Undergraduate Scholarships for Nigerian Students 2026: Requirements and How to Apply

Welcome to ScholarCareHub.com.ng, Here on this page, we share the latest information about the Undergraduate Scholarships for Nigerian Students 2026, including requirements, and how to apply.

Paying for university education in Nigeria can be challenging. Apart from tuition and school charges, students may also have to deal with accommodation, textbooks, transportation, internet access, feeding, devices and other academic expenses.

For some students, a scholarship can reduce part of that financial burden.

Undergraduate scholarships for Nigerian students are available from government agencies, universities, companies, foundations, non-governmental organisations and international institutions. However, these opportunities do not all work in the same way.

Some awards are based mainly on academic performance. Others consider financial need, course of study, disability, location, leadership, community involvement or other eligibility conditions. Some are available only to students already in university, while others may support students who are seeking admission.

This guide explains how undergraduate scholarships work, what Nigerian students should look for, common requirements, where to find genuine opportunities, how to prepare an application and how to avoid scholarship scams.

Important: Scholarship openings, deadlines, eligibility rules and award values can change from one application cycle to another. Always confirm the current information from the official scholarship provider before applying.

What Is an Undergraduate Scholarship?

An undergraduate scholarship is financial or educational support provided to a student studying toward a first tertiary qualification.

The support may be provided as money, tuition assistance, educational materials, accommodation support, training or another benefit specified by the scholarship provider.

The word scholarship does not automatically mean that every expense will be paid.

For example, one programme may provide a fixed annual educational award, while another may cover tuition or other approved expenses. An international scholarship may cover tuition and provide a stipend but leave the student responsible for travel or other costs.

That is why students should always read the official funding terms instead of relying only on the phrase "fully funded."

Types of Undergraduate Scholarships Available to Nigerian Students

There is no single scholarship programme that fits every Nigerian undergraduate. Different sponsors create awards for different purposes.

1. Government Scholarships

Government scholarship programmes may be offered by the Federal Government, state governments or foreign governments.

In Nigeria, the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) operates under the Federal Ministry of Education and is responsible for implementing several local and international scholarship and fellowship programmes for Nigerian students. Its mandate includes Nigerian awards and Bilateral Education Agreement opportunities.

The exact requirements depend on the particular programme and academic year.

For example, previous Federal Government scholarship advertisements have included requirements such as minimum CGPA, full-time study, admission evidence and other supporting documents. Those conditions should not be treated as permanent requirements for every future scholarship cycle.

2. University Scholarships

Universities may provide scholarships, bursaries or financial assistance to students.

Eligibility may be based on:

Academic performance
Financial need
Course of study
Leadership
Sporting ability
Disability
Location
Outstanding achievement
Special institutional criteria

If you already know the university you want to attend, check its official website for scholarships and financial-aid information.

3. Corporate Scholarships

Companies and corporate foundations sometimes support students through education and youth-development programmes.

One current example is the MTN Foundation Scholarship. MTN Foundation states that its scholarship programme supports eligible students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions through categories including Science and Technology, scholarships for blind students and the Top 10 UTME Scholarship. The published award is ₦300,000 annually, subject to the programme's conditions. MTN also states that the number of new scholarship opportunities was increased to 500 in 2026.

The important lesson is that a company scholarship should be judged by its actual eligibility requirements rather than by the company's name alone.

4. NGO and Foundation Scholarships

Foundations and non-governmental organisations may provide scholarships for specific groups of students.

A programme may target:

Students from low-income backgrounds
Female students
STEM students
Students with disabilities
Students from particular communities
Students with strong academic records
Students studying particular courses
Students with leadership or community-service experience

Always investigate the organisation behind the scholarship before providing personal information.

5. International Undergraduate Scholarships

Some foreign governments, universities and organisations offer funding to international students, including Nigerians.

However, an international scholarship is not necessarily fully funded.

For example, the Federal Ministry of Education has published information on international opportunities in which tuition and a stipend were covered while applicants were responsible for expenses such as airfare, accommodation and feeding.

Therefore, students should examine the funding section carefully before assuming that an award will cover all expenses.

6. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit scholarships usually place significant emphasis on achievement.

Selection may consider:

WAEC or NECO results
JAMB performance
CGPA
Academic competitions
Leadership
Projects
Awards
Other achievements

The definition of "merit" differs from one sponsor to another.

7. Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based programmes are designed partly around the student's financial circumstances.

Applicants may be asked to provide information or evidence relating to their financial situation.

Having strong grades does not automatically mean that an applicant will qualify if the programme has specific financial-need requirements.

8. Course-Specific Scholarships

Some scholarships are restricted to particular fields.

Examples may include:

Medicine
Nursing
Engineering
Computer Science
Information Technology
Agriculture
Mathematics
Environmental Sciences
Education
Law
Business
Other STEM-related courses

Never assume that your course is eligible simply because a scholarship is advertised as an undergraduate opportunity.

Who Can Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships?

There is no universal eligibility rule.

Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need to be:

Nigerian citizens
Newly admitted students
Current undergraduates
Students at a particular academic level
Students in public tertiary institutions
Students studying particular courses
Students from a particular state or community
Students with a specified CGPA
Students who meet a particular age requirement
Students with demonstrated financial need
Students with disabilities or other specified characteristics

One scholarship may accept 100-level students, while another may be restricted to 200-level or 300-level students.

This is why the most important rule is simple:

Do not apply based on the scholarship title alone. Read the complete eligibility criteria.

Common Requirements for Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarship requirements vary, but Nigerian students may commonly be asked to provide some of the following.

Academic Documents

Depending on the scholarship, these may include:

WAEC or NECO result
JAMB result
Admission letter
School identification card
Academic transcript
Recent examination result
CGPA record
Other academic certificates

Do not upload every document you have unless the scholarship provider requests them.

Personal Information

You may be asked for:

Full name
Date of birth
Phone number
Email address
Residential address
State of origin
Local Government Area
Institution
Course of study
Academic level

Make sure the information is consistent with your official records.

Identification Documents

Some programmes may request identification information or documents such as:

National Identification Number
International passport
Birth certificate
Voter's card
Other accepted identification

The exact requirement depends on the scholarship.

Financial Information

A need-based scholarship may ask questions about your financial circumstances or request supporting evidence.

Do not falsify financial information to make your application appear stronger.

Recommendation or Reference

Some scholarship providers may require references from people such as:

Lecturers
Teachers
School administrators
Employers
Community leaders

If references are required, follow the sponsor's instructions carefully.

Do You Need a Very High CGPA to Get a Scholarship?

Not always.

Academic performance is important for many scholarship programmes, but it is not the only possible selection factor.

Some programmes focus on financial need. Others may be designed for students studying specific courses, students with disabilities, students from particular communities, or students with particular achievements.

For example, MTN Foundation's scholarship programme has different categories with different eligibility conditions rather than one academic requirement for every applicant.

Therefore, do not automatically reject a scholarship because your CGPA is not exceptionally high.

Instead, ask:

Does my profile meet this particular scholarship's requirements?

What Can an Undergraduate Scholarship Cover?

Scholarship benefits vary considerably.

Possible benefit	What it may provide
Tuition support	Full or partial approved tuition
Educational allowance	Money for approved educational expenses
Books	Textbooks or learning materials
Accommodation	Housing support where specified
Living allowance	Support for selected living expenses
Laptop or equipment	Academic or technical equipment
Mentorship	Guidance from professionals
Training	Academic or career development
Internship	Practical experience where included
Networking	Access to professional or alumni communities

A scholarship does not automatically provide all these benefits.

Before applying, look for a clear description of:

What the sponsor pays.
What the student receives.
How often the payment is made.
How long the award lasts.
What conditions must be maintained.
Which expenses remain the student's responsibility.

Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships

The difference is important.

Fully Funded Scholarship

A fully funded programme may cover several major expenses, depending on its official terms.

This can include combinations of:

Tuition
Accommodation
Living allowance
Travel
Health insurance
Books or study materials

But fully funded does not have one universal definition.

Always read the sponsor's official funding breakdown.

Partially Funded Scholarship

A partially funded scholarship covers only selected expenses.

