6 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the UK for Nigerians

Studying in the UK has long been a dream for many Nigerian students, but with the rising cost of education and the naira’s depreciation, that dream feels out of reach for some. However, fully funded PhD scholarships are making it possible for Nigerians to pursue advanced degrees in the UK without the financial burden.

The UK government and various institutions are actively offering scholarships to attract international students, aiming to host over 600,000 students annually by 2030. 

These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs, allowing Nigerian scholars to focus entirely on their studies. If you’re looking for a PhD opportunity in the UK with full funding, here are six options worth considering:

Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships

Imperial College London offers 50 fully funded PhD scholarships each year to outstanding international students across various fields, from engineering to medicine.

Full tuition fees, annual stipend of £25,224 for 3.5 years, £2,000 per year for research-related costs are all covered.

Imperial’s PhD scholars benefit from mentorship, career development workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) provides funding for students from low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. These scholarships are designed for students whose research aligns with key global development priorities, such as healthcare, technology, and environmental sustainability.

The full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, return airfare, research and study-related expenses are all covered.

Applicants must secure admission to a UK university and demonstrate a strong academic background. Preference is given to research that supports national development in Nigeria.

Rhodes Scholarship

One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, the Rhodes Scholarship funds exceptional students to study at the University of Oxford. Nigerian candidates can apply under the West Africa category, with three scholarships awarded each year.

The full tuition fees at Oxford, annual stipend (£19,092 for 2023/24), travel and visa expenses are all covered.

Rhodes Scholars are selected not just for academic excellence but also for leadership potential and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

University of Glasgow PhD Scholarships

The University of Glasgow offers a range of fully funded PhD scholarships across disciplines such as science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

Full tuition fees, living expenses stipend, research and conference funding are all covered.

Glasgow’s PhD programs emphasize global research collaboration, allowing students to engage with international experts in their field.

The Colt Foundation PhD Fellowships

For students passionate about environmental and occupational health, the Colt Foundation offers PhD fellowships that provide both financial support and research grants.

Stipend of £24,732 per year (adjusted for inflation), research grant up to £5,000 annually, tuition coverage for UK students (international students need additional funding for fee differences) are all covered.

Research areas include occupational diseases, industrial pollution, and workplace health risks.

Swansea University Research Scholarships

Swansea University provides PhD scholarships through its International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES) and the Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS).

Full tuition fees (international and UK rate), research funding, monthly living allowance are all covered.

Fields of study include economics, business, social sciences, and engineering. This is a great opportunity for Nigerian students seeking research-driven careers.