Studying abroad has long been a dream for many Nigerian students. The allure of international education comes with the promise of broadening horizons and gaining exposure to new cultures. However, the financial challenges associated with studying abroad can be daunting, making this dream seem out of reach for many. In this blog post, we delve into some of the best international scholarships that offer Nigerian students a chance to pursue their academic aspirations on foreign shores.
The Quest for International Education:
Nigerian students often face an uphill battle when it comes to studying abroad. The costs involved can be overwhelming, deterring many from even considering this option. Nonetheless, the determination to acquire a global education drives some to seek out scholarships that can lighten the financial burden.
A Glimpse at Prominent Scholarships:
- Reach Oxford Scholarship: The Reach Oxford Scholarship, once known as the Oxford Student Scholarship, extends a helping hand to students from low-income countries. This scholarship, offered by Oxford University, aims to support those who face barriers to education due to political, financial, or infrastructural reasons. It caters exclusively to incoming undergraduate students. While most courses are open for application, Medicine is an exception. The scholarship covers course fees, living expenses, and even an annual airfare.
Requirements for Reach Oxford Scholarship:
- Application for University admission is a prerequisite for scholarship consideration.
- Apply to the University of Oxford for an undergraduate course via UCAS by the deadline.
- As competition is fierce, meeting scholarship qualifications is crucial for consideration.
- Global Korea Summer Scholarship: The Global Korea Summer Scholarship provides an opportunity for African and Latin American students to immerse themselves in intensive academic training. With only 80 slots available (40 for each region), this scholarship focuses on fields like Computer Engineering, Game Engineering, and Digital Design.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Citizenship of an African or Latin American country.
- Enrolled as an undergraduate student in the second to fourth year at a university/college in an eligible country.
- Proficiency in the English language.
- Good mental and physical health.
- Willingness to adapt to Korean culture and life.
- Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarships: The Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarships are a result of agreements between the Nigerian government and select countries. Countries like Algeria, China, Cuba, Egypt, and more participate in this program, offering scholarships for first degrees, Master’s, and PhD studies.
BEA Scholarship Requirements:
- For undergraduates, a minimum of seven distinctions (A’s and B’s) in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).
- Relevant subjects, including Mathematics and English Language.
- Age limit between 17-20 years.
- Postgraduates must have a First Class or 2nd Class Upper Division degree.
- Completion of NYSC Programme and age limits of 35 for Masters and 40 for PhD.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities:
Apart from the aforementioned scholarships, Nigerian students can explore other options like scholarships from the UK, Japanese Government Scholarships, Singapore Scholarships, the American Fulbright Program, and the Chinese Government/African Union Scholarship.
Conclusion:
Studying abroad as a Nigerian student may be financially demanding, but the pursuit of education knows no bounds. These international scholarships offer a glimmer of hope to those who aspire to learn beyond borders. It’s imperative for aspiring scholars to conduct thorough research, match their aspirations with the right scholarships, and diligently fulfill application requirements. By making informed choices, Nigerian students can inch closer to turning their study abroad dreams into reality. Share this article to help fellow students discover the pathways to their academic aspirations.