For example, a programme might provide:

A tuition contribution
A fixed educational allowance
Accommodation assistance
A one-time payment

The student may still have to pay other costs.

The rule to remember

Never calculate your expected personal expenses from the scholarship title. Calculate them from the official benefits and conditions.

Where Can Nigerian Students Find Genuine Undergraduate Scholarships?

Finding scholarships is not simply about searching Google for "free money."

You need to identify the sponsor and verify the opportunity.

1. Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Scholarship Board

The Federal Scholarship Board is one of the official Nigerian sources students should monitor for government scholarship announcements.

The Federal Ministry of Education currently lists the FSB's responsibilities and scholarship divisions, including Nigerian Awards and Bilateral Education Agreement programmes.

Federal Scholarship Board — Federal Ministry of Education

2. University Websites

Visit the official website of the university you attend or plan to attend.

Look for sections such as:

Scholarships
Financial aid
Bursary
Student support
Student affairs

Do not rely on an unofficial social-media post when the university has not confirmed the information.

3. Company and Foundation Websites

If a company announces a scholarship, go directly to the company's official website.

For example, MTN publishes its scholarship information on its official website.

MTN Foundation Scholarships

4. Government and Foreign Scholarship Websites

For international scholarships, check the website of:

The foreign government
The university
The official scholarship organisation
The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education where it is acting as a nominating agency

5. Scholarship Directories

Scholarship directories can help you discover opportunities quickly.

However, treat them as discovery tools, not automatically as the final authority.

If a directory says an application is open, verify it on the sponsor's official website before submitting your documents.

A Better Way to Search for Scholarships

Instead of applying randomly, create a scholarship tracking system.

For every opportunity you find, record:

Information	What to record
Scholarship name	Official name
Sponsor	Organisation providing the award
Academic level	100 level, 200 level, etc.
Course	Eligible fields
Institution	Eligible institutions
Location	Nigeria or overseas
Eligibility	Main requirements
Benefits	Exactly what is covered
Opening date	When applications begin
Deadline	Final submission date
Official link	Sponsor's website
Status	Not started, preparing, submitted or closed

This simple system can prevent you from missing deadlines or repeatedly researching the same scholarship.

How to Apply for an Undergraduate Scholarship

The exact application process differs, but the following approach works for many programmes.

Step 1: Find a Scholarship That Matches You

Consider:

Your course
Academic level
Institution
Academic performance
Location
Financial circumstances
Age
Other eligibility conditions

Do not apply simply because the scholarship offers a large amount of money.

Step 2: Read the Official Eligibility Criteria

Check:

Nationality
Age
Academic requirements
Course requirements
Institution requirements
Academic level
Required documents
Application deadline
Application method

If you fail one mandatory requirement, applying may be a waste of time.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Create a folder containing your important documents.

Use clear copies and make sure your names are consistent.

If your name differs across important documents, resolve the issue or follow the scholarship provider's instructions before submitting.

Step 4: Prepare Your Written Responses

If the scholarship asks for an essay or personal statement, answer the actual question.

Avoid writing a generic essay and submitting the same version everywhere.

Step 5: Complete the Form Carefully

Check every section before moving to the next stage.

Pay particular attention to:

Email address
Phone number
Course
Institution
Academic level
Examination results
Identification information

Step 6: Review Your Uploads

Before submitting, confirm that:

The files open properly.
The documents are readable.
The correct documents were uploaded.
The file sizes meet the requirements.
Nothing mandatory is missing.

Step 7: Submit Through the Official Channel

Use the official application portal or method specified by the scholarship provider.

Do not send sensitive documents to random WhatsApp numbers simply because someone claims to be a scholarship agent.

Step 8: Save Proof of Application

Keep:

Application number
Confirmation page
Confirmation email
Login details
Submitted documents
Important correspondence

These may become important if you are shortlisted.

How to Write a Strong Scholarship Application

A strong application should show evidence rather than simply make claims.

For example, saying:

"I am a great leader."

is weaker than explaining what you actually did.

Instead, describe a real situation:

What problem did you identify?
What action did you take?
Who benefited?
What changed?
What did you learn?

