North-West Scholarship 2025: Study Abroad Opportunity for Secondary School Graduates and University Students – Apply Now for FREE

Are you a student from Nigeria’s North-West region dreaming of studying abroad? Here’s your golden chance. The North-West Development Commission (NWDC), under the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, has opened applications for its 2025/2026 Undergraduate and Postgraduate Foreign Scholarship Scheme.

This life-changing scholarship is open to secondary school graduates (O’Level holders), undergraduate students, and postgraduate degree holders (Master’s/Ph.D) who meet the eligibility criteria. The goal is to empower brilliant minds from Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara to access world-class education overseas in key development fields.

And the best part? The application is completely FREE!

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship targets candidates seeking admission or currently enrolled at any of the following academic levels:

• Undergraduate
• Master’s
• Ph.D

Applicants must be indigenes of the North-Western states in Nigeria.

Eligible Fields of Study

• Engineering
• Medical Sciences
• ICT and Education

Basic Requirements

To qualify for this fully funded opportunity, you need:

For Undergraduate Applicants:

• Minimum of 5 O’Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry

For Master’s Degree Applicants:

• A Second Class Upper (2:1) in your First Degree

For Ph.D Applicants:

• A minimum of 4.00 CGPA in your Master’s Degree

Age Limit:

• Undergraduate and Master’s applicants: Maximum 35 years
• Ph.D applicants: Maximum 40 years at the time of applying

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications online via the official NWDC scholarship portal:
www.nwdc.gov.ng/scholarships

All required documents must be uploaded to complete your application.

Application opened on: May 5, 2025
Don’t delay—get started immediately.

Required Documents

Ensure you have the following documents ready:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Primary School Certificate
3. Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (for PG applicants)
4. LGA and State Indigene Certificates
5. NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate
6. International Passport
7. Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age
8. Secondary School Certificate (WAEC/NECO)
9. Master’s Degree Certificate (for Ph.D applicants)
10. Official Transcript
11. Letter of Motivation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can secondary school graduates apply?
A: Yes. If you have 5 O’Level credits (including core science subjects), you are eligible to apply for the undergraduate category.

Q2: Is this scholarship only for North-West states?
A: Yes. Only indigenes of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara are eligible.

Q3: Do I need admission before applying?
A: Admission is not required at the point of application, but you must meet the academic and document requirements.

Q4: Is the application truly free?
A: Absolutely. There are no fees involved.

Q5: What happens if I’m over the age limit?
A: Unfortunately, applicants exceeding the age limits (35 for UG/Master’s, 40 for Ph.D) are not eligible.

Q6: Where can I get support or make inquiries?
A: For questions, email: [email protected]

Final Thoughts

The NWDC Foreign Scholarship Scheme 2025 is a rare and fully funded opportunity to study abroad. Whether you just finished secondary school or already hold a university degree, this is your chance to secure a better future through education.

Start your application now at www.nwdc.gov.ng/scholarships and share this post with someone who needs it!