We are in the Japa season! Several Nigerians are moving to different countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, France, Netherlands, and Germany on account of “study”. While some people are resuming to start their BSc studies, others are looking to commence their Master’s, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral degrees. However, an idea that makes the transition process seamless and achievable for many is the availability of scholarships. Looking at the tuition fees of some international universities, not everyone may be able to afford it. Hence, the need for relief.
What is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial aid given to a student to support their education. Usually, it is a package that consists of tuition fees, educational expenses, free air travel tickets, health insurance, and living costs. Scholarships are commonly awarded based on the student’s academic stance, achievement, talent, and financial needs. This means that not everyone is eligible or qualified to receive a scholarship except if they meet the criteria. Nigerians who have plans to study abroad but are financially incapacitated can leverage this opportunity. However, they must meet the criteria outlined by the scholarship provider which may include a minimum grade of 2:1 and at least 1 year of working experience (for masters students) and high grades in IELTS/TOEFL (for B.sc and some masters students) – It is usually more than these.
Perks of having a Scholarship
The perks are mouth-watering! This is why a lot of people look forward to the opportunity. Scholarships cover the majority of your bills as a student, so there is less burden on you and your sponsor/family. Also, you don’t have to take loans that may later become a financial burden to you which in turn takes a toll on your academic performance. It is easy to live within what has been provided to you in the scholarship, thereby, reducing financial anxiety and increasing your academic excellence.
Graduating without a financial burden helps you to know the way forward after your program because you find it easy to focus on career opportunities and growth rather than finding a way to sort out financial concerns. Furthermore, a scholarship on your resume sounds like a good idea. Future employers see you as a hot cake and may likely pick interest in you and that gives you an edge over other job seekers.
The International Scholarships Running Currently
Do you have plans to study abroad? Great! We are supportive of your dreams and we have curated these international scholarships that are currently running. All you need to do is check out what is required of you and submit an application right away.
Schwarzman Scholars Programme (MSc)
The Schwarzman Scholarship is associated with the Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and is open to individuals between the age of 18 and 29. This scholarship is available to only students looking to pursue a Master’s degree program at the University. About 200 eligible candidates will benefit from this financial award, of which 45% of the first-class students are supposed to come from the United States, 20% from China, and 35% from the remaining part of the world.
The scholarship package will include:
- Tuition fees
- Room and board
- Travel to and from Beijing at the beginning and end of the academic year
- An in-country study tour
- Required course books and supplies
- Health insurance, and personal stipend.
Who can apply?
All nationalities
Scholarship Deadline: September 19, 2023
Scholarship website: http://schwarzmanscholars.org/
AAUW International Fellowships for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students
This scholarship exclusively caters to women who need financial aid to study for a Master’s or Postgraduate degree. Although there is a limited number of women the scholarship can accommodate, they must not live in the United States or be permanent residents. Also, they must be willing to return to their home countries at the end of the program.
Award Amount:
Master’s/first professional degree: $20,000
Doctoral: $25,000
Postdoctoral: $50,000
Requirements:
- You must have citizenship in a country that is not the United States.
- You must have an academic degree that is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
- You must be willing to be fully committed to the academic plan.
- You must return to your home country at the end of the program.
- You must be proficient in English and confirm proficiency by submitting one of these – English proficiency exam results, transcripts from English-speaking institutions, or a written statement verifying that English is your native language.
- Master’s/first professional degree and doctoral applicants must have applied before the AAUW application deadline to an accredited institution of study for the period of the fellowship year and must state the name of the institution in the International Fellowship application.
Scholarship Deadline: November 15, 2023
Who can apply?
All women of other nationalities except the United States.
Scholarship Website: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship (BSc)
If you have just graduated from high school, here is an opportunity to study abroad. The University of Calgary offers this opportunity to international students who have excellent high school results and scored well in the English Language Proficiency Test. The good news is that this scholarship is renewable in the second, third, and fourth year if the student has a CGPA of 2.40 or a minimum of 24 units in the previous fall and winter terms.
Who can apply?
All international students
Number of Awards: 2
Country: Canada
Scholarship Type: Undergraduate
Faculty: Any type
Scholarship Deadline: Dec 1, 2023
Scholarship Website: https://ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards/university-calgar
CQUniversity Australia RTP scholarship (PhD)
You have been wanting to have a Ph.D. degree? Seize this opportunity! This is a scholarship that is organized yearly by the Australian government to assist students who may need help with their living costs while studying and doing tons of research. The Australian government demands that anyone who will be eligible for this scholarship must not be receiving an income greater than 75% of the stipend rate from any organization while studying to bag a Ph.D. Also, candidates will be assessed based on their academic achievement and writing skills, the quality of the research project and alignment with the university’s research priority areas, and evidence of motivation.
