I-Scholar Initiative (ISI) Scholarship 2023 – Application Procedure

Are you a Nigerian graduate with dreams of further studies abroad?

Are you ready to do what it takes to bag an international scholarship?

Are the graduate test fees your greatest barrier to qualifying for postgraduate school funding? It’s time to smile through your tears, then. i-Scholar Initiative (iSI) plans to sponsor qualified candidates to write and pass international standardized tests!

What are International Standardized Tests?

Tests like Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), IELTS, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) are often part of the requirements to secure international scholarships. The tests are used to assess candidates’ aptitude, language and critical thinking skills.

Unfortunately, many Nigerian graduates lose their chance for fully-funded scholarships due to their inability to afford these tests. In line with Smartbukites‘ objectives, this article will guide you on how to apply for i-Scholar Initiative Scholarship 2023.

What i-Scholar Initiative Offers

With the falling naira-dollar rates, many Nigerian graduates can not afford these test fees, which amount to hundreds of thousands of Naira!

i-Scholar Initiative (iSI) plans to sponsor deserving candidates for one or a combination of two of the required standardized graduate tests.

GRE/GMAT Sponsorship by i-Scholar Initiative

Each selected candidate will be sponsored for a GRE/GMAT, depending on their choice of graduate programs. Wondering which to write? GMAT is typically required for business school admissions. On the other hand, GRE is accepted for most grad school programs.

TOEFL Sponsorship by i-Scholar Initiative

To be sponsored for a TOEFL, the following conditions apply:

• Automatic TOEFL sponsorship for candidates with a minimum of 300 cumulative scores in GRE.
• Automatic TOEFL sponsorship for GMAT candidates with a minimum of 720 cumulative scores.

Meanwhile, you must:

• Be prepared to write TOEFL exam at most 4 weeks after your GRE or GMAT exam.
• Pay a predetermined amount of graduate school application fees
• Be dedicated to the ISI mentorship program

ISI Scholarship Eligibility 

To be eligible for the 2023/2024 scholarship from i-Scholar Initiative, you must:

• Be of Nigerian nationality
• Be a graduate of an accredited African Institution 
• Possess an undergraduate degree with Second Class Upper Grade or Higher 
• Be ready to take the standardized test by 2023 latest
• Be ready to apply for admission in the 2023/2024 session

ISI Scholarship Requirements

You are required to possess or submit the following to be eligible for i-Scholar Initiative Scholarship:

1. 500-word Personal Statement:

Your ‘Personal Statement’ or ‘Statement of Purpose’ must demonstrate the self-drive and clarity of your academic pursuit and career goals.

2. Two Reference Letters:

Academic Reference: 

You should obtain a reference letter from your University Lecturer(s) or Supervisor(s). The academic referee will have to testify to your aptitude, academic records and excellence. 

Note: Only submit the academic/official email of your referee!

Character Reference: 

i-Scholar Initiative is not only interested in your academic performance, but your character as well. Therefore, you are required to submit character reference letters from employers, professional mentors, or work supervisors. They should commend your character and traits such as integrity, interpersonal and collaborative attributes. 

Note: Only the organization/official email of your referee will be accepted.

3. CV/Resume:

Submit a professional CV/Resume in the designated field on the application form. Your CV should provide details of your academics, professional/work experience, voluntary activities, honors/awards, etc.

Note: Make your CV concise and well-written.

4. First-Degree Transcripts:

Your first-degree transcript is the transcript of your first tertiary (post-secondary) study. This could be a university degree. 

Note: You should submit the document as a single file (PDF). Also, ensure that it is duly signed and stamped by the appropriate authorities.

5. First Degree Certificate or Statement of Results:

As a fresh graduate, you might only have your statement of result at the time of application. But if you have your degree certificate already, upload it.

6. A Copy of your NYSC Certificate or Call-up Letter:

You should submit this in PDF format. In the absence of an NYSC certificate, upload your Call-Up letter.

7. Comprehensive Examination Study Plan:

When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. i-Scholar Initiative is interested in supporting candidates who are ready to write and pass these tests. Therefore, you need to demonstrate your readiness with a study plan.

Your study plan should describe your preparations and strategy for writing and acing the exam(s) if selected. You must indicate the specific time (date) you wish to write the exams and make your overseas applications.

Value of Scholarship 

The support offered by the i-Scholar Initiative is a well-designed package structured to help you write and pass your grad school tests. The scholarship entails:

• Payment of standardized test fees.
• Payment of a predetermined number of graduate school application fees.
• Professional Networking Opportunities. 
• End to End Mentoring (Scholars will be assigned to mentors)

When will i-Scholar Initiative 2023/2024 Scholarship Application Begin?

The 2023/2024 i-Scholar Initiative Application portal will be opened on January 9th, 2023. The applicants will be duly screened and only successful scholars will be contacted.

Before then, let’s help you prepare with step-by-step guidelines for your i-Scholar Initiative application! Read the procedure below to stay one step ahead!

How to Submit an application for the i-Scholar Initiative Scholarship 2023

Disclaimer: What i-Scholar Initiative Scholarship Does Not Cover

● i-Scholar Initiative does not promise full scholarships for international studies. However, with their mentorship and support, you can score great grades in your tests. This will help you secure a fully-funded international scholarship. i-Scholar Initiative will help you navigate the admission process.

● Each of the exams which i-Scholar Initiative may help you with – GRE/GMAT and TOEFL -provides an opportunity to send your scores directly to schools you indicate during your registration. This is free, but if you want to apply to any other school afterwards, you will have to pay for that yourself. 

Conclusion

This is just one of our guiding articles to help you boost your career and academics. At Smartbukites, we’re all for helping you become the best version of yourself. Our educational resources, tutorial videos, quizzes, scholarship updates and interesting blog posts are all targeted at making you better.

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