Introduction

Paying for education can be tough, whether you’re a high school student getting ready for university, an undergrad trying to cover tuition and living costs, or a grad student seeking funding for a master’s or PhD. This guide covers the best scholarship opportunities in Nigeria 2026 have to offer, from secondary school through PhD level.

The good news is that scholarship opportunities in Nigeria come from different sources, including government agencies, universities, foundations, telecommunications companies, energy companies, and international organizations.

For 2026, students should look beyond a single type of scholarship. Some opportunities support students studying in Nigerian institutions, while others fund Nigerians pursuing postgraduate education abroad.

The Federal Ministry of Education, for example, currently publishes scholarship announcements for Nigerian students, including undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities in 2026.

In this guide, you’ll find 10+ scholarship opportunities and scholarship categories to investigate, together with information about eligibility, education level, funding, application requirements, and where to verify the latest deadline.

Important: Scholarship deadlines and eligibility requirements can change. Always confirm the current information on the scholarship provider’s official website before applying.

What Are Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria in 2026?

Scholarships are financial awards provided to students to support their education. Depending on the program, funding may cover part or all of tuition, provide a stipend, or support specific educational expenses.

Scholarships can be:

• Merit-based
• Need-based
• Academic-performance based
• Field-of-study specific
• State or community-based
• Corporate sponsored
• Government funded
• University funded
• International

A scholarship does not necessarily mean that all educational expenses are covered. Always check exactly what the award provides.

Types of Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria

Understanding the different categories can make it easier to find opportunities that match your situation.

Government Scholarships

Government-funded scholarships may be available through federal or state institutions.

The Federal Ministry of Education operates the Federal Scholarship Board, which handles national scholarship-related programs.

Corporate Scholarships

Companies operating in Nigeria also support education through scholarship programs.

Examples include programs associated with organizations such as MTN and Shell.

MTN’s 2026 scholarship program includes awards for eligible students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions, including STEM students and blind students, while its Top 10 UTME scholarship targets the highest-scoring UTME candidates identified by JAMB.

University Scholarships

Universities may provide scholarships, tuition support, or other financial assistance to students based on academic performance, financial circumstances, course of study, or other criteria.

Foundation and NGO Scholarships

Foundations and nonprofit organizations may provide education funding to students who meet specific academic, financial, or community-related requirements.

International Scholarships for Nigerians

Some international governments, universities, and organizations offer scholarships to Nigerian students for study outside Nigeria.

10+ Ultimate Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria for 2026

The following opportunities and categories can form the core of your scholarship search.

Editorial recommendation: For publication, verify each opportunity’s 2026 status directly with the official provider. Do not label an opportunity “open” simply because a previous year’s program existed.

1. Federal Government Scholarship Opportunities

The Federal Ministry of Education publishes national scholarship information through its official channels and the Federal Scholarship Board.

The ministry’s website currently lists scholarship announcements covering different study levels and countries.

Study level: Varies
Provider: Federal Government/Federal Ministry of Education
Eligibility: Depends on the specific program
Application: Verify through the official Federal Ministry of Education/Scholarship Board announcement.

2. Nigerian Scholarship Award

The Federal Government’s Nigerian Scholarship Award has previously supported eligible students studying in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.

The published Federal Scholarship Board guidelines for the 2024/2025 cycle included undergraduate and postgraduate eligibility requirements and specified fields including science and technology, medicine, education, agriculture, social/management sciences, ICT, environmental sciences, and law.

Study level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Provider: Federal Government of Nigeria
Eligibility: Programme-specific
Important: Check the latest Federal Scholarship Board announcement for the 2026 cycle.

3. Education Bursary Award

The Education Bursary Award is another Federal Scholarship Board program that has supported eligible students studying education in Nigerian universities and colleges of education.

The published 2024/2025 guidelines required applicants to be full-time education students.

Study level: Tertiary
Field: Education
Provider: Federal Government of Nigeria

4. MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship

The MTN Foundation’s scholarship program supports eligible students studying in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.

For 2026, MTN states that the programme awards N300,000 annually, with awards renewable through graduation when recipients satisfy the applicable academic and programme requirements.

Study level: Undergraduate
Fields: Science, technology, engineering, mathematics and specified medical studies
Provider: MTN Foundation
Eligibility: Varies by level, institution, and course

5. MTN Scholarship for Blind Students

This program supports eligible blind students studying at Nigerian public tertiary institutions.

MTN states that the scholarship is available to eligible students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Study level: Undergraduate/tertiary
Provider: MTN Foundation
Target group: Eligible blind students

6. MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship

The MTN Foundation also operates a scholarship for the top 10 UTME candidates identified by JAMB.

The scholarship can continue from the 100 level through graduation, subject to the stated requirements.

