How to Apply for International Grants as a Nigerian Student or Entrepreneur
How to Apply for International Grants as a Nigerian Student or Entrepreneur
Last Updated: September 6, 2025 (Africa/Lagos)
Chika, a final-year student of UNILAG, had always dreamed of doing her master’s abroad. But the reality hit when she saw the tuition fees—over ₦8 million. Meanwhile, in Kaduna, Ibrahim, a small business owner producing eco-friendly bags, was struggling to expand because of lack of funding. Both of them kept asking: “Where can I find support for my dreams?” The answer for many Nigerians like Chika and Ibrahim is simple but powerful—international grants.
Summary Box
Who this helps: Final-year students, fresh graduates, small business founders, NYSC members, young researchers.
What you’ll learn:
- Types of international grants available for Nigerians
- Eligibility checklist before applying
- Step-by-step grant application process
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Where to find legit opportunities
Time to implement: 1–2 hours per application (depending on requirements).
Understanding International Grants
International grants are funding opportunities given by foreign governments, universities, organizations, or NGOs to support students, researchers, and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Unlike loans, grants are mostly non-repayable. Some cover full tuition and living expenses; others fund research projects, start-ups, or community impact programs.
Eligibility & Fit: Who Should Apply
Before spending time on any application, check if you qualify. Here’s a quick checklist:
Nigerian citizen or permanent resident
Clear academic or business goals
Strong academic performance or innovative idea
Willingness to provide required documents (CV, transcripts, references)
Commitment to the project or study plan
Key Requirements
Most international grant applications ask for:
- Updated CV/Resume (academic or entrepreneurial)
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- Recommendation letters (lecturers, mentors, employers)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement
- Business proposal (for entrepreneurs)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS—if required)
- Valid international passport
Tip: Always prepare a “master folder” with these documents to save time.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Research and shortlist opportunities
- Use trusted portals like ScholarshipPortal or Grants.gov.
- Check eligibility carefully
- Don’t waste time on programs you don’t qualify for.
- Prepare your documents
- Draft your SOP, polish your CV, and get reference letters early.
- Complete the application form
- Fill in details accurately; avoid spelling or date errors.
- Attach required documents
- Ensure files are in the right format (PDF/Word).
- Submit before the deadline
- Aim to finish at least 3 days early.
- Follow up
- Some programs allow you to track status or request feedback.
What Reviewers Look For
- Clear academic or project goals
- Relevance to community or global challenges
- Leadership qualities and impact potential
- Well-structured budget (for entrepreneurs)
- Strong references
Common mistakes to avoid:
Submitting late
Using a generic SOP for all applications
Poorly formatted CV
Fake or unverifiable documents
Planning Timeline
- 6–12 months before deadline: Start research, draft documents
- 3–6 months before deadline: Request references, polish proposal
- 1–3 months before deadline: Finalize documents, complete application
- Deadline week: Submit early, cross-check
Nigerian testimony from a student
Ada, a graduate from UNN, wanted to study Public Health in Canada. She applied for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. Ada spent weeks refining her SOP, highlighting how her undergraduate research tackled malaria prevention in Enugu. She also got strong recommendation letters. Although she didn’t win the Vanier, she later secured a smaller provincial grant because her documents were already prepared.
Expert Tips
“Don’t wait for deadlines before preparing. Have a master CV and update it regularly.” — Mr. Akinwale, Career Coach.
“Tailor every SOP. Show how your project links to real Nigerian challenges.” — Dr. Ifeoma, Scholarship Alumna (DAAD, Germany).
“Check legitimacy. If a grant asks you to pay an application fee, it’s most likely a scam.” — Mrs. Okoro, NGO Program Officer.
Where to Find Opportunities
- DAAD Scholarships Germany
- Chevening UK
- Fulbright USA
- Grants.gov (USA)
- UNESCO Opportunities
- Tony Elumelu Foundation Grants
Resources & Templates
Grant Proposal Skeleton
- Problem: What issue are you solving?
- Solution: Your proposed action or project.
- Impact: Who benefits and how?
- Budget: Clear, realistic breakdown.
CV Outline
- Contact info
- Education
- Experience
- Skills
- Achievements
- Referees
Actionable Insights (Quick Recap)
- Start research early (6–12 months ahead).
- Keep a master CV and SOP ready.
- Tailor applications to each grant.
- Verify authenticity of opportunities.
- Submit early and keep copies.
FAQs
Do international grants require repayment?
No, grants are usually non-repayable, unlike loans.
Can Nigerian entrepreneurs apply for academic grants?
Not directly, but there are separate grants for businesses (e.g., TEF, Mastercard Foundation).
Do I need IELTS/TOEFL for every grant?
Not always. Some programs accept WAEC English or exempt certain countries.
Are application fees required?
Legit international grants do not charge application fees. Be careful of scams.
How competitive are grants?
Very competitive. That’s why strong documents and early preparation matter.
Compliance & Disclaimer
We do not collect application fees. Always apply through official websites. ScholarCareer.com.ng only provides guidance and links to trusted opportunities.
CTA , Finally
Have you ever applied for a grant? Share your experience in the comments below.
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on scholarships, grants, and career tips.
Next, read: Top International Scholarships for Nigerians in 2025
About The Author
