirements:
- Transcript
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academics)
- Recommendation Letters
- Standardized test scores: SAT or ACT, GRE or GMAT score
- Photo ID/Passport
Top 11 US Scholarships For Nigeria Students
Here is a list of top US Scholarships for Nigerian Students:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Duration: 1 year or more
- Universities: Harvard University, Stanford University
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a government-funded Scholarship for Nigerian students who wish to conduct doctoral research in the US. It is undoubtedly one of the best US Scholarships for Nigerian Students.
To qualify for this scholarship program, applicants must be at least two years into their doctoral program in any discipline at a Nigerian university or research institute at the time of the application.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program covers the successful candidate’s round-trip airfare to the US, a settling-in allowance, housing allowance, monthly stipend, books-and-supplies allowance, and computer allowance.
2. Berea College Scholarships

- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Universities: Berea College
Berea College is the only school in the US that provides 100% funding to its International Students. The Berea College Scholarships is another US Scholarships for Nigerian
Students. These Scholarships cover the cost of tuition, housing, food, and fees.
To qualify for the scholarship opportunities, the applicant needs to show proof of meeting the minimum requirements of English language proficiency. Also, factors like leadership qualities and community service are considered during the selection process:
3. The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Duration: 10 months
- Universities: American University, Boston University
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is one of the government-funded US scholarships for Nigerian students. It is a 10-month non-degree program awarded to students who have a minimum of 8 years of full-time professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to public service in the community.
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program covers tuition and fees, pre-academic English language training (if required), living allowance, accident and sickness coverage, a book allowance, and airfare coverage. It also covers a one-time computer subsidy, and a professional development allowance for professional activities, such as field trips, professional visits, and conferences.
4. FTE Fellowships for Doctoral Students
- Duration: 1 year
- Universities: Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE)
The FTE Fellowships was created to provide financial support for doctoral students who have completed the coursework of PhD or Th.D programs in studies like religion, theology, or biblical. The scholarship is organized and managed by the Forum for Theological Exploration.
This scholarship award is a $25,000 prize, of which 16 students will be chosen as scholars for the fellowship. It is among the top US Scholarships for Nigerian Students.
5. Yale University Scholarships USA
- Duration: 2 to 5 Academic years
- Universities: Yale University
The Yale University scholarship is a fully-funded US scholarship for Nigerian students (other Africans included). This scholarship is available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies.
The average Yale University need-based scholarship is over $50,000 and can range from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 each year.
To be eligible for Yale University Scholarships, the applicant needs to show proof of meeting the minimum requirements of English language proficiency.
6. Cornell University Financial Aid

- Duration: Varies
- Universities: Cornell University
According to Cornell University, 99% of students in this school receive some form of financial assistance. The Cornell University Scholarship is a financial aid program for students from anywhere in the world (including Nigeria) This grant is available only to undergraduate students.
The Cornell University Financial Aid grants need-based financial aid to admitted Nigerian students who have applied for and proven financial need.
7. Clark Global Scholarship Program
- Duration: 4 years
- Universities: Clark University
Clark Global Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship for international students (Nigeria included). This scholarship program provides successful candidates with $15,000 to $25,000 each year for four years, with renewal contingent on satisfying academic standards.
Also, if your financial needs are greater than the amount of the Global Scholars award, you may be eligible for up to an additional $5,000 in need-based financial aid.
8. Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
- Program period: First 3 years of your graduate education
- Universities: Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, affiliated with Stanford University is a fully funded scholarship, available for Masters and Doctoral programs, that covers full tuition, living expenses, travel expenses, and academic expenses. It is among the top US Scholarships for Nigerian Students.
All world countries can apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, including Nigeria. To be eligible for this program, applicants must show proof of English language proficiency and must complete the entire application process.
9. Tulane University Scholarship
- Program time: 4 years
- Universities: Tulane University
Tulane University Scholarship is a fully funded Scholarship for International students of Sub-Saharan African countries. The scholarship is available only to full-time undergraduate students and will cover the entire fee of the applied program.
Tulane offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships, most of which are renewable for your 4 years at Tulane. Awards range from $1,000 to those that cover full tuition or even the full cost of attendance.
10. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships

- Program Period: Four years
- Universities: Illinois Wesleyan University
Nigerian students applying to enter the first year of a Bachelor’s program at Illinois Wesleyan University can apply for scholarships. The university offers different types of scholarships and financial support for Nigerian students and other international students, who are not US citizens or US permanent residents.
Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships are two types: Merit-Based scholarships, which provide students with $16,000 to $30,000 per year and are renewable for up to 4 years. President’s Scholarships, these are full-tuition scholarships, which are renewable for up to 4 years of study.
11. The Gates Scholarship Program
- Program time: 4 years
- Universities: Colleges or Universities in the US
The Gates Scholarship Program is a last-dollar scholarship designed for outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income families. The scholarship covers tuition fees, room, board, books, and transportation. It is among the best US Scholarships for Nigerian Students.
To apply for this program:
- Students must be a high school senior,
- Must have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent),
- Must plan to enroll full-time,
- Be in a four-year degree program, at a US-accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
Which Country Gives a Fully Funded Scholarship To Nigerian Students?
While there are several prestigious universities that offer fully funded scholarships to Nigerian students, the US, Germany, Canada, the UK, and Some EU countries offer fully funded scholarships to Nigerian students.
What GPA Is Required For a Fully-Funded Scholarship In The USA?
To become eligible for a fully funded scholarship, you need at least a 3.0 or higher GPA. This will help to increase your chances of getting the perks attached to the scholarship.
Conclusion
The USA is one of the top study destinations for Nigerian students, as most of its universities offer scholarship programs that help to cover costs. This article has listed some of the best US Scholarships for Nigerian Students and we hope you find them helpful.
Reference
- Scholarshiproar.com
- Leverageedu.com
- Amberstudent.com