Overview / About the Scholarship
The International Alumni Scholarship for Nigerian students is a specialised financial award designed to reward the loyalty of graduates who choose to continue their academic journey at their original UK institution. For the 2026-27 academic year, this scholarship serves as a vital bridge for Nigerians facing fluctuating exchange rates, offering a significant tuition reduction for those returning for a Master's or PhD.
This scholarship is an institutional thank you to former students, designed to foster a lifelong connection between the university and its global alumni community. It recognises the value that returning Nigerian students bring to the campus, including their familiarity with the UK education system and their potential to act as peer mentors for new international arrivals.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
Tuition Discount: Typically offered as a 10% to 20% reduction in the total tuition fee.
Fixed Awards: Some institutions provide a flat-rate grant, such as £2,000-£4,000, applied directly to the fee account.
Combining Awards: At many universities, this can be stacked with other Early Bird or merit-based discounts, though some institutions may limit the number of awards that can be combined.
No Competitive Application: Unlike merit scholarships, this is often guaranteed to all qualifying alumni.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, Nigerian applicants must usually meet the following:
Alumni Status: Must hold a full degree, Undergraduate or Postgraduate, from the host UK university.
Nationality: Be a citizen and permanent resident of Nigeria.
Fee Status: Be classified as an International fee-payer for the upcoming course.
Academic Standing: Must have successfully completed their previous degree with no outstanding academic or financial debt to the university.
Level & Field of Study
Level: Valid for Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD) programs.
Field: Generally open to all academic disciplines, though some clinical or online-only courses may be excluded depending on university policy.
Host University / Provider Info
Virtually every UK university with a significant international student base offers an alumni discount. For 2026-27, over 80 UK universities are accepting Nigerian students with specialised alumni support.
Key Providers for 2026:
University of Stirling: Offers a dedicated Alumni Scholarship for returning graduates.
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan): Provides a 20% Alumni Loyalty Discount.
University of Kent: Offers academic excellence awards for returning Nigerian alumni.
University of East Anglia (UEA): Features progression awards for international graduates.
Required Documents
While many alumni awards are processed automatically, you should have the following ready:
Proof of Graduation: Your previous UK degree certificate or final transcript.
Valid Passport: A current Nigerian international passport.
Offer Letter: An admission offer for your new course at the same university.
Student ID: Your previous student identification number from your first degree.
How to Apply
Apply for Admission: Submit your application for your next degree via the university’s standard portal.
Declare Alumni Status: Ensure you tick the box indicating you are a former student on the application form.
Automatic Identification: Most universities, like Stirling, will automatically apply the discount once your previous record is verified.
Confirm the Discount: Check your new offer letter or fee invoice to ensure the Alumni Loyalty Discount has been deducted from your total tuition.
