Apply for Scholarship Abroad Using NRBVN

Apply for Scholarship Abroad Using NRBVN. The Untold Pathway to Funding Your Dreams. A New Road for the Nigerian Dreamer.

If you’re Nigerian, and you've ever typed into Google something like “how to apply for scholarships abroad,” you already know how overwhelming it is. Dozens of blog posts. Thousands of advice threads. Even more YouTube videos promising shortcuts. And yet, for many young Nigerians, one major question still remains painfully unresolved: 

"How can I prove I am Nigerian without the 'usual' documents most scholarships ask for?" 

You might not have a Nigerian passport. Your birth certificate might be faded or lost. And perhaps you’ve never even been to Nigeria, but your parents or grandparents were born there. 

Apply for Scholarship Abroad Using NRBVN

Here’s where a quiet, often overlooked solution comes in: the NRBVN. 

In this comprehensive post, we’ll uncover how to apply for scholarships abroad using your Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN)—a tool built for the diaspora but underutilized as a key to unlocking global opportunities. 

You won’t find this in traditional scholarship guides. That’s because what you’re about to read is not recycled or rewritten. This is ground-level, fresh-thinking, and rooted in a uniquely Nigerian global experience. 

The Scholarship Puzzle for Diaspora Nigerians 

You’re a second-generation Nigerian living in Canada. Or maybe you’re a first-generation Nigerian immigrant living in Germany. You excel in academics. You’re driven. You find a scholarship targeting “students of African or Nigerian descent.” 

But then comes the eligibility checklist: 

✅ Academic transcript 

✅ Reference letter 

❌ Nigerian passport 

❌ Local government certificate 

❌ NIN (National Identity Number) 

Suddenly, you’re stuck. 

The irony? You’re more Nigerian than jollof rice at a party. Your parents say “Ehen!” and “Kilon shele?” Your Spotify playlist is 70% Afrobeats. You attend Nigerian church. But you can’t "prove" you're Nigerian—on paper. 

That’s where the NRBVN becomes a game changer. 

What Is NRBVN and Why Does It Matter? 

What Is NRBVN? 

The Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) is a digital biometric identity system developed by the Central Bank of Nigeria specifically for Nigerians living abroad. 

Think of it like a cross between a financial passport and a digital ID. 

To get an NRBVN, you need to: 

Be of Nigerian origin 

Register through authorized channels abroad (Nigerian embassies, certain banks) 

Provide biometric data (fingerprint, face scan) 

Submit documents like a birth certificate, expired passport, or parental ID 

Once processed, your NRBVN is stored securely in the NIBSS (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System) database—making you officially traceable as a Nigerian citizen abroad. 

Why It Matters 

NRBVN does three powerful things: 

Proves Nigerian origin — officially verified. 

Links you to the Nigerian financial system — you can open diaspora bank accounts, buy shares, etc. 

Verifies identity globally with NRBVN biometric security. 

This makes it an ideal identity tool when applying for scholarships that ask for proof of Nigerian heritage or origin—especially those targeting the diaspora. 

Chapter 3: Why Scholarships Don't Mention NRBVN (Yet) 

You may be wondering: 

"If NRBVN is this powerful, why don’t more scholarship bodies mention it?" 

There are a few reasons: 

It’s new. NRBVN only gained traction after the original BVN launched in 2014. Institutional awareness is still growing. 

It’s financial-sounding. The word “bank” throws off education bodies that associate eligibility with passports or birth certificates. 

It’s not well-publicized. NRBVN is still marketed more for financial inclusion than educational access. 

But that’s where you, the applicant, come in. Instead of waiting for scholarship boards to catch up, we’re going to show you how to make NRBVN work for you in real-time. 

Scholarships Abroad Where NRBVN Can Make a Difference 

Here are some real-world scenarios where your NRBVN can come in handy. 

A. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (UK) 

Designed for students from developing Commonwealth countries, this scholarship often requires proof of nationality or origin. If you’re in the diaspora but hold no passport, an NRBVN registration document—certified by the Nigerian embassy—can help affirm your Nigerian origin. 

B. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship (Global) 

Geared toward African students, this program accepts a wide definition of “African origin.” Submitting your NRBVN alongside a letter from your local Nigerian embassy can help substantiate your heritage. 