Award amount:
$32,000 per annum
Number of Awards: 3
Scholarship Deadline: September 29, 2023
Scholarship website: https://www.cqu.edu.au/study/prepare/scholarships/find-a-scholarship
Ashinaga Africa Initiative Undergraduate Scholarships (BSc)
The Ashinaga Scholarships started way back in 2014 and have allowed several students to achieve their dreams. This scholarship is specifically open to students who have graduated from secondary school but have also lost one or both parents. Also, eligible candidates must speak English, French, or Portuguese fluently. During the last 2 or 3 years of secondary school, you must make the top 10% of your class and also be able to participate in two Ashinaga preparatory programs for one year before attending university. You can apply for this scholarship online, via email, or by post.
Age limit: 23
Number of Awards: 1 per country
Country: University, country, and course of study will be determined after selected candidates have attended the Ashinaga study camp.
Scholarship Deadline: January 12, 2024
Scholarship Website: https://ashinaga.org/en/our-work/ashinaga-africa-initiative
Cambridge Trust Undergraduate Scholarships
The Cambridge Trust offers scholarships, particularly to undergraduates who are most deserving of it. However, it only pays a part of the university cost and not all. For a candidate to be eligible to receive this scholarship, they must really need financial support and have extraordinary excellence in former academics. Also, candidates must have been offered admission into the University of Cambridge before applying for the scholarship program. Furthermore, it is important to note that 85% of the scholarship goes to individuals applying to Masters or Ph.D. programs.
Who can apply?
All nationalities. Also, applicants looking to start any of the following:
- Undergraduate (Excluding UK candidates)
- Masters
- Ph.D.
Scholarship Deadline: October 16, 2023
Scholarship Website: https://www.cambridgetrust.org/scholarships
Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships
This scholarship is available to six candidates who are excellent academically and meet the requirements which include being a new applicant to the 1+1 MBA program, being admitted to the 1+1 MBA program, and the MBA even through the selection process. It is important to note that your application must highlight your academic achievement (degree results), leadership potential, strong personal character, and the ability to be a problem-solver. Also, during your application, you must write an impressive and convincing essay to back up other documents you will be submitting.
Scholarship Deadline: January 5, 2024
Scholarship Website:
Eric Bleumink Fund
Only students who would like to have a Masters degree can apply for this scholarship. However, they must have received provisional or unconditional admission to a Master’s program at the University of Groningen. Also, they must have performed excellently in previous academics and have a letter to show for it. Furthermore, they must be able to speak English fluently, be available for the whole program, be in good health, and have no other means of financing the study. If you need to know, the scholarship package covers tuition fees, travel costs, maintenance, books, and health insurance.
Scholarship Provider: University of Groningen
Country: Netherlands
Deadline: December 1, 2023
Scholarship Website: https://www.rug.nl/education/scholarships/eric-bleumink-fund
Bavarian Scholarship Programme (B.sc, M.sc)
The scholarship is provided by the Hof University of Applied Sciences, Germany but funded by the Bavarian Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts. To qualify for this scholarship, you must be an international student fully enrolled at Hof University. Also, B.sc and
M.sc applicants must provide proof of academic performance by attaching a transcript to their application. Students receiving any additional public funding will not be considered for this scholarship.
Country: Germany
Scholarship Deadline: October Ending
Scholarship Website: https://www.hof-university.com/studying-at-hof-university/
Fulbright Scholarship
Fulbright One of the most prestigious international scholarships is the Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through educational and cultural exchange. It offers scholarships for students, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States and abroad. More information can be found on the official Fulbright website @ https://eca.state.gov/fulbright/fulbright-programs/program-eligibility
Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, provides full financial support for a master’s degree at any UK university. It is open to students from over 160 countries and territories worldwide and covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Recipients of the Chevening Scholarship are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in their home countries. To apply and learn more about eligibility criteria, visit the official Chevening website. https://www.chevening.org/
Erasmus+ Programme
For students interested in studying in Europe, the Erasmus+ Programme offers a range of scholarships and grants to support international mobility and cooperation in higher education. Through Erasmus+, students can study abroad for up to 12 months as part of their degree program, receive funding for tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs, and gain valuable international experience. The Erasmus+ Programme is open to students from participating EU and non-EU countries. For detailed information on how to apply and available opportunities, consult the official Erasmus+ website. https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
Australian Awards
The Australian Government offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships to international students, researchers, and professionals as part of its commitment to promoting education and research excellence. The Australia Awards, including the Australia Awards Scholarship, Endeavour Scholarship, and International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS), support individuals from developing countries to undertake undergraduate or postgraduate study, research, or professional development in Australia. Eligibility criteria and application procedures vary depending on the specific scholarship program. For more information, visit the official Australia Awards website. https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards
