Scholarships Nigerians Can Apply for with Low CGPA (2025 List)

It’s a common assumption that once your CGPA drops below the honors threshold, your chances of securing a scholarship are slim to none. That mindset has discouraged thousands of talented Nigerians from even trying. But the truth is, scholarships Nigerians can apply for with low CGPA often focus more on personal stories, leadership skills, impact and professional experience.

Some of the best scholarships in 2025 are designed to support students who may not have stellar academic records but have real-world experience, passion for community development and the determination to make a difference.

Let’s face it – your CGPA might not reflect your full potential. Maybe life got in the way. Maybe you worked multiple jobs during school. Or maybe you just didn’t thrive in that academic environment. That’s okay. What matters now is how you move forward and believe it or not, there are scholarships Nigerians can apply for with low CGPA that reward your grit, not just your grades.

These opportunities give you a second shot – a chance to rewrite the story and secure funding for that degree you’ve been dreaming about.

In 2025, the definition of a “qualified applicant” is broader than ever before. Many global institutions and funding bodies now recognize that academic success doesn’t always mean someone will excel in real life. So they look at the full picture – your motivation, your goals, your experience and your voice.

This shift has opened the door to a wide range of scholarships Nigerians can apply for with low CGPA, from postgraduate programs in Europe and Asia to development-focused funding in the UK, US and Canada.

The opportunities are real. You just need to know where to look – and how to apply smartly.

This article doesn’t just list scholarships. It’s your roadmap to turning a low CGPA into a winning story. We’ll take you through the most relevant scholarships Nigerians can apply for with low CGPA in 2025, including their eligibility, benefits, how to craft a strong application and why they’re designed to give second chances.

You’ll also get insider strategies to overcome your GPA disadvantage and stand out to selection committees. If you’ve ever felt like your low CGPA disqualified you from studying abroad or advancing academically, this guide is here to prove otherwise. Ready to rewrite your future?

Let’s go.

What’s Considered a Low CGPA?

Before we get into the meat of this, let’s define the playing field.

• In Nigeria, anything below a Second Class Upper (2:1) is often seen as “low” in the eyes of traditional scholarship committees.

• So, if you graduated with a Second Class Lower (2:2) or a Third Class or you’re sitting on a CGPA below 3.0 on a 5.0 scale, you’re in the low CGPA category.

But again, your value extends far beyond your gradebook.

Top Scholarships Nigerians Can Apply for with Low CGPA in 2025

Let’s break it down. These are legit scholarships for Nigerians with low CGPA that are open, accessible and in some cases, designed for students who didn’t top the class.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are one of the few prestigious awards that don’t have a rigid GPA requirement. These scholarships focus on candidates from low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, who demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to development

• Financial need

• Clear career plans

Why it fits: They assess potential, not just academic history.

Degree level: Master’s

CGPA requirement: None explicitly stated

Countries: UK

Application tip: Highlight your leadership potential and professional goals.

DAAD EPOS Scholarships – Germany

The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scholarship is open to Nigerians – even those with low CGPA – provided you have at least two years of professional experience and a solid motivation letter.

Why it fits: They value experience over academic grades.

Degree level: Master’s, sometimes PhD

CGPA requirement: Not strictly enforced

Country: Germany

Extra points: Development-related fields (Engineering, Public Health, Agriculture, etc.)

MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

Yes, this one sounds elite – and it is – but surprisingly, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program doesn’t fixate on GPA. It supports talented African students who have a passion for community change.

Why it fits: Focuses on leadership and impact, not academic perfection

Available at: Universities like University of Edinburgh, McGill and more

Degree level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate

CGPA requirement: Flexible – depends on school’s own criteria

Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)

This one’s for professionals who want to earn a Master’s in Sweden. The Swedish Institute Scholarships are not locked in on CGPA. Instead, they prioritize:

• Work experience

• Leadership

• Ambition to drive change

Why it fits: Leadership and motivation matter more than grades

Degree level: Master’s

Country: Sweden

Chevening Scholarships – UK

Think Chevening is only for straight-A students? Think again. While strong academics help, Chevening puts enormous weight on:

• Networking ability

• Leadership potential

• A clear career plan

CGPA requirement: None explicitly – 2:2 holders have been accepted

Degree level: Master’s

Country: UK

Insider tip: Nail your personal statement and show a vision.

2025 Scholarships Nigerians Can Apply for with Low CGPA – Hidden Gems

Now let’s talk about those hidden scholarships that don’t usually make headlines but are absolutely goldmines for Nigerians with low GPAs.

