Finding scholarships and grants can transform your education journey, reduce financial stress, and open doors to global opportunities. Yet, many students and professionals miss out simply because they don’t know where to look or how to stay informed.
Scholarships and grants are available every year from universities, governments, NGOs, and private companies, both locally and internationally. With the right strategy, you can consistently discover opportunities that match your goals and qualifications. This guide explains how to stay updated, apply successfully, and maximize your chances of securing educational funding.
Understanding Scholarships and Grants
Before you start searching, it’s important to understand what scholarships and grants are, how they differ, and why they matter.
Scholarships are typically merit-based awards that do not need to be repaid. They are often given for academic achievement, sports, leadership, or special talents.
Grants are usually need-based and may target specific groups or communities. Like scholarships, they don’t require repayment, but eligibility often depends on financial need or program criteria.
Understanding the distinction helps you identify opportunities that best match your profile and avoid wasting time on applications that don’t fit your situation.
Why Staying Updated Matters
Scholarship and grant opportunities open and close at different times throughout the year. Missing deadlines or updates can mean losing out on thousands of dollars in funding.
Many scholarships and grants are renewable annually, but eligibility and deadlines change.
Early preparation allows you to gather necessary documents, letters of recommendation, and write strong essays.
Staying informed gives you a competitive advantage over other applicants.
Check This Out: 10 Scholarship Application Mistakes Students Make – How to Avoid Them
How to Stay Updated on Scholarships and Grants
Follow the guidelines below to stay updated.
1. Use Scholarship and Grant Websites
Scholarship websites aggregate funding opportunities from around the world, making it easier to find options that match your qualifications.
Recommended platforms:
Scholarships.com – Global scholarships and financial aid information
Fastweb.com – Scholarships, internships, and student resources
Chegg.com – Scholarships and study resources
EducationUSA.gov – U.S. study abroad scholarships and programs
Local portals – Nigerian scholarship portals like NUC, NYSC, and state boards
Tips for success:
Create an account and set alerts for scholarships that match your profile
Check for new opportunities weekly
Track deadlines in a digital calendar or spreadsheet
2. Follow Universities and Educational Institutions
Universities and colleges often release scholarship information on their websites or social media pages.
How to stay updated:
Visit official university websites
Subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists
Regularly check for new funding opportunities
3. Use Social Media and Professional Networks
Social media is a powerful tool for discovering scholarships and grants in real-time.
Tips:
Join Facebook groups dedicated to scholarships and study abroad
Follow scholarship pages on Instagram and Twitter
Use LinkedIn to connect with alumni and scholarship providers
Set up Google Alerts with keywords like “scholarships for Nigerians” or “international student grants.”
4. Sign Up for Newsletters and Alerts
Many scholarship providers send announcements via email.
Action steps:
Create a professional email for educational notifications
Subscribe to newsletters from scholarship platforms, universities, and NGOs
Enable alerts to never miss application windows
Benefits:
Receive early alerts before public announcements
Access tips on application processes and deadlines
Get exclusive opportunities often not widely advertised
5. Attend Educational Fairs and Webinars
Scholarship fairs allow you to meet representatives, ask questions, and learn about programs directly.
Tips:
Look for local events hosted by schools, education consultancies, or embassies
Attend online webinars for international scholarships
Prepare questions and documents to maximize opportunities
6. Network with Mentors and Alumni
Networking gives insider knowledge on scholarships that aren’t widely advertised.
How to use networking:
Connect with former scholarship recipients on LinkedIn or alumni groups
Join professional associations related to your field
Ask mentors for guidance and recommendations
7. Check Government and NGO Programs
Many governments and NGOs provide scholarships and grants for citizens.
Examples:
Federal Government Scholarships (Nigeria) – For local and international courses
State Scholarships – Targeted at students from specific regions
NGOs and Foundations – Examples: Mastercard Foundation, Ford Foundation, Rotary Scholarships
Tips:
Verify eligibility carefully
Track deadlines and required documents
Submit applications early for better chances
8. Track and Organize Opportunities
Keeping track of multiple scholarships is crucial for successful applications.
How to organize:
Use a spreadsheet to track scholarship name, provider, eligibility, documents, deadline, and status
Set reminders a week before each deadline
Review your progress regularly
Benefits:
Avoid missing deadlines
Ensure complete applications
Maintain a clear overview of opportunities
9. Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications
Read the guidelines carefully – Only apply if you meet the criteria
Tailor your application – Customize essays and statements for each scholarship
Gather strong references – Teachers, mentors, or employers who know you well
Proofread thoroughly – Avoid errors or missing information
Apply early – Early submissions often get better attention
10. Scholarships You Can Explore
Local Scholarships in Nigeria: Federal, state governments, Nigerian universities
International Scholarships: Chevening, Fulbright, Erasmus+, DAAD, Commonwealth
NGO Scholarships: Mastercard Foundation, Ford Foundation, Rotary Scholarships
Online Learning Scholarships: Coursera, Udemy, EdX
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
A1: Yes, applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances if you meet eligibility requirements.
Q2: Do I need high grades to get scholarships?
A2: Not always. Many scholarships consider financial need, leadership, community service, or talent, not just grades.
Q3: How do I find international scholarships?
A3: Use university websites, scholarship portals, Google Alerts, and social media.
Q4: Are scholarships and grants available specifically for Nigerians?
A4: Yes, many federal, state, and international programs are open to Nigerian students.
Q5: What documents do I usually need?
A5: Common documents include transcripts, personal statements, recommendation letters, proof of citizenship, and sometimes a CV or portfolio.
Conclusion
Scholarships and grants are invaluable resources for funding education and opening doors to personal and professional growth. Staying informed requires proactive research, organization, and networking.
By following this guide—using websites, newsletters, social media, alumni networks, government programs, and webinars—you can consistently discover new opportunities. Start early, track applications, and tailor submissions to stand out. With persistence and strategy, educational funding is within your reach.
Meanwhile, share this article on your social media accounts so that others can learn from it.