Secure Study Abroad Scholarships As A Nigerian Student in 2023.

In our present day society, pursuing international education has become increasingly an essential want that have come to stay, and study abroad programs are the surest pathway to life-changing experiences.
Therefore, securing a scholarship abroad to study is an exciting and enriching experience that provides a whole lot of countless opportunities to you. In fact, this in no small measure exposes you to personal growth, academic growth, financial growth (especially for third world countries considering the economic differences) and most importantly, cultural immersions. Conversely, whether you’re looking to broaden your horizons, enhance your academic journey, or embark on a cultural adventure, high tuition fees can interfere with your dream of studying abroad, and you may feel discouraged to take the first step. Scholarships are a great way to make your study expenses easier to manage, and there are thousands you can apply to.

The question then becomes how exactly can you find the perfect ones and how can you turn your dreams to reality on a scholarship that can make your study abroad ambitions come true?
In this guide, we will answer all the common questions about scholarships for Nigeria students in 2023:

1. What is a scholarship?

To begin with, let’s understand what scholarship is all about. The best way to define it is, money handed out by a university, Government agency or other organization to students who are in need of help to pay for their higher education degree.
Usually, scholarships are one-time monetary gift, sometimes they can be renewable and provide payment for all the semesters or school years of the degree.

2. How does Scholarship awards operate?

A scholarship is primarily intended to pay for study-related expenses such as tuition and other enrollment fees, housing costs, study materials, and other outlays
If you get a scholarship, you can get a cheque in the mail or the money might go straight to the college you’re going to.
You must pay the remaining expenditures if the scholarship is less than your tuition, student housing, or other study-related charges.

3. Types of Scholarships for International studies

i. Merit-based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are given out in accordance with academic excellence and performance. These scholarships are frequently provided by institutions and organizations in an effort to draw exceptional and gifted individuals to their programs.

ii. Scholarships based on need

Need-based scholarships consider the applicant’s financial position and are intended to help students who clearly show a need for financial aid. These awards fill the financial gap between students’ ability to pay and the real cost of studying abroad.

iii. Scholarships for certain locations

International students may be eligible for scholarships that are particular to their destination nation or university. These grants support diversity and cross-cultural interaction in educational settings.

iv. Scholarships for specific Subjects

Students studying particular fields of study can apply for subject-specific scholarships. These awards promote distinction in the STEM fields as well as the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

v. Scholarships for athletes

Scholarships for athletes may be available if you are successful and highly talented in your sport. Many colleges provide athletic scholarships to gifted students who would want to represent their schools internationally.

vi. Government Sponsored Scholarships

As part of their bilateral pacts, many Foreign governments offer scholarships to deserving Nigerian applicants to study in their country.

4. Where can I find scholarships?

Websites of universities: Searching through the official websites of the colleges where you want to go is an option to using our scholarship search engine. There are proposed scholarships for various topic areas, academic levels, and unique criteria like national or international status, country of origins, etc.
Consider sending an official institution representative an email to inquire about any scholarships they may have been made available and how (or if) you might be able to apply for one if you are qualified and unable to locate anything on the university website.

Choice of Country: Another option is to look for scholarships based on the nation you intend to study in. The official country websites for higher education, such as Edu Canada or Study Australia, provide a wealth of choices.

5. The application process

Although it really depends on the scholarship you are applying for, most applications will have a similar process: online application, document submission, and the wait for the results to be announced.

Among the most common condition precedents are:

i. Academic Excellence: A good academic history is sometimes a prerequisite.

ii. Nationality/Residency: Numerous scholarships are created especially for pupils from particular nations or areas.

iii. Study Subject: Some scholarships are only accessible to students majoring in a particular subject, such as sciences, the arts, or the humanities.

iv. Work Experience: Those applying for some scholarships, particularly those for postgraduate study, may need to have a specific number of years of relevant work experience.

v. Age limits: Age limits may apply to some scholarships.

vi. Previous Degree: Having a suitable undergraduate degree with a specified GPA may be required for scholarships aimed at postgraduate students.

Procedures for Applying for a scholarship

Choose a program

There are so many different study abroad options available, and each one offers distinctive cultural encounters, educational possibilities, and locations. A crucial first step in the application process for any Nigerian student preparing for an overseas academic journey is choosing the appropriate study abroad program.
By making this choice, students may customize their application materials and criteria to fit their desired program.

Gather all necessary and vital documents: transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a well-crafted personal statement.

The next key stage in the application process entails gathering necessary papers including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal essays after choosing the right study abroad program. These records are essential for proving the student’s suitability, drive, and preparation for the selected course of study abroad. First and foremost, it is crucial to get letters of recommendation from instructors or mentors who can attest to the student’s academic prowess and character. These letters add to a well-rounded application by offering insights on the student’s potential.

Get a passport

If you don’t already have one, get one as quickly as you can. If you do, be sure that the period during which you plan to travel abroad is not within six months of the expiration of your passport.

A passport should be obtained as soon as possible when thinking about study abroad opportunities. The processing times for passport applications might vary, so applying early assures you won’t experience last-minute difficulties or delays that could imperil your study abroad plans. Your ability to take advantage of possibilities as they present themselves depends on having a valid passport in your possession. Study abroad programs can introduce you to a world of educational and cultural experiences.

Visa requirements

Learn about and obtain any necessary visas for your intended trip. This can entail attending interviews and delivering financial statements.
The procedures for applying for visas can differ greatly between nations, and they frequently need extensive paperwork and a lengthy processing period. And as an applicant you cannot afford last-minute issues that can compromise your study abroad plans by taking care of visa requirements in advance. Also, being knowledgeable about visa requirements shows responsibility and a dedication to abiding by the legal requirements of the host country, paving the way for a fruitful and rewarding study abroad experience.

Guidelines for a Successful Scholarship Application
A well-written application that shows your advantages and goals is necessary to get a scholarship.

1. Begin Early
Start working on your scholarship applications well in advance to give yourself plenty of time to collect the necessary materials and fulfill all requirements.

2. Develop a Customized Application
Make each scholarship application you submit unique. Put a focus on your traits and accomplishments that fit the scholarship requirements.

3. Highlight Your Successes
Highlight your extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and academic successes. Your application will be stronger if you include proof of your accomplishments.

4. Compose a Strong Essay
Craft a captivating essay that demonstrates your enthusiasm for the subject of your choice as well as your motivations for studying abroad.

5. Look for Advice
Obtain outstanding letters of recommendation from mentors, employers, or professors who can attest to your character and potential.