Getting a Master’s degree in the United States is a dream for many Nigerian students—but let’s face it, the cost can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are dozens of fully and partially funded scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students from Africa. This article breaks down the top scholarships for Masters in the USA for Nigerian student in 2025, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, deadlines, and tips to improve your chances of selection.
Whether you’re interested in Engineering, Business, Public Health, Computer Science, or Law, this comprehensive guide will help you discover high-paying scholarship programs that can make studying in the USA a reality—without burdening yourself with huge student loans.
Why Nigerian Students Choose the USA for Postgraduate Studies
The USA is home to over 1,000 globally recognized universities, offering flexible academic programs, high-quality research facilities, and networking opportunities unmatched anywhere else. For Nigerian students, the benefits include:
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Access to world-class education
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Opportunity to work part-time during studies (OPT & CPT)
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Exposure to diverse academic cultures
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Greater job opportunities after graduation
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Pathway to permanent residency via employment-based visas
But the cost of a Master’s program in the USA can range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year. That’s why applying for fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students is a critical step in the admissions process.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Masters in the USA for Nigerian Students (2025)
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (U.S. Government)
This is arguably the most prestigious scholarship for Nigerian students wishing to study in the United States.
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Airfare
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Stipend for living expenses
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Health insurance
Eligibility:
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Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree
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Excellent academic record
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Demonstrated leadership qualities
Deadline: May 2025 (for 2026 intake)
How to Apply: Visit Fulbright Nigeria
2. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Though hosted by partner universities like the University of California, Arizona State University, and Michigan State University, the MasterCard Foundation provides full funding for academically talented, economically disadvantaged African students.
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Visa and travel expenses
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Housing and books
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Monthly stipend
Eligibility:
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Academic excellence
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Commitment to community service
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Financial need
Partner Universities: ASU, UC Berkeley, MSU
Deadline: Varies by university (Generally Dec–Feb)
3. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
This competitive scholarship funds graduate study in any field at Stanford University.
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Stipend for living
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Academic enrichment
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Travel grants
Eligibility:
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Must apply separately to Stanford Master’s programs
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Leadership potential and community impact
Deadline: October 2025
Apply at: Knight-Hennessy Scholars
4. Yale University – The Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS)
Though not a scholarship per se, YYAS can lead to funding support for graduate programs. It supports students from sub-Saharan Africa to access top institutions in the U.S.
Opportunity: Exposure, mentorship, and connections to scholarship sponsors
Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance and leadership potential
Website: YYAS Program
More Scholarships for Nigerian Masters Students in the USA
5. AAUW International Fellowships
This is for women from outside the U.S. who are pursuing graduate studies.
Award: Up to $25,000 for Master’s programs
Eligibility:
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Must return to home country upon completion
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Academic excellence and leadership
6. Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University
This is a one-year program designed for rising leaders from around the world, including Nigeria.
Covers:
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Full tuition
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Basic living expenses
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Travel and conference costs
Apply at: Obama Foundation Scholars
7. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Although funded by the World Bank, this scholarship supports students from developing countries (including Nigeria) to study in development-related fields in partner institutions like Harvard and Johns Hopkins.
Award Includes:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living stipend
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Round-trip airfare
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Health insurance
Field-Specific Scholarships for Nigerian Students in the USA
If you’re pursuing a specific field like STEM, Law, or Health, you can target these additional options:
Engineering and Technology
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AAAS Fellowship
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Google Africa Developer Scholarship
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Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarship
Healthcare/Public Health
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Gates Cambridge Scholarship (for Harvard affiliates)
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NIH Global Health Fellows
Law and Policy
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JSD at Yale Law School
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Open Society Foundations Fellowship
These high-paying scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students often include stipends, visa costs, conference allowances, and travel grants—making them ideal for those seeking a complete financial support package.
Where to Search for Scholarships in 2025
Top Platforms:
University Portals:
Always check the “Financial Aid” or “International Students” section of each university’s graduate admissions page.
Documents You Need for Scholarship Applications
Prepare these documents ahead of time:
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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Letters of recommendation
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Updated CV or resume
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Valid international passport
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Language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE if required)
Tips to Win a Fully Funded Scholarship for Master’s in the USA
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Start Early – Some deadlines close a year before the intake date.
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Tailor Your SOP – Make it personal, impactful, and aligned with the scholarship’s mission.
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Secure Strong Recommendations – Academic and professional references work best.
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Highlight Community Work – Many scholarships look for social impact and leadership.
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Polish Your English Proficiency – Take IELTS/TOEFL prep seriously.
Visa Options for Nigerian Students Sponsored for Masters in the USA
You’ll need an F-1 student visa once admitted. Scholarship award letters often ease the process as they serve as proof of financial support. Some programs also assist with OPT (Optional Practical Training) post-graduation for up to 3 years in STEM fields.
Success Story: Chiamaka, a Nigerian Student at MIT
Chiamaka received the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship to study Data Science at MIT. Coming from Enugu State, she focused her application on her work in rural education. Now, she’s interning with Google and helping other students from Africa prepare for grad school.
This shows that with a clear vision and solid application, fully funded scholarships in the USA for Nigerian students are within reach.
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FAQs on Scholarships for Masters in the USA for Nigerians
Q1: Can I apply for scholarships before getting admission?
Yes. Some scholarships require conditional admission first, while others allow parallel applications.
Q2: Do I need GRE for scholarships?
Some programs require GRE, others don’t. Always check specific scholarship requirements.
Q3: Is there an age limit for Master’s scholarships in the USA?
Most don’t have strict age limits, but some government-funded programs prefer candidates under 35.
Q4: What’s the best time to start applying for 2025 scholarships?
Begin preparation by August 2024. Many deadlines fall between November 2024 and March 2025.
Conclusion: Your Roadmap to a Tuition-Free Master’s in America
If you’re a Nigerian student dreaming of advancing your education abroad, then targeting these top scholarships for Masters in the USA is your smartest move. With determination, strategic applications, and early preparation, you can gain access to world-class education at no cost—while opening doors to global career opportunities.
Now is the time to act. Research these scholarships, organize your documents, and start crafting winning essays that will get you noticed. The future is yours to claim—without the burden of student debt.