How Nigerian Graduates Can Apply For 2027/2028 UK Commonwealth Scholarships 

The Federal Ministry of Education has invited qualified Nigerian university graduates to apply for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan, with the application deadline set for October 20, 2026.

The scholarship opportunity, announced by the ministry’s Department of Scholarship Awards, formerly known as the Federal Scholarship Board, is open to Nigerians seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.

The notice was signed by the director overseeing the office of PSE, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, on behalf of the minister of education, and was also shared by the Lagos State Scholarship Board.

The scholarships cover a one-year taught Master’s programme or doctoral studies of up to three years in eligible UK institutions.

Who Can Apply?

According to the ministry, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Master’s applicants must possess a first degree with at least a Second Class Upper Division.
• Doctoral applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree and at least a Second Class Lower Division in their first degree.
• Applicants in both categories must have secured admission into at least two UK institutions.
• Doctoral candidates must provide a supporting statement from a prospective supervisor at their chosen UK institution.
• Applicants must provide evidence of participation in the National Youth Service Corps.
• Foreign certificates must be accompanied by official translation and evaluation, where applicable.

How Will Applicants Be Selected?

The ministry said applications would be assessed based on three major criteria:

• Academic merit
• Development impact on completion
• Quality of study plan

It urged applicants to ensure that their proposed programmes and study plans demonstrate how their training would contribute to Nigeria’s development.

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted online through the Electronic Application System (EAS).

Applicants are required to:

• Register on the EAS portal.
• Complete the application form online.
• Upload a scanned passport photograph.
• Upload their university academic transcripts.
• Upload their birth certificates.
• Upload admission letters from a UK institution listed in the application.
• Submit the completed application online on or before October 20, 2026.
• After submission, create a PDF copy of the completed application form.
• Download and print one hard copy of the completed form for submission at the interview venue.

Priority Areas

The ministry advised applicants to consider Nigeria’s developmental priorities when preparing their study proposals.

The listed priority areas include:

• Education
• Health
• Economic growth and the private sector
• Governance and conflict
• Climate and environment
• Water and sanitation
• Engineering
• Science and technology
• Food and nutrition
• Humanitarian disasters and emergencies

The ministry urged prospective scholars to ensure that their proposed areas of study align with Nigeria’s development needs.

It also advised applicants to consult the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website for additional information about the scholarship scheme, eligibility requirements and selection criteria.

Further enquiries may be directed to the director, Department of Scholarship Awards.