Foreign Scholarship That Accepts Only WAEC & NECO (2026)

Introduction

If you have only your WAEC or NECO result and no JAMB score, studying abroad may seem impossible. The good news is that it is not. Several universities overseas accept Nigerian secondary school qualifications directly, and some even offer scholarships without asking for JAMB, SAT, or A Levels.

One of the best examples is Ulster University in the United Kingdom. The university recognises WAEC and NECO as valid qualifications for undergraduate admission, giving eligible Nigerian students a direct path to both admission and international scholarships.

Many students miss opportunities like this because they assume foreign universities always require extra exams or a foundation programme. While that is true for some institutions, Ulster University has a much simpler route. If your WAEC or NECO results meet the entry requirements, you can apply for admission and be considered for scholarships using those qualifications alone. That means less paperwork, fewer expenses, and a more straightforward application process.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know before applying. We will cover who qualifies for the scholarship, what benefits it offers, the courses you can study, the documents you need, and the exact steps to apply through the official Ulster University portal. Whether you have WAEC, NECO, or a combination of both, this guide will help you understand how to turn your results into a genuine opportunity to study in the UK with financial support.

Scholarship Overview

This guide focuses on the Ulster University International Scholarship scheme. Ulster University is a public research university in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. It has campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, and Jordanstown.

The university has an established admissions pathway for students from West Africa, including Nigeria. So, it accepts WAEC or NECO results directly for undergraduate entry. You need a minimum of C6 or above in five subjects, including Mathematics. No JAMB, SAT, or foundation year is required for most programmes, as long as your grades meet the course requirement.

Eligible students can access the International Undergraduate Scholarship, worth £2,000 off tuition fees. In some years, an extra accommodation discount is also available. Postgraduate applicants can apply for a similar International Postgraduate Scholarship. In addition, Ulster University takes part in externally funded schemes like the GREAT Scholarships, open to students from a set list of countries, including Nigeria.

The scholarship covers full-time study at undergraduate and postgraduate taught level. Funding applies for the full length of the programme. This is usually three to four years for a bachelor’s degree, and one year for most master’s programmes.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants generally need to meet the criteria below.

Academic requirements

A WAEC (WASSCE) or NECO Senior School Certificate with at least C6 or above in five subjects. This must include Mathematics and English Language.
Some courses need higher grades or specific subject combinations. For example, Pharmacy, Architecture, and Engineering are more demanding. So, check the entry profile for your chosen course first.
Postgraduate applicants need a bachelor’s degree, usually Second Class Lower or above, from a recognised institution.

Nationality requirements

Open to international students, including Nigerian citizens and other applicants from West Africa and beyond.
Some scholarship categories, like GREAT Scholarships, are limited to a set list of eligible countries. Confirm your country is included before you apply.

English language requirements

A C6 or better in WAEC or NECO English Language can waive the IELTS requirement for many courses.
Where a higher requirement applies, you may need an Academic IELTS score of around 6.0, with no band below 5.5, or an equivalent test.

Other requirements

A valid international passport.
No history of visa refusal that would affect admissibility. This is assessed during the UK visa process, not the scholarship itself.
Scholarship eligibility is usually assessed automatically once you receive an admission offer. So, you do not need to submit a separate scholarship form in most cases.

Scholarship Benefits

This scholarship helps reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. However, it is important to understand exactly what is, and is not, covered.

Tuition fee reduction: The International Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships take £2,000 off annual tuition fees, for the full length of your programme.
Additional discounts: In some years, an extra accommodation discount is offered alongside the tuition award. This lowers the cost of on-campus housing.
English test waiver: Qualifying WAEC or NECO English grades can remove the need to pay for and sit IELTS. That saves both time and money.
Access to further funding: You can also apply for other external scholarships, such as GREAT Scholarships, Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, or Fulbright Partnership Awards, depending on your level of study.
No hidden academic gatekeeping: Because WAEC or NECO is accepted directly, you avoid the cost of foundation years or extra standardized tests.

It is worth being upfront here. This is not always a “fully funded” award covering flights, full stipends, and insurance. The core scholarship is a tuition discount. So, budget separately for travel, health insurance, and living costs. Also, check the latest scholarship page for the current value, since award amounts can change from one intake to the next.

Available Courses and Study Areas

Because WAEC and NECO are accepted as a general entry qualification rather than being tied to one subject, eligible students can apply to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including:

Business and Management
Computing and Information Technology
Engineering (including Civil, Mechanical, and Electronic Engineering)
Architecture
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Law
Nursing and Health Sciences
Social Sciences and Psychology
Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Management
Media, Communication, and Journalism
Life and Environmental Sciences

Each course has its own grade requirement. For example, science-based courses like Pharmacy or Engineering usually ask for stronger grades in Mathematics and the sciences. Courses like Business or Social Sciences tend to have a broader entry profile. Either way, always check the specific course page on the university’s prospectus before you apply.

