Scholarships are more than just financial aids, they’re life-changing opportunities. During my university days, I noticed how some of my course mates dropped out of school due to financial challenges. One had to take a whole year just to focus on work and come back. The emotional strain it takes on students is something I do not wish on anyone. But with a scholarship, you can focus solely on your education while reducing the financial strain on your parents.

Whether you want to study within Nigeria or are hoping to secure a spot abroad, this guide is designed to help you understand what scholarships are, how to increase your chances of getting one, and where to find active scholarship opportunities right now.

What Is A Scholarship

A scholarship is a financial assistance given to students to support their education. Unlike a loan, it’s not a fee you have to pay back later. It’s money you receive based on your academic performance or other criteria.

They can come from schools, governments, private organizations, or individuals and are usually awarded based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both.

Scholarships can cover tuition alone. However, some go further to include books and living expenses too. With a scholarship, you can experience quality education without drowning in debt.

Types Of Scholarships- Your Guide To Scholarships

Scholarships come in many forms, each designed to support students based on specific criteria. Understanding the different types can help you identify the opportunities that best match your needs.

Merit-based scholarships

These scholarships, just like the name implies, are awarded based on academic excellence. It is usually awarded to students who show exceptional academic performance, whether in the classroom or other areas such as sports or any other talent. As a student vying for this type of scholarship, your school grades need to be different, in a good way.

Need-based scholarships

These are scholarships awarded to students who have financial need. As an applicant, you’ll be required to provide proof of income and fill out specific forms or documents based on the scholarship’s requirements or criteria.

Athletic scholarships

This type of scholarship is designed for student-athletes. These scholarships are offered by institutions as part of their sports program. 

As a recipient of this scholarship, you’re expected to maintain both academic and athletic performance.

STEM scholarships

These scholarships are offered to students pursuing courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. They aim to support individuals who are interested in fields that drive innovation and development. To apply for this scholarship, you are required to show strong academic performance in STEM-related subjects and a clear interest in building a career in those areas.

How to Get A Scholarship

One challenge of securing a scholarship is the high level of competition, as many students are applying for limited opportunities. Therefore, before we dive into the list of currently open scholarships, let’s look at how to approach the process.

Do your research on reliable platforms

Look for scholarship opportunities on platforms such as:

• DAAD: This is a fully funded scholarship for international students, especially for postgraduate courses(Master’s and phD)

• Commonwealth scholarships: This scholarship is offered to students from eligible Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.

• Opportunity desk: This platform lists both local and international scholarships available to Nigerians.

Filter the scholarships by eligibility

Before applying for a scholarship, you need to be certain of your goal or purpose. This certainty makes it possible to filter your scholarship updates and focus on the ones that align with your goals. For instance, the Erasmus Mundus scholarship (Erasmus+) is a scholarship open to students who are interested in a joint master’s degree in Europe.

Read the requirements properly

Take your time to go through the scholarship requirements or criteria before applying. For example, the Chevening scholarship requires a minimum of two years’ work experience, either full-time or part-time.

Prepare your documents in advance

The requirements differ from scholarship to scholarship, however, some common requirements include the following documents:

• Academic transcripts.

• Personal statement or motivation letter.

• Letter of recommendation

• International passport (for abroad scholarships).

• Proof of English proficiency (like IELTS, if required).

Apply early

Stay on the lookout for scholarship updates in your email, check out the criteria and apply if it aligns with you. In addition, apply as early as you can to improve your chances of being seen.

Now that you understand the basic process involved, let’s look at some open scholarships and some that open every year.

Current Scholarship Opportunities For Nigerian Students

Local scholarships

FATE Foundation Scholarship

The FATE Scholars Program (FSP) is a scholarship initiative that supports undergraduate students in any STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) course in any accredited public university. This is a fully funded scholarship that supports students throughout their years in the university. The Application Deadline is May 16, 2025.

Learnpally Undergraduate Scholarship

This scholarship is open to undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary schools. While the application for this year is closed, this looks like a yearly scholarship and a good one for you to stay updated on.

In addition, you can sign up to the scholarship region site and get updates about the latest scholarships.

International scholarships- Your guide to scholarships

Chevening scholarship (UK)

This is a scholarship open to Chevening-eligible countries (Nigeria included) to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. The scholarship portal is usually opened every August.

Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degree

A fully funded scholarship for Nigerians to study in Europe, especially for their postgraduate studies. Application deadline varies by program.

Yale University scholarship

A fully funded scholarship available to international students who wish to pursue their undergraduate, master’s or PhD at Yale University. This scholarship will be open in 2026, so stay tuned.

MEXT scholarship

Fully funded scholarships for international students to study undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs in Japan. Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. The 2026 application is from April and will end on the 20th of June 2025.

Conclusion- Your Guide To Scholarships

Finding and applying for scholarships may take time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. Whether you’re planning to study in Nigeria or abroad, there are plenty of opportunities out there—you just need to know where to look and how to apply. Stay prepared, stay consistent, and most importantly, don’t give up. Your scholarship could be one application away.

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