Education Biz-Study AbroadNo Comments

Obtaining a degree abroad is way too ideal considering the perks associated with it. But then you could pay through your nose funding it to fruition. Nevertheless, there are those who won’t burst an artery over it or give a hoot if scholarship schemes exists judging by their degree of affluence and financial splendor. If you fall into that category, you might not need this guide but you can share to someone who needs it. It’s for those who despite living on a tight deficient budget, still desire a quality education abroad. These ones wants to fling the doors of the society open for themselves with boundless job opportunities.

Scholarships are healthy for beneficiaries and oftentimes even the well to do still go for it anyway and safe extra bucks for themselves. There are basic things you need to know in order to earn yourself one of the numerous scholarships available. Now let’s lay a foundation.

What you Need to Know About Scholarship to Study Abroad

Scholarship comes in different kinds likewise the criteria for eligibility. For clarity sake I’ve split them into four sub units which are listed below.

 Merit Based Scholarships

This are for the A list or elite students. This kind is not open for everyone. It’s entirely exclusive to those who were able to cross the benchmark qualifications in terms of their educational backgrounds. For instance, the first class graduates who were outstanding in their various career disciplines. This scholarship is offered as part of their rewards for a stellar academic performance.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad Agencies in Nigeria And Their Contacts

They are 90% of the time offered scholarships around the world to further their studies at the post graduate level, most times by their universities, their incumbent government, or even the foreign universities who are attracted to excellence.

Educational Benevolence Scholarship

In our various states, local councils and constituencies there are legislators, God sent philanthropist and men endowed with wealth who have initiated their own scholarship schemes to send outstanding students abroad to study at both undergraduate and post graduate levels. All there is to do is inquire or surf the web and you’re good to go.

Government Grants/Scholarships

These are scholarship schemes that are up for competition. In this case, a level playing field is created for all who have gotten specified requirements to slug it out and the winners who are undoubtedly the smartest are granted the scholarship opportunities. It’s the intellectual version of survival of the fittest.  There are some few states in Nigeria that offers this opportunity so if your state is one of them, you can read your brains out while applying and probably you could be among the chosen elites.

SEE ALSO: How To Study Abroad From Nigeria (Practical Guide)

Finally, on the background information you need to arm yourself with is the

Conditional Scholarships

This are scholarships that are limited to applicants from a particular region, nation or field of discipline. It can also be limited to scholars with a certain CPGA, age bracket or gender. The conditional clause there is that, you must come from a particular region, nation, choose to study a certain course, have a stipulated CPGA, be of a designated age limit and finally a gender specification before you can apply.

This note worthy salient points will guide you when scanning the web so you know which is meant for you. Now that we’ve established a background about the nature of scholarships, let’s delve further into how you can actually get one for yourself.

Research Already

Now you are fully aware of the kind of scholarship you are looking for, which is the ones that are meant for Nigerians basically, before anything else. So, your detailed search on the net won’t be wasted in areas where you are barred from. Do your research in areas that have you and your needs in their scheme of things.

Also, take note of their requirements like your transcripts and recommendation letters which is always needed. I could do a wager on that.  And lastly on this, don’t just find one scholarship plan that fits you outright and call it a day. No! You need to explore the plethora of options in the sky and take the next step below.

Plug  Yourself in

By applying, you’ve plugged yourself into their system. If your research was well conducted, you’re actually fixing yourself into consideration. And same with the research, you don’t just lay your eggs in one basket of uncertainty, apply to as many as you can. Yea right, it could be heinous, but take a glimpse at the reward afterwards. It’s rewarding.

One tip for applying is by tendering those applications in the fall (September) season which is classified as the most ideal time for those applying for Canadian and US scholarships. Conventionally, applying on time is the best way to go about it.

Make Your Application Essay Do The Trick

Typical of most foreign scholarship/grants aid to students is the application essay. If it’s well constructed and scribbled with impeccable diction, it just might be the Turbo jet drive to getting you that financial aid. The application essay gives you the ample space to sell yourself, of course you don’t sell your flaws and weakness, you sell your super hero self, what makes you stand out?

SEE ALSO: How To Secure Post Graduate Admissions Abroad

What can you do to leverage the grant if given? What are your strengths? Why should they offer you the scholarship?  Market the best you-in-you, seal off every presumed loosed end on your intellectual make up and remain positive of the aftermath.

Get a Fine Recommendation Letter

This is also an integral part of the process that you shouldn’t treat with kid gloves. Eminent scholars and professors high up the academia are your best shot at this. To further edge you up, an alumunus of a foreign university drafting that recommendation letter is viable. Just make sure the rapport has been fed with energy for at least 3/4 years. That way, the referee knows you inside out, incorporating your innate strengths and potential feats which will be in concord with your application essay. This synergy between both letters is in order.

Follow Up

After all is read and done, don’t just sit back and sleep over it. No post man is going come knocking on your door with a letter of acceptance. Follow it up by checking your mail every now and then for any heads up by the school, organization or government body responsible for the scholarship. You don’t want to go through all the hectic process and loose out on it, no thanks to your complacency.

If you’re so internet lazy, you could use the services of study abroad agencies whose niches covers scholarships and grant and they’ll gladly pester you with updates as they roll in.

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