For many Nigerians, studying abroad is an opportunity to gain world-class education, build global networks, and improve their career prospects. However, the biggest challenges facing most Nigerian students are high tuition fees and visa restrictions that make studying overseas expensive or difficult.
That is why countries that offer scholarships and work permits to Nigerians are in high demand. These opportunities help students reduce or eliminate tuition costs while allowing them to work legally during or after their studies. It’s a practical way to fund education, gain international experience, and secure a pathway to permanent residence or a global career.
In this guide, you will discover the best countries that offer scholarships and work permits to Nigerians, how to apply, and what makes each destination unique. Whether you’re interested in studying in Europe, North America, or Asia, this article explains everything you need to know in simple and practical terms.
What Are Scholarships and Work Permits?
Before we explore the countries, it’s important to understand what these terms mean in simple language.
Scholarships
A scholarship is financial aid awarded to students based on merit, financial need, or specific qualifications such as academic excellence, leadership, or community involvement. Scholarships can be:
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Fully funded: Covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
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Partially funded: Covering only tuition or a portion of study costs.
Scholarships are often provided by governments, universities, or international organizations.
Work Permits
A work permit allows foreign students to legally work in the host country while studying or after graduation. This can be a part-time work visa for students or a post-study work visa after completing a degree.
For Nigerians, a work permit provides two major benefits:
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It helps reduce the cost of living abroad.
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It provides valuable international work experience and a pathway to long-term employment or residency.
Top Countries That Offer Scholarships and Work Permits to Nigerians
Below are the best destinations that welcome Nigerian students with scholarships and post-study work opportunities. Each country offers a unique combination of affordable education, strong scholarship programs, and flexible immigration options.
1. Canada
Why Canada is a Top Choice
Canada has become one of the most popular destinations for Nigerian students because it combines high-quality education, numerous scholarships, and generous post-study work options. The Canadian government actively encourages international students to study, work, and even settle permanently.
Scholarship Opportunities for Nigerians
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Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
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Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
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University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
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Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships
Many universities also offer entrance scholarships to high-achieving Nigerian students.
Work Permit Options
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During Studies: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during breaks.
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After Graduation: The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years.
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Pathway to PR: Work experience gained under PGWP can help qualify for permanent residency through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Advantages
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Easy transition to permanent residency.
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Safe and multicultural environment.
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High-paying part-time jobs for students.
Drawbacks
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Living costs can be high in big cities.
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Weather is very cold in some provinces.
2. Germany
Why Germany is Ideal for Nigerians
Germany is one of the best countries in Europe for Nigerians because most public universities charge little or no tuition fees. Education is highly subsidized by the government, making it one of the cheapest study destinations.
Scholarships for Nigerians
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DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)
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Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
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Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
These scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Work Opportunities
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During Studies: You can work up to 20 hours per week or 120 full days per year.
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After Graduation: You can stay up to 18 months to look for a job in your field.
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Permanent Stay: After two years of working full-time, you may qualify for permanent residency.
Advantages
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Free or low-cost education in public universities.
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Excellent research and engineering programs.
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Strong job market for skilled graduates.
Drawbacks
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Language barrier (some programs require German).
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Bureaucratic process for visa and residence permit.
3. United Kingdom (UK)
Why Nigerians Choose the UK
The UK remains one of the most preferred destinations for Nigerians because of its top-ranked universities, strong Nigerian community, and post-study work visa opportunities. Recent changes now allow Nigerian students to stay longer after completing their degrees.
Scholarship Opportunities
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Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
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Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
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Gates Cambridge Scholarships
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University-specific awards such as those from Oxford, Bristol, and Glasgow.
Work Permit Options
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During Studies: 20 hours per week during term time.
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After Graduation: The Graduate Route Visa allows you to stay and work for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).
Advantages
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Degrees are globally recognized.
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English-speaking environment.
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Opportunities to network with global employers.
Drawbacks
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Tuition fees are higher than in Europe.
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Cost of living is expensive in cities like London.
4. Australia
Why Australia Appeals to Nigerians
Australia offers world-class education, diverse culture, and the chance to work and settle permanently. The country’s student visa system is flexible, and it offers multiple scholarships to Nigerian students.
Scholarships for Nigerians
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Australia Awards Scholarships
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University of Sydney International Scholarships
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Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
Work Permit Options
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During Studies: 48 hours every two weeks.
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Post-Study Work Visa: Allows graduates to stay and work for 2–4 years, depending on their qualification.
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Pathway to PR: Many students later transition to skilled migration programs.
Advantages
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Safe and welcoming country.
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High standard of living.
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Excellent job opportunities for graduates.
Drawbacks
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Living costs are high in major cities.
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Distance from Nigeria makes travel expensive.
5. United States (USA)
Why Study in the USA
The United States hosts some of the best universities in the world and provides countless scholarships for international students, including Nigerians. Though tuition can be expensive, scholarships and on-campus work make studying more affordable.
