2027/2028: How Nigerians can apply for UK commonwealth scholarship — FG

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced Nigerian graduates seeking to further their education in the United Kingdom can now apply for the 2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan.

The ministry said qualified Nigerians interested in the scholarship must complete their applications online through the Electronic Application System before the October 20, 2026 deadline.

The scholarship notice, shared by the Lagos State Scholarship Board, was issued by the Department of Scholarship Awards of the Federal Ministry of Education, formerly known as the Federal Scholarship Board.

It was signed by the Director Overseeing the Office of PSE, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, on behalf of the Minister of Education.

The programme provides opportunities for successful candidates to undertake postgraduate studies in the UK, covering either a one-year taught Master’s programme or doctoral studies of up to three years.

For prospective Master’s students, the ministry said applicants must possess a first degree with a minimum of Second Class Upper Division.

Those seeking doctoral scholarships, however, must have a relevant Master’s degree and a minimum of Second Class Lower Division in their first degree.

Another requirement for applicants under both categories is admission into at least two UK institutions.

Doctoral candidates must additionally obtain a supporting statement from a prospective supervisor at the UK institution they have selected.

The ministry also included evidence of participation in the National Youth Service Corps as part of the requirements for applicants.

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According to the ministry, applications will be judged based on academic performance, the expected impact of the proposed study on development and the quality of the applicant’s study plan.

“Applications will be assessed on Academic merit, Development impact on completion and Quality of Study plan,” it said.

Application process

To apply, prospective candidates are required to register on the Electronic Application System portal and fill out the scholarship application form online.

Applicants must upload scanned copies of their passport photographs, university academic transcripts, birth certificates and admission letters obtained from a UK institution listed in the application form.

Once the form has been completed, applicants must submit it electronically on or before October 20, 2026.

Candidates are also expected to generate a PDF copy of the completed application after submission, download and print one hard copy for presentation at the interview venue.

The ministry said candidates presenting certificates obtained outside Nigeria must attach official translations and evaluations of the certificates.

It urged applicants to ensure that their proposed areas of study reflect Nigeria’s development priorities and are relevant to their respective fields of specialisation.

The priority areas identified by the ministry 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, as well as humanitarian disasters and emergencies.

The Federal Ministry of Education further advised prospective candidates to ensure that their proposed courses of study are aligned with Nigeria’s development needs.

Applicants seeking more details about the scholarship, including the selection criteria, were advised to consult the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.

Further enquiries can be made to the Director, Department of Scholarship Awards, via [email protected], 09124516750 or 09082454557.

Interested applicants can access the application portal through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.