Introduction
Imagine being able to pursue a one-year Master’s programme in the UK and having £10,000 knocked off your tuition fees. For many Nigerian graduates, that dream might feel distant—but through the GREAT Scholarships by the British Council (in partnership with the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign), that dream is now very much within reach. This scholarship is specifically designed for citizens of Nigeria (among other countries), enabling them to study at leading UK institutions. (British Council)
In this blog post I’ll walk you through what this opportunity is, why it matters, how to compare it to other options, key insights on making a strong application from Nigeria, and some practical next-steps and thoughts for you to come away with. My aim is to keep it friendly, clear and as practical as possible so you can decide if this is for you – and if yes, how best to make it count.
What is the GREAT Scholarships scheme?
The GREAT Scholarships scheme is a collaboration between the British Council, the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK higher education institutions (HEIs). The aim is to encourage international students—including those from Nigeria—to pursue postgraduate taught (one-year Master’s) programmes in the UK by offering a substantial scholarship towards tuition fees. (opportunities-insight.britishcouncil.org)
Here are the key features, explained clearly:
- £10,000 towards tuition fees: For eligible one-year taught postgraduate programmes at UK universities. (Study UK)
- Targeted at specific countries: Nigeria is explicitly listed among them. (Study UK)
- One-year full-time Master’s programmes: You must be accepted on a full-time, campus-based postgraduate taught course (note: not part-time or distance learning). (University of Kent – University of Kent)
- Tuition only: The scholarship covers a set amount towards tuition fees – you’ll still need to budget for travel, living costs, visa, etc. For example, one Nigerian-targeted summary states: “students are expected to fund travel, visa, and living costs.” (Android Pols)
In short: this is a targeted, partial-fee-reduction scholarship that makes UK study significantly more affordable for Nigerian postgraduate applicants—without covering every cost.
Why this matters for Nigerian students
Studying in the UK has long been a dream for many Nigerian graduates. But the reality is often daunting: high tuition fees (especially for international students), visa and living cost burdens, and competition for funding. The GREAT scholarship helps shift the equation in your favour. Here are a few reasons why it matters:
- Reducing financial barriers
A £10,000 discount on tuition can make a major difference. For many UK Master’s degree programmes, the international tuition fees alone can run into tens of thousands of pounds. Having that scholarship gives you breathing space. - Access to top UK universities
The scheme lists a wide array of participating UK institutions where Nigerian students are eligible. (We’ll explore some examples below.) (British Council) - Global-brand credential
Holding a scholarship like this not only helps financially but adds to your CV – showing you were competitive enough to secure a selective international funding opportunity. - Networking and ambassador role
As part of the scheme, scholars are expected to engage with the UK higher education experience, attend networking events and act as ambassadors. This means more than just funding—it means access and exposure. (University of Surrey) - Boosting your future prospects
Studying in the UK can open doors (internship opportunities, international networks, potentially stronger job pathways). The scholarship lowers the risk-barrier.
For many Nigerian students, this kind of targeted support genuinely changes the feasibility of a UK Master’s from “maybe one day” to “let’s make a plan”.
Eligibility & what you need to check
Before you invest time and energy, let’s be clear on the eligibility requirements. While always check the individual university and scholarship page (since deadlines and conditions vary), here are the common criteria for Nigerian applicants under GREAT:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a citizen and resident of Nigeria. (University of Surrey) |
| Undergraduate degree | Must hold a bachelor’s degree that qualifies you for a postgraduate taught course. |
| Offer of admission | Must have received or be in the process of obtaining a conditional or unconditional offer from a participating UK university, for a full-time one-year taught Master’s. (University of Surrey) |
| English language requirement | Must satisfy the English language requirement of the UK Higher Education Institution (HEI). (Study UK) |
| Commitment to ambassador role – networking | Scholars are expected to engage in networking events in the UK and act as ambassadors for the scheme after completion. (University of Manchester Documents) |
| Tuition fee payer status | You must be assessed as an international tuition-fee payer by the university (i.e., not domestic UK/EU fee status) in many cases. (University of Kent – University of Kent) |
Important points to note:
- The scholarship is not full funding—it does not cover living costs or travel unless specified by the institution. Keep realistic expectations.
