Look at the goals you have set out to achieve. Is acquiring an international scholarship one of them?
If it is, then you are on the right article.
Acquiring an international scholarship can be a game changer, especially for Nigerians in search of an education and international experience. Earning one, however, is quite a challenging task. Getting a global scholarship comes with a lot of competition because there are thousands of applicants from different countries and it surely needs a unique strategy to make it to the top.
Winning an international scholarship, is a comprehensive strategy tailored to assist the Nigerian youth in navigating the multifaceted requirements leading to successful applications. The theories elaborated upon, apply irrespective of whether one wishes to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs abroad.
The steps are as follows.
Step 1: Self-Assessment and Setting Goals
You need to think about your career objectives and reflect on your academic achievements before commencing on the scholarship search. Because as much as you are the one applying, your educational background is as well very important. Maybe even more important. Think about these questions.
- Which subject do I want to study?
- What motivates me to study outside of the country?
- What do I envision for my future?
- Can I set aside time and resources for this endeavor?
Tips on how to you can set goals.
- Determine the nature of your interests and how they relate to your future plans.
- Be honest with your self-evaluation and situational assessment.
- Compile a list of countries known for excelling in your preferred discipline.
Step 2: Research Everything
Now that you have the goals set, it’s time to start looking for the perfect scholarships.
There are different Kinds of Scholarships:
- Fully Funded Scholarships: Usually pay for tuition, accommodation, travel, and sometimes insurance (e.g., Chevening, Erasmus+, Mastercard Foundation).
- Partially Funded Scholarships: Pay for some of the expenses.
- Government Scholarships: Given by foreign governments (e.g., DAAD, Commonwealth, Fulbright).
- University Scholarships: Granted by universities to exceptional students.
- Private/NGO Scholarships: Funded by private companies or NGOs.
You need to look for this scholarship.
How To Look for Scholarships:
- University official pages
- Embassy pages
- Scholarship portals like:
www.opportunitiesforafricans.com
What I Recommend you do:
- Create a Spreadsheet that tracks deadlines, documents required, criteria eligibility, and application status is helpful
- Follow online pages related to scholarships to receive instant notifications.
Step 3: Research the Eligibility Requirements
Every scholarship has its defined criteria which might contain:
- Academic achievements (CGPA, test scores)
- Nationality
- Maximum age limit
- Field of study
- Work experience
- Language skills (IELTS, TOFEL etc.)
Tips on how to pass this step:
- Make sure to read the eligibility criteria thoroughly. Avoid applying for scholarships that are out of your eligibility range.
- Certain scholarships place more weight on previous work done such as leadership, service to the community, or research. So, note them and meet up with the requirements.
Step 4: Collect Supporting Academic Materials
Collection of academic and supporting documents or materials should commence as early as possible. This could include:
Core Documents:
- Academic records and WAEC/ A-level certificates, degree certificates, and more.
- Statements of Purpose (SoP) or motivation letter.
- CV or resume.
- Recommendation letters (2 to 3).
- Results from language proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL).
- A research proposal for Ph.D. candidates.
Tips on how to pass this step
- If the documents are not in English, ensure there is a certified translation available. Be certain all documents are scanned clearly and arranged in appropriate folders.
- Be sure to name all documents correctly. Examples: JohnDoe_CV, JohnDoe_Transcript.
Step 5: Write a personal statement or SoP that captivates the readers
This is one of the key areas that requires your utmost attention when applying for a scholarship. This is the moment where you narrate your story, explain your aspirations, and demonstrate to the scholarship committee why you are the most suitable candidate.
What to Include:
- Your history along with the academic milestones you have achieved
- Your reasoning behind selecting the specific course and university
- Your career objectives aligned with the scholarship’s purpose and how it helps you achieve them
- Your potential role in your region or society after completing education
Tips on how to pass this step:
- Do not hesitate to express your thoughts, but keep them appropriate.
- Be genuine by not trying to make yourself seem better than you are.
- With these versatile scholarships, you should tailor each statement to fit precisely the specific scholarship.
Step 6: Take The Proficiency Examinations in the English Language
Acquiring scholarships for working or studying in English countries requires one to hold a demonstration of proficiency in the English language.
Common Tests that can be taken are:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Duolingo English Test (where the university accepts the test)
Tips to passing the step:
- Prepare well, in advance.
- Explore freely accessible and financially privileged prep resources like Magoosh or E2 Language and The British Council.
- Due to limited availability, test dates need to be reserved early.
Step 7: Obtain Letters of Recommendation from Trustworthy Sources
Whether you like it or not, recommendation gives weight to your application and help show how credible and reliable you are.
Who to Ask for a recommendation letter:
- Past academic work associated or attached to a specific class
- Business associates (for work related applicants)
- Advisors or coordinators
Tips to passing this step:
- Make sure to allocate and give sufficient time to the personnel.
- Discuss with your refereeS; scholarship information along with the goals you have set for the future.
- Select referees who can tell you in detail who you are and give reasons why you should be considered.
Step 8: Wait For Your Admission Application Requirements
In most scholarship cases, admission to the university is a prerequisite. Hence, sponsoring the scholarship should be done only after being assured of admission.
Process to follow:
- Go to the particular university’s official web page.
- Follow up the application instructions to choose your appropriate course.
- Submit required documents, make the application payments (most of the time, schools pay this for scholarship applicants).
