King’s College London has opened applications for a fully funded online health programme targeting Nigerian students.
Nigerian secondary school graduates seeking a pathway into higher education and healthcare careers have been offered a new opportunity as the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education at King’s College London opened applications for its fully funded Foundation Certificate in Applied Health.
The one year programme, scheduled to commence on September 14, 2026, will be delivered entirely online, with full scholarships covering tuition fees for successful applicants from Nigeria and other countries across Sub Saharan Africa. Applications close on June 25, 2026.
The initiative is designed to expand access to university education and health related careers, particularly for talented young people whose academic aspirations have been limited by financial constraints and restricted opportunities.
Speaking on the programme, Vice President (International, Engagement and Service) at King’s College London, Professor Funmi Olonisakin, said the initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to extending academic excellence in service to communities across Africa.
She noted that the programme was intentionally designed to remove barriers that often prevent capable young people from accessing higher education, stressing that geography, financial circumstances and family situations should not determine educational outcomes.
The Foundation Certificate is tailored for secondary school graduates with strong academic records who have not yet secured admission into higher institutions. The programme is optimised for mobile devices and low data consumption, enabling participation from students across diverse socio economic backgrounds and locations.
Participants will study eight core modules, including Biology, Physics and Chemistry, Mathematics and Data Analysis, English for Scientific and Academic Purposes, Applied Critical Thinking, and Applied Health Sciences.
Students will also complete a capstone project focused on addressing a real life health challenge within their communities.
The Centre said it particularly welcomes applications from young people who have experienced financial hardship, displacement or significant caregiving responsibilities.
According to the organisers, selection will be based on academic potential, evidence of engagement in school, work or community activities, and a demonstrated commitment to health and community service.
Executive Director of the African Leadership Centre, Dr Shuvai Nyoni, said the programme demonstrates the value of equitable partnerships between African institutions and global universities in expanding educational opportunities and nurturing future leaders.
Students enrolled in the programme will receive academic support from experts based in London and partner institutions across Africa through small group tutorials, personalised feedback and ongoing mentoring.
They will also have access to optional courses focused on digital skills, entrepreneurship and employability.
Coordinator of the ABC Continental Hub in Nairobi, Dr Adeoti Dipeolu, said the strong level of interest already shown by young people from Nigeria and across the continent highlights the determination of African youths to become agents of positive change within their communities.
Graduates of the programme will be positioned to progress into undergraduate studies, diploma and technical programmes, health related employment opportunities and other professional development pathways, depending on the admission requirements of individual institutions.
For Nigerian applicants, eligibility requirements include obtaining at least a C6 grade in relevant subjects in WAEC or NECO examinations, not being enrolled in any higher education institution, having reliable access to a smartphone or computer with internet connectivity, and the ability to commit sufficient time to weekly studies.
Established in 2023 through funding from Nigerian philanthropist and legal icon Aare Afe Babalola, the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education at King’s College London works with African universities, community organisations and government institutions to expand access to education and equip young Africans with the skills and confidence needed to drive positive change across the continent.