How To Get Free Scholarships In Canada For Nigerians
The cost of studying in Canada is great, and scholarships are a way to solve the financial strain. Several possible scholarships are available to international students, and a slot in a Canadian University is all it takes to apply. For a Nigerian, applying for a scholarship is daunting, but it becomes simpler once you know the right path.
Research The Available Scholarships
The first step is to get as much information as possible about the available scholarships. Each scholarship may have different eligibility requirements. Find out which scholarships you qualify for and which is best for you. Consider your odds of securing your chosen scholarship, as they are very competitive.
Apply For The Scholarship
After selecting what best suits you, you can proceed to apply. Ensure you meet all the requirements, or you won’t be considered for the scholarship. If the scholarship deadline has yet to arrive, you can improve your resume, giving yourself a better chance.
Each application is unique, so ensure you follow the process of the letter. It may be possible to apply for more than one scholarship at a time.
Post Submission Follow Ups
After submitting your application, you still need to follow up the process. Ensure all documents and payments are received by the appropriate party on time. You can track your application in real time and monitor every step of the process. If there is a liaison officer, maintain frequent communication.
Interviews
After an application is sorted, one final step remains before making a decision. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview to determine the final recipient. You should have a solid grasp of your field and the organisation offering the scholarship. The best candidates from the interview stage will be successful.
Eligibility
After securing the scholarship, you still need to maintain certain eligibility. Whether academic or not, any deviation from the eligibility criteria can revoke your scholarship. After-hour activities like crime can also affect scholarship eligibility, so you must avoid such.
How Much G.P.A. Needed For Scholarship In Canada?
A 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is needed to secure a scholarship in Canada. Some scholarships list their G.P.A. requirements, and only those who meet them can apply. While not explicitly stated in others, a high G.P.A. will always bode well for your chances. The higher your G.P.A., the better your chances of securing a scholarship.
Academic excellence is one of many paths to securing a scholarship in Canada. You can still secure other scholarship options for sports or as a financial need student. Students that can demonstrate a financial need may be eligible for special consideration. The G.P.A. requirement is lowered in this condition, and a 2.5 GPA may be able to get you a scholarship.
If your previous education level G.P.A. doesn’t meet the eligibility for a scholarship, you can try again in a year. Scholarships are handed out yearly, and your G.P.A. in the new institution may meet the criteria in the next stream.
Can Nigerian Students Apply For Canada Scholarship Without IELTS?
Yes, Nigerian students can apply for some Canadian scholarships. Not all Canadian scholarships require Nigerians to have proof of English Language Proficiency. English is the national language of Nigeria, and some scholarship programs recognise this. All you need to qualify for such programs is a strong G.P.A. and meet any other requirements they have.
The University in question also determines whether or not you’ll need IELTS to apply for a scholarship.
Each school has its requirements which may include IELTS. To qualify for a university-offered international scholarship, you may need IELTS if the school deems it necessary. Usually, before applying for a scholarship, IELTS will be needed during the admission screening.
While IELTS may not be needed for some scholarships, it can help improve your chances of securing one. Scholarship applications are often very competitive; any added experience can help you stand out. You can secure a fully or partly funded scholarship with a good IELTS score.
How Can I Increase My Chances Of Getting A Scholarship In Canada
Planning is the most important thing that can help you secure a scholarship in Canada. A carefully executed plan will help build your profile and improve your chances of standing out with your application. Individuals with the most impressive resumes are those often selected for scholarship programmes.
Careful planning often involves identifying the requirements for a scholarship and building a resume accordingly. You can also seek help from previous winners to better understand how to stand out.
The interview portion is another aspect of securing a scholarship that proper planning can help you overcome. You will be better prepared and provide the right answers to any questions.
Finally, the last thing that can help improve your chances of securing a scholarship is experience. There is no substitute for real-world experience; scholarship committees often recognise this.
The more experience you have in your resume, the better your chances of securing a scholarship in Canada. Internships, research opportunities and extracurriculars all help beef up your resume.