For many ambitious Nigerian students, winning scholarships is the only feasible way to gain an international education and pursue their academic dreams. However, popular scholarship programs are notoriously competitive, with intricate applications, strictly limited spots, and acceptance rates under 5% at top overseas universities.
Thankfully, lesser-known but great scholarship opportunities exist that are far more accessible for Nigerian students to win. These programs have straightforward applications with minimal components, flexible eligibility criteria, and less daunting competition levels.
In this comprehensive guide, we will uncover national and international scholarships that Nigerian students can actually attain with higher probability through easy applications. Whether awarded by corporations, foundations, governments, or schools, these scholarships deliver the crucial funding to propel deserving Nigerian youth towards academic excellence and future leadership both at home and globally.
Specifically, we will highlight the key factors that make some scholarships easy to win, including:
- Less competition due to niche criteria or numerous awards
- Simple eligibility requirements most students can meet
- Streamlined applications with few complex components
- Merit-based selection focused on grades over demographics
- Large organizations with extensive scholarship budgets
In addition, we will profile 10 excellent examples of easy-win scholarships for Nigerians – 5 based locally and 5 for study abroad. For each program, we will summarize the amount awarded, subject areas covered, eligibility basics, and simple application details.
Finally, tips will be provided to help students identify and take advantage of other attainable scholarship opportunities out there that match their backgrounds and goals. Let’s get started unlocking straightforward scholarships to make your educational dreams a reality!
What Makes a Scholarship “Easy” for Nigerians to Get?
Scholarships are considered more attainable and easy to apply for when they have these characteristics:
- Less Competitive – A smaller or more targeted applicant pool makes acceptance odds higher. Programs with few awards or narrow criteria are harder.
- Simple Eligibility – Programs with minimal eligibility requirements allow more students to qualify and apply.
- Easy Application – When the application process has fewer steps and components, it takes less effort to complete. Long applications deter applicants.
- Merit-Based – Scholarships awarded purely on GPA, test scores and academics are simpler. Need or diversity-based ones require essays, proof of income, etc.
- Numerous Awards – Programs that fund hundreds of students annually offer better chances versus ones with just a few slots.
Keeping these criteria in mind, here are some great national and international scholarships Nigerian students should target:
Top 10 Easiest National and International Scholarships for Nigerians
Top 5 National Scholarships
1. PETROBAS National Scholarship
Funded by the Brazilian oil and gas giant Petrobras, this scholarship for Nigerian students covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and other benefits valued at up to N3 million annually. Eligible students must be studying STEM subjects like engineering, geosciences, chemistry, physics, and more at accredited Nigerian universities.
The application process simply requires completing an online registration form and submitting transcripts, ID, and a passport photo. No essays, recommendations, or exams are required. Over 1,300 Nigerian students have benefited from the scholarship since its launch. The large number of awards and straightforward application makes this a great local option.
2. Nigerian Universities Scholarship Award (NUSA)
NUSA is funded by Nigeria LNG Limited and managed in partnership with the Federal Scholarship Board. It provides between N100,000 to N500,000 in scholarship funding for high-performing undergraduate students at Nigerian universities in any field of study.
To qualify, students must have a minimum 4.0 CGPA and be nominated by their university. The streamlined application requires just an online form, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and transcripts. Hundreds are awarded annually, so Nigerian students with strong grades have a good chance at this merit-based aid.
3. Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by the Italian energy firm Eni through its subsidiary NAOC. It provides scholarship funding up to N200,000 for undergraduate students from families in Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta region.
Eligible students must be studying geology, engineering, physics, medicine, chemistry, and other related fields at Nigerian universities in their third year or higher. The simple application process makes it easily attainable by just submitting transcripts, ID documents, and proof of admission.
4. Shell Niger Delta Postgraduate Scholarship (SNDP)
The SNDP scholarship by Shell provides an impressive N5.5 million in funding for Nigerian students pursuing postgraduate study related to energy within Nigeria. Applicants must have graduated from a university in the Niger Delta region.
The streamlined online application requires transcripts, references, proof of admission, and a short essay. Over 70 scholarships are awarded annually, so the large number and simple process make this Shell program accessible for eligible applicants.
5. PTDF Overseas Scholarship
Nigeria’s Petroleum Technology Development Fund offers one of the most lucrative and easy to apply for scholarships. It provides full funding of up to $100,000 for Nigerian students to pursue overseas undergraduate or postgraduate study in petroleum or related fields abroad.
The eligibility requirements are flexible, and the application process straightforward, simply requiring transcripts, references, essays, and proof of admission. PTDF awards hundreds of overseas scholarships annually, enhancing chances, especially for applicants with academic excellence.
