2027/2028 Commonwealth Scholarships: FG Opens Applications for Nigerian Graduates

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

The scholarship opportunity is open to Nigerians seeking postgraduate study in the United Kingdom, covering one-year taught Master’s programmes and doctoral studies of up to three years. The notice was issued by the ministry’s Department of Scholarship Awards, formerly known as the Federal Scholarship Board, and signed by Director Overseeing the Office of PSE, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, on behalf of the Minister of Education.

For the Master’s category, applicants must hold a first degree with at least a Second Class Upper Division. Those applying for doctoral studies must have a relevant Master’s degree and a first degree with at least a Second Class Lower Division.

Applicants in both categories must have secured admission from at least two UK institutions. Doctoral candidates must also submit a supporting statement from a prospective supervisor at their chosen UK institution.

The ministry listed evidence of participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) among the eligibility requirements. Applications will be assessed based on academic merit, the expected development impact after completion and the quality of the proposed study plan.

How to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship

All applications must be completed through the Electronic Application System (EAS). Prospective candidates are required to register on the portal, fill out the online application form and upload scanned copies of their passport photographs, academic transcripts, birth certificates and admission letters from a UK institution listed in the application.

After completing the online submission, applicants must create a PDF version of the application, download and print a hard copy for submission at the designated interview venue.

The ministry also stated that certificates obtained outside Nigeria must be accompanied by official translations and evaluation documents where applicable.

Applicants have been advised to ensure that their proposed areas of study align with Nigeria’s development priorities. These include education, healthcare, 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.

The ministry urged prospective candidates to carefully demonstrate how their proposed studies could contribute to Nigeria’s development needs when preparing their applications and study proposals.

Completed applications must be submitted online no later than October 20, 2026. Applicants have also been advised to consult the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for detailed information on the scholarship, eligibility requirements and selection process.

Further enquiries may be directed to the Department of Scholarship Awards via fsb@education.gov.ng, 09124516750 or 09082454557.

Application portal: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships-results/?wpv_view_count=13930&wpv-cscukscholarshipcountry=nigeria&wpv_filter_submit=search