Introduction: Why the Scholarship Type You Choose Matters
Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships isn’t just a technical comparison—it’s a decision that can shape your academic journey, finances, and even your career path.
If you’re a Nigerian undergraduate dreaming of studying in Canada, the USA, the UK, or Australia, scholarships are often the most realistic way to make that dream affordable. But here’s the big question—should you aim only for fully funded scholarships or consider partially funded ones too?
In this post, we’ll break down the differences, reveal the hidden costs, and guide you on choosing the right scholarship for your situation in 2025.
Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships — Understanding the Basics
Before you start filling out application forms, it’s crucial to know exactly what each type offers.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A Fully Funded Scholarship covers all major expenses for your study period, which can include:
- 100% Tuition Fees
- Living Stipend for accommodation, food, and personal expenses
- Books and Academic Materials
- Health Insurance
- Airfare and Travel Costs (in some cases)
Example: The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
What Is a Partially Funded Scholarship?
A Partially Funded Scholarship covers some of your expenses, such as:
- A percentage of tuition fees (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%)
- Accommodation but not living costs
- Tuition plus a small stipend
Example: The University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship offers a 50% tuition fee reduction for each year of study but does not cover living expenses.
Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships — Key Differences
| Feature | Fully Funded | Partially Funded |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 100% covered | Partially covered |
| Living Expenses | Covered | Usually not covered |
| Airfare | Sometimes covered | Rarely covered |
| Books & Materials | Covered | Sometimes covered |
| Competition | Very high | Moderate to high |
| Financial Pressure | Minimal | Moderate to high |
Pain Points Nigerian Students Face With Each Scholarship Type
Fully Funded Scholarships
- Extreme Competition: Thousands of global applicants for a few spots.
- Strict Eligibility: Often requires top grades, leadership proof, and extracurricular excellence.
- Lengthy Applications: Multiple essays, recommendation letters, and interviews.
Partially Funded Scholarships
- Hidden Costs: Students must still pay the uncovered portion of tuition and living costs.
- Visa Proof of Funds: You must show the ability to cover the remaining expenses to get a study visa.
- Risk of Financial Strain: Without strong personal or family support, you may struggle abroad.
When to Choose a Fully Funded Scholarship
Choose Fully Funded Scholarships if:
- You have exceptional academic performance (top 5–10% of your class).
- You’re involved in leadership roles or impactful projects.
- You cannot afford any out-of-pocket costs for studying abroad.
- You’re ready for a long, competitive application process.
When to Choose a Partially Funded Scholarship
Consider Partially Funded Scholarships if:
- You can cover the remaining expenses through personal savings, family support, or loans.
- You have good—but not top-tier—grades and want to increase your chances.
- You prefer applying to multiple mid-tier scholarships instead of only aiming for the most competitive ones.
Examples of Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduates
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — University of Toronto, Canada (link)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — Various universities (link)
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars — Stanford University (link)
Examples of Partially Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduates
- University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship — UK (link)
- Australian National University College of Science Scholarship — Australia (link)
- University of Alberta International Entrance Leadership Scholarship — Canada (link)
How to Decide — Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships
Step 1 — Assess Your Finances
Create a budget for your target country. Include tuition, housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. If your resources can’t cover any shortfall, focus on fully funded options.
2 — Evaluate Your Academic Profile
- If you have outstanding grades and extracurriculars, aim high with fully funded programs.
- If your profile is solid but not exceptional, apply to partially funded scholarships with fewer applicants.
3 — Consider Your Field of Study
Some fields, especially STEM, attract more fully funded opportunities. Check niche funding availability for your program.
Application Strategies for Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships
- Apply Early: Deadlines are strict and competitive.
- Tailor Your Application: Highlight achievements that align with the scholarship’s mission.
- Secure Strong References: Choose referees who can speak to your academic excellence and leadership.
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to explain why you chose the scholarship type and how you’ll manage financially.
For interview tips, see Top Universities Scholarship Interview Guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Got it — let’s expand “Common Mistakes to Avoid” for Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships: What Nigerian Undergraduates Must Consider Before Applying into a more comprehensive, high-value section that blends practical examples, actionable tips, and SEO-rich language.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships
Securing a Fully Funded or Partially Funded Scholarship can be a life-changing step for a Nigerian undergraduate, but many applicants unknowingly sabotage their chances with avoidable mistakes. Whether you’re applying to a top-tier fully funded program in Canada or a partially funded award in the UK, steering clear of these pitfalls will boost your success rate.
1. Applying Without Meeting Eligibility Criteria
Why it’s a problem:
Some students waste time applying for scholarships that clearly state requirements they don’t meet—like GPA thresholds, specific fields of study, nationality restrictions, or English language test scores.
Example:
A student with a 2.5 CGPA applying for a scholarship that requires a minimum 3.7 GPA is setting themselves up for instant disqualification.
Solution:
- Carefully read eligibility criteria before you even download the application form.
- Focus your energy on scholarships you have at least an 80% match with.
- Use scholarship databases with filters for GPA, nationality, and study field.
2. Underestimating the Competition for Fully Funded Scholarships
Why it’s a problem:
Fully funded scholarships are the most competitive—sometimes thousands of applicants fight for fewer than 50 spots. Applying without a standout profile is like entering a marathon with no training.
Example:
Sending a generic CV and a half-hearted essay for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship without showing leadership experience is a quick path to rejection.
Solution:
- Build your profile early—get involved in leadership roles, volunteer work, and academic competitions.
- Work on crafting compelling essays that align with the scholarship’s values.
- If your profile is average, apply to a mix of fully funded and less competitive partially funded scholarships.
