Fund your studies and ace your English test.
The scholarships Nigerian students actually win, and a plain-English guide to IELTS, PTE and TOEFL: which test, what score and how to prepare.
Awards worth applying for
Chevening Scholarships
UK government award for a one-year master’s. Covers tuition, a living allowance, flights and visa costs. You’ll need at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience and leadership potential.
Cycle: applications for 2027/28 opened in August 2026; they usually close in early November.
Commonwealth Master’s & PhD
For citizens of Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, whose studies support development at home. Covers tuition, airfare and a monthly stipend.
Tip: link your course clearly to a development need in Nigeria.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Jointly funded with UK universities for taught master’s degrees, aimed at talented students who couldn’t otherwise afford to study in the UK.
How: apply through participating universities.
University international scholarships
Many UK universities offer merit awards or fee discounts to international students, sometimes automatically when you apply early with strong grades.
Tip: we check every shortlisted university for these.
Lester B. Pearson International
University of Toronto’s flagship undergraduate award covers tuition, books, fees and residence for four years. Students need a nomination from their secondary school.
Tip: speak to your school early in your final year.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Comprehensive scholarships for academically talented African students with limited financial means, offered through partner universities in Canada and elsewhere.
Tip: community impact matters as much as grades.
Entrance scholarships
Most Canadian universities and many colleges automatically consider international applicants for entrance awards based on grades. Some renew each year.
Tip: apply early; funds are often first-come.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Prestigious graduate funding for study in the USA. Note: while new US student visas for Nigerians are suspended, awardees would still face the visa barrier.
Deadlines and eligibility change every cycle. Always check the official scholarship website, and ask us to help you prepare.
How strong applicants stand out
Start 12 months early
Big scholarships close almost a year before courses begin.
Tell a specific story
Show the problem you’ll solve back home, with evidence.
Choose referees well
People who know your work beat famous names who don’t.
Get it reviewed
A second pair of eyes catches what you can’t. We’ll review drafts.
Which test should you take?
Check what your university and visa route accept before you book. These are the main options.
| Test | Format | Results | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (speaking face-to-face). Paper or computer. | Usually 1–2 days on computer; longer on paper | University admission in Canada, the UK and beyond |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic) | Same content as IELTS Academic, taken at an approved UKVI centre | As above | UK visas when your university doesn’t assess your English itself |
| PTE Academic | Fully computer-based, including speaking; scored by AI | Often within 2 days | Students who prefer computer tests; widely accepted |
| TOEFL iBT | Computer-based, at a centre or at home | Usually within about a week | US universities; accepted by many in Canada and the UK |
| Duolingo English Test | Short, online, adaptive | Usually within 2 days | Admission only, at universities that accept it; not for UK visas |
For the Post-Graduation Work Permit, IRCC accepts general-training tests (CELPIP General, IELTS General Training or PTE Core), not IELTS Academic. You’ll need CLB 7 if you studied at university, or CLB 5 for college. Plan for this from the start.
Some universities waive the requirement for applicants who studied in English, such as with a strong WAEC/NECO English grade. Waivers vary by institution and visa route, so check with us first.
What score should you aim for?
Typical IELTS requirements. Competitive courses ask for more, so always check your programme.
Overall band, often with no band below 4.5–5.0
Overall band, usually no band below 5.5–6.0
Overall band, usually no band below 6.0
A simple preparation plan that works.
Most students need 6 to 10 weeks of steady practice. Here’s the plan we recommend.
Diagnose
Take a full timed practice test. Learn the format and find your weakest skill.
Build skills
Daily practice on your weakest area; write two essays a week and get feedback.
Simulate
Two full mock tests a week under exam conditions. Record and review your speaking.
Test day
Light revision, sleep well, arrive early with your passport.
Find scholarships that fit you
Tell us your grades and goals. We’ll shortlist awards and programmes you can realistically win.