Czech Republic Opens Applications for Fully Funded 2026/2027 Scholarship Programme for Nigerians and Other Developing Nations

The Government of the Czech Republic has officially announced the opening of its fully funded scholarship programme for the 2026/2027 academic year, offering a significant opportunity for Nigerians and citizens of 11 other developing countries to study at public universities in the country.

This initiative, part of the Czech Republic’s long-standing commitment to supporting education in developing nations, will allow successful applicants to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees at top Czech institutions.

A Legacy of Educational Support

According to the announcement by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health, over 20,000 international students have benefited from this scheme since the late 1950s. The scholarship forms a key component of the Czech Republic’s foreign development cooperation strategy, aimed at building human capital and fostering global academic partnerships.

Eligible Countries

Citizens of the following countries are invited to apply:

• Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia
• Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus (democratic forces)
• Asia: Cambodia, Sri Lanka
• Middle East and Latin America: Jordan, Guatemala

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted online no later than 30 September 2025 via the Czech government’s official application portal.

What the Scholarship Covers

The scholarship provides full financial support for the entire duration of the selected academic programme. This includes:

• Tuition fees
• Monthly stipend of:
• CZK 16,000 (approx. ?1.1 million/month) for Bachelor’s and Master’s students
• CZK 17,000 (approx. ?1.2 million/month) for Doctoral students
• Language training (where applicable)

Available Programmes

1.     Programmes in Czech Language

o   Bachelor’s (Georgia only)

o   Follow-up Master’s (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus)

o   One-year preparatory Czech language course

2.     Programmes in English Language (Open to all eligible countries)

o   Two-year Follow-up Master’s degrees

o   Three- to four-year Doctoral degrees

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following academic criteria:

• Completion of secondary education for Bachelor’s programmes
• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programmes
• Possession of a Master’s degree for Doctoral studies

In addition, candidates applying for English-taught programmes are required to pass an online English proficiency test as part of the selection process. Final admission is subject to passing the university’s entrance examinations.

Important Notes for Applicants

• Travel expenses to and from the Czech Republic are not covered by the scholarship and must be borne by the student or the nominating agency.
• Students are responsible for any additional health services beyond the standard care provided.
• The scholarship will be terminated if the student discontinues studies, is expelled, exceeds the official study period, or fails to comply with medical or academic requirements.
• Providing false information during the application process is grounds for immediate disqualification.

Why This Matters

This scholarship comes at a critical time, especially for Nigerian students seeking affordable opportunities abroad amidst economic uncertainties, currency depreciation, and rising educational costs. With its blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and comprehensive support, the Czech Republic stands out as a compelling destination for higher education.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates can apply through the official portal of the Czech Ministry of Education. Early applications are strongly encouraged to allow adequate time for documentation and testing.