Scholarships for Nigerian Students 2025/2026: Opportunities and How to Apply

The prospect of securing scholarship funds for Nigerian students in 2025/2026 will be a game changer for secondary school students as well as postgraduates and undergraduates who are facing the high cost of education. These scholarships cover the cost of tuition, accommodation, and, sometimes, living expenses, which allows students to attend top universities such as the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), and Covenant University. This guide offers in-depth information on scholarships and eligibility requirements, applications, the steps to apply, and suggestions to increase your chances of winning. If you’re looking for merit-based, need-based, or course-specific awards, universities. ng gives the most recent information on JAMB’s specifications, cut-off marks, and deadlines for scholarship applications to guide you through your academic journey.

Why Apply for Scholarships in Nigeria?

Scholarships help ease the financial burden of a university education. This is vital in Nigeria, where tuition fees at private institutions such as Babcock University can be as high as N500,000 per year. They are awarded for the best in academics and leadership as well as financial needs, making high-quality education available. Additionally, they can enhance your CV and open the door to opportunities in the international market and help you connect to professional networks. In Nigeria’s highly competitive job market that is ranked, a degree at an institution such as the University of Ibadan (UI) through a scholarship could make you stand out.

Benefits of Scholarships

• Financial relief covers tuition, lodging, or allowances.
• Access to Top Universities: Study at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) or University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
• Career Enhancement Increases the chances of employment by awarding high-profile distinctions.
• International Exposure: Certain scholarships help students study in other countries.
• Skills Development The concept of leadership and networking opportunities.

Top Scholarship Opportunities for Nigerian Students in 2026

Below are 10 top scholarships in 2026 that are specifically designed for Nigerian students from all the academic and discipline levels. Each scholarship includes eligibility information, benefits, and application dates. Always confirm the details on universities.ng.

1. MTN Foundation Scholarship

The MTN Foundation Scholarship assists students who are highly-performing Nigerian undergraduates studying in higher education institutions that are public. It offers assistance in the form of financial aid, and also promotes the highest academic standards.
It targets students from sciences and technology areas in polytechnics, universities as well as colleges of higher education. The recipients also receive mentoring and career assistance programs.

• Goal: Students in undergraduate science and technology courses (e.g., computer science, engineering).
• Eligibility The minimum requirement is a CGPA of 3.5/5.0 or second-class upper student at the 200 level and JAMB scores above 200.
• Benefits: N200,000 annually to pay for tuition, books, and stipends.
• Application Period: June-July 2026.

Application Procedure Apply online through MTN’s portal. Submit JAMB results as well as transcripts, essays, and other documents.

2. NNPC/Chevron Scholarship

The NNPC/Chevron Scholarship provides financial assistance to exceptional Nigerian students, especially students studying engineering and science courses. The goal is to eliminate the financial burden on students and to encourage them to be successful academically. The scholarship makes up Chevron’s social responsibility to create future leaders.

• The target is 200-level students in geology, engineering, or medicine.
• Eligibility: 5 O-Level credits (including English and Mathematics), CGPA of 3.5/5.0.
• Benefits The full tuition coverage and a stipend of N150,000.
• Application Period: May-June 2026.

What you need to do Apply on Chevron’s website. The application process requires letters of recommendation and an aptitude test.

3. Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship

Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship Agbami Scholarship is specifically designed to help students studying medical and engineering fields. It is designed to help develop experts in crucial fields.
The scholarship will cover tuition, housing, as well as other academic expenses. It is one of the biggest private sector initiatives for education in Nigeria.

• Target: Students in Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, or Engineering.
• Eligibility: O-Level credits and a JAMB score of more than 200, with a CGPA of at least 3.0/5.0.
• Benefits: N100,000-N200,000 annually.
• Application Period: April-May 2026.

Methods to Apply Apply via the Agbami portal along with academic documents.

4. PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship

This Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships assist Nigerian students pursuing related to oil and gas at accredited universities. The scholarship provides complete financial aid, including the cost of tuition and living costs. The aim is to develop talent that can contribute to the energy sector in Nigeria.

• Goal: Students studying petroleum engineering, geology, or similar areas.
• Eligibility: 200-level students, five O-Level credits, and a JAMB score above 180.
• Benefits: Accommodation, tuition, and N150,000 stipend.
• Application Period: July-August 2026.

What is the process to apply? Apply online through the PTDF’s website. It includes an aptitude test and an interview.

5. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Founded by Jim Ovia, this scholarship helps Nigerian youngsters by assisting with costs for tuition and other educational expenses for students who are talented. It is focused on creating an elite group of future leaders who can aid in the development of Nigeria. Many students have received the scholarship since its beginning.

• The target undergraduates are from any discipline that is leadership-oriented.
• Eligibility A score of 200+ in JAMB O-Level credits and proof of financial need.
• Benefits Accommodation and tuition for the entire degree.
• Application Period: May-June 2026.
• What you need to do Apply through Jim Ovia’s site with essays and letters of recommendation.

6. Shell SPDC JV Scholarship

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) JV Scholarship provides financial assistance towards Nigerian students, with a focus on leadership and academic performance. It is available to students of all disciplines at Nigerian universities. The scholarship encourages education and the development of communities.

• Target: Undergraduates in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or Social Sciences.
• Inadmissibility: CGPA of 3.5/5.0 and 5 O-Level credits.
• Benefits: N150,000 annually.
• Application Period: June-July 2026.

