Many Nigerian students aspire to study in the United States for its top notch education, diverse cultural experience and promising career opportunities. However the financial aspect can pose a challenge. Fortunately there are scholarships designed to support students in pursuing their academic goals. Below is a list of the 10 scholarships for Nigerian students studying in the USA in 2025. This guide includes information, helpful tips and relevant links for each scholarship.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Overview
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program stands out as a scholarship opportunity for students, including those from Nigeria. Its primary goal is to foster understanding and cultural exchange between the U.S. And other nations.
Reasons to Consider Fulbright
Comprehensive Coverage; Covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses and health insurance.
Professional Growth; Provides avenues for development and cultural enrichment.
Esteemed Network; Connects recipients with a community of alumni across various fields.
Eligibility Requirements
Nigerian citizenship
A bachelors. Its equivalent
Strong academic performance
Proficiency in language
Useful Tips
Institution; Various universities, in the U.S.
Level of Study;
Click Here for the deadline, for applying to a Masters or Ph.D. Program
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Another opportunity to consider is the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, which collaborates with U.S. Universities to offer scholarships to academically gifted African students facing financial challenges, including those from Nigeria. This program aims to cultivate leaders dedicated to driving economic advancement in Africa.
Reasons to opt for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program:
Include receiving support covering tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks and travel expenses; access to leadership training and mentorship; and an emphasis on community engagement by encouraging scholars to contribute back to their societies.
Eligibility requirements
Include demonstrating excellence showcasing leadership potential and showing a commitment to enhancing the well being of others.
Some recommended institutions under this program:
University of California Berkeley; Stanford University; and Arizona State University. The program caters to both graduate levels of study.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Additionally there is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program tailored for mid professionals seeking opportunities for professional growth through non degree graduate level studies and professional development activities, in the United States.
The Humphrey Fellowship focuses on enhancing skills and leadership capabilities.
1. Full Support; Includes coverage, for tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs.
2. Networking Opportunities; Offers a range of networking chances with professionals and organizations in the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum of five years of work experience
Displayed leadership skills
Dedication to service
Pointers
Institution; Various universities in the USA
Study Level; Non degree program
Application Process and Deadline; Humphrey Fellowship Application
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
Overview
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) with a goal to empower leaders from Nigeria and other African nations through studies leadership training and networking opportunities.
Reasons to Choose Mandela Washington Fellowship
Leadership Training; Comprehensive leadership training offered at a U.S. Institution.
Professional Growth; Opportunities, for development and networking.
Community Impact; Emphasizes on giving back to the community.
Eligibility Criteria
Nigerian citizenship required
Age group between 25 to 35 years
Demonstrated track record of leadership roles and community service
Pointers
Institution; Various U.S. Universities participating in the program
Level of Study; Leadership training initiative
Application Process and Deadline; YALI Application
AAUW International Fellowships
The AAUW International Fellowships are aimed at women seeking graduate or postgraduate studies, in the United States. These fellowships provide support for women dedicated to empowering women and girls through their community endeavors.
Reasons to consider AAUW Fellowships include:
Tailored support for women in education, financial assistance covering tuition, living expenses and travel as well as access to a wide network of AAUW alumnae.
Eligibility requirements include:
Nigerian citizenship, an equivalent of a bachelors degree and a strong commitment to advancing women’s empowerment.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
For the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program it offers funding for students pursuing development related masters programs at selected universities in the USA. This scholarship program emphasizes development focused fields. Provides coverage, for tuition, travel expenses and living costs. Additionally students have the opportunity to intern at the World Bank.
Eligibility criteria encompass citizenship, relevant professional experience and a solid academic track record.
Various universities, in the United States offer Masters degree programs with application deadlines for scholarships such as the World Bank Scholarship and Rotary Peace Fellowships.
Rotary Peace Fellowships
The Rotary Peace Fellowships are specifically designed for individuals from Nigeria looking to pursue studies in peace and conflict resolution at Rotary Peace Centers. These fellowships provide training access to a network of peacebuilders and full financial support for tuition, accommodation and travel expenses.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program is another option for students seeking postgraduate studies in the USA. This program prioritizes students with need by offering support that covers tuition fees, living expenses and a loan grant basis, for half of the scholarship amount.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be a citizen of Nigeria
Good academic background
Proven financial need
Useful Tips
Institutions; Various universities, in the United States
Academic Level; Postgraduate studies
Application Deadline and Process; Submit an application to the Aga Khan Foundation
Obama Foundation Scholars Program
Overview;
Bringing together emerging leaders globally including from Nigeria for studies at the University of Chicago and Columbia University. The program is designed to prepare them for addressing issues.
Reasons to Choose Obama Foundation Scholars;
Development of Leadership Skills; training in leadership and networking opportunities.
Comprehensive Financial Support; Covers tuition fees, living expenses and travel expenses.
Global Impact Focus; Emphasis on making changes in communities.
Eligibility Requirements;
Demonstrated dedication to service and leadership roles
Significant personal accomplishments
Nigerian citizenship
Useful Tips;
Institutions; University of Chicago Columbia University
Academic Level; Graduate studies
Application Deadline and Process
Global Health Corps Fellowship
Overview;
The fellowship provides students with opportunities to contribute towards health equity by working with healthcare organizations in the United States and other nations.
Reasons to Choose Global Health Corps;
Health Centric Focus; Ideal, for individuals passionate about global health.
Professional Growth; Thorough. Guidance.
Financial Assistance; Covers living costs and medical insurance.
Requirements;
Nigerian nationality
Relevant educational and professional experience
Dedication, to promoting health equality
Insights;
Institutions; Various organizations in the United States
Study Level; Professional Development Programs
Application Deadline and Process; Global Health Corps Fellowship Application
In Summary;
Embarking on higher education in the United States presents a life changing opportunity for Nigerian students. These scholarships not offer aid but also provide valuable professional growth opportunities and networking prospects. Seizing these scholarships can turn your aspiration of studying in the USA into reality. Get ready to submit your applications and kickstart your journey, towards a future.