Choosing a course is easy. But the real headache starts when you ask, “How will I pay for this degree?” I felt this last year when my cousin got admission to Canada. Tuition was $12,000. Accommodation was another $6,000. Add flight, visa, and food. We were looking at almost N20 million. That’s the reality for most of us trying to study abroad. This is where undergraduate scholarships help. Not just big government scholarships. Even small university grants of $2,000 or $5,000 can reduce your fees. But here is the mistake many students make: they apply for 20 scholarships they don’t qualify for and get 20 rejections. So before you apply, you need to answer 4 things: Does this scholarship accept Nigerians/Africans? Does it cover tuition only or also living costs? Do I actually meet the grade and age requirements? What documents are they asking for? In this article, I will show you exactly how undergraduate scholarships work, where I find the legit ones for CGU EDGE, and how to package your application so you don’t waste your time.

Definition of Undergraduate Scholarships?

An undergraduate scholarship is just money to help you pay for your first degree, like a BSc or BA

They may be offered by:

• Universities and colleges
• Governments
• Charities and foundations
• Nonprofit organisations
• Private companies
• Professional associations
• International education programmes

Not all scholarships look for the same thing. Some want students with high grades. First class or a strong 2:1. Others don’t care much about grades. They check if you really need the money, if you have been leading in your community, where you are from, what course you want to study, or even if you are good at sports or music. And the money itself is different. One scholarship may give you just $1,000 off your tuition. Another one may pay your full school fees. A few good ones will even add money for your house rent and feeding. That’s why I always tell people…don’t just see the word “scholarship” and start applying. Open it and check: what exactly are they giving? How much? And what do they want from you? It will save you a lot of time.

Types of Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

If you understand the different types of funding, it will make your search much more focused.

Sometimes it is mixed. For example, a school in the UK can say, “This scholarship is for students with high grades, AND you must be from so-and-so country.” So you need both good grades and the right country to qualify.

Are There Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students?

Yes, you can get funding as an international student. I see it every day on CGU EDGE. Universities and other organizations do give money to foreign students. But it depends a lot on 5 things: which country you are going to, which school, what course you want to study, where you are from, and who is giving the scholarship. Some countries are easier than others.

For example, UCAS explains that international students looking at UK study can explore scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by universities and other organizations. The type and value of support vary between providers. 

So don’t just Google “undergraduate scholarships for international students” and stop there. Use that as your starting point. After that, go specific. Pick the countries you want. Maybe Canada, the UK, or Germany. Then check the exact universities and courses. That’s where you will find the real opportunities. That broad search will show you many things, but the specific search is what gets you the scholarship.

What undergraduate scholarships pay for?

This is one of the first things you should check before applying.

Depending on the scholarship, funding may contribute towards:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Living expenses
• Books and study materials
• Travel
• Health insurance
• Registration or other academic costs

But don’t be deceived; full tuition is NOT the same as fully funded. I have seen this confuse many students. A school can say, “We will cover 100% tuition,” but you will still pay for your house, food, transport, health insurance, and flight ticket yourself. That money can be up to $15,000 a year. And even if they give you money for food, sometimes it’s not enough to live on. So before you apply, always ask yourself: What are they REALLY paying for? And what will come out of my pocket? Check the breakdown carefully.

A simple way to compare scholarships

So instead of asking, “How much are they giving?” ask this: How much will I still pay after the scholarship? The math is simple: Total cost of study- scholarship = what you will still pay. For example, if school fees are $15,000 and the scholarship is $8,000, you still have $7,000 to pay. And you have not even added house rent and food. Do this small calculation first. It will stop you from thinking a scholarship is big when it is actually small.

Where can I find undergraduate scholarships?

A good scholarship search usually involves several sources.

1. University Scholarship Pages

Start with the universities you are considering.

Search their official websites for terms such as

• International scholarships
• Undergraduate scholarships
• International student funding
• Financial aid
• Scholarships and bursaries
• Tuition scholarships

This is very important because some universities will only give you the scholarship if you apply through their normal admission process. You don’t apply for the scholarship separately. Once you apply for admission, they consider you automatically. If you miss that admission deadline, you have missed the scholarship too.

Don’t assume that a scholarship advertised on a third-party website is still open. Better use the listing to discover the opportunity, then confirm the details on the official provider’s website.

2. Government and International Programs

Apart from universities, governments also help students study abroad. Take Erasmus+ for example. If your university qualifies, you can use it to study in another country for a few months. They will support your flight and daily upkeep. How much you get depends on where you are going. But listen, not every government program is a full bachelor’s scholarship. Some are just for exchange. Another lasts only for 6 months. Even some are not scholarships at all, just travel support. So read the rules well before you apply. Check so you don’t waste time applying for the wrong thing. Erasmus+ study abroad opportunities

3. Foundations and Charities

Private foundations, charities, and nonprofit organizations can provide another source of funding.

