Many Nigerian students believe that without a high CGPA, studying abroad is out of reach. But that’s far from the truth. While a strong academic record can help, there are real scholarship opportunities that look beyond just your grades. Some programs value leadership, work experience, community service, or your personal story more than your CGPA.
In this post, we highlight top international scholarships that Nigerian students with a low CGPA can still apply for in 2025. These are genuine chances to study abroad even if your academic performance hasn’t been perfect.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
The Erasmus Mundus program offers fully funded master’s scholarships that focus on diversity and inclusion. While most partner universities prefer good academic standing, a low CGPA does not automatically disqualify you — especially if your motivation letter is strong and you have relevant experience.
Erasmus programs often accept students with second class lower (2:2) as long as the rest of the application stands out. Your personal story, passion for the program, and a clear career plan can tip the scales in your favour.
Erasmus covers tuition, travel, monthly stipend, and health insurance — a full package.
2. Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC Scholarships)
The Chinese Government, through the CSC program, offers scholarships to Nigerian students regardless of grade level. Many recipients in past years had 2:2 or lower and still gained full funding.
These scholarships support undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. Most importantly, the application places more weight on your study plan, recommendation letters, and willingness to contribute to China-Africa collaboration.
It covers full tuition, free accommodation, a living allowance, and medical insurance.
3. DAAD EPOS Scholarships (for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses)
If you’re interested in development-related fields (like public policy, education, health, or agriculture), Germany’s DAAD EPOS program is worth applying for. While they prefer a strong academic profile, they also value work experience and motivation.
Students with lower CGPAs who have several years of professional experience, particularly in NGOs or public service, stand a good chance.
Scholarships include full tuition, monthly stipend, travel expenses, and health insurance.
4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening doesn’t have a strict CGPA cut-off. Instead, they focus on leadership, personal achievements, and future impact. Nigerians with a second class lower (2:2) have successfully secured Chevening scholarships — especially if they have strong work experience and well-written essays.
To improve your chances, invest time into crafting a compelling personal statement and choose referees who know your strengths. Highlight how your education will impact Nigeria positively.
It covers everything: tuition, flights, visa, and a monthly stipend.
5. MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
The Japanese government’s MEXT program is one of the most generous international scholarships. While competitive, they assess applications holistically — meaning they review more than just grades.
If you can write a clear study plan and demonstrate interest in Japanese culture or society, your application can stand out, even with a moderate CGPA.
MEXT pays for tuition, flights, monthly stipend, and Japanese language training.
6. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
This prestigious scholarship from the University of Toronto is designed for high-potential students who have made significant impacts in their schools or communities — even if their CGPA isn’t at the top.
This award focuses on leadership, creativity, and your potential to contribute globally. Nigerian students with inspiring backgrounds or challenges overcome can impress the committee beyond just numbers.
It covers full tuition, books, accommodation, and incidental fees.
7. ARES Scholarships (Belgium)
ARES offers scholarships to students from developing countries, including Nigeria, for master’s programs in Belgium. Applicants with a lower CGPA can still qualify if they show strong motivation and relevance to development goals.
The program encourages professionals and young leaders working in areas like environment, education, or social development. Your passion and purpose matter as much as your academic scores.
All costs are covered, including living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
8. Türkiye Burslari Scholarships (Turkey)
This Turkish government-funded scholarship accepts students at all academic levels and reviews applications based on more than CGPA. Community involvement, leadership, and personal motivation carry significant weight.
For students with lower grades but good potential and a strong desire to learn, Türkiye Burslari is a great opportunity. Nigerians have regularly benefited from this program over the years.
The scholarship includes tuition, return ticket, health insurance, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
9. The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholarship
This is a lesser-known scholarship focused on students from developing countries who have a strong commitment to their communities.
WMI scholarships are awarded to students pursuing degrees that will directly impact their local area. They do not focus heavily on academic excellence but on purpose, volunteer experience, and leadership.
Awards are modest (about $3,000/year), but they can be a real help for tuition or travel, especially in Africa or Asia.
10. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships
IsDB offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students from member countries like Nigeria. They seek candidates who are committed to development — not just academic perfection.
Your CGPA is considered, but it is not the only factor. Strong references, a solid plan to return home and contribute to national progress, and a well-written application can make all the difference.
They fund all costs — tuition, travel, living allowance, and health support.
How to Win Scholarships With a Low CGPA
If your grades aren’t your strongest point, don’t give up. Here are key things you should focus on:
1. Tell Your Story Honestly
Explain why your CGPA is low — whether due to family hardship, health issues, or other real-life events. Show how you’ve grown despite the challenges.
2. Highlight Your Strengths
Whether it’s volunteering, work experience, or leadership in your church, community, or school — let it shine. Committees want people who will make an impact, not just score well in class.
3. Write a Great Motivation Letter
This is where many students win or lose. Write clearly, passionately, and personally. Say why you want to study, what you’ll do with your degree, and how it ties into your dreams for Nigeria.
4. Get Strong References
Choose people who can speak positively and in detail about your character, not just your academics. Let them know why you’re applying so their letter can support your goal well.
5. Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Early preparation helps you gather documents, rewrite your statement, and submit a polished application.
Final Thoughts
Having a low CGPA doesn’t mean the end of your dreams to study abroad. Many scholarship programs understand that grades don’t define a person’s potential. If you’re serious, committed, and willing to tell your story with honesty and passion, there are real chances out there.
The scholarships listed above have helped many Nigerian students just like you. You just need to take that bold step.
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