How to Get a Scholarship and Part-Time Job as a Nigerian Student in the UK

With the UK ranking among the most popular destinations for international education, especially for students from Nigeria, the opportunities are vast, but so are the challenges. Every year, thousands of Nigerian students seek ways to fund their education and support themselves abroad, but only a fraction know how to access scholarships or land reliable part-time jobs. The truth? If you don’t have a roadmap, it’s easy to miss out. This guide breaks it all down for you – step by step, story by story, with no fluff.

Understanding how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK requires more than just Googling random links. It means knowing where to look, how to prepare and when to apply.

Scholarships in the UK can cover full tuition, accommodation and even your monthly living expenses – if you’re strategic enough. On the other hand, part-time jobs can be your safety net, giving you real-world experience and income while you study. The great thing? As a Nigerian with a valid student visa, you’re legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. This dual-track approach – scholarship plus part-time work – is your ticket to studying in the UK without breaking the bank or calling home for urgent alerts.

What’s often overlooked is that most Nigerian students don’t fail due to lack of effort, but due to lack of access to the right information. Many rely on outdated advice, apply too late or write generic scholarship essays that don’t stand out. When you understand how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK, you’re not just competing – you’re standing out. From fully funded options like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to university-specific awards tailored for African students, the UK has opened its doors wide. But you need to knock with confidence, preparation and precision.

The same goes for jobs – knowing which roles are in demand, where to find them and how to structure your CV the UK way gives you an edge that most applicants miss.

Now, let’s be real – life in the UK isn’t as rosy as Instagram may suggest. Rent is high, groceries can eat up your savings and adjusting to a new environment is emotionally taxing. That’s why getting both a scholarship and part-time job isn’t a luxury; it’s a survival strategy. The good news is, many Nigerian students are doing it – and thriving. They’re studying, working, building networks and even sending money back home.

But their secret sauce is that they mastered how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK early in the game. They didn’t just dream it – they planned for it and executed strategically.

In this article, you’ll discover exactly how to walk the same path. Whether you’re targeting a full Master’s scholarship, a research-based PhD funding or partial financial aid from a university, this guide gives you the keys. You’ll also learn how to find high-paying, student-friendly part-time jobs across various UK cities – jobs that not only pay the bills but also open doors. From application tips, visa requirements, to CV hacks and success stories, we’ll cover it all.

If your goal is to live and learn in the UK without drowning in debt or stress, then understanding how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK is not just important – it’s essential.

Best Scholarships for Nigerian Students in the UK

1. Chevening Scholarships (Full-Ride Game-Changer)

If you’re aiming high, start here. Chevening is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarship that covers tuition, living expenses, travel and visa costs. It’s designed for future leaders and Nigerian students have been winning this award year after year.

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record

• At least 2 years of work experience

• Leadership potential

Hot Tip: You don’t need an admission offer before applying, but you’ll need it to claim the award.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

This is another fully funded opportunity for Nigerians, specifically for Master’s and PhD programs. It’s backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Eligibility:

• Nigerian citizenship

• Admission to a UK university

• Strong academic background in development-focused areas

Bonus: It favors low-income candidates with clear career goals post-study.

3. University-Specific Scholarships

Many UK universities offer exclusive scholarships for Nigerian students. Here are a few favorites:

• University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship

• University of Sheffield Africa Scholarship

• University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship

• Coventry University Excellence Award

• University of West London International Ambassador Scholarship

These are competitive but achievable. All it takes is the right SOP (Statement of Purpose), good grades and knowing exactly how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK without going in blind.

4. GREAT Scholarships

The British Council collaborates with top universities for the GREAT Scholarships for Nigerians, worth around £10,000. It’s a partial scholarship but can be combined with part-time job income for full sustainability.

How to Actually Win These Scholarships as a Nigerian

Getting a scholarship is not about being the smartest in your class – it’s about presenting your story in a compelling way. Here’s the cheat code:

Write a Killer Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Your SOP should:

• Tell your Nigerian story with pride

• Show how your degree connects to your career plan

• Highlight leadership or volunteer work

• Be laser-focused, not generic

Secure Strong Academic References

Don’t just grab any lecturer. Choose someone who knows you well and can write with passion and proof.

