The Federal Government has opened applications for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarships, offering qualified Nigerians an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at eligible universities in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship covers one-year taught Master’s programmes and doctoral studies of up to three years in UK institutions.
The announcement was contained in a notice issued by the Department of Scholarship Awards under the Federal Ministry of Education and shared by the Lagos State Scholarship Board.
The notice, signed by the Director overseeing the Office of the PSE, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, on behalf of the Minister of Education, stated that applications would close on October 20, 2026.
Who Can Apply?
For the Master’s scholarship, applicants are required to hold a first degree with at least a Second Class Upper Division.
Applicants seeking doctoral scholarships must possess a relevant Master’s degree, in addition to at least a Second Class Lower Division in their first degree.
Candidates in both categories must have secured admission from at least two eligible UK institutions.
Doctoral applicants are also required to submit a supporting statement from a prospective supervisor at their preferred UK institution.
The Ministry listed evidence of participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) among the requirements for prospective applicants.
How Applicants Will Be Assessed
According to the Ministry, applications will be assessed on three major criteria: academic merit, development impact upon completion and the quality of the proposed study plan.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to develop study proposals that demonstrate how their chosen fields can contribute to Nigeria’s development after completing their programmes.
The priority areas identified by the Ministry 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, as well as humanitarian disasters and emergencies.
Documents Required
Applicants are expected to register through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s electronic application system and complete the process online.
They must upload scanned copies of required documents, including passport photographs, academic transcripts, birth certificates and admission letters from the UK institutions listed in their applications.
Candidates with foreign academic certificates are also required to provide official translations and evaluations where applicable.
After submitting their applications electronically, applicants are expected to generate a PDF copy of the completed form, download and print a hard copy for submission at the designated interview venue.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission is October 20, 2026.
Prospective applicants have been advised to ensure that all required documents are uploaded correctly and that their applications are submitted before the deadline.
Applicants are also encouraged to consult the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for further information on eligibility requirements, selection criteria and the scholarship process.
How to Apply
Eligible Nigerians should apply through the official Commonwealth Scholarship application system:
Further enquiries can be directed to the Director, Department of Scholarship Awards, through fsb@education.gov.ng, 09124516750 or 09082454557.
#CommonwealthScholarships2027/2028, #NigeriaCommonwealthScholarship, #UK scholarships for Nigerians, #Masters scholarshipUK, #PhDScholarshipUK, #Federal Ministry of Education, study in UK, postgraduate scholarship Nigeria.