Study level: Undergraduate
Eligibility: Top 10 UTME candidates as specified by the program
Provider: MTN Foundation

7. NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship

Shell’s NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship supports young Nigerian undergraduates studying relevant courses in Nigerian universities. Shell reports that hundreds of students have benefited from the program.

Study level: Undergraduate
Provider: NNPC/SNEPCo
Target: Eligible Nigerian university students

8. NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship

Shell’s 2026 postgraduate scholarship supports eligible Nigerians pursuing selected one-year master’s programs at the University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University.

Shell states that eligible areas include programs such as data science and AI, engineering, geophysics, petroleum geoscience, and related fields.

Study level: Master’s
Study location: United Kingdom
Provider: NNPC/SNEPCo
Important: Eligibility includes specific academic, age, English-language, and admission requirements.

Scholarships for Secondary School Students in Nigeria

Secondary school students should not assume that every scholarship is designed for university students.

Some education programs specifically support younger learners.

9. Shell Cradle-to-Career Scholarship

Shell describes its Cradle-to-Career program as supporting pupils from public primary schools and enabling selected students to attend secondary schools.

Target: Younger Nigerian students
Provider: Shell/SNEPCo
Eligibility: Program-specific

10. Secondary School Scholarship Schemes

Shell also describes secondary-school scholarship support as part of its education programs in Nigeria.

Target: Secondary school students
Provider: Program-specific
Status: Verify current application availability before publication.

Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria

Undergraduate students have access to several categories of scholarships.

Search specifically for:

• Undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria
• University scholarships
• STEM scholarships
• Corporate scholarships
• State government scholarships
• Scholarships for students with disabilities
• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based scholarships

Some corporate programs have strict requirements concerning year of study, course, CGPA, and institution. MTN’s current scholarship information is an example of how specific these requirements can be.

Master’s Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Master’s students can search for both Nigerian and international opportunities.

Common funding sources include:

• Government scholarship programs
• Corporate scholarships
• University scholarships
• International government scholarships
• Foundation scholarships
• Research funding

For example, Shell’s 2026 postgraduate program supports selected master’s courses at participating UK universities.

PhD Scholarships for Nigerians

PhD students should search specifically for programs that support:

• Doctoral tuition
• Research expenses
• Living costs
• Travel
• Academic conferences
• Research equipment

Some scholarships are fully funded, while others cover only specific expenses.

The Federal Ministry of Education has also published information about international postgraduate scholarship opportunities, including programs involving doctoral study.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students

The phrase “fully funded” can mean different things depending on the provider.

A fully funded scholarship may cover some combination of:

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Living allowance
• Travel
• Books
• Research expenses
• Health insurance

However, students should never assume that “fully funded” means every personal expense is covered.

Always read the official scholarship terms.

Government Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria

Government scholarship opportunities can come from different levels.

Federal Government Scholarships

Check the Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Scholarship Board for official announcements.

State Government Scholarships

Students should also check their state’s scholarship board or education ministry.

Possible search terms include:

• Lagos State scholarship
• Kano State scholarship
• Kaduna State scholarship
• Rivers State scholarship
• Oyo State scholarship
• Ogun State scholarship
• Anambra State scholarship

Local Government and Community Scholarships

Some opportunities may be restricted to students from a particular state, local government area or community.

Check the eligibility definition carefully before applying.

Scholarship Opportunities by Field of Study

Students can also narrow their search according to their course.

Scholarships for Science Students

Look for opportunities in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Environmental science

Many science and STEM-focused scholarships—including MTN Foundation’s Science and Technology Scholarship and several university merit awards—place heavy weight on your WAEC and JAMB results, particularly in core subjects like physics. A weak grade here can quietly disqualify an otherwise strong application before eligibility is even reviewed.

If physics has been a challenge, it’s worth tackling before scholarship deadlines approach rather than after. Our Ultimate Physics Study Plan for JAMB and WAEC 2027: Proven F to A Guide walks through a structured, exam-focused approach to turning weak physics grades into strong ones—exactly the kind of academic improvement that can make the difference between meeting a scholarship’s minimum requirements and missing them.

Scholarships for Engineering Students

Possible areas include:

• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Petroleum engineering

Scholarships for Medical Students

Search for opportunities supporting:

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Medical laboratory science
• Other health-related programs

Scholarships for Technology Students

Technology-focused scholarships may support:

• Computer science
• Software engineering
• Artificial intelligence
• Data science
• Information technology
• Cybersecurity

Who Can Apply for Scholarships in Nigeria?

Eligibility depends on the scholarship.

Secondary School Students

Requirements may include:

• School enrollment
• Academic performance
• Age
• State/community eligibility
• Financial need

Scholarship eligibility for secondary school programs, like Shell’s Cradle-to-Career initiative, often depends on consistent performance across several terms—not just one strong exam. If you’re putting in hours of study but the material isn’t sticking, our Study for Hours but Still Forget? 10 Ultimate Smart Tools That Help You Remember More breaks down proven memory and retention techniques that can help turn study time into lasting results.

