Dear students,
We know what it means to chase big dreams with limited resources. Many of us have studied by candlelight, shared textbooks, and faced setbacks that made us question if our hard work would ever pay off. But through it all, we’ve held on — because deep inside, we believe that education is our way out and our way up.
Applying for a Fully Funded 2025/2026 UK scholarship is not just about traveling abroad. It’s about giving yourself a chance to learn, grow, and come back better for yourself, your family, and your country. It’s about turning your struggle into strength and your story into something that can inspire others.
Many students around the world dream of studying in the United Kingdom. The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. But studying in the UK can be expensive, from tuition fees to living costs.
Thankfully, there are fully funded scholarships that cover everything, giving international students a chance to study in the UK without worrying about money.
This article explains the top scholarships available in 2026, how much they offer, the requirements to apply, and answers to common questions students ask.
This is your chance. Don’t be afraid to dream big. The road may not be easy, but you are not alone, and you are more than capable.
Fully Funded UK Scholarships 2025/2026 for Foreign Students: All You Need to Know
What is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship means the scholarship pays for:
- Tuition fees (school fees)
- Living expenses (food, transport, rent, etc.)
- Travel tickets (flight to and from the UK)
- Health insurance or visa costs (in some cases)
Top Fully Funded UK Scholarships for 2026
Here are the most popular fully funded scholarships you can apply for:
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK Government): This scholarship is strictly offered to foreign students and funded by the UK government. Students from over 160 countries in the world can apply, including Nigeria and other African countries. The Chevening scholarship is for master degree and it is for a duration of one year. Here is a list of what the scholarship covers for you;
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance (£1,200 per month)
- Travel cost to and from the UK
- Visa application fees
Deadline: This scholarship is usually open between August and November 2025 for 2026 entry.
2. Commonwealth Scholarship: This is also offered by the UK Government (Commonwealth Scholarship Commission). The scholarship is only for students from Commonwealth countries like Nigeria, Ghana, India, etc. It is for the Master’s and PhD program. The scholarship covers the following;
- Full tuition
- Living allowance (\~£1,347/month outside London)
- Travel expenses to and from the UK
- Thesis grant (for PhD students)
Deadline: The application window usually opens in October every academic year and ends in December that same year.
3. GREAT Scholarships: This scholarship is offered by the British Council and selected UK universities. The fully funded UK government scholarship gives students from selected countries, including Nigeria, India, Pakistan, China, etc. the opportunity to study in the UK for free. This scholarship is for the Master’s degree program and it covers the tuition fee funding of at least £10,000
4. Rhodes Scholarship: This is a scholarship offered by the Rhodes Trust (University of Oxford) for exceptional students from selected countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, India, etc. The scholarship is for Master’s or Second Bachelor’s at Oxford. Here are what it covers;
- Full tuition
- Living stipend (£18,000/year)
- Flight tickets
- Visa and health surcharge
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship: This is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (for the University of Cambridge) for International students (outside the UK) who cannot truly afford to pay the cost of going to school in the UK. It is for Master’s or PhD and it covers the following;
- Full tuition
- Living allowance (£20,000/year)
- Flight tickets
- Family allowance (if applicable)
General Eligibility Requirements
To apply for most UK scholarships, you must:
1. Be a citizen of an eligible country(e.g., Nigeria or another Commonwealth nation)
2. Have completed a relevant degree (e.g., bachelor’s degree for master’s scholarships)
3. Have excellent academic results
4. Have work or volunteer experience (some scholarships like Chevening require 2 years’ work experience)
5. Be fluent in English (proof with IELTS/TOEFL or a letter from your school)
6. Be ready to return to your country after your studies (especially for Chevening and Commonwealth)
7. Have a university admission offer (for some scholarships, you must already apply to a UK university)
Mandatory Documents to Apply for UK Scholarship
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the mandatory documents required to apply for a UK scholarship in 2026, specifically for Nigerian students. While the exact requirements can vary depending on the scholarship (e.g., Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, university-specific scholarships), the following documents are generally essential across most UK scholarship applications:
1.Valid International Passport: This is used to confirm your nationality and identity. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel date. Make sure your passport is clear, undamaged, and contains your full legal name.
2. Academic Certificates and Transcripts: This proves your educational qualifications and academic performance.
Required Documents:
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (if applying for a Master’s scholarship).
- WAEC/NECO Results (only sometimes required, mostly for undergraduate scholarships).
- Official Academic Transcripts: These are detailed records showing courses taken and grades earned.
3. Proof of English Language Proficiency: The UK requires proof that you can understand, speak, and write in English.
Common Tests:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Duolingo English Test (accepted by some institutions)
Exceptions: Some UK universities waive this requirement if your degree was taught in English. You may need a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your university.
4. Personal Statement or Motivation Letter: This is to show your passion, academic goals, career plans, and why you deserve the scholarship.
Content of the letter:
- Who are you
- Your academic and professional background
- Why did you choose your course and university
- What do you plan to do after your studies
- How the scholarship will help you contribute to Nigeria or your country
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Résumé: This showcases your education, work experience, leadership, and volunteer activities. Use a clear format like Euro-pass or a professional template. Highlight achievements, not just job duties.
6. Reference Letters (Recommendation Letters): This is to support your application with credible opinions about your academic or professional performance. They are usually 2 references from lecturers, academic advisors, or employers. The letter should be on official letterhead, signed, and dated.
7. Admission Letter or Proof of Application: Some scholarships require you to have an offer from a UK university. Apply early to UK universities so you can meet scholarship deadlines.
8. Work Experience Documents (if applicable): Some scholarships, like Chevening, require a minimum of 2 years’ work experience. Use official employment letters, appointment letters, or detailed CV entries with dates, roles, and responsibilities.
9. Passport Photograph: This is for identification during the application process. White background, recent, professional appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply without IELTS?
Some scholarships accept a letter from your university showing you were taught in English. But many require IELTS or another English test, especially for visa processing.
2. Do I need an admission before applying?
Some scholarships (like Chevening) allow you to apply before getting admission, but expect you to apply to 3 UK universities. Others (like Gates Cambridge) require admission first.
3. Is there an age limit?
Most scholarships do not have strict age limits, but they prefer young professionals (usually under 35). Always check the specific requirements.
4. Can I work in the UK after my studies?
Yes. After your studies, you can apply for the Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years (or 3 years for a PhD).
5. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes! You can apply to many scholarships and universities at the same time. Just make sure you meet the deadlines.
Final Advice
- Start early. Scholarship deadlines are usually 6–12 months before the school year starts.
- Get your documents ready ahead of time.
- Keep back up of documents and save them
- Read each scholarship’s website carefully.
- Don’t give up. Even if you don’t get the first one, try again.
Conclusion
A UK education can open doors you never imagined — and with the help of fully funded scholarships, your dream doesn’t have to stay a dream. Whether it’s Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, or others, there are many opportunities waiting for smart, determined students like you. If others have done it, so can you.
