Scholarships Open Now for Nigerian Students (Nov 2026)
Last updated: 9 November 2026
Chevening is one of the biggest UK scholarships. The 2027 applications closed on 6 October 2026. Many Nigerians missed it because they waited. Do not let that happen again. Some scholarships are still open, and one opens tomorrow.
Quick answer: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK masters) are reported to open on 10 November 2026. The TKA Nigerian College/University Scholarship closes on 20 December 2026. The Isan-Ekiti Indigene Scholarship closes on 31 December 2026. Always confirm dates on the official page.
Chevening already closed
Legit.ng reported that the portal closed on 6 October 2026 at noon, Nigerian time, and that late entries were not accepted. The next round will likely open around August next year, but that is only a guess from this year’s dates. Follow the official Chevening site and start your essays early.
Scholarships you can still apply for
1. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK, masters)
ScholarshipAir reports that applications for the 2027/28 year open on Tuesday, 10 November 2026. The study starts in the UK in September or October 2027. Read the rules on the official Commonwealth page before you apply, because each scholarship has its own conditions.
2. TKA Nigerian College/University Scholarship 2027
According to the scholarship listing, this offers 50 awards for undergraduate and polytechnic students. It supports tuition, textbooks, stationery and other school costs. The amounts are not stated. It closes on 20 December 2026 at 11:59 pm Nigerian time, and screening is on 13 March 2027.
3. Isan-Ekiti Indigene Scholarship 2027
This one is for indigenes of Isan-Ekiti. The local scholarships list shows a deadline of 31 December 2026, with no closing time given. If you qualify, do not wait for the last day.
4. Swedish Institute Masters Scholarship 2027/2028
ScholarshipAir says applications opened on 19 October 2026. We did not find the closing date in the sources we checked, so look at the official Swedish Institute page.
How to apply and win
- Read the rules twice. Check who can apply, the age limit, the course and the grade needed.
- Make a folder. Put your results, ID, passport photo, birth certificate and any letters in one place.
- Ask for recommendation letters early. Your teacher or lecturer needs time to write it.
- Write your own story. Say who you are, what you want to study and why. Use simple, honest words. Do not copy someone’s essay. Judges can tell.
- Send before the last day. Websites get slow on the final day.
Beware of fake scholarships
A real scholarship does not ask you to pay to be selected. Be careful if you see these signs:
- “Pay now to secure your slot”
- A WhatsApp number instead of an official website
- A promise that you will win “100 percent”
- No deadline, no rules, no organisation name
If you doubt it, open the sponsor’s own website and look for the same notice there.
What to write in your essay
Most scholarships ask you to write about yourself. A strong essay is simple and honest. Answer these five questions in your own words:
- Who are you? Tell a short story about your life, your family or your town.
- What have you done? Include school work, volunteering, leadership or small businesses. Real examples are better than big words.
- What do you want to study, and why? Link it to a problem you want to solve.
- How will the scholarship help? Be honest about your need, but do not beg.
- What will you do after? Say how you will use your education to help others.
Ask a teacher or a trusted person to read it for spelling and clear words. Do not let someone write it for you.
A sample timeline for the TKA scholarship
- This week: Read the full rules on the listing page. Collect your results and ID.
- Next two weeks: Write your essay and ask for a school letter if needed.
- Early December: Submit the form. Do not wait for 20 December.
- Before 13 March 2027: Study for the screening and keep checking your email.
Mistakes to avoid
- Applying without reading who is allowed
- Sending the same essay to every scholarship
- Using an email address you hardly check
- Missing small steps, such as uploading a document in the wrong size
- Giving up after one “no”. Many winners applied more than once
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I am still in secondary school?
Some can be used when you enter university. Read each page to see who can apply. The TKA one is for college, university and polytechnic students.
Do I need a very high grade?
Many scholarships ask for good grades, but some also look at need and your story. Read the rules and apply anyway if you qualify.
How many should I apply for?
As many as you truly qualify for. One strong application is better than five weak ones.
Is the Commonwealth scholarship fully funded?
Read the rules on the official Commonwealth page. Each award lists what it covers.
Where can I check more scholarships?
Look at the scholarship listing sites we linked above, and always confirm on the sponsor’s own website.
Need school money help in another way? Read our post on the NELFUND student loan. See more in our scholarship guides.