Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Scholarships as a Second Class, HND, or Third Class Degree Holder

Most graduates are curious about whether one can get a scholarship with a Second Class, HND, or a Third Class degree or even how to apply for scholarships as a second class. The answer is yes—you are not out of luck. Although most people think that only first-class students receive these awards, this is not always the case.

As a matter of fact, these awards are not always given because of grades. They look at your work experience, leadership skills, professional certifications, volunteer activities, and future plans as well.

This article outlines How to Apply for Scholarships as a Second Class, HND, or Third Class Degree Holder in a clear, step-by-step manner. It identifies where to search, how to prepare, what to highlight in your application, and how to shine despite a poorer academic classification.

What Does Having a Second Class, HND, or Third Class Degree Actually Mean?

Before diving into the scholarship application process, it’s important to understand what these terms mean and how they affect your options.

Second Class Degree: This is usually divided into upper second class (2:1) and lower second class (2:2). It sits just below a first-class degree but is still a strong academic result.

HND (Higher National Diploma): It’s an employment-related qualification typically equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. It is more skills-based and vocationally related.

Third Class Degree: It is the lowest class of degree but is an undergraduate degree still. There are institutions and some professions who accept this as a qualification.

While these may seem to be limitations, the vast majority of programs and scholarships don’t consider just grades. Looking at the place of grading in scholarship awards and how you can improve your chances despite classification comes next.

Do Second Class, HND, or Third Class Holders of Students Receive Scholarships?

The first question for most graduates is whether their grades automatically exclude them. The answer is simple: Yes, you are still eligible. The majority of scholarship committees and institutions understand that not everybody graduates with honors. Situations, limited finances, or personal problems could have influenced your grades. That aside, the issue is how you have improved subsequently.

Scholarships are not handed out necessarily to the “perfect” student. The majority of funders look for:

Potential for growth – showing that you are a committed learner.
Work or professional experience – skills you learned beyond school.
Community service – how you have contributed to society.
Future aspirations – how your education will further your career and community.

For example, some foreign universities offer postgraduate diplomas (PGDs) or pre-master’s courses as a stepping stone for Third-Class degree holders or HND. By enrolling in these courses, you can prove your academic strength, after which you are eligible for full scholarship for a master’s degree.

So even if you are a Third Class or an HND holder, you can still join the competition—provided you know where to go and how to position yourself.

Where Can You Get Scholarships That Will Accept Second Class, HND, or Third Class Degrees?

One of the biggest hurdles is finding out where to get scholarships that will accept your qualification. Whilst some scholarships are very specific with regards to grades, many others are not.

Here are some places to begin:

University-specific scholarships: Many universities have departmental awards for students who are passionate, talented, or have professional experience, irrespective of grade.

Scholarships funded by the government: Programs like Chevening (UK), DAAD (Germany), Commonwealth Scholarships, and Erasmus+ sometimes interview applicants with weaker grades if they possess good leadership or professional standing.

Association professional scholarships: For example, engineering, IT, or business associations tend to sponsor students with work experience in the industry.

NGOs and foundations: Non-governmental organizations mostly emphasize finance, social contribution, or innovation, not grades.

Graduate assistantships: Some institutions allow you to work as a teaching or research assistant, receiving tuition wavier and stipends.

Tip: List the scholarships in a spreadsheet. Input eligibility, deadline, required documents, and funding levels. This makes it easy to monitor your progress and apply en masse.

Also Read – Study in Belgium with ARES Scholarship 2026-27 | Fully Funded for International Students

How to Apply for Scholarships as a Second Class, HND, or Third Class Degree Holder (Step-by-Step)

Now, let us move on to the most important part: application. When applying, remember these steps to maximize your possibilities.

Step 1: Research Carefully

Do not rush and apply only for the first scholarship that you find. Take time to conduct research on scholarships that take holders of second class, HND, or third class degrees. Use scholarship search engines, university websites, and ask at scholarship offices to have access to current listings.

Step 2: Know Eligibility Criteria

Sometimes, the criteria might appear strict, but look closely, and you might still be considered. Read the criteria of each scholarship closely and check if you might be considered on some other grounds than your degree class.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents Carefully

Most scholarships require different documents like transcripts, letters of recommendations, and personal statements. Look after these very carefully because they give the scholarship providers a clear perception other than grades.

Step 4: Write a Brilliant Personal Statement or Essay

This is where you get to explain why you deserve the scholarship regardless of whether you are not obtaining the highest degree classification. Highlight your passion, intended future, and what makes you different. Use real-life situations, achievements, and challenges overcome to develop an engaging story.

