If you are a Nigerian student and plan to pursue your higher studies in the US and the only thing that is stopping you is your limited budget, you don’t need to fret anymore! As a Nigerian student, you can now make use of various scholarships in the USA, available exclusively for Nigerian students. Check out.

Are there Scholarships for Nigerian Students in the USA?

Yes, there are many scholarships available to, and some specifically for, Nigerian students in the U.S. In this article, we will discuss the long list of scholarships that may help you in fulfilling your dreams of pursuing an education in the US.

We have prepared a list of scholarships, given by the US government and private organizations, for you to choose from. In addition to this, you can also refer to U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria website and the International Institute of Education for more information.

Best Scholarships for Nigerian Students in the USA in 2024

The scholarships mentioned below are available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. These scholarships are doled out by government institutions, educational institutes, foundations, private programs, and others. Let us have a look briefly at the various scholarships.

Government Scholarships

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

This scholarship is given to foreign graduate students, artists and young professionals who wish to study and conduct research in the United States. Every year ~ 4000 students from more than 160 countries are benefited by this program. This scholarship is administered by Fullbright Commissions/Foundations or via US embassies. For more information click here.

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant

Funded by the US Government, this program provides an opportunity for young English Teachers from foreign countries a chance to refine their skills and expand their knowledge of American culture and society. They are also required to teach their native languages at US colleges and universities. To check out your eligibility and gather more information, click here.

Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program

More than 800 scholars from over 150 countries across the world are offered grants, under this program, every year to pursue their post-doctoral research at US institutions. Scholars who are eligible for the program are required to apply for the grant through the US embassy or Fullbright commission office in their respective countries. To check for eligibility criteria and application procedures, visit here.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

This program is designed for young and mid-career professionals in many fields including, but not limited to:

• Agricultural and Rural Development;
• Communications/Journalism;
• Economic Development;
• Educational Administration,
• Planning and Policy;
• Finance and Banking;
• Higher Education Administration;
• HIV/AIDS Policy and Prevention;
• Human Resource Management;
• Law and Human Rights;
• Natural Resources,
• Environmental Policy,
• Climate Change

These professionals are offered a year of non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development, and collaboration with US counterparts. For more information, click here.

Young African Leaders Initiative

President Barack Obama started the Young African Leadership Initiative in the year 2010. This program is aimed at empowering young Africans by providing them with academic coursework, leadership training, and networking opportunities. To find out more, click here.

International Organization Scholarships

Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund

Drawing inspiration from Margaret McNamara’s vision of gender and education equality, Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) has supported 416 women from 75 countries since its inception. MMEG is awarded to women, over 25 years of age, studying at selected accredited universities in the US, Canada, South Africa, and Latin America. To know more, click here.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

Awarded by The Rotary Foundation every year, this fellowship aims to cultivate fellows/leaders from around the world into catalysts for peace. The grant is given for 50 master’s degrees and 50 certificate studies at premier universities. The fellowship covers tuition and other fees, lodging and food, transportation, internship, and field-study expenditures. You can learn more about the fellowship program here.

American Association of University Women International Fellowship

Given to women who are pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies at recognized US institutes. One very important eligibility criterion for this fellowship is that it requires that women seeking grants must not be US citizens or permanent residents. Find out more here.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

This program aims at developing and nurturing Africa’s next-generation leaders. Mastercard Foundation extends its support to students whose economic reality is a barrier to realizing their full potential. Foundation believes that education is the catalyst in bringing about any change in society and encourages its fellows to give back to their society. The program covers academic, social, and financial support to scholars. Find out more about eligibility criteria and enlisted courses and institutions here.

Educational Institution Scholarships

Along with the above-mentioned scholarship programs, sponsored either by the US government or private organizations, there are few scholarships that are given away by certain universities. These scholarships are for specific programs and in some cases, especially for women scholars aimed at empowering them and bringing gender equality.

Bonnie Hyland Umeh Excellence in Leadership Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by St. Catherine University to Nigerian students who are pursuing undergraduate programs, irrespective of their field of study.

