Nigerians, every year, plan to travel abroad to study; some succeed, and many do not. For the many people who do not make it to study abroad, more often than not, what stops the dream from happening is the availability of finance.
Studying abroad demands lots of money, and if you do not have the money to sponsor yourself abroad, it becomes difficult to study abroad.
However, scholarships serve as a bridge for individuals who lack the financial means to study abroad, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their studies abroad. In this article, we’ll discuss how to apply for scholarships and tips to make you stand out in your application to get the scholarships.
Why Scholarships Matter for Nigerians
Studying abroad is very expensive, and scholarships are what can guarantee that you get to study abroad. People study abroad for many reasons, and having a scholarship gives you the following:
Access to top-ranked universities
Opportunities to build international careers
Relief from financial stress
Exposure to new cultures and networks
Types of Scholarships Available to Nigerians
There are various scholarships available for Nigerians to apply to:
Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on the academic excellence of the student.
Need-Based Scholarships: These are scholarships targeted at people from low-income backgrounds.
Government Scholarships: The government often gives out scholarships, like Chevening (UK), Fulbright (USA), and DAAD (Germany), to students who want to study abroad.
University Scholarships: Individual institutions often give out scholarships to international students. Information about these scholarships is often provided by the institution.
Private/NGO Scholarships: Private establishments and nongovernmental organizations like the Mastercard Foundation and Commonwealth Scholarships often give out scholarships to students to study abroad.
Best Countries Offering Scholarships to Nigerians in 2025
Some countries are scholarship-friendly, and many people have benefited from study abroad scholarships in these countries.
United Kingdom: This is one of the best countries to study in. Scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are often given to students to go and study in the UK.
United States: Studying in the US is very expensive, so scholarships like Fulbright and Mastercard Foundation will be beneficial if you plan to study in the United States.
Canada: Canada has become a good country for people to study. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the University of Manitoba offer scholarships to international students, including Nigerians.
Germany: Scholarships like DAAD (fully funded, often no tuition fees) are available in Germany, and if you want to study in Germany, there are many scholarship opportunities available.
Sweden & Norway: You can get tuition-free education and generous grants in Sweden and Norway.
You need to start your application early, as these scholarships have deadlines and give out scholarships to early registrants.
General Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships
Most of the scholarships offered to Nigerians to study abroad often require the following:
Strong academic results (2.1 and above)
International Passport
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
Letters of recommendation
Volunteer or leadership experience
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Scholarships Abroad from Nigeria
To successfully apply for scholarships to study abroad, follow these steps:
Search for Scholarships
Use platforms like IEFA, Scholarships.com, GoAbroad, OpportunityDesk, and other platforms to look for scholarships. Filter by countries, schools, courses, and academic level. The key is to look for scholarships as early as possible.
Check Eligibility
Before opting to apply for any scholarship, check the requirements and ensure you meet the requirements for them.
Prepare Key Documents
Before applying for any scholarship, assemble the required documents you need to apply for the scholarship. Many scholarships often require the following documents:
Academic transcripts
CV/Resume
Personal Statement
IELTS/TOEFL results
Recommendation Letters
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Your SOP should highlight the following:
Who you are
Your academic and career goals
Why do you want to study that course, and why did you choose that country?
How the scholarship will impact your life
Submit the application.
Double-check the deadline and time zone. Always save confirmation emails or screenshots.
Prepare for Interviews
Some scholarships, like Chevening and Fulbright, may require interviews. Practice likely interview questions and prepare how to answer them.
Common Mistakes Nigerians Make During the Application Process
These are the common mistakes many Nigerians make when applying for scholarships abroad:
Applying too late: if you want to apply for any scholarship, start preparing your application 6–12 months before the program start date.
Using the same SOP for all scholarships: Many people use the same SOP to apply to all the scholarships. If you want to stand out in your application, tailor each SOP for the individual application.
Skipping proofreading: Grammatical errors can cost you your scholarship; for every document you submit, there is a need to proofread to ensure there are no errors.
Ignoring lesser-known scholarships: Don’t ignore lesser-known scholarships because they are often less competitive.
Trusted Platforms to Find Scholarships
There are several platforms to find scholarships to study abroad; among them are
DAAD Scholarship Portal
Universities' websites: Most universities have internal funding options.
Check these platforms regularly to know when there is a scholarship update.
Final Tips for Nigerian Students
Apply to as many scholarships as possible.
Start preparing early and organizing your documents.
Join online forums like Nairaland or Reddit for tips.
Connect with past recipients of the scholarships on social media.
Follow up with the institutions after applying.
FAQs
Can I apply with a 2.2 or 3rd class?
Yes, some scholarships accept lower grades, but you have to emphasize your experience in the field and have a strong personal statement.
Do I need IELTS for all scholarships?
Not every time. Some waive it if your degree was taught in English.
Can I apply without an international passport?
You’ll need an international passport before you can complete most applications.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can. The more scholarships you apply to, the higher your chances of getting one.
How do I write a good SOP?
Focus on writing with clarity, honesty, good structure, and alignment with the scholarship’s values.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is possible, although it is expensive to study abroad; with a good scholarship, you can study abroad for free or at a little cost.
Keep applying to as many scholarships as possible; the more scholarships you apply to, the higher the odds of you getting the scholarship.
Read also: Best Paying Online Jobs in Nigeria for Nigerians
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