Application Process: online application along with academic documents and test.

7. Federal Government Scholarship (BEA)

Federal Government Scholarship (BEA) The Federal Government Scholarship (BEA) Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship is financed through the Federal Government, offering Nigerians the opportunity to study abroad via collaboration with other nations. It provides accommodation, tuition and living expenses for successful applicants. Countries like Russia, China, and Hungary are among the countries that participate in the program.

• Goal: Postgraduates and undergraduates for study abroad.
• Affiliation: CGPA of 4.0/5.0, O-Level credits, and a JAMB score of 220+.
• Benefits Includes full tuition as well as travel and living allowances for overseas travel.
• Application Period: January-March 2026.

How to apply – Apply through the Federal Ministry of Education portal.

8. Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship

The Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship named after an activist for human rights, this award assists indigent but brilliant Nigerian students who are pursuing higher education. It is designed to provide students with equal opportunity to those who come from low-income families. Candidates are chosen on the basis of academic excellence as well as financial requirements.

• The target is indigent undergraduates from any discipline.
• Eligibility Eligibility: Evidence that you have financial needs and a CGPA of 3.0/5.0.
• Benefits: N100,000 annually.
• Application Period: July-August 2026.

What to do Apply at designated locations with the proof of financial need.

9. Lagos State Scholarship

The Lagos State Scholarship Board provides the opportunity to help indigenes from Lagos State pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. It assists in reducing the burden of tuition costs for students who are deserving. This scheme is part of the state’s commitment to the empowerment of youth.

• Goal: Indigenes of Lagos State in any discipline.
• Eligibility: O-Level credit scores of 200 or more on the JAMB and a Lagos indigene certificate.
• Benefits: Tuition and a stipend of N200,000.
• Application Period: June-July 2026.

Application Procedure How to Apply: Apply on the Lagos State Scholarship Board portal.

10. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a full source of support for gifted academically however financially poor students to attend the top universities around the world. It includes tuition, housing and personal expenses. It also promotes the development of leadership and community involvement.

• Goal: Students and postgraduates with potential for leadership.
• The criteria for eligibility: CGPA of 3.5/5.0 and financial need, as well as a community service record.
• Benefits Full tuition and accommodation, as well as international possibilities.
• Application Period: March-May 2026.

Application Process Apply via partner universities such as UNILAG and ABU.

Universities Offering Scholarships

Many Nigerian universities collaborate with scholarship companies. The top institutions include

• University of Ibadan (UI): Offers MTN and Agbami scholarships.
• University of Lagos (UNILAG): Hosts Mastercard and Jim Ovia scholarships.
• Covenant University: Helps Jim Ovia and private donor grants.
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): Partners with NNPC/Chevron and PTDF.
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): Offers federal and state-level scholarships.

Get more information on universities.ng.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Most scholarships share common requirements:

• Academic Achievement: CGPA of 3.0-4.0/5.0 or scores from JAMB of 180-220+.
• O-Level Test Results Five credits minimum, which include English and math.
• JAMB/UTME Scores differ based on the scholarship (check the requirements for your specific scholarship).
• Direct Entry Relevant A-Level or diploma grades for 200-level entry.
• Documents Documents that include transcripts and JAMB results, O-Level certificates, recommendation letters, and essays.
• The Financial Need Statements of income or affidavits of need-based award.
• Assessment Tests Some tests need tests that are online or in a center.

Always verify eligibility via universities.ng.

How to Apply for Scholarships: Step-by-Step Guide

Take these actions to boost the chances of success:

1. Find out early Then, visit universities.ng for information on scholarships and deadlines.
2. Check eligibility Check your eligibility by matching your academic course, CGPA, and JAMB score to the required requirements.
3. Collect Documents Prepare JAMB results certificates for O-level, transcripts, and IDs.
4. Write well-written essays Highlight accomplishments as well as financial needs, along with career goals.
5. Get recommendations Get letters from community leaders or teachers.
6. Submit Your Application Early Apply prior to the deadlines (typically May to August 2026).
7. Learn to prepare for tests. Learn to prepare for aptitude tests or interviews if necessary.
8. Monitor Applications Check status through websites for scholarships

Tips to Boost Your Scholarship Chances

• Keep Grades Try to achieve a CGPA higher than 3.5/5.0.
• Get involved in leadership. Join a school club or join a community service organization.
• Polish Writing Be precise, concise, and genuine in personal essays.
• Stay updated. Make sure to check universities.ng for the latest scholarships.
• Beware of Errors Double-check applications for errors or missing documents.

Challenges and Solutions

• Challenge The problem is that deadlines are missed. Solution: Set reminders and visit universities.ng frequently.
• Challenge The problem is weak essays. Solution Utilize templates and guidebooks on universities.ng.
• Challenge The challenge is the lack of documents.
  Solution To request transcripts and test results in advance from your school or JAMB.

Conclusion

The scholarships available to Nigerian students from 2026 can provide an opportunity for a quality education at top universities such as UNILAG, UI, or Covenant University. The range of awards ranges from MTN up to the Mastercard Foundation; these awards provide financial support and academic excellence needs. Begin preparing now to meet eligibility requirements as well as gather the necessary documents and apply early. For the most recent scholarship information, JAMB requirements, cut-off marks, and post-UTME guidelines, check out universities.ng to ensure your future academic and professional success.