Tips to passing this step:
- Make as well as submit application forms to different institutions.
- Pursue sponsors and institutions with alternatives that track providing scholarships.
- Be prudent and look for clients willing to advocate for payment of application fees.
Step 9: Start Filling Out Scholarship Application Forms
Now that all your documents and admission applications have been set up, shift focus into applying for scholarships.
Common components:
- An application form completed online
- Essays and project presentations
- Interviews or video assessment
- Creative portfolios.
Tips:
- Stick to the process.
Step 10: Prepare for Interviews (If needed)
Some scholarships require candidates to partake in interviews for the purposes of evaluating their communication skills, leadership abilities, and willingness to take initiatives.
Sample Questions:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your reasons for wanting this scholarship?
- How do you plan to use your education to benefit the community?
- Tell us about a challenge that you were able to overcome.
Tips:
- Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors.
- Have professional attire and enunciate each word.
- Most importantly, act naturally and believe in yourself.
Step 11: Maintain the Pace and Continue Applying
Feeling the anxiety during the waiting period is completely normal, however, ensure to apply to other opportunities within this timeframe. Certain scholarships announce results months after the deadline.
Tips:
- Keep a positive attitude, but don’t get your hopes up too high.
- If you get rejected, do not take it too harshly as there are lessons to be learned. Encourage feedback if it is available.
- Revise all of the materials to ensure they are up to date.
Step 12: Preparing for Departure
Similar to all good news, there comes a time when getting accepted comes through and the prep starts for a new excursion, all hail overseas.
Things to Do:
- Scholarship acceptance offers requires formal acceptance.
- Start applying for a student visa.
- Next is planning travel as well as accommodation.
- Pre departures orientations should be attended.
Tips:
- Look for other online groups or alumni communities.
- Mark as many months as needed beforehand in a budget ledger to sustain expenses.
- Research the cultures and climate of the destination.
Step 13: Staying Motivated Despite Rejection
Rejection, perhaps, tops the list as one of the most difficult parts of the process for international scholarship applications. You have to understand that this does not reflect your self-worth or abilities. It is often simply a factor of how competitive the opportunity is.
Why Rejections Occur:
- High ratio of applications received versus available slots
- Minor errors in application documents or eligibility criteria
- Stronger applicants with tailor made applications
- Weak or generic personal statements
What you Should Do:
- Do not take it too personally.
- If feedback is provided, be sure to seek it out.
- Revise and improve on the materials provided.
- Each application is a step forward towards your end goal.
- Take the time to acknowledge how far you’ve progressed.
Bear in mind that many Nigerian scholars who have obtained an award went through multiple rejections. If you are committed, these things take time, but they will happen.
Step 14: Utilize Local and Organizational Aid Resources.
As an applicant from Nigeria, you form part of a larger group. The process can be assisted by multiple programs and venues to provide support.
Where to Search for Assistance:
- EducationUSA: Does free advising and even offers test prep material.
- DAAD Nigeria Office: Offers aid to learners willing to study in Germany.
- British Council Nigeria: Conducts events and webinars for learners willing to travel to the UK.
- University Alumni Networks: Communicate to Nigerians who have received the same scholarships.
- Churches and Community Groups: Some provide sponsorship aid or some references.
Some helpful information that can aid you are:
- Be brave enough to explore more into asking questions.
- Engage in virtual and physical seminars for scholarship fairs.
- Make it a goal to participate in a mentoring program.
Step 15: Think About Other Possible Options.
Don’t lose motivation after not landing a fully funded scholarship at first. You can still get other opportunities to the different study abroad.
Other Options:
- Part time job or partially sponsored: This is greatly accepted in countries such as Canada or Germany.
- Remote degree programs: Some offer more openly accessible degree programs through the internet which are less expensive than attending in person.
- Exchange or internship programs: These can serve as an entry point into the fuller programs.
- Education savings accounts or student loans: This can be made possible with adequate prior arrangements and a co-payer.
Chiamaka, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, received the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at McGill University, Canada after applying to four scholarships over two years.
She remembers, “I was exhausted after the second rejection. After that, I decided to revise my Statement of Purpose completely and had it assessed by two professors. Then, I got into a Telegram channel where I discovered so many other opportunities. Staying the course was critical.”
Currently, Chiamaka is pursuing her Master’s in Global Health and is already mentoring fellow Nigerian students on social media.
This emphasizes the following: pursue your dreams because with determination, community, and a mindset focused on personal development, anything is achievable.
Tips from Successful Nigerian Scholars:
- Start Early: Practicing at least a year ahead of your target date is encouraged.
- Stay Organized: Maintain document checklists and a proper application calendar.
- Utilize No-Cost Resources: There are excellent materials available on platforms like Youtube, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning.
- Make Connections: Participate in scholarship communities such as “Scholarships Café,” “Opportunity Desk,” and relevant Facebook groups.
- Keep Trying: Most scholars reported submitting multiple applications to get selected at some point.
Securing a scholarship as a Nigerian can be difficult, but with commitment, preparation, and thorough research, it is entirely possible. You’re not alone: thousands of Nigerians have done it and so can you if you follow the steps, remain focused and believe in yourself.
Do not forget that it’s not just about excelling in activities; it’s your tale, your aspirations alongside how you wish to harness the power of education to change the world.
Everything can begin today; the entire world is in anticipation of the incredible things you have to offer.
