10 INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NIGERIANS LOOKING TO STUDY ABROAD
For Nigerian students who wish to study abroad, international scholarships may be essential to achieving their academic and professional goals. These opportunities offer access to excellent education, the potential to build significant networks, and the opportunity to gain new perspectives. The fact that many of these scholarships cover a range of fees, such as living expenses and tuition, makes the goal of studying abroad feasible.
For the most recent information, candidates should visit the official websites as scholarship requirements are subject to change each year.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening Scholarships include full tuition costs, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare to the UK, and additional funds for essential expenses like thesis binding and visa fees. It is meant for applicants seeking a one-year master's degree in any discipline from UK universities. In addition to having at least two years of work experience, candidates must demonstrate their leadership skills. Academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, an online application, and, if accepted, an unconditional offer from a UK university are all necessary.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees (Europe)
A monthly living allowance, travel costs, insurance, and complete tuition are all included in Erasmus Mundus scholarships. This award is intended for students who wish to pursue a master's degree in Europe; candidates must have a first degree and a solid academic background. Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement are needed for the application.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright program covers round-trip flights to the United States, health insurance, a living stipend, a computer allowance, books and supplies, and tuition. It is accessible to students who want to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in any field in addition to medical study. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree and demonstrate academic excellence. The application process requires a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, professional and academic references, a TOEFL score report, and a strong proposal.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD Scholarships offer full or partial tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel expenses, and support for academic pursuits. Graduates with at least a second-class upper degree who want to pursue a master's or doctorate degree in Germany are eligible. Applicants can choose from a wide range of fields, such as engineering, the social sciences, and the humanities. Interested parties must apply online via the DAAD portal and submit a research proposal (for PhD candidates), recommendation letters, and their academic records.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa)
This program covers travel expenses, books, other course materials, housing, full tuition, and a monthly stipend. It focuses on disadvantaged students who have shown leadership potential and academic proficiency. US, Canadian, and African partner universities offer undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Students must apply directly to partner universities like the American University of Beirut, the University of British Columbia, or the University of Toronto, providing academic records, personal essays, and proof of financial need.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK)
Full tuition, a monthly living allowance, airfare to and from the UK, additional funds for research vacations, thesis costs, and additional luggage are all included in Commonwealth Shared Scholarships. Applicants with master's degrees are qualified for these grants. Candidates should possess a first degree of at least second-class upper level or a lower second-class degree plus a suitable postgraduate diploma, usually a Master's degree. Forms, together with reference letters, academic transcripts, and personal statements, must be submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and the chosen UK university.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Complete tuition, living expenses, health insurance, academic support, return travel, and an establishment allowance are all covered by the Australia Awards Scholarships. Full-time enrollment in undergraduate or graduate programs at participating Australian universities is a requirement for scholarship recipients. Studying international politics, energy, mining, agriculture, social inclusion, and climate change are top priorities for Africans. Candidates must be at least 25 years old, have five years of relevant work experience, and hold an undergraduate degree. Candidates should not have had a master's degree or a long-term Australia Award in the past. English proficiency is at least demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE results. A resume, references, degree certificates, transcripts, proof of citizenship, and proof of English proficiency are all necessary. Online applications are accepted at the Australia Awards.
Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation Global Grant provides up to $30,000 for graduate-level study or research overseas in the applicant's native country in any country where there is a host Rotary club or district. Tuition, travel, lodging and board, and supplies are all included in this sum. Students who want to pursue graduate-level coursework or research are encouraged to apply in one of Rotary's six areas of focus: economic and community development, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, peace and conflict prevention and resolution, basic education, and literacy. Candidates must visit the Rotary International website and be sponsored by a local Rotary club before submitting their applications.
Global Korea Scholarship
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is open to students who wish to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies in South Korea. The scholarship covers a number of expenses, including tuition, round-trip airfare, health insurance, a settlement payment, a monthly living allowance, and a Korean language training fee. A completed application, a personal statement and study plan, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts and certificates (bachelor's or master's), proof of citizenship (passport and birth certificate), a medical evaluation form, and, if available, certificates of proficiency in Korean or English (TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK) are all required. Publications or awards may also be included, if appropriate. Applications may be submitted through the website or directly to a participating Korean university, or via the Korean embassy in Nigeria.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The prestigious Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) provides scholarships to people from developing countries, including Nigeria, so they can pursue master's degrees in development-related disciplines at specific universities worldwide. The scholarship covers a number of expenses, including full tuition, a living allowance each month, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel stipend. A bachelor's degree, at least three years of recent experience in an area focused on development, and a commitment to returning to their home country after graduation to support its development are all requirements for candidates. Academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and proof of employment are all necessary application materials. The goal of this curriculum is to improve knowledge in fields including public administration, infrastructure management, tax policy, and economic policy management.
Advice for a successful scholarship application
Get going early: Look into the deadlines for each award and begin gathering the necessary paperwork, including recommendation letters and academic transcripts, well in advance.
Tailor your personal statement to the goals of the scholarship. Highlight your leadership abilities, academic achievements, and plans to use your degree to make a difference in Nigeria.
Prepare yourself for the interview: Many scholarships require interviews, such as Fulbright and Chevening. Be ready to talk about your leadership experiences and educational goals by practicing standard interview questions.
Tailor your personal statement to the goals of the scholarship. Highlight your leadership abilities, academic achievements, and plans to use your degree to make a difference in Nigeria.
Prepare yourself for the interview: Many scholarships require interviews, such as Fulbright and Chevening. Be ready to talk about your leadership experiences and educational goals by practicing standard interview questions.