Look for organizations connected to:

• Your country
• Your intended profession
• Your academic field
• Community development
• Youth education
• Leadership
• Specific regions or groups

4. Companies and Professional Organisations

Some companies and professional groups also give scholarships. For example, a tech company like Google might support students studying computer science or engineering. Or a nursing association might fund students who want to become nurses. The problem is, you will not see these scholarships if you only search for “general scholarships”. Many students miss them because they are not advertised like university scholarships. You have to search by your course. So if you want to study engineering, search “Engineering scholarships for international students sponsored by companies. You will be surprised by what you find.

How to Know if a Scholarship Is Actually Suitable for You

A mistake many students make is this: they see “$20,000 scholarship!!” and start applying immediately. Don’t do that. Pause. Do an eligibility check first. It will take you 5 minutes and save you 5 hours. Ask yourself these 6 questions:

1. Do they accept international students?
Some scholarships are only for citizens of that country.

2. Is it for undergraduates?
Many scholarships are only for master’s or PhD students.

3. Does my course qualify?
Some are only for engineering, nursing, or IT students.

4. Do I meet the grade?
Check the minimum score they want. Don’t just assume your result is enough.

5. Do I need admission first?
Some want you to get admission before you apply. Others have a different process entirely.

6. Is my country allowed? And can I meet the deadline?
Some say “open to international students”, but they still exclude some countries. And check the time zone for the deadline. Do this check first before you waste your time writing essays for a scholarship you can never get.

Common Undergraduate Scholarship Requirements

There is no universal application checklist, but you may be asked for:

• Secondary school certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Passport or national identification
• Proof of nationality
• Personal statement
• Scholarship essay
• Recommendation letters
• CV or résumé
• Evidence of extracurricular activities
• Leadership or community-service evidence
• English-language test results where required
• Financial documents for need-based funding

Some universities or scholarship providers may request additional documents.

If your documents are not in the required language, check whether certified translations are necessary.

Do You Need Excellent Grades to Get an Undergraduate Scholarship?

Not always. Yes, good grades are important, especially if it is a merit scholarship. But many scholarships don’t just look at your exam scores. They look at other things too.

Depending on the scholarship, the committee may look at:

• Leadership
• Community involvement
• Entrepreneurship
• Sporting achievements
• Creative ability
• Financial need
• Career goals
• Academic interests
• Personal circumstances

So if you don’t have all A’s, don’t say “scholarship is not for me.”That’s not true. The smart way is to find scholarships where your own strengths fit what they are looking for. Maybe you are good at leadership, volunteering, or sports. There are scholarships for that.

How to Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships

A good application starts before you write the first essay.

Step 1: Choose Your Study Direction

Decide which countries, universities, and courses you are seriously considering.

You don’t need to have everything finalized, but having a clear direction makes scholarship research much easier.

Step 2: Create a Scholarship Tracker

A simple spreadsheet can save you from losing track of deadlines.

Include columns for:

• Scholarship name
• Provider
• Country
• University
• Course
• Eligibility
• Award amount
• What it covers
• Deadline
• Documents required
• Official application page
• Application status

You can also add a column for “Why I qualify.”

This forces you to assess each scholarship rather than collecting links without taking action.

Step 3: Verify the Opportunity

Before preparing an application, visit the official provider’s website.

Check that:

• The scholarship still exists
• Applications are currently open or have a confirmed cycle
• The eligibility information matches the listing
• The deadline is current
• The application instructions are clear

This matters because scholarship information can become outdated quickly.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents Early

Don’t wait until the deadline to look for your transcript, recommendation letter, or identification documents.

If you are still completing secondary school, check whether the scholarship accepts predicted results or requires final results.

Step 5: Write for the Specific Scholarship

Avoid sending exactly the same personal statement to every provider.

Instead, answer the question being asked and connect your experience to the scholarship’s stated objectives.

For example, don’t simply write:

“I am passionate about helping my mates.”

Explain what you actually did.

Did you organise a school project? Volunteer? Start a small initiative? Mentor other students? Take responsibility in a club or community organisation?

Specific evidence is more useful than broad claims.

Step 6: Review Before Submitting

Check:

• Names
• Dates
• Word limits
• Spelling
• Grammar
• Supporting documents
• References
• Email address
• Application questions

Then submit before the deadline rather than treating the final hour as your target.

How to Make Your Scholarship Application More Competitive

There is no magic formula that will make them give you the scholarship. But you can make your application very easy to understand. So that when they read it, they quickly see why you deserve it

Show evidence.

Don’t just describe your qualities. Give examples.

Explain your goals.

What do you want to study, and why?

Connect your experience to your future

Show how your previous education, activities, or experiences have influenced what you want to do next.

Answer the actual question.

You can write fine English, but if you don’t answer what they actually asked, your application is still weak. Many students do that. The essay is sweet, but it doesn’t answer the question.

Don’t exaggerate.

Your application should accurately represent your achievements.

You do not need to invent impressive experiences to make your story interesting.

Can You Get a Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship?

Yes, some undergraduate scholarships can give you a lot of money, even everything you need. But don’t assume that because they wrote “fully funded,” it means they will pay for everything . Always read what they actually cover . One scholarship might pay your tuition and give you little money for living. Another one might also pay for your flight . It depends on who is giving it. So don’t just look at the label “fully funded.” Check what is inside the package.