Agbami Scholarship (for Medical & Engineering Students)

While this is typically awarded at the undergraduate level, Agbami Scholarships from Chevron often have flexible eligibility for certain categories. Especially if you’re in the health or engineering field, this is one to watch.

CGPA required: Usually 2.5 and above

Why it fits: Some leniency for disadvantaged applicants

Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship

This foundation supports high-potential students who may not have the best academic records but show resilience and passion for growth.

CGPA requirement: Flexible

What helps: Personal statement and future aspirations

Country: Nigeria & abroad

Australian Awards Scholarships

Offered by the Australian Government, this program looks beyond just GPA. In fact, they’ve admitted students with lower second-class degrees, provided they met professional experience and motivation requirements.

CGPA requirement: 2:2 may be considered

Eligible degrees: Master’s

Country: Australia

PTDF (Petroleum Technology Development Fund) Scholarships

If you’re in an oil and gas-related field and you’ve got relevant experience, the PTDF scholarships are open to Nigerians even with 2:2 qualifications – especially for MSc programs.

CGPA requirement: 2:2 with experience

Level: MSc, PhD

Country: UK, France, Malaysia, Germany

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Yes, Erasmus can be GPA-friendly if you show:

• Work experience

• Strong motivation

• A good reference letter

Why it fits: The selection committee takes a holistic approach.

Degree level: Master’s

CGPA requirement: No strict cut-off

Pro tip: Apply to programs that align with your professional goals.

Private and University-Based Scholarships Nigerians Can Apply for with Low CGPA

Let’s dig deeper into specific schools and organizations that provide scholarships for Nigerians with low CGPA in 2025, often through private endowments or community-based programs.

University of the People (UoPeople) Tuition-Free Scholarships

The University of the People is tuition-free and open to anyone with a high school certificate. If you couldn’t finish with a high CGPA, this could be your second chance.

CGPA required: Not relevant

Field: Business, IT, Health Science, Education

Scholarship available: Yes – based on need

African Union Scholarships

The AU scholarships prioritize inclusivity and development. Often, applicants from underprivileged backgrounds – even with lower grades – are encouraged to apply.

CGPA requirement: Flexible, with focus on socio-economic background

University-Based Bursaries and Need-Based Grants

Many UK, Canadian and Australian universities offer bursaries and need-based scholarships to African students, including Nigerians with low CGPA. Schools like:

• University of East Anglia

• University of Sussex

• Brandon University (Canada)

• University of Cape Town

All offer scholarships that don’t solely rely on academic performance.

How to Win a Scholarship with Low CGPA – Insider Strategy

Now that you know scholarships Nigerians can apply for with low CGPA are real and abundant, let’s talk about how to actually win them.

1. Your Personal Statement is Your Weapon

Think of your personal statement as your second transcript.

• Tell your story. Be raw, be real. Why was your GPA low? What did you learn?

• Show your growth. Talk about how you turned things around – personally or professionally.

A compelling story can make a committee overlook a poor CGPA.

2. Focus on Leadership and Experience

A low CGPA with real-world achievements is better than a high CGPA with no drive. Volunteer work, internships, part-time jobs – everything counts.

3. Nail Your Reference Letters

Ask mentors, employers or lecturers who believe in you to highlight:

• Your work ethic

• Your transformation

• Your leadership and potential

4. Apply Early and Apply Wide

Don’t wait for deadlines. Start early. The more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances.

5. Consider Diploma-to-Degree Pathways

Some schools offer scholarships to Nigerians who enroll in a diploma program first, then upgrade to a degree.

Low CGPA? Start small and build your way up.

We’ve walked through a solid list of scholarships Nigerians can apply for with low CGPA in 2025, from prestigious government-funded awards like Chevening and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships to university-specific grants and private foundations that are GPA-flexible.

These aren’t loopholes – they’re legitimate pathways built for students who are hungry to grow and committed to making an impact. And if there’s one lesson here, it’s this: the world is finally acknowledging that intelligence isn’t always measured on a 5.0 scale. Your experiences, story and drive matter just as much – sometimes even more.

So, what’s next? Don’t waste another moment doubting yourself. Start shortlisting these opportunities, update your CV, write a powerful personal statement and reach out for references that speak to who you are – not just what your CGPA says. The door to your next big opportunity isn’t closed – it’s just waiting for you to knock.

There are more than enough scholarships Nigerians can apply for with low CGPA and 2025 could be the year everything changes for you.