How a Nigerian student can obtain full scholarships to study abroad in 2024

Study abroad programs are the most reliable approach to embark on experiences that will change your life. In today’s world, going abroad for education has become a must-have desire.
Thus, getting a scholarship to study abroad is a thrilling and rewarding experience that offers you a plethora of chances. This exposes you to opportunities for intellectual, financial, and most significantly, cultural immersions. It also opens up opportunities for personal and academic improvement, particularly in third-world nations given the disparities in economic conditions. Pursuing your academic career abroad from home as an international student, particularly a Nigerian, can truly be a dream come true. However, this frequently comes with substantial financial burden.
High tuition costs can dash your hopes of studying abroad and dissuade you from taking the initial step, regardless of your goals—to extend your horizons, improve your academic career, or go on a cultural adventure. Applying for scholarships is an excellent way to manage your study expenses, and there are many of them available. The next concern is how to locate the ideal candidates and how to apply for scholarships that will enable you to fulfill your goal of studying abroad.
We will address all of the frequently asked questions concerning international student scholarships in this guide:

1. What is a scholarship?

Let’s first discuss what scholarship is all about. The easiest way to describe it is as financial aid given to students who require assistance in order to pay for their higher education by a university, government agency, or other organization.
Scholarships are often one-time financial awards, though occasionally they may be renewed and cover the cost of attendance for each semester or academic year of a degree.

2. How does Scholarship awards operate?

The main purpose of a scholarship is to cover study-related costs including books, accommodation, study materials, and other outlays, as well as tuition and other enrollment fees.
If you are awarded a scholarship, you may receive a check in the mail or the funds may be sent directly to the college you want to attend.
If the scholarship covers less than your tuition, housing costs, or other study-related expenses, you are still responsible for the remaining balance.

3. Types of Scholarships for International studies.

i. Merit-based Scholarships

Scholarships awarded on the basis of merit are determined by academic achievement and distinction. Institutions and organizations regularly provide these scholarships in an effort to entice extraordinary and bright people to their programs.

ii. Scholarships based on need

Need-based scholarships take into account the applicant’s financial situation and are meant to support students who can demonstrate a clear need for financial assistance. These grants bridge the financial disparity that exists between what students can afford and the true cost of studying overseas.

iii. Scholarships for certain locations

Scholarships specific to the country or university of their destination may be available to international students. These funds promote intercultural communication and diversity in educational environments.

iv. Scholarships in Particular Subjects

Scholarships tailored to specific subjects are available for students studying those subjects. These honors encourage excellence in the social sciences, humanities, and arts as well as in STEM fields.

v. Scholarships for athletes

If you are an athlete with exceptional talent and accomplishment in your sport, scholarships may be available. Many universities provide athletic scholarships to talented students who wish to compete abroad on behalf of their institutions.

vi. Government Sponsored Scholarships

Numerous foreign countries provide scholarships to worthy Nigerian applicants so they can pursue their studies in their nation as part of their bilateral agreements.
The goal of this is to increase cultural and educational interchange between the two countries.

4. Where can I find scholarships?

The most important question on your mind, no doubt, now that you are more knowledgeable about scholarships and how they operate, is where to get study abroad scholarships for international students.

– university websites: An alternative to using our scholarship search engine is to browse the official websites of the institutions you wish to attend. Scholarships for a range of subjects, academic levels, and special requirements, such as national or international status, country of origin, etc., are proposed.
If you are qualified and can’t find anything on the university website, consider emailing an official representative of the institution to ask about any scholarships that might be offered and how (or if) you might be able to apply for one.

Searching for scholarships based on the country in which you plan to study is an additional choice. There are many options available on the official national portals for higher education, like Study Australia and Edu Canada.

5. How to apply for a full scholarship?

Anybody who meets the requirements is able to apply. Yes, that is a fair response for anyone wondering if they can apply. But different student demographics are served by different scholarship schemes. These are known as requirements, eligibility requirements, or selection criteria, and they specify which boxes your profile needs to be checked in order to be given financing consideration. Always check the requirements to see if a certain scholarship is the right fit for you, to save time applying to the wrong one. Some of the most typical condition predecessors include:

I. Academic Excellence: In certain cases, a strong academic background is required.

ii. Nationality/Residency: Many scholarships are designed specifically for students from specific countries or regions.

iii. Study Subject: Students specializing in the sciences, arts, or humanities are the only ones eligible for these awards.

iv. job Experience: A certain number of years of relevant job experience may be required of applicants for various scholarships, especially those for postgraduate studies.

v. Age restrictions: Certain scholarships may have age restrictions.

vi. Prior Degree: Scholarships intended for postgraduate students may demand the possession of a relevant undergraduate degree with a predetermined GPA.

Procedures for Applying for a scholarship

Choose a program

Study abroad programs come in a plethora of varieties, each offering unique locales, educational opportunities, and cultural experiences. Selecting the right study abroad program is an essential first step in the application process for any Nigerian student getting ready for an international academic adventure.
Students can tailor their application materials and criteria to match their preferred program by selecting this option.

Assemble all required and important papers, including a strong personal statement, recommendation letters, and transcripts.

After deciding on the ideal study abroad program, the next crucial step in the application process is assembling the required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. These documents are crucial in demonstrating the student’s motivation, appropriateness, and readiness for the chosen study abroad program. Obtaining letters of recommendation from mentors or professors who can vouch for the student’s moral integrity and intellectual ability is crucial. These letters include information about the student’s potential, which enhances a well-rounded application.

Obtain a passport as soon as possible if you don’t already have one. If you do, be sure your intended time of trip overseas does not coincide with your passport’s six-month expiration date.

Obtaining a passport as soon as feasible is advised while considering study abroad options. Applying early ensures you won’t run into last-minute issues or delays that could jeopardize your study abroad plans, as passport processing times can vary. Having a valid passport is essential to allowing you to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Study abroad initiatives can open your eyes to a vast array of educational and cultural opportunities.

Requirements for visas: Find out the visas you will need for your intended trip and get them. Providing financial statements and going to interviews may be necessary for this.
The processes for obtaining a visa can vary widely between countries and can need a lot of paperwork along with a long processing time. Students who take care of their visa needs ahead of time might avoid last-minute problems that could jeopardize their study abroad plans. Knowing the prerequisites for obtaining a visa also demonstrates responsibility and a commitment to following local laws, which opens the door to a successful and fulfilling study abroad experience.

Guidelines for a Successful Scholarship Application

To be considered for a scholarship, you must submit a well-written application that highlights your qualifications and objectives.

1. Start Early
Work on your scholarship applications as early as possible to provide yourself enough time to gather required materials and complete all requirements.

2. Create a Particularized Program
Give your best to every scholarship application you submit. Highlight your qualities and achievements that meet the requirements for the scholarship.

3. Emphasize Your Achievements
Emphasize your leadership roles, extracurricular pursuits, and academic achievements. Provided you offer evidence of your successes, your application will be stronger.

4. Write a Powerful Essay
Write a compelling essay that highlights your passion for the topic you’ve chosen and the reasons you want to study abroad.

5. Seek Guidance
Obtain stellar recommendation letters from professors, employers, or mentors who can vouch for your abilities and character.