Application Requirements and Documents

Gather these documents before you start your application. Having them ready in advance makes the process faster and lowers the risk of delays.

WAEC or NECO result, plus your scratch card or verification PIN. The university needs this to verify your grades through the official checker.
International passport data page (a clear scanned copy).
Academic transcripts, where applicable, especially for postgraduate applicants.
English language evidence, if you are not using WAEC/NECO English to waive IELTS.
Personal statement, explaining your interest in the course and your goals.
Reference letter, usually from a teacher, principal, or academic mentor.
Passport photograph, meeting the university’s specifications.
Proof of funds documentation, needed later for the UK student visa application.

Are you combining WAEC and NECO results, or using results from more than one sitting? If so, check the course-specific requirements carefully. Some programmes prefer results from a single sitting.

How to Apply for the Scholarship

Applying is a step-by-step process. Scholarship eligibility is often assessed automatically once you get an offer. So, focus most of your effort on a strong, complete admission application.

Research your course. Visit the official Ulster University course pages. Confirm the entry requirements and subject-specific grades for your programme.
Check the application route. Undergraduate applicants usually apply through UCAS (Ulster University’s UCAS code is U20). Postgraduate applicants apply directly through the university’s own portal.
Create an account and start your application on the official portal here: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply
Complete the online form. Enter your personal details, chosen course, and academic history.
Upload your documents. This includes your WAEC or NECO result with scratch card details, passport copy, personal statement, and reference letter.
Submit your application and pay any application fee. Undergraduate applications through UCAS currently attract a small processing fee.
Wait for your offer letter. If successful, it will confirm whether you have been awarded the International Scholarship or any other funding.
Accept your offer. Then follow the instructions for enrolment, tuition deposit payment, and your visa application (CAS letter request).
Apply separately for extra external scholarships, such as GREAT Scholarships, if you meet their criteria. These often have their own windows and forms.

Always apply through the official university portal. Avoid unofficial agents who claim to guarantee admission or scholarships. Never pay anyone who claims to “process” a scholarship for you outside the official channel.

Scholarship Deadline

Deadlines vary by intake and scholarship category. For undergraduate applications through UCAS, the main deadline is usually around mid-January, for the following September intake. Some courses still accept later applications if places remain available. GREAT Scholarships and other externally funded awards open and close within a set window each year, often between late spring and mid-summer.

Exact dates shift slightly from year to year. So, check the official application and scholarships pages directly before you apply. Do not rely on a fixed date from a third-party source. As a general rule, apply several months before your intended intake. Scholarship funds and popular courses can fill up before the official deadline.

Selection Process

Selection happens in two connected stages.

Stage one: Admission assessment. The admissions team reviews your WAEC or NECO grades against the course requirements. They verify your result through the official checker, and review your personal statement and reference. If you meet the academic and English requirements, you receive a conditional or unconditional offer.

Stage two: Automatic scholarship assessment. For the core International Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships, eligibility is usually assessed automatically once you get an offer. This is based on your nationality, fee status, and course of study. So, you do not need to submit a separate scholarship application for these awards.

Competitive external scholarships, like GREAT Scholarships, work differently. They usually require a separate application with an essay or statement. This should explain your motivation, financial need, and how the scholarship supports your goals. A panel assesses these applications, and they are more competitive due to limited funding slots.

Application Tips for Applicants

Start early. Give yourself time to request your scratch card, gather documents, and write a thoughtful personal statement. Do not rush close to the deadline.
Verify your result details carefully. Make sure the WAEC or NECO checker PIN you submit is valid and unused. Errors here can delay your offer.
Match your subjects to your course. Applying for Engineering or Pharmacy? Make sure your Mathematics and Science grades meet that course’s specific threshold, not just the general requirement.
Write a genuine personal statement. Admissions officers can tell when a statement is generic. Be specific about why you chose the course and university.
Apply for multiple funding sources. Don’t rely on one scholarship alone. Apply for the university’s automatic award, and also research options like GREAT Scholarships, Chevening, or Commonwealth Scholarships.
Keep your documents consistent. Your name, date of birth, and other details should match exactly across your passport, certificate, and application form.
Avoid unofficial agents. Never trust anyone who promises guaranteed admission or scholarships for a fee. Always apply through the official portal.
Follow up politely. If you haven’t heard back within the stated processing time, send a polite email to the admissions office.

Conclusion

A scholarship abroad that accepts only WAEC or NECO is not just something you hear about online. It is a real opportunity, and Ulster University has made it possible for students who have these qualifications to apply directly for undergraduate admission and scholarships.

If you have a strong WAEC or NECO result, the right documents, and a carefully completed application, you can earn an admission offer and be considered for a scholarship without writing JAMB, taking the SAT, or spending extra time on a foundation programme.

The key is to start early and follow the official application process carefully. Gather your documents, confirm that you meet the entry requirements, and submit your application through Ulster University’s official portal. If your grades are good enough, this could be the opportunity that opens the door to studying in the UK with financial support.