The same principle applies to community service.

Instead of writing:

"I love helping my community."

Explain the actual activity, your responsibility and the result.

A useful structure for scholarship essays

When appropriate, organise your answer around:

Background → Challenge → Action → Result → Future Goal

This helps the reader understand your story without filling the essay with unnecessary information.

Critical Mistakes Nigerian Students Should Avoid

1. Applying Without Checking Eligibility

Do not apply just because the scholarship is advertised as "for Nigerian students."

Check the specific requirements.

2. Using False Information

Never alter:

Examination results
CGPA
Age
Financial information
Course
Institution
Other important details

False information can lead to disqualification or withdrawal of an award.

3. Copying Someone Else's Essay

Your application should represent your own experiences.

Copied statements may also fail to answer the specific question being asked.

4. Uploading the Wrong Documents

Double-check every file before submission.

5. Waiting Until the Deadline

Technical problems, internet interruptions and heavy traffic can affect online applications.

Submit early whenever possible.

6. Ignoring the Instructions

If the sponsor requests a particular format, follow it.

If the application requires a specific number of references, do not submit fewer or more without permission.

7. Applying Multiple Times When It Is Prohibited

Some scholarship programmes specifically prohibit duplicate applications.

For example, previous Federal Scholarship Board application guidelines have warned that double applications can lead to disqualification.

Always read the current rules before submitting.

How to Identify a Fake Scholarship

Scholarship scams often target students who are actively searching for financial assistance.

Be cautious when an opportunity:

Guarantees that everyone will be selected.
Claims you have already won without applying.
Demands unusual payments.
Uses an unverifiable organisation.
Has no official website or identifiable sponsor.
Pressures you to act immediately.
Requests sensitive information unnecessarily.
Sends you to a suspicious domain.
Uses a personal bank account for supposed official fees.
Cannot explain its selection process.

A simple verification method

Before applying:

Step 1: Identify the organisation behind the scholarship.

Step 2: Search for its official website yourself.

Step 3: Check whether the scholarship appears on that official website.

Step 4: Compare the requirements, deadline and application link.

Step 5: Only then submit your information.

Do not assume that a scholarship is genuine because many people have shared it on WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram or another social platform.

Can You Apply for More Than One Scholarship?

Generally, students can apply for multiple scholarships if they meet the requirements of each programme.

However, receiving multiple awards can be different from applying for multiple awards.

Some sponsors may restrict applicants who already hold another scholarship or may require disclosure of existing financial support.

Therefore:

Applying for several scholarships is not automatically the same as being allowed to receive several awards.

Read the conditions of each programme.

Can Newly Admitted Students Apply?

Yes, but only when the scholarship accepts newly admitted students.

Some programmes are designed for students who have already started university, while others may accept students who have recently received admission.

Check whether the scholarship requires:

An admission letter
Current student ID
A minimum academic level
A particular CGPA
Proof of registration

Do not assume that every undergraduate scholarship accepts freshers.

Can Polytechnic and College of Education Students Apply?

Some scholarships cover students in universities only.

Others cover a broader group of tertiary institutions.

For example, MTN Foundation's published scholarship information includes eligible students in public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for specified categories.

The important point is to check the institution category listed in the specific scholarship's eligibility criteria.

What About Scholarships to Study Abroad?

Nigerian students can find undergraduate opportunities outside Nigeria, but the conditions can be very different from local scholarships.

Before applying, check:

Country
University
Eligible nationality
Academic requirements
English-language requirements
Tuition coverage
Accommodation
Living allowance
Travel coverage
Health insurance
Visa-related costs
Personal expenses

Do not confuse undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships

A common mistake is applying for a famous scholarship without checking the academic level.

For example, Chevening is not an undergraduate scholarship. Chevening states that its awards are for eligible taught master's degrees, and applicants must already hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for postgraduate study.

This is why every scholarship should be checked for its academic level before you begin the application.

How to Improve Your Scholarship Search

There is no guaranteed formula for winning a scholarship.

However, you can make yourself better prepared.

1. Start early

Do not wait until school fees are due before searching.

