Nigerians mostly travel to Europe in search of higher education, or for economic or leisure purposes. The EU countries maintain sovereign control over consular matters. Each of the 27 Member States provides consular services that process travel applications for the individual country. The Schengen Visa allows citizens from outside the EU to enter 26 European countries. However, issuance of such visas is the exclusive preserve of the countries of primary destination, and not that of the EU.

Study in Europe

Erasmus+

As more Nigerians seek higher education in overseas universities, education hubs in the EU are increasingly appealing. Nigeria is a leading country of origin for foreign students in the EU universities. The EU’s flagship education programme, Erasmus+, has also been rising in appeal among Nigerian youth. The number of young Nigerians offered scholarships to study in top EU universities under the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree programme has tripled over the recent three year period, from 43 in 2019 to 127 in 2021.

Erasmus+ offers mobility and cooperation opportunities in:

  • Higher education
  • Vocational education and training
  • School education (including early childhood education and care)
  • Adult education
  • Youth
  • Sport

Detailed information on these opportunities, including eligibility criteria, is available in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide.