HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP IN 2025

The rate at which Nigerians are going abroad to study is jaw dropping. The number is skyrocketing and it makes one wonder: how are they getting these admissions? And these admissions aren’t just to neighbouring countries like Ghana or Cameroun. We are talking about the USA, UK, Canada and even Russia!

How are they able to cater for the tuition fees??? You might be wondering. According to QS, studying at a top university is often an expensive choice to make and flying out of the country to study doesn’t get any cheaper especially when you’re struggling to scrape together the money, not only for fees but for accommodation and other living costs. 

Despite all these bills that can increase the pace of your heart beat, there is great news. First, don’t worry. Secondly, there is a guide that will give you a convenient beginning point you need for a successful scholarship application.

Do you know…?

That many top universities around the world have annual scholarship programmes for international students? Now, your own role is to find these universities, search for what they require and apply. Read on to discover how to research, apply and get fully funded scholarships for your education (either undergraduate or postgraduate).

How to avoid making mistakes during your scholarship application 

Mistakes are most times made when we are under pressure. Hence, to avoid putting pressure on yourself and potentially missing out on great scholarship opportunities, start your research on time. The more time you can put into your scholarship search, the more options you will have. Therefore:

• • Give quality time to research scholarships, 
  • Feel free to request information from the institution 
  • Complete your application by the specified closing date. Note that some scholarships may even close before the academic year starts.

How to Start an Application Process

1. Check if you are eligible

Sometimes people apply and never get responses not because they weren’t given admission but because the call for application was never meant for them in the first place. Therefore, do not spend your time applying— instead, spend it researching on the question: AM I ELIGIBLE?

2. Be organised

Many job descriptions require an applicant to have organisational skills and this is because good organisation makes execution of tasks less stressful; less time consuming and more effective. So, when you hear that it pays to be organised when it comes to working on your scholarship application, know that it is true. With that been said, you should begin with taking notes of the scholarships you are planning on applying for, so that you can keep track of them easily and not miss any important deadlines.

How to be organised?

• Make a folder where you store information about all the scholarships you hope to apply for.
• Keep sticky notes on boards or on the refrigerator; somewhere you can easily see to remind you.
• You can have a book specially for it.
• You can use Google calendar to mark dates and add an alarm. This will help you to remember.

3. Read instruction over and over again

Note: An application with missing items does not make the best first impression, particularly if these are items they have specifically requested. Therefore, to avoid missing items, read the application information as many times as you can before applying. This will help you to see/understand things you didn’t see/understand yesterday.

4. A scholarship like a job application

You know how you see a job vacancy; then you read the job description and tweak your CV or resume to suit it before submitting. Same thing with your scholarship application. You don’t apply based on what you think should be but according to the institution’s requirement.

5. Provide correct information

Meticulous is the watch word for each step of your application. That’s why it is always advisable to get everything processed before the deadline so as to give you adequate time to go through your work for any loopholes because correctness of information shows your readiness and professionalism.

6. Provide references/referees

In some cases you may need to provide references or referees in your application. Now, choose suitable references. In other words, choose people who are tech savvy. This will be helpful especially if the school ever thinks of sending your referees an email that requires prompt response. 

7. Don’t miss the deadline

Punctuality is a sign of regard. Apart from this, it is a known fact that our workplaces operate based on time in order to meet targets and create space for rest. To avoid missing out, it is advisable to submit as soon as you can and not at the eleventh hour.

Application materials for Scholarships

As curriculum vitae/resumé and cover letter is to job application, so are the materials below to scholarship. According to Scholarship.com, there are 4 Key Application Materials which are: 

• essay, 
• test scores, 
• transcript, and 
• letters of recommendation.

Scholarships checklist:

• Are you eligible?
• Do you know the deadline?
• Have you got all the necessary information? This will vary depending on the scholarship application, but usually includes academic record, proof of financial circumstances and confirmation of your study plans.
• Do your referees know what scholarship(s) you are applying for?
• Have you submitted your application before the deadline?
• What are the necessary application materials?

 

We at Info360 wish you the best.