Are you wondering how to win multiple fully-funded scholarships abroad, even when you’re starting with little experience?
Here’s a real-life story that proves it’s absolutely possible — and shows you exactly how to make it happen.
In this post, you’ll learn the step-by-step journey of Dr. Nweje MaryJane Ijeoma, a public health physician from Nigeria who earned three fully funded scholarships and nine admission offers across some of the best universities in the UK, Germany, and Sweden.
If you’ve been struggling with scholarship applications, this article could change the way you approach your next application.
My Starting Point: Rejections and Lessons
In 2018, towards the end of my one-year mandatory internship at National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria, I made a life-changing decision: I wanted to become a public health specialist.
Excited but inexperienced, I immediately started applying to several universities abroad — only to face multiple rejections.
Looking back, I realize I was nowhere near ready.
When I reviewed my first personal statement, even I wouldn’t have admitted myself!
Key Lesson:
You may dream big, but without preparation, admissions and scholarships will remain out of reach.
What Changed: Intentional Growth and Skill Building
Instead of giving up, I used failure as fuel.
I intentionally focused on building my professional experiences and personal development by
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Volunteering in multiple community service projects
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Completing various professional courses (both paid and free)
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Researching deeply on how to write award-winning essays
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Networking with mentors and professionals in my field
These experiences made my next application cycles much stronger — and they shaped me into a competitive candidate for both admissions and scholarships.
Key Lesson:
Invest in yourself long before you start applying.
Writing Scholarship Essays: Brutal but Necessary
In September 2019, I began working on my scholarship essays.
At first, my writing was far from perfect. After sending the first draft to my mentor, the feedback was painfully honest and harsh.
However, I did not quit.
I kept refining, correcting, and rewriting until my essays truly reflected the best version of myself.
Key Lesson:
Get a mentor who is brutally honest — they will help you reach excellence faster.
The Result: 3 Scholarships and 9 Admissions in 2 Months
Over two months, notifications started rolling in:
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Reserved for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
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Provisionally selected for the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship
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Awarded the ExxonMobil Global Health Scholarship to study MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine at the University of Oxford
In addition, I secured nine admission offers from top universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden.
It almost felt unreal.
Key Lesson:
Persistence, preparation, and patience are the real secrets behind every “overnight” success story.
Final Advice for Aspiring Scholarship Winners
If you are a young student or professional dreaming of studying abroad on a fully funded scholarship, here’s my advice:
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Start early: Begin building your experiences, skills, and leadership profile now.
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Learn to accept feedback: Good writing takes time and tough love.
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Follow scholarship-focused pages: Like @scholarship.story (it made a massive difference in my journey!).
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Use social media wisely: Follow pages that help you grow and stay updated with new opportunities.
Remember, every rejection is simply redirection toward better preparation. Your dream scholarship is absolutely within reach — if you’re willing to do the real work.
FAQs About Winning Fully Funded Scholarships
1. How can I win a fully-funded scholarship abroad?
Winning a fully-funded scholarship requires a strong combination of academic excellence, leadership experience, community service involvement, and powerful personal statements.
You should also start preparing early, seek mentorship, and apply to multiple opportunities to increase your chances.
2. What should I include in my scholarship essay?
Your scholarship essay should highlight:
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Your academic achievements and future goals
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Your leadership and volunteer experiences
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How the scholarship will impact your life and community
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Clear, personal stories that show your passion and commitment
Always ask for honest feedback and revise your essay multiple times before submitting.
3. How important is professional experience when applying for scholarships?
Professional experience, including internships, volunteer work, and community projects, is extremely important.
It shows scholarship committees that you are proactive, responsible, and committed to making a real-world impact.
4. How many scholarships should I apply to at once?
There’s no strict limit, but applying to multiple scholarships significantly increases your chances.
Aim for at least 5–10 well-matched opportunities, and customize your essays and applications carefully for each one.
5. Can someone with previous rejections still win scholarships later?
Absolutely!
Many successful scholarship winners, like Dr. MaryJane, faced multiple rejections at first.
Rejections offer valuable feedback and push you to strengthen your profile, essays, and strategy for future applications.
6. Is it necessary to have a mentor when applying for scholarships?
While not mandatory, having a mentor greatly improves your chances.
Mentors provide guidance, critical feedback, and moral support throughout the tough application process.
Connect with Me
Want to learn more or ask questions about my journey? Feel free to connect:
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LinkedIn: Dr. Nweje MaryJane Ijeoma
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Instagram: @DrEmjjae
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Twitter: @DrEmjjae
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are mine and do not represent the opinions of any institution or scholarship-awarding body.