Step 5: Obtain Good Letters of Recommendation

Ask teachers, employers, or mentors who are familiar with your character and capabilities. Letters testifying about your work ethic, skills, and potential can be highly influential.

Step 6: Meet Deadlines and Instructions

Being early with applications is very important. Also, adhere to all instructions carefully to prevent disqualification.

Step 7: Prepare for Interviews

Interviews are required for certain scholarships. Prepare by rehearsing answers to typical questions and describing your career plans and motives for seeking this scholarship.

How Can You Make Your Application Stand Out Apart from Grades?

Since grades may not be your strongest point, your application must shine in other areas. These are how you can do it:

Professional Certifications: Adding certificates in project management, data analysis, digital marketing, or coding shows additional effort.

Work Experience: Describe how your work experience ties in with your area of study. Use real-life examples and accomplishments.

Volunteer Work: Show social or leadership influence. For instance, if you worked as a volunteer in an NGO, tell what you did and what happened.

Research and Publications: If you published articles, blogged, or presented a seminar, mention it.

Language Tests: Good TOEFL or IELTS scores can offset an average GPA.

Portfolio of Work: In the event that you are applying for artistic or technical careers, present evidence of your work.

Remember, scholarship assessors would prefer to invest in those who make a difference, not those with good school grades.

What Are the Preventable Scholarship Application Mistakes With Low Grades?

When applying for scholarships as a Second Class, HND, or Third Class holder, the majority of students commit avoidable mistakes that devalue their chances. The following are common blunders and how to avoid them:

Hiding your grade: Be honest. If someone asks you, say it and explain how you have progressed since then.

Copy-paste SOPs: Each application is unique. Adapt your essay for each scholarship.

Weak referees selection: Don’t choose a referee because of the position. Choose those who know you and can comment on your potential.

Waiting till the last minute: The applications that are handed in late normally have errors. Submit early to avoid disqualification.

Applying for a solitary or two scholarships only: That is not advisable. Increase your chances by applying widely.

Omission to showcase latest achievements: If you possess fresh courses or experience, make sure to highlight them.

Also Read – Fully Funded Bridge Scholarship 2025 for Nigerians | Application Guide

How to Stand Out in Your Scholarship Application Even with a Second Class, HND, or Third Class

What it takes to shine is to highlight the aspect that distinguishes you. Below are tips in action:

Speak with courage. Share your experience with honesty—what you struggled with, how you achieved success, and what you have accomplished since.

Determine your purpose. Scholarship boards like to invest in those who have a clear idea of what they are doing and where they are headed. Map a career path and describe how the scholarship will help you achieve it.

Emphasize impact. Describe how your education will benefit your field or community. For example, if you are applying for an agriculture scholarship, explain how you will utilize your education to better farm in your region.

Pride yourself. Don’t consider your grade a weakness. Instead, boast of it as a part of your comeback story and improvement.

Network. Connect with scholarship alumni on LinkedIn or social media. They can guide you and even endorse you.

If you employ excellent supporting documents, coherent narrative, and assertive demeanor, your application has a better chance of standing out—albeit with a lower grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a full scholarship if I have a Second Class Lower or Third Class?

It is possible, but not common. You tip the balance with a good match, open impact, and recent success. Apply widely. Include assistantships and departmental bursaries.

Is an HND accepted onto master’s?

Not always, but policies vary. Some colleges are direct. Others take a top-up, PGD, or pre-master’s. Always query the admissions staff.

How many applications should I submit?

Set a target of 12–18 well-matched applications at reach, match, and safe.

Do small scholarships matter?

Yes. They stack up. Little prizes can fund books, exams, or part of fees. They are also a useful thing to list on your CV.

Conclusion

Your degree classification doesn’t mean your fate. There are many with Second Class, HND, or even Third Class honors who have received scholarships, studied abroad, and gone on to have successful careers. What varies is how you market your application, when you begin preparing, and how wide your applications are.

This handbook has taken you through scholarship applications as a Second Class, Third Class, or HND degree holder step by step. Highlight your strengths, showcase your work experience, build your profile with qualifications, and tell your story confidently.

If you persist and submit extensively, your dream of studying with full or part sponsorship is still achievable—regardless of your grade.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Scholarships as a Second Class, HND, or Third Class Degree Holder

What Does Having a Second Class, HND, or Third Class Degree Actually Mean?

Do Second Class, HND, or Third Class Holders of Students Receive Scholarships?

Where Can You Get Scholarships That Will Accept Second Class, HND, or Third Class Degrees?