Do you dream of traveling abroad for study? Are you among the millions of Nigerians who want to have a taste of foreign education? I know you are and I also know why your dreams are yet to come true. Funds has always been the number one reason many students cannot fulfill their dreams. They are skeptical as to where the money to sponsor their study would come from. They look around and almost come to a conclusion that it is impossible to study abroad because of the financial implications.
Don’t think that way anymore. Get rid of that mindset. The fact that you have a dream is enough to make that dream a reality. Any country on your mind has a provision for students like you. All the top study abroad destinations in the world have reliable ways to support serious students like you. They set aside millions of dollars to give quality education to students from other countries. These are what they call scholarships.
We have taken time to compile the top 10 scholarships available to Nigerians and people from other African countries. You will do well to study each one and pick the one that suits you best.
Top 10 Scholarships for Nigerians
1. Commonwealth Scholarship
This juicy scholarship is managed by the British Council, and it is awarded to students from Commonwealth countries. Luckily, Nigeria and other English-speaking African countries belong to the Commonwealth. To qualify for this scholarship, you must demonstrate an ability to speak and write in English. This opportunity is open to students who are interested in Master’s and PhD programs in Humanities, Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture, Social Sciences, and Pure and Applied Sciences. The scholarship covers the student’s tuition fees, travel expenses and living costs etc.
2. GREAT Scholarships (UK)
The GREAT Scholarships are available to applicants from 14 countries including Nigeria. However it is a 1-year postgraduate degree program in different areas of discipline. It has become the practice of over 49 universities in the UK to offer more than 200 scholarships to students who are interested to study in the UK. The government partners with these participation universities to fund the generous scholarships. Some of the universities include New Castle University, University of Nottingham and UCL. A total of €10,000 is given to each qualified candidate.
3. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This amazing scholarship is an opportunity for students from Africa, USA and Japan. Students who want to get a Master’s degree in the field of development can apply. However, this scholarship was originally for students interested in pursuing courses in education. A minimum of 3 years of experience is mandatory to qualify for this scholarship. Successful candidates will enjoy free tuition fees, health insurance, travel allowance and monthly stipends.
4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
This specific scholarship is for all countries of the world except Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, UK, Italy and Germany. This scholarship is available to students who want to obtain their postgraduate degree. However, the slots are limited and the focus in on developing effective leadership and scholarly skills in students to make them employable after the program. The benefits include free tuition fees and living expenses.
5. Rotary Foundation Global Study Grants
If you are a graduate and a research student, Rotary Foundations scholarship is what you need. You will have the privilege to study in any of the universities approved by the Rotary Club. You will be given grants, and your tuition fees, living expense and your transportation will be taken care of. However, this scholarship is open to students who are interested in the areas of Basic Education and Literacy, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water and Sanitation, Peace and Conflict Prevention or Resolution, and Economic and Community Development. Students in this scholarship will receive $30,000, and their other expenses will be covered.
6. Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
If your field is in Humanities, Social Sciences, Public Health and Law, the Pierre Foundation Scholarships may be the one you are looking for. Admission is open to only PhD holders who must be interested in researching in the following four areas: Canada and the World, People and their Natural Environment, Responsible Citizenship, and Human Rights and Dignity. This scholarship comes with the huge sum of 40,000 CAD and a stipend of 20,000 CAD.
7. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is a 1-year Master’s degree program from universities in the UK. Students from all countries are welcome to apply. However, you must have obtained an admission letter from a UK university of your choice before applying for the scholarship. In addition, it is mandatory to have a 2-year work experience and the evidence of language proficiency at the time of application. This scholarship is fully funded and comes with free tuition fees, allowances, living costs and several other benefits.
8. Endeavour Postgraduate Awards (Australia)
This postgraduate scholarship from the government of Australia is both merit-based and competitive in nature. It is offered to non-Australian countries who are eligible. Qualified students are welcomed to study normal courses or research-based coursework. However, to be eligible, you must show that you are a permanent resident of any of the approved countries. Your academic performance must be topnotch to meet the selection process. The benefits attached to this scholarship incude 272, 500 AUD plus stipends, allowance and many others.
9. Fullbright Scholarshipis (USA)
This stands as one of the most popular scholarships in the world. Many international students know about this scholarship and some Nigerians have already taken advantage of it. The Fullbright scholarships offers opportunities to more than 4,000 students applying from over 140 countries. However, only students who meet the requirements are selected based on merit. This scholarship is also open to artists and teachers who have spent one year studying in USA. An $8,000 grants will be given, and this covers tuition, travel expenses, living costs and other things.
10. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
A scholarship established by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this opportunity is open to all international students interested in Master’s and PhD degrees in France. There is no free tuition fees, but qualified candidates will get funds that covers local travel expenses and monthly allowances. There’s also €1,181 monthly benefits.
The above are 10 out of thousands of scholarships that are offered every year. The scholarship route is a smart way to leave your country of birth and seek a better life abroad.
This blog wil keep posting articles to keep you in the know about scholarships and study abroad programs.
If you have a response, drop it in the comment section and we will reply as soon as we can.