- Deadlines vary by university. You might have to apply for your course first, receive the offer, then apply for the scholarship. So timing matters. (University of Kent – University of Kent)
- The scholarship specifically targets one-year taught postgraduate programmes (Master’s) – not PhDs, two-year or part-time courses. (University of Manchester Documents)
Participating UK Universities – some examples & how to pick your target
One of the great things about the GREAT scheme is that it covers a range of UK universities. For Nigerian applicants, here are some of the higher-profile participating institutions:
- University of Surrey – offering one £10,000 postgraduate scholarship for Nigerian students. (University of Surrey)
- University of Exeter – offering several £10,000 scholarships for Nigerian applicants on eligible one-year Master’s. (scholarshipsandaid.org)
- Numerous others listed on the Nigerian page of the British Council: e.g., University of Manchester, University of York, Anglia Ruskin University etc. (Study UK)
When you are choosing which UK university to target for the scholarship, consider the following:
- Does your subject of interest exist there as a one-year Master’s programme (taught, on campus)?
- Does the university list Nigerian applicants under its GREAT scholarship allocation?
- What are the deadlines and application process for that university’s scholarship?
- What are the living cost differences and location advantages? (Studying in London vs smaller city makes a financial difference.)
- The prestige/relevance of the programme for your future goals.
- Additional support services (international student support, scholarship guidance, etc.).
It’s worth making a short-list of 2-3 UK universities where your subject is strong and where you meet admission and scholarship criteria. Then you can apply for the course, then apply for the scholarship via that institution.
How the £10,000 helps: financial comparison
Let’s put the £10,000 scholarship into perspective by comparing some typical costs associated with UK Master’s study, so you can see how big (or how manageable) this support can be.
| Cost item | Estimated amount (£) | Comment / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International tuition fee for one-year Master’s | £17,000 – £30,000+ depending on university & subject | For example, many UK universities charge significantly higher for international students. |
| GREAT scholarship | £10,000 | This is the fixed contribution from scheme towards tuition. |
| Remaining tuition to pay (after scholarship) | ~£7,000 – £20,000+ | Depending on your tuition fee level. |
| Estimated living costs for UK one year (tuition not included) | £12,000 – £16,000+ | This includes accommodation, food, transport, etc (varies by location). |
| Visa, travel, health surcharge and other costs | £2,000 – £5,000 (approx) | Nigeria-UK route may include flight, visa, healthcare surcharge, etc. |
Interpretation: If you secure the £10,000 scholarship, you significantly reduce the burden of tuition. However, you still must budget for the remainder of tuition (if any), living costs, travel, visa etc. The scholarship helps make it much more feasible, but it’s not “everything paid”.
In other words: this is a life-changing discount, not full funding. But if you plan well, it can tip the balance from “looks impossible” to “I can afford it with a plan”.
Key insights & tips for a successful application
Securing the scholarship is competitive. Here are practical insights and tips especially tailored for Nigerian applicants, based on the published criteria and common best practices.
1. Start by getting a strong offer for the Master’s programme
Before you can apply for the scholarship you generally need to have applied and ideally received an offer (conditional or unconditional) from the UK university. The scholarship application is after or in parallel to your course-application. For example:
“Applicants must have first made an application and received an offer (conditional or unconditional) for a full-time postgraduate taught programme …” (University of Surrey)
So make sure you:
- Choose your subject carefully and ensure you meet its entry requirements (grades, transcripts, English proficiency).
- Apply to the UK university, submit all required materials.
- Once you have an offer, check the deadline for the scholarship at that institution.
2. Tailor your application to show motivation, leadership and ambassadorial qualities
The scholarship criteria emphasise more than just academic eligibility. For example:
- “Have an interest in the proposed subject area.” (British Council)
- “Be willing to attend a networking event … and act as an ambassador for the GREAT Scholarships.” (University of Surrey)
So you should: - Prepare a personal statement or essay that clearly articulates your interest in the subject and how you’ve engaged with it so far (internships, projects, volunteer work, etc).
- Demonstrate ambition and future contribution—how your study in the UK will enable you to contribute back in Nigeria, your home country, or globally.
- Show you can represent the values of the scholarship (e.g., cross-cultural engagement, leadership, networking, enhancement of UK-Nigeria educational links).
