For many African students — especially those from Nigeria — the dream of studying abroad often collides with the harsh reality of high tuition fees. But what if you could study at one of Scandinavia’s leading institutions without paying tuition? The Axel Adler Scholarship at University of Gothenburg (Sweden) makes that possible. In this article, we break down everything you need to know: who is eligible, what’s covered, the application process, timelines, and most importantly, how you can apply.
Given the growing demand for international study opportunities, this scholarship could open doors for countless African students looking to pursue high-quality education abroad.
What is the Axel Adler Scholarship (2026)
- The Axel Adler Scholarship is a full tuition-fee waiver offered by the University of Gothenburg for international students admitted into its campus-based Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes.
- It is funded by the Adlerbertska Scholarship Foundation, the Adlerbertska Grant Foundation, and the Swedish Council for Higher Education.
- The scholarship covers tuition for the entire duration of the programme: for Master’s programmes (typically 2 years), and for eligible Bachelor’s programmes (3 years).
Who Is Eligible — Key Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 Axel Adler Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be required to pay tuition fees (i.e., Non-EU/EEA international students — which includes students from Nigeria and other African countries).
- Apply for an international, campus-based Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at University of Gothenburg — and list that programme as their first priority.
- Submit the study application by 15 January 2026.
- Pay the required application fee and document eligibility by 2 February 2026.
- Upon eligibility, once notified, submit a CV and a Motivation Letter through the scholarship application system. No other documents (attachments) are accepted for the scholarship application itself.
Note: Only one scholarship is awarded per study program, except for programmes under the Artistic Faculty (e.g., Fine Arts, Craft & Design, Music, Performance), where a total of four scholarships — across all those programmes — may be awarded.
Application Timeline for 2026
| Step | Deadline / When | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for admission (Bachelor’s or Master’s) via central portal | 15 January 2026 | Must list as first priority |
| Pay application fee & document eligibility | 2 February 2026 | Final completeness check |
| Scholarship‑application invitation (if eligible) | Around 10 February 2026 | Check email carefully |
| Submit CV & Motivation Letter (text only, no attachments) | After invitation (immediately) | Critical — quality matters |
| Decision announcement | 8 April 2026 (Master’s) / 14 April 2026 (Bachelor’s) | Successful applicants notified via email |
What the Scholarship Covers — And What It Doesn’t
Covered:
- 100% tuition fee waiver for the entire degree programme (Bachelor’s or Master’s) at University of Gothenburg.
Not Covered:
- Living expenses (housing, food, utilities) — these must be self-funded.
- Travel, relocation, visa costs, or other allowances.
Conditions to Maintain the Scholarship:
- Recipients must complete at least 75% of semester credits each term. Failure to meet this standard may result in scholarship revocation.
- Must start studies on time and comply with all university regulations.
Why This Is a Golden Opportunity for African Students (Especially Nigerians)
- Accessible globally: The scholarship is open to all nationalities — there is no restriction based on country of origin.
- Full tuition waiver: For many international students, tuition is the biggest barrier to studying abroad. Having that removed is a massive relief.
- Quality education and international exposure: University of Gothenburg is a highly respected institution — studying there exposes you to global academic standards, diverse peers, and strong networking opportunities.
- Flexibility for your academic interests: Since you are already considering postgraduate studies (mineral processing / mining engineering etc.), this scholarship means you could plan ahead for a relevant Master’s at Gothenburg.
How to Maximise Your Chances — Practical Application Tips
Given that competition will be intense (only one award per programme), you’ll want to stand out. Here’s how:
- Choose a programme that aligns with your background — Because you studied at FUTMINNA and have interest in engineering/mineral processing, seek out relevant Master’s programmes at Gothenburg (or related fields).
- Polish your CV and Motivation Letter — Write a strong, authentic motivation letter: explain your academic journey, why you’re interested in studying in Sweden, your career aspirations, and how you plan to contribute.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and consistency — Strong grades, relevant projects (e.g., undergraduate project work), and any extra-curricular or leadership involvement adds weight.
- Plan financially for living costs — Since the scholarship only covers tuition, ensure you have a realistic plan to cover living expenses in Sweden.
- Submit everything on time, with your chosen programme as first priority — Missing deadlines or listing a different first choice could disqualify you.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can access the official scholarship portal and begin their application process directly here:
Apply for Axel Adler Scholarship 2026
Make sure to check all eligibility requirements carefully and follow the deadlines to secure a chance at this fully-funded opportunity.
Next Steps
- Begin drafting a strong CV and Motivation Letter — start early so you have time to refine before deadline.
- Prepare a realistic budget for living costs in Sweden, considering accommodation, food, visa, insurance, transport, etc.
- Set reminders for 15 January 2026 (apply) and 2 February 2026 (pay and document eligibility).
- Keep checking your email for the scholarship application invitation around 10 February 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Axel Adler Scholarship 2026 presents a real — and rare — opportunity for students from Nigeria and across Africa to access a world-class European education without the burden of tuition fees. For ambitious students ready to commit, it can be a life-changing gateway to international education.
