Studying abroad is a dream for many Nigerians and Africans, but the cost of tuition, flights, visa fees, and living expenses often makes it seem impossible. The good news is that several fully funded international scholarships now cover everything — including flight tickets, visa fees, tuition, accommodation, health insurance, monthly stipends, and even family support in some cases.

In this blog post, you will discover the top fully funded scholarships you can apply for right now, how they work, their benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to submit a successful application.

Let’s dive in.

Top Fully Funded Scholarships That Cover Flight Tickets, Visa, and Family Support

1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most popular awards for Nigerians. It offers a fully funded master’s degree in any UK university.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees
• Free flight tickets to and from the UK
• Visa fee coverage
• Monthly living allowance
• Accommodation support
• Access to global networking events

Eligibility

• Must have at least 2 years of work experience
• Must be a graduate (HND holders with strong experience are also considered)
• Strong leadership experience

How to Apply

Visit the Chevening website, create an account, and submit your educational documents, references, and essays.

2. Australia Awards Scholarships

These scholarships are funded by the Australian government and are open to Africans.

Benefits

• 100% tuition
• Flight tickets
• Visa fees
• Health insurance
• Family support allowance (for spouses and children)
• Establishment allowance
• Monthly stipend

Eligibility

• Must be a citizen of an eligible African country
• Return home after study for at least 2 years

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the Australia Awards portal.

3. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The DAAD is one of the world’s most generous scholarship programs.

Benefits

• Full tuition coverage
• Flight tickets
• Visa sponsorship letters
• Monthly stipend of €850 – €1,200
• Family and children allowance
• Health insurance coverage

Eligibility

• A bachelor’s degree with a good CGPA
• At least 2 years relevant work experience

How to Apply

Submit your documents on the DAAD portal and apply directly to participating German universities.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship (Europe)

This scholarship allows you to study in 3–4 countries in Europe under one program.

Benefits

• Full tuition
• Travel costs and international flights
• Visa fees
• Monthly stipend (€1,100 – €1,500)
• Health insurance
• Settlement allowance

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree in any field
• No work experience required

How to Apply

Find eligible programs on the Erasmus Mundus website and apply directly through each program’s portal.

5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Scholarship sponsors master’s and PhD students from Nigeria and other countries.

Benefits

• Full tuition
• Flight tickets
• Visa sponsorship
• Monthly maintenance allowance
• Books and study grants
• Health insurance

Eligibility

• A strong undergraduate academic record
• Good English proficiency

How to Apply

Applications are done through the US Embassy in Nigeria or via the Fulbright portal.

6. Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)

A fully funded master’s degree at Tsinghua University, one of the best in China.

Benefits

• Full tuition
• Flight tickets
• Health insurance
• Accommodation
• Personal laptop
• Monthly stipend

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong leadership qualities

How to Apply

Submit online applications including CV, essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters.

7. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (Asia & Pacific)

This scholarship supports studies in top universities across Asia.

Benefits

• Full tuition
• Round-trip flights
• Health and medical insurance
• Monthly living stipend
• Research and project allowance

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 2 years of work experience

How to Apply

Apply directly through participating universities listed on the ADB portal.

8. OIST Graduate Research Internship (Japan)

This is a fully funded research program for undergraduates and fresh graduates.

Benefits

• Flight tickets
• Visa assistance
• Free accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• Health insurance

Eligibility

• Students in STEM courses

How to Apply

Complete the OIST online application and upload documents.

9. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Multiple Countries)

Partnered with universities in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Africa.

Benefits

• Tuition fees
• Flight tickets
• Visa fees
• Books and materials
• Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• Mentorship programs

Eligibility

• Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• Academic excellence

How to Apply

Apply through participating university portals.

10. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (United Kingdom)

One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.

Benefits

• Tuition fees
• Flight tickets
• Visa fees
• Family allowance for children
• Monthly stipend
• Research funding

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree
• Excellence in academics and leadership

How to Apply

Submit your application through the Cambridge University website.

How to Apply for These Scholarships (Step-by-Step Guide)

Whether you are applying for Chevening, DAAD, Australia Awards, or Fulbright, the application process follows similar steps.

Step 1: Research and Choose a Scholarship

Check requirements and deadlines.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready

You usually need:

• International passport
• Degree certificate
• Transcript
• CV
• Recommendation letters
• Statement of purpose

Step 3: Write Strong Essays

Your essays should:

• Highlight leadership
• Show impact
• Show future goals

Step 4: Apply Online

Fill the form carefully and upload correct documents.

Step 5: Prepare for Interview

Some scholarships include oral interviews.

FAQs

1. Which scholarships pay for visa and flight tickets?

Chevening, DAAD, Australia Awards, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, and Gates Cambridge all cover flights and visa fees.

2. Can Nigerians apply for these fully funded scholarships?

Yes, all the scholarships listed are open to Nigerians and other African countries.

3. Which scholarship pays for family or dependents?

Australia Awards, DAAD, and Gates Cambridge offer family support allowances.

4. Do I need IELTS to apply?

Some scholarships require IELTS, but others accept alternatives like Duolingo, TOEFL, or a waiver.

5. Can I apply with an HND?

Yes. Scholarships like Chevening and Erasmus sometimes accept HND holders with experience.

6. Are undergraduate fully funded scholarships available?

Yes. Options include Mastercard Foundation, OIST Internship, and some DAAD programs.