Top 5 Easiest International Scholarships
6. Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
This scholarship, funded by the Canadian Balsillie School of International Affairs, provides $50,000 for students from Africa to pursue a Master’s in Canada in fields related to global governance and international policymaking.
Beyond the basics like transcripts and references, the application only requires a 1,000-word personal essay and proof of 2 years of professional work experience in Africa. The simplicity and large number of awards given out make this an easy-win scholarship option.
7. African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) Scholarship
ALOT awards $2,500 merit-based scholarships for African undergraduate students pursuing degrees related to STEM, business, economics, and leadership development. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be currently enrolled at an African university.
Students must complete a short registration form and provide transcripts and admission details. Hundreds of scholarships are awarded annually, enhancing the accessibility for African students compared to more complex opportunities.
8. African Students Excellence Scholarship
This pan-African scholarship provides up to $5,000 in tuition funding for students from sub-Saharan African countries studying at over 50 partner colleges and universities in the United States.
If accepted to one of the partner schools, students need only complete a simple registration form online providing background details, transcripts, and references. Awards are merit-based, with hundreds given out each year.
9. Google Lime Scholarship
Google’s Lime Scholarship provides $10,000 in funding along with optional Google internship opportunities for students pursuing degrees in computer science or engineering internationally.
Applicants need only write a brief 1,000-word essay on their ambitions in technology. The simple eligibility and application process with no complex forms or financial requirements makes this an accessible scholarship for Nigerian tech students.
10. Belgium Bachelors/Masters Scholarships
The government of Belgium offers generous scholarships for students from developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees at accredited universities in Belgium.
The streamlined application requires transcripts, passports, proofs of admission, and little else. These are purely merit-based scholarships with a high acceptance rate, making them among the most straightforward and attainable international scholarship options.
Tips for Finding Other “Easy Win” Scholarships
- Look locally at companies and organizations in industries related to your degree for simple niche scholarships.
- Carefully research any unknown or exotic scholarships to ensure they are legitimate and not scams. Avoid programs with excessive fees.
- Find scholarships with criteria matching your background – whether based on ethnicity, religion, hobbies, home region, academic field, etc. Targeted programs have less competition.
In summary, Nigerian students willing to search carefully can find great scholarships both within Nigeria and for study abroad that are straightforward to apply for – boosting their chances of winning key financial support.
Insider Tips from Nigerian Scholarship Winners
I asked some of my past Nigerian students who won major scholarships to study globally to share their personal tips:
“I created a spreadsheet to track all the scholarship deadlines and requirements. It kept me organized.” – Sarah A., Chevening Scholar at Oxford University.
“I spent time researching each scholarship provider’s values and priorities before tailoring my essays to align with their mission.” – Ope A., Mastercard Foundation Scholar at McGill University.
“I treated the scholarship application like a full-time job, spending 30+ hours a week on it for months. My persistence paid off.” – Kunle S., Fulbright Scholar at Harvard University.
“I booked practice interviews with my teachers to polish my skills at articulating my aspirations and achievements. That preparation gave me confidence.” – Aisha K., Rhodes Scholar at Cambridge University.
The advice from these students who have gone through the process can help you maximize your own chances of success.
By being organized, proactive, and dedicated, you can absolutely win the crucial funding needed to fulfill your dreams of international education. Follow these tips – and you may soon count yourself as a scholarship recipient ready to study abroad.
Focus on These Key Scholarship Application Strategies
Based on my experience, here are the most vital steps for Nigerian students to win scholarships abroad:
- Start researching and applying early – Begin seeking out scholarship options 12-18 months before you plan to enroll overseas. Don’t miss any deadlines!
- Tap university aid opportunities first – Connect with admissions offices globally to inquire about direct financial assistance for international applicants.
- Perfect your essays and interview skills – Scholarship committees want to understand your life story, passions, and purpose. Take the time to make your applications shine.
- Get support from your School – Ask teachers and administrators to review your materials and provide recommendation letters.
- Follow up persistently – Don’t hesitate to call scholarship programs directly to check on the status of your application. Show your dedication.
Final Thought
In closing, Nigerian students shouldn’t feel scholarships are out of reach just because nationally prestigious ones like Rhodes and Fulbright are intensely competitive. Plenty of chances exist through lesser-known but rewarding programs locally and abroad that just require meeting some basic criteria and submitting simple, straightforward applications.
By focusing on these accessible opportunities, ambitious yet realistic Nigerian students can secure the crucial funding needed to excel in their studies, serve their communities, and maximize their future impact on the nation and the world. Easy scholarship applications require time and effort, too – but the rewards for dedicating yourself wholeheartedly are well worth it.
