College can be expensive. Studying abroad or majoring in an expensive subject like a science field can increase your tuition even more. Choosing to work part-time in the summer or on weekends can help you pay for college, but it can also break your bank at the end of the semester when it’s time to balance your checkbook. Luckily, there are scholarships and grants that are available for students who want to further their education. The goal of this article is to show you how easy it is to find grants and scholarships that fit your needs.

Different Types of Grants

There are many types of grants and scholarships. The most common types available to students include need-based, merit-based, and institutional.

Need-Based: Need-based grants are given to students based on their financial needs. These grants can be given by the federal government, state governments, or universities to any student who qualifies for them. They’re typically awarded to low-income students and those who study at a lower institution such as a community college. Some organizations also offer need-based scholarships exclusively for women or minorities.

Merit-Based: Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on an individual’s academic ability and achievement in their field. They’re typically awarded by institutions or corporations.

Institutional Grants: Institutional grants are awarded by the school itself (for example, if you’re a high school senior interested in going to MIT). These grants often come with no requirements other than your enrollment in that particular institution.

How To Find Grants

The first step to finding a grant or scholarship is to know what you want and what type of school you are applying to. Don’t think of a specific field, but instead ask yourself: Do I want to go into teaching? Do I want to pursue a career in law enforcement? Do I need to cover the expense of studying abroad in order to complete my coursework?

Once you have this information, it’s time for planning! Take out your calendar and start mapping out when you want your grant or scholarship money. If the deadline is soon, then apply as soon as possible. If the deadline is further down the line, make sure that there are still plenty of days left on your calendar before submitting your application.

If you are unclear about what type of organization offers grants and scholarships, then head over to Scholarship Search. It has a database full of organizations that offer grants and scholarships for different reasons. There is no better place for finding funds than here!

Best Federal Government Grants For Students

These Grants are among the most prestigious federal grants available to students for them to submit applications for. 

Other Available Grants

You can also apply for specific grants. If you reside in Nigeria, then here are the most suitable student grants to consider.

Tanimu Foundation – Educational Grants for Students in Nigeria

Access Bank Entry-level Graduate Program, Nigeria for Masters

Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) $5000 Grant, Africa

UNILAG School of Postgraduate Studies Trust Fund Grant

Wema Bank Graduate Trainee Program 2022, Nigeria

NNPC/Chevron JV Scholarships for Undergraduates in Nigeria for Bachelor

PTDF Overseas MSc and PhD scholarships, Nigeria for Master

Herconomy Enterprise Challenge for Women Entrepreneurs, Nigeria

 More lists of these kind of grants will be posted here soon.

Common Grant Scams.

Scholarships and grants are often the answer to your financial aid woes. You can find these resources by applying for them, but it’s easy to get scammed out of your hard-earned money.

Keep these three things in mind if you’re looking for a grant or scholarship:

1. Scammers count on your ignorance, so be sure to do your research.

2. Apply for scholarships and grants that are offered locally and through organizations you trust.

3. Check with the organization before you submit an application!