Gloria PenDo you dream of studying abroad but worry about the high cost? If you’re a Nigerian student looking for ways to fund your studies abroad, scholarships are your best bet.
In this post, you’ll learn how to apply for scholarships to study abroad from Nigeria, the documents you’ll need, where to find legit opportunities, and expert tips to boost your chances of winning.
Let’s get started.
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Why Scholarships Are Important for Nigerian Students
Studying abroad is exciting, but it’s also expensive. You’ll need to pay for:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Travel costs
- Visa processing
- Living expenses
Luckily, many scholarships cover all or part of these expenses. Some are fully funded, while others offer partial support. Either way, applying for scholarships can help you focus on your education without worrying about money.
Easy Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Scholarships to Study Abroad from Nigeria
Here’s a simple process to follow if you want to apply for Scholarships to study abroad from Nigeria:
1. Start Your Search Early
Many scholarships open 6 to 12 months before the academic year starts. So starting your application process early gives you enough time to prepare your documents and apply before the deadline.
To make things easier for you, you can se a notebook or Google Sheet to track:
a. Application deadlines
b. Required documents
c. Submission status
2. Decide Where and What You Want to Study
Ask yourself, Which country do I want to study in?
What course or program fits my career goals?
Am I applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD?
This will help you narrow down your search to the specific one and find the right scholarships.
3. Look for Scholarships That Match Your Profile
There are thousands of scholarships out there. Here are the most reliable places to search:
Scholarship Websites:
DAAD (Germany): daad.de/en
Chevening (UK): chevening.org
Fulbright (USA): foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Erasmus+ (Europe): erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
MEXT (Japan): studyinjapan.go.jp
University Websites:
Also, visit the official website of your preferred university. They often have a section dedicated to international scholarships.
Nigerian Government & NGOs:
NNPC/Total Scholarships.
PTDF Overseas Scholarships.
MTN Foundation Scholarships.
Shell Scholarship Scheme.
4. Read the Requirements Carefully
Note that each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria for application. Check for:
a. Minimum academic grades (e.g. CGPA 3.5+)
b. Proof of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL)
c. Recommendation letters
d. Specific country or course restrictions
e. Volunteer or leadership experience
Overall, make sure you meet the criteria before applying for any of these scholarships.
5. Prepare Your Documents
Get the following documents ready and well-organized:
1. Academic transcripts.
2. Certificates (WAEC, BSc, MSc, etc.)
3. International passport.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
5. Motivation letter or personal statement.
6. Recommendation letters (from teachers, lecturers, employers).
7. English proficiency test results (if required).
8. Passport-sized photo.
Meanwhile, ensure your documents are clear, correctly formatted, and up to date. So you don’t get rejected when you finally apply.
6. Write a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement or motivation letter is one of the most important parts of your application.
Use it to tell your story; Why you want to study that course, why you chose that country or university, your academic or career goals, how the scholarship will help you achieve them, and more.
Advise: Be honest, personal, and specific. Avoid generic phrases and show your passion.
7. Submit Your Application Early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Some scholarships have early deadlines, and others close once they receive enough applications.
Double-check to ensure that:
1. All required documents are attached.
2. Forms are correctly filled.
3. Email addresses and contact info are accurate.
4. Submit your application and save your confirmation email or tracking number.
8. Prepare for Scholarship Interviews (If Required)
Some scholarships require an interview, either online or in person.
Get ready by; practicing common interview questions, reviewing your personal statement, reading about the scholarship provider’s values.
Expected questions may include:
“Tell us about yourself.”
“Why did you choose this course?”
“What will you do after graduation?”
Practice your answers with a friend or in front of a mirror.
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Top Scholarships for Nigerian Students to Study Abroad
Here are some popular scholarships Nigerian students often win:
1. DAAD Scholarships – For postgraduate studies in Germany. Visit Website
2. Chevening Scholarships – Fully funded master’s degree in the UK. Website
3. Fulbright Program – For postgraduate studies in the USA. Website
4. Erasmus+ – Masters and PhD programs in Europe Website
5. MEXT Scholarship – Study in Japan (undergraduate & postgraduate). Website
6. Mastercard Foundation – Available in Canada, Africa, and the USA
7. Commonwealth Scholarships – For study in the UK
Bonus Tips to Boost Your Chances of getting Approved.
Follow these tips if you want your study abroad scholarships application to be successful:
1. Apply for more than one scholarship. The more you apply, the better your chances.
2. Improve your CV. Join student clubs, volunteer, or take leadership roles.
3. Take IELTS or TOEFL if needed. It boosts your chances, especially in the UK, USA, and Canada.
4. Follow scholarship pages on social media. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are great for updates.
5. Stay persistent. If you don’t get it the first time, try again next year.
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FAQs on How to Apply for Scholarships to Study Abroad from Nigeria
Q1. Can I apply for scholarships with my WAEC result?
Yes, especially for undergraduate scholarships. But you’ll need good grades and other documents like recommendation letters.
Q2. Do I need IELTS to win a scholarship?
Not all the time. Some universities accept a letter from your school proving you studied in English. But IELTS is often required for top scholarships.
Q3. Are there scholarships for low-income students?
Yes, many scholarships are designed for students from developing countries, including Nigeria. They often cover full tuition and living costs.
Q4. Can I get a scholarship if I already have a degree?
Yes, postgraduate and PhD scholarships are available for BSc or MSc holders. Check the requirements for each scholarship.
Q5. How long does it take to hear back after applying?
It depends on the scholarship. Some notify applicants within weeks, others take months. Always check their timeline on the official website.
Final Words
Now you know exactly how to apply for scholarships to study abroad from Nigeria, it’s time to take action.
There are real opportunities out there, you just need to search smart, stay organized, and never give up.
Start today to pursue your dream. Your dream to study in the UK, Canada, Germany, or the USA is possible, even on a low budget. All it takes is the right information and scholarship.
If you find this post helpful, please share it with your family and friends.
I wish you all the best in your life endeavors.
Now tell me which of these scholarships mentioned above are you willing to apply?
Gloria Pen