Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by II Editor
Getting a university education opens up many opportunities in life. However, with rising tuition costs, many talented students in Nigeria struggle to access higher education due to financial constraints. This is where scholarships like the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship come in. In this post, we will explore the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship in detail – its eligibility criteria, application process, benefits it provides and success stories of past recipients. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how this scholarship can help fund your university education.
What is the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship?
The Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program established by Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a leading financial services group in Nigeria, to assist Nigerian undergraduates seeking quality tertiary education. Under this program, the organization provides full tuition funding and stipends to selected students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to study at any accredited Nigerian university of their choice.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Nigerian citizen with admissions into the first year of any accredited undergraduate degree program at a Nigerian university.
- Have a minimum admission cutoff mark/UTME score as required by the candidate’s chosen university.
- Demonstrate strong academic accomplishments, leadership qualities and community service.
- Not be a recipient of any other academic scholarship.
The scholarship is open to applicants seeking to study courses like law, medicine, engineering, sciences, arts and more. Both female and male applicants are eligible to apply.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Successful candidates under the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship program receive the following benefits throughout the duration of their undergraduate programs:
- Full payment of tuition and registration fees directly to qualified candidates universities every academic session.
- A monthly stipend to help cover living costs like accommodation, feeding, books and transportation.
- Annual laptop allowance and reimbursement of project items allowance.
- Mentorship and career guidance opportunities.
- Opportunity to participate in internship programs with Stanbic IBTC.
- Opportunity to participate in training and capacity building programs.
Application Process
The application process for the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship is entirely online through the
Here are the key steps:
- Visit the application form portal to access the scholarship.
- Fill the online form providing personal details, educational qualifications, extra-curricular activities, future goals and more.
- Upload relevant supporting documents like admission letter, WAEC/NECO result, birth certificate etc. as required.
- Submit the completed form before the annual deadline, which is June 30, 2024.
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an assessment/interview at selected locations.
Required DocumentsÂ
Below is a list of all the required documents you need for the application;
- Recent Passport Photograph
- Valid ID Card- NIN slip, voter’s card, birth certificate or international passport
- Interested candidates must have taken part in the 2023 UTME and acquired a minimum score of 250
- Minimum of 5 credits (including Mathematics and English Language) in the O’Level ( WAEC, NECO or GCE) with a valid Statement of Result or Certificate
- JAMB or University Admission Letter
Success Stories
Thousands of Nigerian undergraduates have benefited from the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship over the years. Here are a few inspiring success stories:
Mary Jide:
Mary received the scholarship in 2015 to study Mass Communication at Babcock University. Being from a poor family in Lagos, she wouldn’t have been able to attend university otherwise. She interned with Stanbic IBTC during her final year and was offered a job upon graduation in 2019. She now works as a Brand Manager with the organization.
Dimeji Akinola:
Dimeji got the scholarship in 2018 to pursue a degree in Computer Science at University of Lagos. Coming from a single parent home in Ogun state, affording education was a challenge. He graduated as the best graduating student of his set in 2022. He is now an Associate Software Developer with Anthropic, an AI safety startup in San Francisco.
Gloria Oluwaseun:
Gloria received the scholarship in 2012 to study Medicine at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). Her father wasn’t able to sponsor more than one child’s education and she was the last born. She just finished her housemanship and is now a resident doctor at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
These stories highlight how the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship is transforming lives by giving talented Nigerian youth access to opportunities that would have otherwise remained out of reach. It’s empowering them to achieve their educational and career goals.
Success Rate & Competition Rate
Over the years, the success rate of the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship application has been quite competitive. Some key stats:
- On average, over 10,000 applications are received annually for just 100-150 scholarship slots.
- The success rate is typically less than 2%, indicating that only 1 out of every 50-100 applicants succeeds.
- Top science, technology and medical programs tend to be more competitive with success rates of less than 1%.
- Success rates may vary slightly from year to year based on the quality of applications received.
This high competition rate underscores the need for applicants to work extra hard on their applications, ensuring it stands out from the large pool of candidates. Factors like academic excellence, leadership experience, future goals and quality of essays/responses play a major role.
Tips for Applying
Based on the selection criteria and processes, here are some tips that can help improve your chances of winning the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship:
- Check eligibility and meet all criteria like admissions, JAMB score, etc.
- Start application early and allow sufficient time for completion. Don’t rush at the last minute.
- Provide complete and accurate information with honesty. Even minor details are important.
- Highlight your academic excellence, skills, extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
- Clearly demonstrate your future educational and career goals aligned to your program of study.
- Write compelling essays/responses to supplied questions that display your qualities and motivation.
- Get your documents like results, certificates, ID card etc in order before uploading to avoid delays.
- Ask teachers/mentors to proofread your application and provide feedback before submission.
- Attend assigned assessment/interview properly dressed, with required documents and confidence.
- Check application status regularly and provide any clarifications/additional requests promptly.
- Have some alternative plans in case you are not selected to avoid disappointment.
Following these time-tested tips can optimize your chances of joining the scholars of this prestigious program.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship is a life-transforming opportunity that has enabled thousands of deserving Nigerian students to achieve their dream of a university education despite financial constraints. With its wide eligibility criteria, substantial financial support and career guidance benefits, it addresses a major need for access to quality tertiary education in Nigeria. For any ambitious student looking to fund their university studies, applying for this reputed scholarship is highly recommended. With the right preparation and application, your story could be one of success too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start the application and upload my documents later?
Yes. You can start your application and upload your documents later. However, you cannot submit your application until you have successfully uploaded all required documents.
Can a Direct Entry candidate apply for the scholarship?
No. The scholarship is for fresh UTME candidates with a score of at least 250 and have gained admission into any Nigerian state or federal University for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Can I make changes to my application?
Yes, if you have not submitted the application yet.
Can I submit the application after the deadline?
No. After the deadline, the portal closes and no applications will be received, except there is an extension in deadline.
Do I need to make any payment to be awarded the scholarship?
No. This scholarship scheme is strictly based on merit and the selection criteria. You should not patronize anyone by cash or kind.
Is there any age limit for the scholarship application?
No. There is no age restriction.
Will I receive confirmation of receipt of my application?
You will receive an on-screen confirmation of successfully submitting your application. Only shortlisted applicants who successfully meet selection criteria will be contacted.
