These are the 11 documents people usually prepare when applying for a postgraduate programme in Nigeria. Check each item against the official instructions for your application.
Academic documents
- First degree certificatePhotocopy, and original for sighting.
- Academic transcriptOften sent directly from your school to the new one. Request early.
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificateRequired by many schools.
- O-level resultsSome programmes ask for them.
Application pack
- Updated CVBuild one with the CV Builder.
- Statement of purpose or research proposalUse the Personal Statement Helper.
- Two or three recommendation lettersAsk referees early. Give them your CV and the deadline.
- Passport photographsRecent copies.
- Application fee receiptKeep proof of payment.
Identity
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Local government certificate or IDA valid ID such as NIN slip, passport or voter card.
Prepare your files
- Scan every page in colour at about 200 dpi and save as PDF.
- If a portal rejects a file for size, compress it to 200 KB or 500 KB.
- For photographs, resize the image to 50 KB or the limit the form states.
- Name files clearly, for example Surname-Certificate.pdf, and keep the originals safe.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a postgraduate programme in Nigeria?
Usually: first degree certificate, academic transcript, nysc discharge or exemption certificate, o-level results, and the other items on this list. Confirm the exact list with the organisation you are applying to.
Should I carry originals or copies?
Many places ask to see originals and keep photocopies. Bring both, and keep scanned copies on your phone or email in case a portal asks for uploads.
More checklists
Free tools you may need
Document Checklist
A tick-off list of the documents usually needed for admission, scholarships, visas, jobs and NYSC.
Personal Statement Helper
Step-by-step prompts for scholarship essays, statements of purpose and motivation letters, with word counts.
Scan to PDF
Scan paper with your camera or photos. Make a PDF, searchable PDF, Word file, text or JPG.
JPG to PDF
Combine multiple JPG or PNG images into a single PDF document.