Nigerian graduates seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom have been invited to apply for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan, with the application deadline set for October 20, 2026.
The Federal Ministry of Education issued the call through its Department of Scholarship Awards, formerly known as the Federal Scholarship Board. The notice was also circulated by the Lagos State Scholarship Board.
The scholarships are available for Nigerians seeking either a one-year taught master’s degree or doctoral study lasting up to three years at eligible UK institutions.
The programme is aimed at supporting postgraduate education while developing skills considered relevant to Nigeria’s economic and social priorities.
Who can apply?
For the master’s scholarship, applicants must hold a first degree with at least a Second Class Upper Division.
Applicants seeking doctoral funding must have a relevant master’s degree as well as at least a Second Class Lower Division in their first degree.
Candidates in both categories must have obtained admission from at least two UK institutions.
PhD applicants must also provide a supporting statement from a prospective supervisor at their chosen UK institution.
Another requirement is evidence of participation in the National Youth Service Corps.
The selection process will assess applicants on three main criteria: academic merit, expected development impact after completion of the programme and the quality of the proposed study plan.
What areas does the scholarship prioritise?
The ministry has encouraged applicants to connect their proposed studies to areas that could contribute to Nigeria’s development.
Priority areas identified in the scholarship notice include:
- Education
- Health
- Economic growth and the private sector
- Governance and conflict
- Climate and the environment
- Water and sanitation
- Engineering
- Science and technology
- Food and nutrition
- Humanitarian disasters and emergencies
Applicants are therefore expected to demonstrate how their proposed course of study could contribute to development needs in Nigeria.
Documents Nigerian applicants need
Applications must be completed through the Electronic Application System, with candidates required to register on the portal and submit their forms online.
Applicants are expected to upload scanned copies of key documents, including:
- Passport photograph
- University academic transcripts
- Birth certificate
- Admission letters from UK institutions listed in the application
Applicants with foreign certificates must provide official translations and evaluations where applicable.
After submitting the online application, candidates are required to generate a PDF copy of the completed form, download and print it, and submit the hard copy at the designated interview venue.
Application deadline
The deadline for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarship application is October 20, 2026.
APPLY HERE FOR COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants have been advised to begin the process early, particularly because securing admission from UK universities is part of the eligibility requirements.
Prospective candidates can consult the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for additional information on the scholarship, eligibility requirements and selection process.
Further enquiries may be directed to the Director of the Department of Scholarship Awards through fsb@education.gov.ng, 09124516750 or 09082454557.
The scholarship application information and relevant portal are