Undergraduate Students

Requirements may include:

• Nigerian citizenship
• Admission into an eligible institution
• Specific year of study
• Minimum CGPA
• Approved course or field

Master’s Students

Requirements may include:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Academic classification
• University admission
• Age limits
• Work or research experience

PhD Students

Requirements may include:

• Master’s degree
• Research proposal
• Academic qualifications
• University admission
• Research area requirements

Common Scholarship Requirements in Nigeria

Before starting applications, prepare commonly requested documents.

These may include:

• Academic results
• Transcript
• Admission letter
• Student identification
• National identification documents
• Passport photograph
• Recommendation letter
• Personal statement
• Scholarship essay
• Certificate of origin or indigene documentation
• Proof of enrollment

Not every scholarship requires all of these.

How to Apply for Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria

Step 1: Find Scholarships That Match Your Level

Don’t apply randomly. Start with your education level, course, and eligibility.

Step 2: Read the Eligibility Requirements

Check:

• Age
• Institution
• Course
• CGPA
• Nationality
• State of origin
• Year of study

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Keep digital copies of your academic and identification documents ready.

Step 4: Complete the Official Application

Use the application portal specified by the scholarship provider.

Step 5: Review Your Application

Check names, dates, grades, contact details, and uploaded documents.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Don’t wait until the final day.

Step 7: Save Your Application Details

Keep your application number, confirmation email, and relevant documents.

How to Find Legitimate Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria

Scholarship scams can make students vulnerable to financial loss and identity theft.

Before applying:

Check the Official Provider.

Look for the scholarship on the organization’s official website.

Verify the application URL.

Be cautious of websites that imitate government agencies, universities, or companies.

Check the Requirements

A legitimate scholarship should clearly explain eligibility and application procedures.

Be Careful With Payment Requests

A scholarship that asks for unusual payments should be investigated carefully before you provide money or personal information.

Don’t Submit False Information

Incorrect information can lead to disqualification or other consequences.

Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common problems:

1. Applying for scholarships you don’t qualify for.
2. Missing application deadlines.
3. Uploading incomplete documents.
4. Entering incorrect academic information.
5. Ignoring essay instructions.
6. Using unofficial application websites.
7. Waiting until the deadline to apply.
8. Failing to check your email after submitting.
9. Assuming every scholarship covers all expenses.
10. Applying without checking the scholarship’s current status.

How to Improve Your Scholarship Application

There is no guaranteed formula for winning a scholarship, but you can make your application stronger by:

• Following every instruction carefully.
• Presenting accurate academic information.
• Explaining your educational goals clearly.
• Highlighting relevant achievements.
• Preparing your documents early.
• Applying only where you meet the eligibility requirements.
• Submitting before the deadline.

Scholarship Application Calendar for Nigerian Students

Because scholarship deadlines change, a live table is more useful than publishing dates that may quickly become outdated.

Editorial note: Update this table whenever an official provider announces a new application window.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria

What scholarships are available in Nigeria in 2026?

Scholarship opportunities may be available through government agencies, companies, universities, foundations, and international organizations. Availability changes throughout the year, so students should check official sources for current application windows.

How can I get a scholarship in Nigeria?

Start by identifying scholarships that match your education level, course, academic qualifications, and other eligibility requirements. Then prepare the required documents and apply through the official application channel.

Can secondary school students get scholarships in Nigeria?

Yes. Some scholarship and education programs specifically support younger students, although eligibility varies significantly between programs.

Can university students apply for scholarships?

Yes. Many Nigerian scholarship programs specifically target undergraduate students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Are there PhD scholarships for Nigerians?

Yes. Nigerian students can find doctoral funding through government, university, foundation, and international scholarship programs.

Are all Nigerian scholarships fully funded?

No. Some provide full funding, while others provide a fixed award or cover particular educational expenses.

What documents are needed for a scholarship application?

Requirements vary, but applicants may need academic results, transcripts, identification, admission information, recommendation letters, and personal statements.

How do I know whether a scholarship is legitimate?

Verify the opportunity through the scholarship provider’s official website and carefully check the eligibility requirements, application procedure, and official contact information.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Scholarship Search Early

There are scholarship opportunities available across different levels of education, from secondary school programs to undergraduate, master’s, and PhD funding.

The key is not simply finding a scholarship. It is finding a scholarship whose requirements match your education level, academic background, course, location, and financial needs.

For 2026, students should regularly monitor official scholarship providers because new opportunities can appear throughout the academic year. The Federal Ministry of Education, for example, continues to publish scholarship announcements and international opportunities for Nigerian applicants.

Bookmark this page and check the official provider before applying, especially for deadlines and eligibility changes.