Chevening is the UK Government global scholarship programme that gives talented Nigerians the chance to study for a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom The scholarship covers tuition living costs flights and more making it one of the most attractive opportunities for Nigerian students
What Chevening Offers Nigerian Students
If you are chosen as a Chevening Scholar from Nigeria you usually get
- Full university tuition fees paid
- Monthly stipend to cover living costs
- Round trip flight ticket from Nigeria to the UK
- Arrival allowance when you reach the UK and other financial support
- Access to exclusive networking events professional development and a global alumni network
Eligibility Requirements for Nigerians
To apply you must meet these main criteria
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | You must be a citizen of Nigeria and currently live in the country |
| Return Home Rule | You must agree to return to Nigeria for at least two years after the scholarship ends |
| Academic Qualification | You must hold an undergraduate degree that makes you eligible for a UK master’s programme |
| Work Experience | You need at least two years of work experience equal to 2800 hours completed after your degree |
| Course Choices | You must apply to three different eligible master’s courses in UK universities and get at least one unconditional offer by the deadline |
Important Dates for Nigeria 2025
Here is the expected timeline for the 2025 Chevening cycle
- Applications open 5 August 2025
- Applications close 7 October 2025
- Shortlisting and interviews March and April 2026
- Unconditional offer deadline 9 July 2026
- Final results announcement June 2026
- Studies begin September or October 2026
Recommended Fields of Study
Nigerian scholars often choose fields that support national growth Here are some popular areas
- Public Policy and Governance
- Law and Human Rights
- Energy and Renewable Resources
- Engineering and Infrastructure Development
- Public Health and Medicine
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Technology Innovation and Cybersecurity
These fields not only build personal careers but also help Nigeria tackle key development challenges
How to Apply
Follow these steps for a strong application
- Check eligibility early and confirm you meet all requirements
- Select three master’s courses in the UK that match your career goals
- Apply online through the Chevening application portal before the deadline
- Prepare strong essays highlighting your leadership experience networking skills and career plan for Nigeria
- Arrange references from employers or professors who know your work and impact
- Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions about your goals and reasons for studying in the UK
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Share real examples of leadership and community impact
- Choose courses that solve real problems in Nigeria such as energy education or public health
- Write clear and short sentences in your essays with a natural flow
- Apply to universities early so you can secure an unconditional offer on time
- Prepare for interviews with confidence and show passion for contributing to Nigeria after your studies
Challenges Nigerian Applicants Should Watch Out For
- Some applicants wait too long to apply for universities which delays their unconditional offer
- Work experience must be after your degree experience gained during school does not count
- Some universities require proof of English even if Chevening does not ask for IELTS
Conclusion
The Chevening Scholarship 2025 is a golden chance for Nigerian students to study a fully funded master’s degree in the UK It provides academic exposure professional networking and leadership development for future change makers If you meet the eligibility start preparing early write powerful essays and secure your offers on time to improve your chance of success