Every smart student wants a better school and a better academic future. One of the best ways to accomplish the academic future of your dreams is to carefully choose the right school environment. A good school offers not only the perfect courses but also limitless opportunities and juicy options. 

For many Nigerians, studying in Canada, the US or the UK is the best way to build the educational background of their dreams. While many prospective students can choose the right country for scholarships, many don’t know what it takes to get a scholarship. This article helps you to understand the requirements for studying in any country abroad. 

Requirements for Scholarships in Canada, the UK and the US

Studying abroad is a decision no student should take lightly. Before you apply for your chosen scholarship, you need to get the following important documents ready:

1. Application Form 

Go to the website of the university you want to apply to. Make sure it is their official website, and not a phishing or scam site. Download their application form and fill it with the correct details. Some universities may want you to fill the form online and submit it immediately. Whichever method they request, make sure to follow their guidelines. Most universities are strict with instructions and you don’t want to spoil your opportunity by going against those instructions. 

2. International Passport 

You cannot travel to Canada, the UK or the US for a scholarship without an international passport. Your passport should be one of the first things to get ready before applying to any school. If you don’t have one, apply at the Nigerian Immigration office right away. The reason is that if the school requests to see your international passport and you do not have any at hand, you present yourself as an unserious applicant. You don’t want to make a bad first impression on the minds of the scholarship board.

3. School Transcript 

Your academic transcript is the document that contains your academic results. Whether you are traveling for your first degree or second degree, make sure you visit your former school and request for your academic transcript. You need this document to make your application considered for scholarship.

4. O’Level Results 

Most universities outside Nigeria accept West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) results. Although there is a gradual acceptance of NECO results in some universities, a good WAEC result is enough to get you ahead of others. O’Level results indicate that you passed through secondary school and sat for the exams at the end of your schooling. 

5. Proficiency in English Letter 

You may need to submit a Letter of Proficiency in English. This document contains a written text that you can speak, read and write in the English language. It is an indication that you were taught in English throughout your primary and, especially, secondary schooling. However, many schools in the USA, UK and Canada may prefer an IELTS result. IELTS refers to the International English Testing System. Find out if the scholarship you want to apply requires an English proficiency letter or an IELTS result. If IELTS is the requirement, it is important that you prepare for the test on time. There are many IELTS coaching centers in Nigeria. Find one and enroll as soon as possible. 

6. Updated Curriculum Vitae

Your CV must be up to date and well outlined. Take time to include your education history, experience and the internships. If you have any professional certificate, adding it to your documents may increase your chances of being offered the scholarship you are looking for. 

7. Statement of Purpose (SOP) 

This document contains your statement of intent. In other words, it is a document that explains why you want to study a particular course in the country of your choice. An SOP is one of the documents that shows how serious you are. This is because it offers you the opportunity to show by writing the value you want to bring into the university throughout the duration of your study abroad.

8. Recommendation Letters or Reference Letters

Reference letters are written or typed documents that you need to obtain from people who know your academic ability, job experience and quality of skills. People you are expected to get this document from are your former school lecturers, professors, boss or manager and head of your organization. A letter of recommendation helps the scholarship board or the university representatives to understand who you are and your future potential. 

Take Time to Prepare 

One mistake scholarship applicants make is forgetting to make early preparations. Some students wait till the last minute before gathering the relevant documents. They forget that schools abroad have deadlines for application submissions.  Once  you misses this deadline, you may have to wait for the next opening or apply to a different school whose applications are still open. 

Another factor you must consider as a scholarship applicant is the time it takes to get your international passport. Due to the delay in passport processing, it is advisable that you apply for a passport at least 6 months to your scholarship application. 

Finally, while filling the online form, avoid mistakes or the wrong information. Schools abroad can reject an applicant over the wrong age, address or name. So make sure your name is written correctly and you are who you say you are on the form.