Every year, many Nigerian scholars dream about studying abroad. It is a number one aspiration for many would-be scholars, to be admitted into international schools. Foreign university admission is not, nevertheless, a dream; it requires drastic devotion, excellent performance, meticulous planning, and being knowledgeable of the sites to locate scholarships that will provide part of the fee. This article strives to make it easy for those Nigerian scholars who want to become scholars studying abroad in a practical and handy manner.
Why Nigerian scholars Prefer To Study Abroad
It is preferred by most Nigerian scholars to study outside of Nigeria and become graduates as it tends to expose them to improved resources, alternative perspectives, and the ability to interact with the world’s best scholars. And, not just do most scholarships cover the tuition fees but also living allowances, travel, and even medical insurance. This widens the chances for flying scholars to aim for top-class universities in countries like the UK, the USA, Canada, Germany, and Australia.
Steps to Be Admitted as a Scholar in Nigeria
1. Get Good Grades
First of all, you need to study well. Most scholarships will prefer you with good grades. To excel, go for a first class or a second class upper degree. Apart from grades themselves, it’s great to take part in activities like debates or fairs because it shows that you’re engaged in something other than the usual classroom activity. Make a note of your achievements, awards, and research studies because these can make you stronger in a populated region.
2. Search Scholarships
Lastly, it is time to look for international scholarships. There are plenty of great ones that can be accessed by Nigerian scholars. Below are some few of the very much sought-after ones:
- Chevening Scholarship (UK)
- Fulbright Program (USA)
- DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
- Erasmus Mundus (Europe)
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- MasterCard Foundation Scholarship
- Australia Awards
These international scholarships vary from fees for courses to living allowances. Please ensure that you confirm the official websites of these for all the information regarding the eligibility criteria, deadlines, and the documents that must be uploaded.
3. Select the correct program and university
Selecting a course that will lead you to your dream career is actually quite important. If you wish to pursue a Master’s, a PhD, or become a research candidate, see that the university you are about to attend is of sound repute and the course is of what you wish to achieve. You may utilize tools like the QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education to obtain recommendations of universities to apply for. Think about which universities will probably take African scholars or universities specifically with fellowships for African scholars.
4. Prepare for Required Tests
Foreign universities will all require you to undertake some tests before admission. Depending on where you’re headed, you will be required to take IELTS or TOEFL to confirm your level of English proficiency, or GRE/GMAT if you’re seeking a master’s degree. Performing well on the test will help immensely towards a higher likelihood of being admitted and awarded a scholarship. Early preparation, whether by the internet, study books, or practice tests, would be recommended.
5. Strong Personal Statement
Application for scholarship is where an individual can make use of a strong personal statement or Statement of Purpose. This is where you get to present your own narrative to the admission committee—inform them of your motivators, what you’ve attained so far, and why you should be awarded that scholarship. Be honest and personal: present your academic journey, if any leadership roles have been undertaken, and career goals. Don’t forget to make every statement specific to the provided school and program you’re applying for!
6. Get Good Recommendations
You can assume with confidence that most scholarship applications will necessitate a couple of letters of recommendation. You need to ask someone who knows you, like a professor or employer, who will speak positively about your achievements and strengths. Give them ample time to write these letters and let them know what you’d like them to say.
7. Apply on Time
You’ve got your scores, your transcript, your statement, your letters of recommendation, and your application for scholarships. Now you can apply finally. Don’t worry about those deadlines—some application periods begin a year ahead of when they need to be received. And don’t guess your application—check thoroughly to make sure that you haven’t forgotten any documents or made any mistakes, which would eliminate you.
Scholarship Application Tips
- Join Scholar Forums: Look up study abroad forums online. Online platforms such as Nairaland and Facebook have study abroad forums where other scholars who are currently abroad share their experience and advice.
- Follow Scholarship Pages: Keep an eye on websites or social media pages of embassies or universities for posts on scholarships. They are a great place to learn from.
- Practice Interviewing: There could be an interview section in some of the scholarships, so practice interviewing with possible questions about your experiences and knowledge of issues globally.
Challenges to Watch Out For
Some Nigerian scholars might face the following challenges:
- Limited Information: Mitigate this by going to educational fairs, networking, and utilizing valid channels for information.
- Cost Issues: If college application fees to write tests or colleges are your issue, look for colleges with fee waivers.
- Paperwork Issues: Prepare your papers and transcripts way ahead of time so that you will not have issues at the last minute.
Conclusion
Getting through the gates of an international school as a Nigerian scholar is not as impossible as it may seem. It is simply a question of being smart at planning and being diligent. There are plenty of opportunities that exist that one can seize if they are dedicated to being the best. If you are pursuing a half scholarship or even a full scholarship, begin early and keep your target in mind. Remember that everyone has walked this path before you, and with determination, you too can do it.