3. Meet all administrative requirements well ahead of deadlines
Important administrative tasks include:
- Ensure you have a valid passport and any required proof of Nigerian citizenship/residence.
- Ensure your English language test (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) meets the UK university’s requirement.
- Have transcripts, certificates, CV/resume, reference letters ready.
- Confirm your tuition fee status (international payer).
- Confirm you are applying for a one-year taught Master’s (not part-time, not distance).
- Check for any essay/personal statement required by the scholarship (some institutions require an essay of e.g. 500 words). (University of Kent – University of Kent)
- Submit before the deadline for the scholarship at your chosen institution. Deadlines can vary (e.g., 30 May 2025 for University of Surrey) (University of Surrey)
- Keep copies of everything and plan a timeline.
4. Budget realistically and have a plan for remaining costs
While the £10,000 is generous, you still face other costs (remaining tuition, living, visa, travel). You should:
- Calculate the full cost for your chosen university and programme (tuition + living + other costs).
- Identify how you will fund the remainder (personal savings, family support, part-time work possibilities, other scholarships, etc).
- Be ready to show a reasonable plan in your application if required (sometimes you may be asked how you will manage the remainder).
- Explore living cost differences depending on location (London vs smaller UK city) – less expensive locations can help.
5. Highlight the value of UK study for your career / home country
In your narrative, emphasise how the UK Master’s will change your career path, and how you intend to use that change after you graduate. For Nigerian applicants this might include:
- How you will bring new skills/expertise to Nigeria.
- How you will engage with UK-Nigeria educational or professional links.
- How the scholarship aligns with your long-term goals (e.g., in business, tech, social change, research).
Attention to this “impact story” strengthens your case, because GREAT scholarship criteria emphasise more than just academic performance—they look for future orientation and engagement.
Comparing GREAT Scholarship with other UK-funded postgraduate options
It helps to see how this scholarship stacks up alongside other opportunities, to understand where it fits in your funding strategy.
| Feature | GREAT Scholarships | Some Other UK Scholarships (e.g., fully-funded schemes) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee contribution | £10,000 toward tuition fees (partial) | Some offer full tuition + living costs |
| Covers living costs? | No – usually just tuition contribution (Android Pols) | Some schemes cover living/travel (e.g., Chevening) |
| Type of programmes | One-year taught Master’s | Varies – Master’s, PhD, sometimes longer |
| Target countries | Specific countries (Nigeria among them) (Study UK) | Varies: some global, some country-specific |
| Ambassador / networking role | Yes – scholars expected to act as ambassadors & attend events (University of Surrey) | Some others also have alumni/ambassador requirements |
| Competitiveness | High – many applicants for limited places | Also often highly competitive depending on scheme |
| Funding actual amount | Fixed amount (£10,000) | Can vary – sometimes full funding & more |
Key takeaway: The GREAT Scholarship is a very good opportunity, especially for reducing tuition burden. But if you find a scheme that covers full tuition + living + travel, that might be “better” from a cost-perspective—but such schemes are rarer and also more competitive. In many cases a combination of the GREAT scholarship plus personal funding for the remainder may be your best realistic route.
For Nigerian students, the GREAT scholarship offers a strong entry point into UK study. It might be the key that unlocks the possibility of studying abroad rather than staying home because of cost.
Step-by-step application roadmap (for Nigerian students)
Here’s a suggested roadmap you can follow to maximise your chances of success:
- Select your subject and UK universities
- Identify a Master’s (one-year taught) that you’re genuinely passionate about.
- Check which UK universities participate in the GREAT scheme for Nigeria (via the British Council Nigeria page). (British Council)
- Short-list 2-3 universities to apply to.
- Apply for admission to your chosen Master’s programme
- Prepare your undergraduate transcripts, degree certificate, English test, CV/resume, personal statement, references.
- Submit your application to the UK HEI.
- Once you receive a conditional/unconditional offer – keep it safe.
- Check the university’s GREAT scholarship page
- Each university sets its own GREAT scholarship deadline and additional criteria (essay length, special questions, etc).
- For example: University of Surrey had deadline 30 May 2025 for its Nigerian scholarship. (University of Surrey)
- Download the scholarship form, eligibility criteria, submit all required documents.
- Prepare your scholarship application
- Write a compelling personal statement/essay: emphasise your subject interest, leadership qualities, future impact, Nigeria context.