C. DAAD Scholarships (Germany) 

For graduate students from developing countries. If you’re applying from the diaspora, some DAAD partners allow origin verification via consular letters—pair this with your NRBVN, which includes your Nigerian heritage confirmation. 

D. Local Diaspora Scholarships (U.S./Canada) 

Nigerian student unions, community groups, and churches often run scholarships that require proof of origin. Your NRBVN registration printout can carry more weight than anecdotal claims. 

How to Apply for Scholarships Using NRBVN 

Here’s your 5-step battle-tested guide. 

Step 1: Get Your NRBVN 

If you haven’t already: 

Visit the Nigerian embassy or a CBN-approved partner bank in your country. 

Submit your documents (birth certificate, parent’s ID, expired passport, etc.). 

Provide biometric data. 

Wait 2–4 weeks for processing. 

Once approved, you'll receive your NRBVN. 

Step 2: Obtain a Certificate or Printout 

Ask the embassy or bank to issue an official registration certificate or letter verifying your NRBVN enrollment and Nigerian origin. 

Step 3: Write an Origin Affidavit (Optional but Powerful) 

Draft a simple affidavit that explains your Nigerian origin, your NRBVN number, and your diaspora situation. Attach a certified copy of your NRBVN letter. 

Step 4: Submit With Your Scholarship Application 

Include your NRBVN documents in the “proof of nationality” or “other supporting documents” section. Label them clearly. 

Step 5: Email the Scholarship Board (Be Proactive) 

Don't assume they'll know what NRBVN is. Write a short email explaining: 

Why you're using NRBVN as your origin document 

That it’s backed by biometric ID and issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria 

That you’re happy to offer embassy verification 

Example: 

“Dear Committee,

I have attached my NRBVN registration as proof of Nigerian origin. NRBVN is a biometric identity system developed by the Central Bank of Nigeria for Nigerians in the diaspora. Please let me know if you require further verification. My embassy can issue supporting documents upon request.

Best regards,

Ayomide Olaniyan” 

Chapter 6: What to Do If They Say “We Don’t Accept NRBVN” 

This happens. Don't panic. 

A. Offer a Consular Letter 

Visit the Nigerian embassy and request an official letter verifying your NRBVN and Nigerian origin. Many embassies now have templates. 

B. Escalate Politely 

Ask if the board would be willing to review supporting identity documents issued by a recognized government body (CBN/NIBSS). Remind them NRBVN is based on biometric ID. 

C. Attach More Proof 

Pair your NRBVN with: 

A letter from your Nigerian community group 

Your parents' Nigerian ID 

Your birth certificate showing Nigerian parent(s) 

Your goal is to build a narrative of identity that they cannot easily dismiss. 

Chapter 7: Hidden Benefits of Having NRBVN as a Student Abroad 

While most people think of NRBVN as a financial tool, students can use it to: 

1. Open a Nigerian diaspora bank account 

Great for: 

Receiving Nigerian scholarships 

Paying family members 

Building financial credit 

2. Register for Nigerian investment opportunities 

NRBVN lets you buy government bonds or Nigerian stocks while abroad—long-term wealth planning! 

3. Apply for Nigerian-based scholarships that support diaspora returnees 

Some programs require NRBVN or NIN for eligibility. 

Chapter 8: The Future — Will NRBVN Become the Gold Standard? 

More and more embassies and CBN partners are now digitizing NRBVN systems. Soon, we may see: 

Embassy-issued NRBVN verification QR codes 

Integration with diaspora student portals 

Automated scholarship screening using NRBVN numbers 

In fact, Nigeria may be one of the first African countries to fully digitize diaspora identity for education and innovation access. 

Conclusion: Claim Your Nigerian Identity, Your Way 

Being Nigerian should not depend on holding a piece of paper issued in Abuja 20 years ago. It should depend on truth, roots, and intention. 

The NRBVN is more than a bank registration. It’s a symbol of belonging. A quiet revolution in the hands of people who need it most students with ambition, heritage, and a hunger for knowledge. 

If you’re applying for scholarships abroad, don’t ignore this powerful tool. Use it. Advocate for it. Let the world know you are Nigerian, and you have the NRBVN to prove it. 

Because sometimes, the most powerful proof isn’t loud. It’s simply digital, secure, and ready to open doors.