Nigerian applicants represent one of the largest groups of international scholarship seekers in Africa, and a strong mix of Nigerian government programs, US-based fellowships, and foundation scholarships are genuinely open to them.
The ten options below combine Nigeria-specific routes with broader US scholarships that regularly admit strong Nigerian candidates, and pair well with the wider [fully funded scholarships available across the USA](/fully-funded-scholarships-in-usa/).
1. PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme
Funded by Nigeria’s Petroleum Technology Development Fund, this program sends Nigerian graduates abroad for master’s and PhD study at partner universities, including several in the United States, in oil, gas, and related engineering fields.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University
The [Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University](/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program-asu/) has a strong track record of admitting Nigerian students, covering tuition, housing, books, and travel for the full degree.
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The [Fulbright Foreign Student Program](/foreign-fulbright-student-program/) runs an active commission in Nigeria, funding master’s and PhD study at US universities across almost any academic field.
4. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Nigerian professionals with several years of relevant work experience can apply for this State Department fellowship, which funds a year of non-degree graduate study and leadership training.
5. AAUW International Fellowships
Nigerian women pursuing graduate study in the US can apply for the [AAUW International Fellowship](/aauw-international-fellowship/), which has supported applicants from Nigeria in past award cycles.
6. Rotary Global Grant Scholarship
Active Rotary clubs across Nigeria sponsor candidates for US graduate study connected to one of the organization’s recognized areas of focus, such as disease prevention or water and sanitation.
7. Berea College No-Tuition Promise
The [Berea College No-Tuition Promise](/berea-college-no-tuition-promise/) has admitted a small number of Nigerian undergraduates in recent years, with campus work built into the funding arrangement.
8. Clark University Global Scholars Program
Clark University’s full-tuition undergraduate scholarship regularly admits strong Nigerian applicants with demonstrated academic achievement and leadership experience.
9. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
Nigerian women pursuing graduate study at a US or Canadian university can apply for this scholarship, intended to help cover tuition and related costs.
10. Emerging Global Leader Scholarship at American University
The [Emerging Global Leader Scholarship](/au-emerging-global-leader-scholarship/) funds a significant share of tuition for an incoming international undergraduate from a developing country, including Nigeria, based on merit and leadership potential.
Because the US Embassy in Nigeria runs regular EducationUSA advising sessions in Lagos and Abuja, attending one of these free sessions is a practical first step for narrowing down which of these programs genuinely fits a given academic profile.
Nigerian applicants should also prepare for the standard US visa interview at the embassy in Lagos or Abuja well ahead of the intended travel date, since appointment availability can vary and a confirmed scholarship offer letter is a key supporting document at that stage.
Keeping WAEC or NECO certificates, along with any university transcripts, properly authenticated and translated where required saves considerable time once a scholarship application moves into its documentation review phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme open to any field of study?
No, it is specifically focused on oil, gas, and related engineering and technical fields connected to Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Does Fulbright require an active commission in Nigeria?
Yes, applications are coordinated through the Fulbright commission or US embassy structure operating in Nigeria, which sets its own local timeline.
Can Nigerian undergraduates access any of these scholarships?
Yes, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Clark University Global Scholars, Berea College, and the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship are all aimed at incoming undergraduates.
Is prior US visa history relevant to scholarship applications?
No, scholarship selection focuses on academic merit and program fit, while the visa application itself happens separately after a funding offer is secured.
How competitive are these scholarships for Nigerian applicants?
Competition is generally high, since Nigeria sends a large number of applicants to most major scholarship programs each year, though well-matched candidates still have realistic chances.
Do these scholarships require Nigerian applicants to return home afterward?
Government-funded programs like PTDF typically expect recipients to return and work in Nigeria for a defined period, while most other scholarships on this list carry no such requirement.
Are English test scores required for Nigerian applicants?
Many US universities waive the TOEFL or IELTS requirement for applicants whose prior education was conducted in English, which is common for Nigerian students, though this varies by institution.