Nigeria continues to have a scarcity of competent nurses, physicians, midwives, and other healthcare workers. Fully financed nursing and medical scholarships for Nigerians in 2027 offer a realistic opportunity for exceptional students and young professionals to pursue further training without incurring significant financial stress.
This resource focuses on undergraduate, master’s, and postgraduate education possibilities for Nigerian citizens in nursing, medicine, public health, medical laboratory science, pharmacy, and allied professions. It includes both internationally financed initiatives and strong local choices. The information is current as of August 2026. Always confirm the most recent facts on official websites before applying..
Why Nigerian Students Should Prioritize Healthcare Scholarships in 2027
The cost of studying nursing or medicine in Nigeria or abroad is high. University tuition, clinical materials, accommodation, and living expenses quickly add up. Fully funded scholarships remove these barriers and often include stipends, travel, and insurance.
Many programs also emphasize leadership and a commitment to return and serve Nigeria’s health system. Graduates from these scholarships frequently take up roles in teaching hospitals, primary healthcare centres, public health agencies, research institutes, and policy positions. This creates a direct positive impact on communities across the country.
What “Fully Funded” Covers for Nursing and Medical Programs
A typical fully funded package includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend or accommodation support
- Return international airfare (for overseas programs)
- Health insurance
- Sometimes books, research grants, or clinical placement support
Local scholarships may cover tuition waivers plus smaller stipends. International awards are generally more comprehensive.
Top Fully Funded Nursing & Medical Scholarships for Nigerians 2027
1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Applications for the 2027/2028 Chevening cycle are currently open and close on 6 October 2026.
Benefits: Full tuition for a one-year master’s degree, monthly living allowance, return flights, visa fees, and arrival allowance.
Relevant Fields: Public Health, Global Health, Advanced Nursing Practice, Health Policy, Epidemiology, Midwifery-related courses, and many other health programs at UK universities.
Eligibility: Nigerian citizen, bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:1 equivalent), at least two years of work experience, and a clear plan to return to Nigeria.
Why it is strong for nurses and medical graduates: High flexibility in course choice and excellent networking opportunities.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Commonwealth Master’s and PhD scholarships, as well as Shared Scholarships, regularly support health-related studies.
Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, flights, and thesis grant.
Fields: Public Health, Global Health, Nursing, Strengthening Health Systems, and related areas.
Eligibility: Nigerian citizens with strong academic records and development impact plans.
Note: Watch for the annual call through the Federal Scholarship Board and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
3. Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Postgraduate Scholarship
This is one of the most generous fully funded master’s awards specifically for Nigerians.
Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, flights, and medical insurance for study in the UK.
Fields: Includes health-related master’s programs at selected UK universities.
Eligibility: Nigerian graduates with strong academic performance.
Advantage: Designed exclusively for Nigerians and covers almost all costs.
4. PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme
While PTDF focuses heavily on oil and gas, related fields in health, environmental health, and biomedical areas sometimes feature.
Benefits: Full funding for master’s and PhD studies in partner countries (UK, Germany, France, Malaysia, etc.).
Eligibility: Nigerian citizens only. Check the annual call for eligible courses.
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Nigeria consistently ranks among the top African beneficiaries of Erasmus Mundus awards.
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and insurance for joint master’s programs across European universities.
Fields: Many health, public health, and biomedical joint degrees are available.
Eligibility: Open to Nigerian students with strong academic backgrounds.
6. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD development-related postgraduate scholarships frequently include public health and international health programs.
Benefits: Monthly stipend, tuition coverage (most German public universities have no tuition), health insurance, and travel support.
Eligibility: Nigerian graduates with relevant degrees and, in many cases, work experience.
7. Other Strong International Options
- Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Scholarships) – Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and related undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – Medical and nursing programs at Chinese universities.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at partner universities (health sciences tracks).
- University-specific awards at institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and others that target African or Nigerian applicants in global health.
8. Notable Local and Partial Options in Nigeria
While not always fully funded to the same level as international awards, these are valuable:
- MTN Foundation Scholarships (includes a dedicated medical students category)
- State government and federal scholarship schemes
- University-specific tuition waivers and nursing scholarships at institutions across Nigeria
- Presidential Amnesty Programme scholarships (for eligible candidates from the Niger Delta, covering medical and clinical sciences)
These can serve as stepping stones or complementary support.
How to Prepare a Competitive Application as a Nigerian Candidate
- Start document preparation early
Gather degree certificates, transcripts, NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, and international passport. - Build relevant experience
Clinical experience, community health outreach, research involvement, or leadership in health-related associations strengthens applications. - Write strong motivation statements
Clearly explain your interest in nursing or medicine, challenges you have observed in Nigeria’s health system, and how the scholarship will help you contribute after graduation. - Secure quality recommendation letters
Choose lecturers, clinical supervisors, or employers who know your work well. - Meet English language requirements
Many programs require IELTS or equivalent. Prepare early if needed. - Track deadlines carefully
Major international deadlines for 2027 entry often fall between August and November 2026.
Common Mistakes Nigerian Applicants Make
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Using generic personal statements
- Applying only to one scholarship
- Ignoring the “return and serve” requirement
- Waiting until the last week before the deadline
Practical Action Plan for 2027
- Create a simple spreadsheet with scholarship names, deadlines, and required documents.
- Shortlist 4–6 programs that match your level (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD) and field.
- Begin contacting referees this month.
- Improve your CV with measurable achievements (number of patients served, projects completed, etc.).
- Join relevant professional groups or alumni networks for advice.
Final Advice
Fully financed nursing and medical scholarships for Nigerians in 2027 are competitive, but attainable with early planning and serious commitment. Whether you want to be a specialized nurse, public health leader, medical researcher, or clinician, these options can help you advance your career and improve the communities you serve.
Begin with the Chevening and Commonwealth applications that are now open, and then go to additional programs. Visit official websites on a frequent basis, prepare extensively, and submit good applications.
For more verified scholarship and job opportunities, continue exploring Lamfolo. Share this guide with fellow Nigerian students who are passionate about healthcare. You can also read Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students 2027