iSI Scholarship 2026: GRE/GMAT and TOEFL support
Summary
iSI Scholarship 2026 pays GRE/GMAT fees (and TOEFL for high scorers) for Nigerian grads applying abroad.
- Nigerians with 2:1+ from accredited African schools can apply
- Test target: GRE or GMAT; TOEFL depends on score
- TOEFL: GRE 310+ or GMAT 720+
- Tests must be written by Aug 2026
- Email enquiries: applications@ischolarinitiative.org
The i-Scholar Initiative (iSI) Scholarship 2026 is open to Nigerian graduates who want to pursue graduate studies abroad, with a clear focus on the United States. The programme targets self-driven candidates who have the academic ability but lack the resources for required exams; iSI plans to sponsor selected applicants for standardised tests used for foreign graduate school admission.
This support covers one exam, or a combination of two exams, depending on the candidate’s track: Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
What iSI Will Sponsor (In Scope)
iSI listed these items as covered:
1) GRE or GMAT test sponsorship
Each selected candidate will be sponsored for GRE or GMAT, based on the chosen graduate programme route.
2) TOEFL sponsorship (only if the candidate meets the score rule)
TOEFL sponsorship comes with conditions:
- GRE candidates: a minimum total score of 310 in GRE qualifies the candidate for TOEFL support.
- GMAT candidates: a minimum total score of 720 in GMAT qualifies the candidate for TOEFL support.
If a candidate qualifies for TOEFL, iSI states the candidate must be prepared to write the TOEFL exam no later than four weeks after the GRE or GMAT exam (tight timeline, so planning matters).
3) Graduate school application fee support and mentoring
The scholarship also includes:
- payment of a predetermined number of graduate school admission application fees
- an iSI mentoring programme
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
To be eligible, the applicant must meet all listed conditions:
- a graduate of an accredited African institution with at least a Second Class Upper grade
- a Nigerian
- ready to write the standardised tests by August 2026 (also written as Aug 2026 in other parts of the notice)
- prepared to apply for graduate admission and funding in the 2026/2027 window
What Applicants Must Submit (Requirements)
Applicants are expected to provide the following:
Personal statement
The personal statement should show self-drive and clarity around academic pursuit and career goals.
Examination study plan
The study plan should explain preparation and strategy for writing and passing the exam(s) with strong results. It must also include the specific time the applicant wishes to write the exams and apply for foreign graduate programmes.
Two reference letters
- Academic reference: completed by a university lecturer or supervisor who knows the applicant’s aptitude, academic record, and performance.
- Professional reference: describes character, traits, integrity, interpersonal and collaborative attributes; it may be completed by an employer, professional mentor, manager, etc.
Academic records and career documents
- first degree transcripts (PDF format, single file; signed and stamped)
- CV or resume (with professional/work experience, voluntary activities, honours/awards, and more)
- first degree certificate or statement of result
Value of the Scholarship (As Stated)
iSI lists the scholarship value as:
- payment of required graduate school standardised test fees
- payment of a predetermined number of graduate school application fees (this depends on performance in tests)
- end-to-end mentoring (scholars are assigned dedicated mentors)
- networking opportunities with professionals in various fields
What iSI Does Not Promise (Out of Scope)
The foundation states that it cannot provide full scholarships to study abroad. It adds that strong performance in GRE/GMAT and TOEFL could help a candidate get fully funded graduate programmes, and iSI will work with scholars through the admission process.
It also notes that GRE/GMAT/TOEFL allow test-takers to send scores to a limited number of schools during registration; candidates must personally pay fees for any extra schools added after that point.
How to Start the Application
Interested applicants can begin here:
For enquiries, applicants can reach the team via email: applications@ischolarinitiative.org
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