Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerian Students in 2024

The Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerian students is designed to support people with exceptional talent and the potential to bring about positive change in the global arena. The UK continues to demonstrate its dedication to the Commonwealth by offering around 800 students every year the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at universities in the UK.

If you are a citizen of a Commonwealth nation, such as Nigeria, and feel that you have what it takes to make a difference, but financial constraints are preventing you from studying in the UK, then you may be the perfect candidate for a Commonwealth Scholarship.

What is the Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerians?

The Commonwealth Scholarship Program targets students from throughout the Commonwealth who face financial barriers in pursuing their studies in the UK. By financing postgraduate education in various modes of study, the program nurtures future pioneers and leaders.

This prestigious award is the UK’s foremost scholarship initiative focused on advancing its global development objectives. It aims to attract exceptional talent to UK universities while contributing to sustainable development in other countries.

Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerian students 2024

Below opportunities are the best Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerian students:

1. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for citizens of Least Developed Countries and Fragile States
2. Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships for citizens of Low- and Middle-Income Countries
3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
5. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for citizens of High-Income Countries
6. Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerian students application criteria

To be considered for a Commonwealth Scholarship the following must be taken into consideration:

1. You must be either a citizen or a permanent resident of a Commonwealth nation, including refugees and British protected persons.
2. Additionally, you must hold an undergraduate honors degree with a minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) ranking. If you are applying for a PhD program, you are required to possess an appropriate master’s degree as well.
3. You must demonstrate financial need in order to study in the UK without the scholarship.

The specific eligibility requirements for each type of scholarship and fellowship may vary. Further information can be found on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website.

CSC development themes

All Commonwealth Scholarships that are financially supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) fall under six development themes established by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). These themes are:

1. Science and Technology for Development
2. Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
3. Promoting Global Prosperity
4. Enhancing Global Peace, Security, and Governance
5. Strengthening Resilience and Crisis Response
6. Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity

While there are no restrictions on the field of study, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission gives priority to applicants whose chosen course of study aligns with its development criteria.

What financial support is available?

The majority of scholarships are fully funded, meaning that in addition to covering your tuition fees, you will also receive financial support for your travel to and from the UK, as well as a living allowance to sustain you during your stay.

Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerian students application process

The application process for different scholarships may vary and may require you to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organization.

Commonwealth Scholarships are available to citizens of all member countries and can be applied for online from their home country. Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship if they meet the necessary criteria. The following are the processes for applying for the Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerian students:

1. Conduct thorough research

A Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK is a publicly funded scholarship aimed at supporting students in higher education. It provides numerous students with the opportunity to study in the UK for free and covers all necessary expenses.

Therefore, visit the scholarship website and familiarize yourself with the program before starting a master’s or PhD program. Check the deadline and start the application process early. With the scholarship, a candidate can enroll in any UK university, but it is also important to check each university’s eligibility requirements and ensure that you meet all of them.

2. Apply to a University

The process of applying for a scholarship is connected to the process of applying to a university. It is not possible to apply directly for a scholarship program, one must first be admitted to a university and then apply for the scholarship. Thus, successful admission to a university is the first step toward securing financial aid.

3. Gather educational qualification documents

Whether pursuing a PhD or a Master’s degree, a student must submit all of their educational certificates, including high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate transcripts. To be eligible for the scholarship, one must have at least a second-class degree, with a higher division preferred.

Some universities may require an IELTS score. If you have A-level and O-level certificates, you may not need to take the IELTS.

However, the requirement for IELTS may vary depending on the secondary and high school exams taken and the program being pursued. The score required will depend on the program selected.

4. Work experience and financial statement

While not all programs require work experience, a Master’s degree or a Professional Fellowship may require relevant work experience.

Additionally, applicants must provide proof of their financial situation, either through their own financial statement or that of their family, to demonstrate that they are unable to continue their studies without support.

5. Compile a CV and obtain letters of reference

There are additional documents required for scholarship applications, including a CV that outlines the applicant’s background and reasons for seeking the scholarship. It is important to follow a structured format when writing the CV.

Additionally, the applicant should arrange for at least one letter of reference, which can be provided by a previous teacher or instructor. Multiple letters of reference may be required depending on the program.

6. Submit all required documents

Once all necessary documents have been gathered, submit them via email to the scholarship administration. If your application and supporting documents are satisfactory, you may be invited for an in-person interview. Based on the outcome of the interview, the scholarship administration may nominate you for a scholarship.

For more information on the application procedure for each scholarship, please visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s “Apply” page, available at: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/.

Requirements

To start your online scholarship application you will need to have the following documents ready in the scanned form:

1. A copy of your passport
2. Your academic transcript
3. Your university degree certificate
4. Two letters of reference
5. Your admission letter (if applicable)

Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerian students application deadline

Typically, the deadline for scholarship applications is once a year in December. To view the specific dates for the scholarship that interests you, visit the relevant scholarship page on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.