3. Accepting a Partially Funded Scholarship Without a Financial Plan
Why it’s a problem:
Partially funded scholarships can still leave you with huge expenses. If you can’t prove financial capability, your visa application could be rejected.
Example:
A Nigerian student wins a 50% tuition scholarship in Australia but hasn’t accounted for $15,000 in annual living costs—leading to visa denial.
Solution:
- Create a complete financial breakdown for the remaining expenses before accepting the award.
- Look for additional grants, campus jobs, or sponsorships to cover the shortfall.
- Consider countries with lower living costs if funding is a concern.
4. Using the Same Essay or Personal Statement for All Applications
Why it’s a problem:
Scholarship committees can easily spot a generic essay. Every program has unique goals and values—ignoring them shows you didn’t research.
Example:
Copy-pasting a “Why I Deserve This Scholarship” essay meant for a Canadian program into a US-based STEM scholarship application without changing details like program name.
Solution:
- Tailor every personal statement to the specific scholarship.
- Highlight experiences and goals that match the provider’s mission.
- Include specific references to the university or program’s unique offerings.
5. Submitting Incomplete or Poorly Organized Documents
Why it’s a problem:
Missing a single required document—like a recommendation letter or transcript—can lead to instant rejection, no matter how strong your other materials are.
Example:
Submitting your application for the University of Sheffield Merit Scholarship without attaching the English language proficiency certificate when it’s clearly required.
Solution:
- Create a checklist of required documents for each scholarship.
- Organize them in labeled folders (both physical and digital).
- Have all documents verified and translated (if necessary) well before the deadline.
6. Missing Deadlines
Why it’s a problem:
Most scholarship portals automatically close submissions after the deadline. Late applications are rarely considered, no matter the excuse.
Example:
Finding out about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program just one week before the deadline and rushing through an incomplete application.
Solution:
- Keep a scholarship application calendar.
- Set personal deadlines at least two weeks before the official ones.
- Subscribe to official university newsletters to get deadline alerts early.
7. Ignoring Country-Specific Visa and Funding Requirements
Why it’s a problem:
Even if you win a scholarship, your study plans can collapse if you fail to meet the host country’s visa or proof-of-funds requirements.
Example:
Winning a partially funded scholarship in the USA but failing to show the I-20 form’s required bank balance.
Solution:
- Research visa requirements for your target country early in the application process.
- Prepare bank statements, affidavits of support, or sponsorship letters in advance.
- Avoid last-minute scrambling that could delay or derail your visa approval.
8. Neglecting Interview Preparation
Why it’s a problem:
Some scholarships require interviews, and poor performance here can undo months of application work.
Example:
Freezing when asked “How will you contribute to our campus community?” during a Knight-Hennessy Scholars interview.
Solution:
- Practice common scholarship interview questions.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses.
- Have examples ready that showcase leadership, resilience, and adaptability.
9. Overlooking Lesser-Known Scholarships
Why it’s a problem:
Many students only apply to big-name fully funded scholarships, ignoring smaller or institution-specific awards that have less competition.
Example:
Focusing only on Rhodes and Chevening while missing out on fully funded regional awards like the Australian National University Excellence Scholarship.
Solution:
- Explore departmental and regional scholarships in your target country.
- Apply to a mix of high-profile and niche awards to increase your chances.
- Use platforms like Scholarship Positions to find hidden opportunities.
10. Not Seeking Feedback Before Submitting Applications
Why it’s a problem:
Even small errors in grammar, formatting, or structure can weaken your application.
Example:
Submitting an essay with multiple typos and awkward sentences because you didn’t have anyone proofread it.
Solution:
- Ask a mentor, teacher, or past scholarship winner to review your application.
- Use editing tools like Grammarly for basic checks—but rely on human feedback for content quality.
- Revise multiple times before submitting.
💡 Final Tip:
Avoiding these mistakes isn’t just about “not doing the wrong thing”—it’s about building a professional, polished application that positions you as exactly the kind of student scholarship committees want to invest in.
Final Thoughts — Balancing Ambition and Realism
When it comes to Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships, the best choice depends on your financial situation, academic standing, and personal goals.
Fully funded scholarships can give you total peace of mind but require exceptional preparation and resilience. Partially funded scholarships open more doors but demand careful financial planning.
Whichever you choose, start early, be consistent, and stay committed to presenting your best self in every application.
FAQs – Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships
1. What is the main difference between a fully funded and a partially funded scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship covers all major costs—tuition, living expenses, books, and sometimes travel. A partially funded scholarship covers only part of these costs, such as a tuition percentage or accommodation.
2. Are fully funded scholarships always better than partially funded ones?
Not always. While fully funded scholarships remove financial pressure, they’re highly competitive. Partially funded awards can be easier to win and may still be worthwhile if you can cover the remaining costs.
3. Can I apply for both fully funded and partially funded scholarships at the same time?
Yes. In fact, it’s wise to apply for both to increase your chances. You can also combine multiple partially funded scholarships to reduce your total expenses.
4. Do I still need proof of funds for a fully funded scholarship?
In some countries, yes. Even with a fully funded award, visa requirements may ask for bank statements or financial guarantees to cover emergencies or travel costs.
5. Which countries offer the most fully funded scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates?
Canada, the USA, the UK, and Australia consistently offer the largest number of fully funded scholarships, often targeting high-achieving students from developing countries.
6. How can I manage costs if I accept a partially funded scholarship?
You can apply for additional grants, seek on-campus work opportunities, get family or sponsor support, or choose a destination with lower living costs to make up the difference.