Apply Early and Apply Wide

Don’t put all your eggs in one scholarship basket. Apply to 5-7 opportunities. That’s how you increase your odds.

Landing a Part-Time Job as a Nigerian Student in the UK

Okay, you’ve secured admission (maybe even with a scholarship). Now you need to survive. Rent, food, internet – UK life is not cheap. Getting a part-time job is your lifeline and the best part? Your Tier 4 student visa allows you to work legally.

Top Part-Time Jobs for Nigerian Students in the UK

1. Retail Assistant (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, etc.)

Pays: £9–£12/hour
Easy to get, flexible shifts. No UK experience needed.

2. Customer Service/Call Center Jobs

If you’ve got great communication skills and patience, this is a goldmine.

3. Delivery Rider (Uber Eats, Deliveroo)

Requires a bike or scooter, but the pay can add up fast – especially with tips.

4. Campus Jobs (Library Assistant, IT Desk, Student Ambassador)

These are underrated but ideal – convenient, decent pay and campus-based.

5. Hospitality (Restaurants, Bars, Hotels)

Tips + wages = solid income. And you meet people, build confidence.

How to Apply for Part-Time Jobs Quickly

Getting a job in the UK requires strategy. You can’t just walk into stores with a CV like in Nigeria.

Step 1: Polish Your UK-Style CV

UK employers want concise, relevant and customized CVs. No age, no marital status – just skills and experience.

Step 2: Use the Right Job Portals

• Indeed UK

• StudentJob UK

• Reed.co.uk

• Glassdoor

• Gumtree (for local gigs)

Step 3: Walk into Local Stores and Ask

Once you arrive in the UK, go local. Supermarkets and restaurants often hire directly.

Step 4: Tap into Your Nigerian Network

Join Nigerian student groups in your university or city. Someone’s always got a plug for a job.

Estimated Cost of Living vs Part-Time Income

Now, let’s look at what you can earn:

• Part-time job (20 hrs/week @ £10/hr) = £800/month

• Holiday work (40 hrs/week @ £10/hr) = £1600/month

Conclusion? If you combine scholarship funds with smart part-time work, you can comfortably survive (and even save!) as a Nigerian student in the UK.

Key Documents You Need to Succeed

Here’s a checklist for those asking how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK:

• Valid International Passport

• Admission Letter

• Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo)

• Academic Transcripts

• Strong SOP and References

• Visa Approval Letter (Tier 4 Student Visa)

• National Insurance Number (for work)

• UK-style CV

Nigerians Who Nailed It

Chidera from Lagos got a Commonwealth Scholarship to study Public Health at the University of Leeds, worked part-time in the school cafeteria and saved enough to fund a short holiday in Spain.

Tolu, a Chevening scholar, balanced his Master’s at SOAS with part-time work at a tech startup. Today, he’s on a Graduate Visa and working full-time in London.

Their secret? Knowing how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK – and acting on it without delay.

Now that you know how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK, the next step is action. It’s not enough to just read and be inspired – you need to start applying, reaching out and positioning yourself for real results. Whether it’s writing a compelling Statement of Purpose, customizing your CV for UK employers or applying early for multiple scholarships, every little step puts you ahead of the pack. The students who succeed aren’t always the most brilliant – they’re often the most consistent and informed.

Remember, understanding how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK means thinking long-term. It’s about building a sustainable system that supports your academic goals while keeping your financial stress in check.

The UK offers countless opportunities, but only for those who come prepared. From full-tuition awards to jobs that pay your rent, your dream is within reach. Don’t just pray about it – plan, act and network wisely. You’re not just moving to study; you’re building a future.

If you’ve made it this far, you already have the mindset that wins. Keep sharpening your applications, tailor every job CV and always stay one step ahead. Because the truth is, how to get a scholarship and part-time job as a Nigerian student in the UK is not just a question – it’s a strategy. And now, you’ve got the blueprint. Go make it happen.