Texas A&M International University Graduate Fellowships (MBA)

Sponsored by Texas A&M International University, this scholarship is provided to students who are pursuing Business and Management graduate and doctorate programs.

University of Central Missouri Olaiya Foundation Scholarship

The UCM Alumni Foundation provides more than 600 active scholarships. The university gives away around $7 million in merit-based scholarships each year.

Wellesley College Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

This scholarship program from the Mastercard is a $700 million global initiative to educate young people. The scholarship will provide scholarships to 15,000 scholars from Africa over the next 10 years.

Other Scholarships for Nigerian Students

AEF Scholarship

Brought forth by Ascend Educational Fund, this program supports immigrant students who have graduated from a New York City high school and wish to enroll in a college or a university. To know more about the scholarship, click here.

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

This program was started in the year 1989 at Microsoft as the first Microsoft-sponsored employee resource group. It aims at encouraging black students to take up a career in technology and endorses their development. Know more here.

FTE Fellowships for Doctoral Students of African Descent

This program offers support to Ph.D. and Th.D. students, whose course work is now completed, in religion, theological or biblical studies. Find out more about the program here.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where Can Nigerian Students Find Scholarships to Study in the USA?

Nigerian students looking for scholarships to study in the USA can explore various sources:

• Universities: Many U.S. universities offer scholarships to international students, including Nigerians. Check the websites of your desired universities for information.
• Government Scholarships: Some Nigerian government agencies provide scholarships for students pursuing higher education abroad. Inquire with agencies like NDDC, PTDF, and NITDA.
• Private Organizations: Numerous private organizations and foundations offer scholarships to Nigerian students. Research and apply for scholarships from organizations like NNPC, MTN Foundation, and Shell.
• Online Scholarship Databases: Utilize online scholarship search engines and databases that list scholarships available to Nigerian students in the USA.

2. What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for Nigerian Students in the USA?

Eligibility criteria for scholarships can vary, but common requirements may include:

• Academic Excellence: Many scholarships prioritize students with outstanding academic records.
• English Proficiency: Scholarships often require proof of English proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
• Admission to U.S. Universities: Some scholarships are tied to admission to specific U.S. universities.
• Field of Study: Scholarships may be available for specific fields of study or majors.
• Financial Need: Some scholarships consider the financial need of applicants.
• Leadership and Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrated leadership skills and involvement in extracurricular activities can be advantageous.

3. How Can Nigerian Students Apply for Scholarships in the USA?

To apply for scholarships in the USA, Nigerian students can follow these steps:

• Identify Scholarships: Research and identify scholarships that match your eligibility and goals.
• Prepare Required Documents: Gather necessary documents such as transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and a well-written essay.
• Complete Scholarship Applications: Fill out scholarship applications accurately and thoroughly.
• Meet Deadlines: Pay attention to application deadlines and submit your applications on time.
• Seek Guidance: Consider seeking guidance from teachers, counselors, or scholarship advisors.
• Apply to Universities: Apply for admission to U.S. universities, as scholarships may be tied to acceptance.
• Follow Up: After applying, monitor the status of your applications and follow up as needed.

4. What Types of Scholarships Are Available for Nigerian Students in the USA?

Nigerian students can explore various types of scholarships, including:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic excellence and achievements.
• Need-Based Scholarships: Provided to students with demonstrated financial need.
• Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered for particular fields of study or majors.
• Government Scholarships: Sponsored by Nigerian government agencies for students pursuing higher education abroad.
• University Scholarships: Offered by U.S. universities to international students.
• Private Organization Scholarships: Provided by foundations, corporations, and NGOs.
• Sports Scholarships: Available for talented athletes.

5. Are There Scholarships Specifically for Nigerian Women?

Yes, there are scholarships specifically designed to support Nigerian women pursuing higher education in the USA. These scholarships aim to empower and promote education among Nigerian women. Organizations like the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia and various women-focused foundations may offer such scholarships. Nigerian female students should actively seek out these opportunities.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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