2. Maintain a document folder

Keep clear copies of your:

Academic results
Admission documents
Identification documents
Certificates
Awards
CV
Other commonly requested documents

3. Improve your writing

Learn how to explain your:

Academic goals
Career plans
Leadership experience
Community involvement
Challenges
Achievements

4. Build evidence

If you participate in:

Volunteer work
Student organisations
Community projects
Competitions
Research
Entrepreneurship
Leadership activities

keep records of your participation and achievements.

5. Follow official sources

Scholarship information can change.

The organisation offering the award should normally be your final source for:

Eligibility
Deadline
Benefits
Application link
Selection process
Required documents

A Practical Scholarship Application Checklist

Before submitting an application, ask yourself:

Eligibility

Am I the required nationality?
Am I at the required academic level?
Is my course eligible?
Is my institution eligible?
Do I meet the academic requirement?
Do I meet the age requirement if one exists?

Documents

Do I have my required academic documents?
Is my admission evidence available if required?
Are my identification documents correct?
Are all files readable?

Application

Did I answer every mandatory question?
Did I follow the required format?
Did I use accurate information?
Did I review my personal statement?
Did I use the official application portal?

Final check

Did I submit before the deadline?
Did I receive confirmation?
Did I save my application number?
Do I know how to check for future updates?

What to Do After Submitting a Scholarship Application

Submitting an application does not necessarily mean you have been selected.

Depending on the programme, the next stages may include:

Application screening
Shortlisting
Document verification
Aptitude test
Interview
Final selection
Award confirmation
Acceptance or onboarding

Not every scholarship uses all these stages.

Continue monitoring the official communication channel specified by the sponsor.

Do not pay someone who claims they can "guarantee" your selection after submission.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes. Scholarship eligibility requirements, application deadlines, award amounts, number of recipients, funding coverage and selection procedures may change from one programme or application cycle to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best undergraduate scholarship for Nigerian students?

There is no single scholarship that is suitable for every Nigerian student.

The relevant opportunity depends on your academic level, course, institution, eligibility and the benefits offered by the sponsor.

Are there undergraduate scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026?

Yes. Government agencies, companies, universities, foundations and international organisations continue to publish scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students. However, each programme has its own opening period and deadline.

The Federal Ministry of Education currently publishes scholarship information and opportunities through its official channels.

How much can an undergraduate scholarship pay?

There is no universal amount.

For example, the Federal Ministry of Education currently lists a revised ₦450,000 undergraduate award under the Nigerian Scholarship Award and Education Bursary Award framework, while MTN Foundation lists ₦300,000 annual scholarships for eligible students in specified categories. These figures belong to particular programmes and should not be interpreted as the standard amount for all Nigerian scholarships.

Are all undergraduate scholarships fully funded?

No.

Some scholarships cover several major expenses, while others provide only partial financial support.

Always read the official benefits.

Other programmes may require applicants to already be enrolled and have completed one or more academic sessions.

Is Chevening an undergraduate scholarship?

No. Chevening scholarships are for eligible taught master's degrees, not undergraduate study.

Final Advice for Nigerian Undergraduate Students

Finding a scholarship is not just about searching for the largest amount of money.

A scholarship that appears attractive may not cover the expenses you actually need, while a smaller award may provide useful support for tuition, books or other academic costs.

Before applying, check five things carefully:

Eligibility → Benefits → Deadline → Official application channel → Selection conditions

Do not submit an application simply because somebody forwarded a scholarship advert to you.

Verify the sponsor.

Read the official requirements.

Prepare your documents.

Answer questions honestly.

Submit through the correct channel.

And keep your application records after submission.

For Nigerian students, the Federal Scholarship Board and other official government channels can be useful starting points, while universities, companies, foundations and international scholarship providers may offer additional opportunities.

ScholarCareHub.Com.Ng can help students discover and understand scholarship opportunities, but important details should always be confirmed with the organisation providing the scholarship.

The goal is not to apply for every scholarship you find. The goal is to identify opportunities that genuinely match your qualifications and circumstances and submit a complete, honest and carefully prepared application.