- Have your references lined up (academic and/or professional).
- Ensure you’ve met all administrative requirements (citizenship/residence, international fee status, etc).
- Submit before deadline.
- Budget realistically and plan for the remainder
- Once you secure the scholarship (or are shortlisted), know your remaining costs.
- Arrange funding (savings, part-time work (if eligible), other scholarships, family support).
- Plan living cost, accommodation, visa, travel.
- Engage early with the UK student experience
- If shortlisted/selected, get ready for networking events, UKHEI orientation, ambassador responsibilities.
- Be proactive: connect with alumni, join forums, attend webinars.
- Post-award: maximise the opportunity
- Make the most of your time in the UK: network, join student societies, engage in internships/volunteering, build global profile.
- After you finish, stay connected with the British Council/Great Scholars alumni network – this is part of the scheme expectation.
Real-world considerations & what to watch out for
When you’re navigating something like this, realistic awareness helps avoid surprises. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Competition is strong: Because the scholarship is attractive and limited, many aspiring students apply. Quality of application matters.
- Cost of living in the UK is high: Even with the scholarship, you’ll need to budget carefully for accommodation, transport, food, etc. Especially in cities like London.
- Visa and immigration rules: As an international student you’ll need to meet UK visa requirements, financial evidence, etc.
- Full funding vs partial funding: Some students may assume “£10,000” means “everything paid” – but here it’s tuition part only. Plan for remaining costs.
- Deadlines differ by university: Don’t assume one size fits all—check each university’s specific deadline for BOTH admission and the scholarship.
- Post-study plans: Remember to think beyond the degree. How will you leverage the UK qualification when you return (or choose to stay)? The scholarship evaluators will likely care about your long-term impact.
- Currency & living in Nigeria context: The UK pound cost for Nigerians can feel even higher because of exchange rates, so local budgeting and planning is essential.
- Other scholarships/combined funding: If you receive other scholarships, check whether you’re allowed to combine them (some restrictions apply). The UK scheme may require you to inform them of other awards.
Why this could be your life-changing moment
Let’s step back and reflect: Why is this more than just “another scholarship”? For a Nigerian student, this opportunity has potential to shift your trajectory in meaningful ways:
- You will gain an international qualification from a respected UK university — this opens doors that may have seemed closed at home or outside.
- You will join and become part of a global network of scholars (from the UK and internationally) — exposure, ideas, connections.
- You will experience living and learning in a different cultural context, which broadens your mindset, skill-set, and confidence.
- You will gain an opportunity to bring what you learn back to Nigeria (or wherever your path leads) — whether via innovation, business, academia, social change.
- You will have the credibility of a named scholarship (GREAT) behind you — this can enhance your CV, your story, your capacity to attract future support or jobs.
- You will reduce the financial burden of international study to a manageable level — making what may once have been “unthinkable” into a very real plan.
In short: with the GREAT Scholarship, you’re not just paying less for a Master’s; you’re investing in a major pivot or acceleration in your career and life. It’s affordable abroad study, but with the ambition and global edge that comes with it.
Conclusion
For Nigerian graduates seeking to broaden horizons, deepen academic credentials, and gain a truly global experience, the GREAT Scholarships by the British Council represent an outstanding opportunity. With £10,000 off tuition fees, access to prestigious UK universities, and networking/ambassador opportunities built-in, this scheme is one of the strongest “affordable UK study” routes for Nigerian postgraduate applicants.
But—success isn’t automatic. The scholarship rewards not just eligibility, but motivation, clarity of purpose, readiness, and planning. I encourage you to think of this as a project: choose your subject and university strategically; sharpen your personal story; budget for the full cost; meet deadlines; and approach the application with confidence and clarity.
If I were to leave you with three action-steps, here they are:
- Choose your subject and short-list 2-3 UK universities offering the 1-year taught Master’s you’re passionate about and participating in the GREAT scheme.
- Prepare and submit your course application—then, once you have an offer, submit your scholarship application to the university before the deadline.
- Build your application story: your subject interest, evidence (academic/work), future impact (particularly relating to Nigeria), and your plan for finances including living costs and remaining tuition.
If you act now and act well, this could indeed be the life-changing moment you’ve been waiting for.
Best of luck—Nigeria to the UK awaits you. 🎓