How to spot a scholarship scam in Nigeria
The warning signs of fake scholarships: fees, urgency, guarantees, free email addresses and requests for bank details, and how to check an offer.
Providia Editorial · Updated 29 September 2026 · 4 min read
The warning signs
- You're asked to pay: an application, form, processing, 'release' or 'clearance' fee
- You're asked for your ATM card number, PIN, BVN or bank password
- The award is 'guaranteed', or you 'won' a scholarship you never applied for
- It's urgent: 'pay within 24 hours or lose your slot'
- Messages come from a Gmail or Yahoo address, or only through WhatsApp or Telegram
- The website address is slightly different from the real organisation's
How to check an offer
- Find the organisation's official website yourself (don't use links in the message)
- Look for the scholarship on that website, with the same dates and details
- Contact the organisation using details from its own website
- Paste the message into Providia's free scam checker to see which warning signs it has
Open now: scholarships for nigerian students
Adelaide University Signature Research Theme Scholarships 2027
Adelaide University's 2027 research scholarship round for PhD and MPhil starters: living stipend plus full tuition waiver, open to international applicants.
Gabriel Ezenri Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship 2026
Up to N500,000 per session for bright, financially needy students at accredited Nigerian universities and polytechnics. Free to apply.
Indomie Scholarship Program 2026
Dufil Prima's Indomie pays full tuition for Nigerian students starting at public tertiary institutions in 2026/27, renewable yearly if grades hold. Free to apply.
World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2027
Two-year salaried leadership programme at the World Bank Group with three rotations, including a country office. For master's holders with 2–6 years' experience.
Questions
Are there any genuine scholarships that charge fees?
Some study-abroad applications involve fees paid to universities or testing bodies (for example IELTS), but a scholarship itself shouldn't charge you to apply or to receive the money. If in doubt, confirm on the official website.