UK British Council GREAT Scholarships for Nigerian Students 2026-2027
- Omran Aburayya
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
If you are a Nigerian student aiming to pursue a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom, the GREAT Scholarships (2026-27 cycle) offered by the British Council in partnership with the UK government’s “GREAT Britain” campaign is now open for application. This scholarship is an excellent opportunity to advance your academic credentials abroad. Here is a full overview to help you prepare your application.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: United Kingdom
Host institutions: UK higher education institutions (HEIs) under the GREAT Britain Campaign - See list below
Study level: One-year taught postgraduate (Master’s) programme.
Target group: Citizens and permanent residents of Nigeria with an undergraduate degree seeking to study a postgraduate taught course in the UK.
Fields of study: A wide range of taught postgraduate disciplines at participating UK universities.
Value & coverage: Minimum of £10,000 tuition-fee contribution; some institutions may offer higher amounts.
Duration: One academic year (full-time) at the host UK institution.
Application deadline: Varies by university – applicants must check each institution for its specific deadline (for example, one institution deadline is 30 April 2026 for entry 2026).
📚 Scholarship Overview
The GREAT Scholarships programme is designed to encourage international postgraduate students from selected countries (including Nigeria) to study in the UK, by providing financial support towards tuition fees and promoting global educational links.
For Nigerian applicants, the British Council Study UK page confirms that for academic year 2025-26 and expected to continue for 2026-27, scholarships are available to Nigerian graduates for one-year postgraduate study at UK HEIs.
The scholarship goes beyond funding: recipients are expected to engage with the UK higher-education experience, act as ambassadors for UK study in Nigeria, participate in networking events, and contribute to future capacity-building in Nigeria.
💲 Benefits
A substantial fee waiver (minimum £10,000) helps reduce the cost of postgraduate study in the UK.
Study at a UK university, gaining international experience, quality education and a global network.
Enhanced credentials: a UK Master’s degree plus the prestige of being a GREAT Scholar.
Networking with fellow scholars, UK staff, and alumni, which may support future opportunities.
The ambassadorial role may open doors to leadership, outreach and professional development beyond the course.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should typically fulfil the following:
Be a citizen and resident of Nigeria.
Hold an undergraduate bachelor’s degree that qualifies for entry to a UK taught Master’s programme.
Be academically motivated and have a genuine interest in the proposed subject area.
Meet the English language and other academic requirements of the UK university you apply to.
Be willing to engage fully as a scholar: attend lectures/tutorials, engage in extra-curricular activities, act as ambassador for the scholarship.
Understand that the scholarship supports tuition-fee contribution only; other costs (living, travel, visa) are typically responsibility of the student.
📝 Application Procedure
Identify a participating UK university offering a GREAT Scholarship for Nigerian applicants and a Master’s programme in your subject of interest. Universities are listed below.
Apply for admission to the relevant one-year taught Master’s programme at the UK university and obtain an offer (conditional or unconditional).
Once you have or will have an offer, follow the university’s instructions for the GREAT Scholarship application (each university sets its own process and deadline).
Submit your scholarship application (often an online form or additional statement) by the stated deadline.
Wait for selection — successful scholars are notified via the university and the scholarship is applied after registration/enrolment.
🗂️ Documents Required (may vary by university)
Completed scholarship application form (as per UK university instructions).
CV/Resume.
Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts.
Proof of Nigerian citizenship/residence (passport, ID).
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent).
Offer letter (conditional/unconditional) for the UK Master’s programme.
Personal statement / motivation letter explaining your interest in the subject, your career plans and how you will use the degree + scholarship for impact.
References/recommendation letters (if required by the host institution).
Any other documents specified by the university (e.g., portfolio, proof of work experience, etc.).
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Apply for the Master’s programme early so you can secure your offer in good time and then apply for the scholarship.
Carefully check each participating university’s specific deadline and conditions (they differ).
In your motivation statement, be clear about how the scholarship will support your career goals and how you intend to use the UK experience for positive impact back in Nigeria.
Emphasise your commitment to act as a GREAT Scholar ambassador (networking, outreach).
Prepare for living and other costs beyond tuition; budget for tuition plus living, visa, travel.
Ensure all required documents are ready and submitted before deadline.
After selection, engage proactively with networking events and your ambassadorial role.
🏛️ Eligible Universities
Below are the UK higher education institutions confirmed for the 2026 (or 2026-27) GREAT Scholarship cycle for Nigerian students. Applicants should check each institution’s page for exact courses, deadlines and eligibility.
University of Warwick – Offering a GREAT Scholarship for Nigerian students, with application opening 15 December 2025 and closing 22 April 2026. Value noted at £15,000.
University of Southampton – £10,000 tuition-fee reduction for Nigerian applicants to one-year postgraduate courses; deadline 30 April 2026 (UK time).
Edge Hill University – £10,000 scholarship for Nigerian applicants to one-year taught postgraduate full-time programmes; deadline 30 April 2026.
Brunel University of London – £12,000 towards tuition fees for Nigerian (and other) students applying for certain one-year full-time Master’s courses; deadline 30 April 2026.
Royal Holloway, University of London – One GREAT Scholarship available for a Nigerian passport holder who has an offer for full-time Masters from September 2026.
University of Bath – Offering for 2026: 1 x £15,000 scholarship for Nigerian students among its GREAT Scholarship awards.
