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"Is It Possible to Secure a Tuition-Free PhD Scholarship in Europe as a Nigerian Student?"

Updated: 4 days ago

It is possible to get a tuition-free scholarship for your doctoral research. However, securing tuition-free scholarships for PhD candidates from Nigeria can be challenging given the limited spaces and high volume of applicants.



To stand out from the crowd, it's essential to create a compelling personal statement and follow the application instructions diligently. Make sure that all your transcripts and certificates are authentic and not counterfeit. Submit your application before the deadline and regularly monitor your email in case additional documents are requested by the institution.


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Language Proficiency: Ensure you meet the language requirements for the programs you're interested in.

10 tuition-free PhD scholarships in Europe for Nigerians in 2025 with their application details and deadlines.

Here are ten tuition-free PhD scholarships in Europe for Nigerians in 2025, along with their application details and deadlines:





DAAD Scholarships in Germany for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses


Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate (EMJD)



Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships



Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)


CERN Doctoral Student Programme

  • Description: Offers opportunities in applied physics, engineering, and computing.

  • Application Deadline: Twice a year (May and October).

  • Website: careers.CERN



ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)


University of Oslo PhD Research Fellowship


Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students



Finnish Government Scholarship Pool

Flag of France
TIP: Get your passport ready 'ECOWAS' you can apply for one if you have not. You may need your passport number and data page for your application.

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

  • Description: Offers scholarships for non-EU/EEA students pursuing advanced degrees, including PhDs.

  • Application Deadline: February.

  • Website: www.universiteitleiden.nl





Each of these scholarships has specific eligibility criteria and application procedures, so it's essential to visit their respective websites for detailed information. Be sure to start your application process early to ensure you meet all the requirements and deadlines.





Simple tips and essential steps to maximize your chances of success toward securing a full scholarship opportunity in Europe:


  • Research Potential Universities and Programs: Start by identifying universities in Europe that offer tuition-free PhD programs. Countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland often have such opportunities for international students.

A lot of the research has been done for you, follow the links, remember to use google translator, from french, or german to english language.

  • Language Proficiency: Ensure you meet the language requirements for the programs you're interested in. This might involve taking English language tests like IELTS or TOEFL, or proficiency tests in other languages if applicable.

  • Prepare a Strong Research Proposal: Develop a well-thought-out research proposal that aligns with the interests of potential supervisors at your chosen institutions. This is crucial as it showcases your research capabilities and interests.




Tip: In a bid to impress your 'future' supervisory team, do not over-promise in your research proposal. Attempting to research an over flogged area, or presenting an overtly broad topic affects you adversely.

  • Secure a Supervisor: Reach out to potential supervisors whose research interests align with yours. A supervisor willing to support your application can significantly enhance your chances of being accepted.

  • Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, CVs, and any other materials specified by the universities.

  • Look for Scholarships and Grants: In addition to tuition-free options, explore scholarships and grants that can help cover living expenses. Organizations like DAAD in Germany or the Erasmus Mundus program offer financial assistance to international students.

  • Application Deadlines: Keep track of application deadlines for each university and program. Missing a deadline can mean waiting another year to apply.

  • Visa Requirements: Understand the visa requirements for students in your chosen country. Begin the application process early to avoid delays.

TIP: Get your passport ready 'ECOWAS' you can apply for one if you have not. You may need your passport number and data page for your application.

  • Networking: Join online forums and social media groups for international students. These platforms can provide valuable advice and support from others who have navigated the same path.

'Follow who know road'

  • Stay Persistent and Positive: The process can be lengthy and challenging, but perseverance is key. Stay motivated and keep your end goal in sight.

By following these steps and staying organized, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a tuition-free PhD opportunity in Europe.







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Visa Requirements: Understand the visa requirements for students in your chosen country. Begin the application process early to avoid delays.

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