Undergraduate Scholarships for African Students

If you are an African student, don’t restrict your search to scholarships containing the word “Africa.”

You can search several categories:

• Undergraduate scholarships for African students
• International undergraduate scholarships
• University scholarships for African students
• Tuition scholarships for international students
• Scholarships by country
• Scholarships by field of study
• Government-funded education opportunities
• Foundation scholarships

For example, a university may have an “International Student Award” that is open to everyone, including Africans. They will not call it “African Scholarship.”So don’t check the name. Check the criteria. If the official rules say your country is allowed, then you are allowed even if they didn’t write Africa in the title.

Undergraduate Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Nigerian students can use the same international strategy while also searching for scholarships specifically open to Nigerians.

Useful searches include:

• Undergraduate scholarships for Nigerian students
• International scholarships for Nigerians
• University scholarships for Nigerian students
• Scholarships for African students
• Tuition scholarships for international students

But don’t only search for “scholarships for Nigerians.”You will limit yourself. A scholarship that says “open to students from Africa” or “open to students from developing countries” or even “open to all international students” — that one can also accept you as a Nigerian. So the important thing is to read the eligibility rules from the provider, not just the title you searched.

What About Undergraduate Scholarships Without IELTS?

Some universities and scholarships can accept you without IELTS, but it depends. It depends on the school, the course, and your own situation. So you have to check what that particular school accepts as an alternative.

Possible routes can include:

• Previous education in English
• Another accepted English-language test
• An institutional assessment
• An exemption under the university’s rules

But these three things are not the same. Scholarship, admission, and visa. The scholarship people can say “we don’t need IELTS” and still, the university can say “we need it.” And the visa office can also say “we need it.”One does not cover for the other. If that is your situation, see our guide on Scholarships Without IELTS for International Students.

How to Spot a Scholarship Scam

Not every scholarship advertisement you see online is genuine.

Be cautious when an opportunity:

• Guarantees that you will receive funding
• Demands payment simply to “release” your scholarship
• Uses suspicious contact details
• Has no identifiable provider
• Contains inconsistent information
• Pressures you to act immediately
• Requests unnecessary sensitive information
• Directs you away from the official organisation

The safest thing to do is to find the real organisation that is giving the scholarship and check directly on their official website. Is it really there? Is it still open?UCAS also said the same thing. Students should be careful of scholarship scams and always verify any funding directly from the organisation offering it.

What to Do If You Don’t Qualify for a Scholarship

Don’t stop looking just because they rejected you once. Ask yourself why . If they said your grades are too low, then next time search for scholarships that don’t only look at grades. If they said it’s only for people from another country, then search for the ones that are open to international students. And if that scholarship is only for master’s, then search specifically for undergraduate ones.

You may also combine different sources of support where the rules allow it:

scholarship + university discount + grant + personal funding

A smaller scholarship can still reduce the amount you need to find elsewhere.

Checklist for applying for undergraduate scholarships

Before submitting an application, ask yourself:

• Does the scholarship accept international students?
• Does it support undergraduate study?
• Is my country eligible?
• Does my intended course qualify?
• Do I meet the academic requirements?
• Do I understand exactly what the award covers?
• Do I know whether university admission is required first?
• Have I checked the current deadline?
• Are all my documents ready?
• Does my personal statement answer the actual question?
• Have I checked the word limits?
• Am I applying through the official provider?
• Have I saved a copy of my application?

Frequently asked questions

Can international students get undergraduate scholarships?
Yes. Universities, governments, foundations, charities, companies. Many of them fund international undergraduates. But who can apply depends on who is giving it.

Are undergraduate scholarships fully funded?
Some are. Some will cover everything. But many only cover part of it. So don’t just go by the words “fully funded”; check what it actually pays for.

Can I apply for more than one undergraduate scholarship?
In most cases, yes, you can. But read the details, because some will say you can’t hold another scholarship at the same time.

Do I need admission before I apply?
It depends. Some want you to have an admission offer first. Some let you apply separately.

Can I apply before my final secondary school results are out?
Some will let you apply while you are still waiting for your results. Others want you to have finished. Check what that particular scholarship says

Are there undergraduate scholarships for African students?

Yes. African students can search for regional scholarships as well as broader international scholarships that accept applicants from multiple countries.

Where is the best place to start looking?

Start with the official scholarship and financial-aid pages of the universities you are considering. Then expand your search to government programmes, foundations, charities and reputable scholarship databases.

conclusion

Finding an undergraduate scholarship is not just about chasing the biggest amount. It’s about finding the one that actually fits you: your country, your grades, your course, your finances, and what you want to study. Start early. Write down every deadline. Read the eligibility rules before you waste time applying. And most importantly, always check directly on the real organisation’s website that the scholarship is legit. You might not find one scholarship that pays for everything. But if you combine a realistic scholarship, plus university support, grants, and other real funding options, studying abroad becomes much more possible

For more scholarship guidance, start with our Scholarships for International Students: Complete Guide.