Scholarships for Nigerians
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Fulbright Foreign Student Program
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MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
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Harvard University Scholarships
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AAUW International Fellowships
Work Permit Options
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On-Campus Work: Up to 20 hours weekly during studies.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT): Allows graduates to work for 1–3 years after finishing their program.
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H-1B Visa Pathway: For skilled workers transitioning to permanent employment.
Advantages
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Wide variety of scholarships and universities.
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Opportunity to gain global experience.
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Strong Nigerian community across states.
Drawbacks
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Visa process can be competitive.
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Tuition is high without a scholarship.
6. Norway
Why Norway is a Hidden Gem for Nigerians
Norway offers tuition-free education at public universities, even for international students. Although living costs can be high, scholarships and part-time work help balance expenses.
Scholarships for Nigerians
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Quota Scheme Scholarships
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University of Oslo Scholarships
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BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
Work Permit Options
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During Studies: Up to 20 hours per week.
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After Graduation: Can apply for a job seeker visa valid for 12 months.
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Permanent Residency: Possible after several years of work.
Advantages
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Tuition-free public education.
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High-quality research universities.
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Peaceful and well-developed society.
Drawbacks
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Cold weather and high living costs.
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Need for strong budgeting skills.
7. Finland
Why Finland is an Excellent Option
Finland is known for its innovative education system, low tuition costs, and supportive policies for international students. Nigerians are welcome to apply for a variety of scholarships at Finnish universities.
Scholarships
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University of Helsinki Scholarships
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Aalto University Scholarships
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Finnish Government Scholarships Pool
Work and Residency Options
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Students can work up to 30 hours weekly.
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After graduation, a residence permit for job seeking allows students to stay up to 2 years.
Advantages
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Affordable education and scholarships.
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Safe, inclusive society.
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High demand for skilled workers.
Drawbacks
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Cold climate and fewer English-taught programs compared to the UK or Canada.
Summary Table: Best Countries Offering Scholarships and Work Permits to Nigerians
| Country | Scholarship Type | Tuition Fees | Work Permit | Post-Study Option | Path to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Fully/Partially Funded | Moderate | 20 hrs/week | 3 years | Yes |
| Germany | Fully Funded / Free | Free | 20 hrs/week | 18 months | Yes |
| UK | Fully Funded | High | 20 hrs/week | 2–3 years | Yes |
| Australia | Fully Funded | High | 48 hrs/2 weeks | 2–4 years | Yes |
| USA | Fully/Partially Funded | High | 20 hrs/week | 1–3 years | Yes |
| Norway | Tuition-Free | Free | 20 hrs/week | 1 year job search | Yes |
| Finland | Fully Funded | Low | 30 hrs/week | 2 years | Yes |
Step-by-Step Guide: How Nigerians Can Apply for Scholarships and Work Permits Abroad
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Research the Country and Program: Identify the universities and scholarships that match your field of study and budget.
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Prepare Academic Documents: Ensure your WAEC, transcript, and certificates are complete and translated if necessary.
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Write a Strong Personal Statement: Explain your academic goals and reasons for choosing the program.
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Apply for the Scholarship: Most applications are online—submit early to increase your chances.
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Secure Admission and Apply for Visa: Once accepted, apply for a student visa that includes work rights.
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Work During Studies: Follow local laws to work part-time and support your living costs.
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Apply for Post-Study Work Permit: After graduation, apply to stay and gain full-time work experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which country is easiest for Nigerians to get scholarships and work permits?
Germany and Canada are among the easiest because they provide numerous scholarships and simple post-study work options.
2. Can Nigerians work while studying abroad?
Yes. Most countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia allow international students to work part-time while studying.
3. What documents do Nigerians need for scholarships abroad?
You typically need your WAEC/NECO results, transcript, international passport, personal statement, and reference letters.
4. Are there free tuition countries for Nigerians?
Yes. Germany, Norway, and Finland offer tuition-free or low-cost education for international students.
5. How long can I work after graduation abroad?
Depending on the country, you can stay from 1 to 3 years to work full-time and gain experience.
6. Do scholarships cover accommodation and living costs?
Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs, while partial ones may only cover tuition.
7. Can scholarships help me get permanent residency?
Yes. Many countries allow students with work experience after graduation to apply for permanent residency.
8. What’s the best country for Nigerian undergraduate scholarships?
Canada, the UK, and the USA offer top undergraduate scholarships for Nigerians.
9. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes. Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving at least one offer.
10. Do I need IELTS to apply for these scholarships?
Most English-speaking countries require IELTS, but some accept WAEC English credits as proof of proficiency.
Conclusion: Start Your Global Journey Today
Studying abroad with a scholarship and a work permit is one of the most life-changing opportunities for Nigerians. It allows you to gain a world-class education, earn income while studying, and build a future beyond borders. Whether you choose Canada, Germany, the UK, Australia, or Norway, the path begins with research, preparation, and determination.
These scholarships and work permit programs are not just about studying—they’re about transforming your future. Take the bold step today, apply early, and open the door to international education, financial independence, and global career opportunities.