List of International Grants for Individuals in Nigeria 2025

Having a brilliant idea is one thing. It could be a business that creates jobs, a research project that solves a local problem, or a community initiative that changes lives. However, turning that idea into a reality often comes down to one thing: funding. Finding the funding to get your project off the ground can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. The internet is full of information, but it's scattered, confusing, and sometimes out of date.

We've done the heavy lifting for you, sorting through the noise to find real, valuable opportunities available to Nigerians like you in 2025. We aim to simplify this process and make it less intimidating, so you can focus on what you do best: creating, innovating, and making an impact.

How Grant Works

A grant is a sum of money an organization gives to an individual or another organization for a specific purpose. Most importantly, you do not have to pay a grant back. This makes it completely different from a loan you must repay with interest.

However, this "free money" comes with responsibilities. When you accept a grant, you agree to use the funds exactly as you proposed in your application. Most grant providers will require you to submit reports showing how you've spent the money and your progress on your project. This is their way of ensuring their investment creates the intended impact.

List of International Grants for Individuals

1. International Grants For Students & Researchers

For many talented Nigerians, the cost is the most significant barrier to pursuing higher education or conducting groundbreaking research. International scholarships and fellowships are designed to break down this barrier, offering you a chance to learn at some of the world's best institutions without the burden of debt. These are not just grants; they are investments in your future and the future of Nigeria.

• Chevening Scholarship (UK): A fully funded one-year Master's degree at any UK university for future leaders. It covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. The 2026-2027 cycle applications are open until October 7, 2025.
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA): This flagship U.S. Government program funds Master's or PhD studies in the United States, covering tuition, a living stipend, airfare, and health insurance.
• Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa (UK): One of the world's most prestigious scholarships for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort is August 28, 2025.
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Offers a range of scholarships for Master's or PhD study in Germany, often including monthly payments, travel, and health insurance coverage.

2. International Grants For Entrepreneurs & Innovators

Nigeria is a nation of entrepreneurs. These grants are for the innovators creating jobs and solving problems. Many offer both funding and mentorship.

• Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme: Africa's most famous entrepreneurship program annually provides thousands of young Africans $5,000 in seed capital and comprehensive business management training.
• Boma Prize for Africa: This prize helps small businesses scale their innovations, with finalists competing for over $20,000 in funding and entry into a global community of entrepreneurs and mentors.
• Google for Startups Black Founders Fund: This fund provides equity-free cash awards up to $150,000 to early-stage, Black-founded technology startups in Africa. Nigeria is one of the eligible countries. In addition to funding, recipients get hands-on support from Google mentors, product experts, and Google Cloud credits to help their businesses grow.
• U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) Grants: The USADF provides seed capital of up to $250,000 to African-led community enterprises and social entrepreneurs. Their grants aim to support smallholder farmers, youth, women, and other underserved communities to create jobs, improve income, and achieve greater food security.

3. International Grants For the Creatives

Nigeria's creative industry is a global powerhouse. These grants are for the storytellers and culture-shapers who need support to flourish.

• Goethe-Institut Nigeria Art and Culture Project Grant: This program offers up to €5,000 for artists with specific projects like exhibitions, performances, or workshops.
• Institut Francais Residency Programme: A fully funded residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, offering a chance to connect with artists worldwide.
• U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP): A large-scale grant (from $25,000 to $500,000) for preserving cultural heritage. Individuals can partner with a registered museum or NGO to apply.
• Music in Africa Foundation: A vital pan-African resource that regularly posts calls for applications for grants, workshops, and performance opportunities for musicians.

4. A Special Opportunity at Home: The Bet9ja Foundation Initiative

While the grants we've listed are from international bodies, we at the Bet9ja Foundation are passionate about building talent at home. 

Disclaimer: Please note that the Bet9ja Foundation's programs are focused on supporting initiatives within Nigeria and are not international grants. We are including them here to provide a comprehensive resource for our community. We focus our efforts on key areas like education, sports development, healthcare, and youth empowerment because these are the pillars of a strong and prosperous society. We run several programs designed to provide practical support to ambitious Nigerians. Here are two of our flagship initiatives:

• For Entrepreneurs: The Scaleup Business Pitch Challenge: Our Scaleup Business Pitch Challenge is our way of finding and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs building innovative companies and creating jobs. The program provides funding and mentorship to help them scale their businesses and achieve their full potential. You can see the impact of our work through the various Projects we have supported.
• For Students: The Undergraduate Scholarship Program: Access to quality education is life-changing. Our Undergraduate Scholarship Program is designed to support bright and deserving Nigerian university students, helping them achieve their academic goals without the stress of financial burdens. You can read our testimonials to understand the difference this support makes.

Your Winning Game Plan: How to Stand Out

Finding the right grant is the first step. Writing an application that gets noticed is the most crucial part. Competition is high, and a simple mistake can get your proposal disqualified.

Four Simple Rules to Follow:

1. Read the Instructions (Twice): This is why applications fail. Carefully review the eligibility criteria and the funder's goals.
2. Tell a Powerful Story: Your proposal should be more than a list of activities. Explain why your project is needed, who it will help, and its long-term impact.
3. Show Them the Money (Clearly): A clear, detailed, and realistic budget shows you are organized and can be trusted with funds. A sloppy budget is a major red flag.
4. Connect Your Project to Their Mission: Explain how your project helps the funder achieve their goals. This positions your project as a perfect fit for their investment.

Want to make your application stand out more? Read our detailed guide on How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal for expert tips and a free template.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Now

Finding and applying for grants takes time and effort. There will be challenges, and you may not win on your first try. However, the opportunities we've shared in this guide are real and achievable for determined individuals in Nigeria. Every successful project, every thriving business, and every life-changing research paper funded by a grant started with a single application.

We hope this guide has clarified the process and given you the confidence to take that first step. Your journey starts now. At the Bet9ja Foundation, we are deeply committed to empowering Nigerians and helping to build a brighter, more prosperous future for our country. We believe in your ideas' power and your ambition's strength. Use this guide to explore the global opportunities waiting for you, and don't forget to see how we're making a difference right here at home. Learn About Our Impact.