Many African students believe that scholarships are only available abroad, but thousands of university scholarships exist within their own country, offered by governments, private foundations, institutions, and universities. These local scholarships are often easier to access, less competitive, and ideal for students who want to study close to home.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
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How to find scholarships available in your country
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Types of university-level scholarships
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Where and when to apply
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Required documents and how to prepare
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Real examples from top African countries
Where Do Local University Scholarships Come From?
There are five main sources of local or in-country scholarships:
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Public universities – They often offer merit-based and need-based internal scholarships
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Federal/State Governments – Through bursaries, education boards, or scholarship boards
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Private organizations – Banks, telecoms, and oil companies fund students in specific fields
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Religious & community foundations – Often targeted at indigenes or members of specific faith groups
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NGOs & International donors – Local branches of global foundations (e.g., Mastercard Foundation, Ford Foundation)
Types of Local Scholarships You Can Apply
📘 Merit-Based Scholarships
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Awarded to top-performing students based on GPA or exam scores
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Example: University of Lagos Academic Excellence Award
💰 Need-Based Scholarships (Bursaries)
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Offered to low-income students or orphans
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May require proof of family income or hardship
🧑🔬 Departmental Scholarships
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Funded by a university department for top students in certain courses
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Often includes mentorship or assistantship roles
🏅 State/Community Scholarships
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Offered by state governments or traditional councils
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Example: Lagos State Scholarship Board, Anambra State Bursary
🏢 Corporate/NGO Scholarships
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Companies like MTN, Shell, NNPC, and NGOs offer annual awards to undergraduates
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Usually requires an aptitude test
How to Find Local Scholarships in Your Country
Here are 8 practical ways to find available scholarships around you:
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Visit your university’s financial aid or student affairs office
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Check official websites of your education ministry or state scholarship board
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Follow national newspapers and educational blogs
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Sign up for scholarship newsletters (like ApplyScholars.com!)
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Join university WhatsApp and Telegram groups
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Attend orientation, career fairs, or scholarship expos
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Ask lecturers or older students in your department
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Google search using phrases like:
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“undergraduate scholarships in Kenya 2025”
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“state bursary applications Nigeria 2025”
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Required Documents for Most Local Scholarships
While requirements vary, most local scholarships will ask for:
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Academic transcripts or WAEC/NECO/JAMB results
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Proof of admission (e.g., university offer letter)
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National ID, NIN, or birth certificate
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Passport photograph
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Recommendation letter (academic or community-based)
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Proof of income or tax clearance certificate (for need-based awards)
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Motivation letter (optional, but adds value)
Application Timeline (When to Apply)
Most local scholarship programs open between May and October for the new academic year (especially in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, and South Africa).
Always start searching 3–6 months before your university resumes.
Real Examples from Top African Countries
Nigeria
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MTN Foundation Scholarship
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For STEM students in public tertiary institutions
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N200,000/year until graduation
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Lagos State Scholarship Board
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For indigenes of Lagos
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NNPC/SEPLAT JV Scholarship
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For 2nd-year students in approved courses
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N150,000/year
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Kenya
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HELB (Higher Education Loans Board)
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Offers loans and bursaries to Kenyan students
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The KCB Foundation Scholarships
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For secondary and tertiary students with financial need
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Covers tuition, uniforms, and support services
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South Africa
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NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
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Government-funded financial support
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Covers tuition, living, books, and transport
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Investec Bursary Programme
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For students in business, finance, and engineering
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Ghana
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Ghana Scholarships Secretariat
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Covers tuition and other fees for local and foreign study
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Tertiary Education Trust Fund (GETFund)
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Provides financial support for postgraduate studies
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Final Tips for Winning Local Scholarships
- Follow official instructions closely
- Get all your documents ready in advance
- Prepare for tests/interviews if required
- Track deadlines with reminders or apps
- Apply for multiple scholarships—don’t wait for just one
- Get help from mentors, past winners, or school counselors
While international scholarships are great, thousands of students win scholarships within their countries every year. Keep your eyes open, apply early, and take each application seriously.
Need help finding active scholarships in your country? Subscribe to our newsletter or visit the [Local Scholarships] page on ApplyScholars.com.
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