Are you a Nigerian university student looking for financial support to complete your education? There are several scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students that can help cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses and other academic costs. Some provide annual financial awards, while others offer fully funded opportunities to study abroad.
Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate degree or postgraduate studies, knowing where to find suitable funding is an important first step. In this article, we highlight ten notable scholarship schemes for Nigerian students in 2026, including their benefits, eligibility requirements and where to find application information.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsors: Federal Government Agencies, Corporate Organisations and Foundations
- Scholarship Type: Fully and Partially Funded
- Host Institutions: Nigerian and Overseas Universities
- Scholarship Worth: ₦250,000–₦300,000 Annually for Selected Awards; Full Funding for Some Programmes
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD
- Eligible Applicants: Nigerian University Students
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Top 10 Scholarships for Nigerian University Students 2026
The following scholarships are offered by government agencies, private foundations and corporate organisations. Some conducted confirmed application rounds in 2026, while others are established schemes whose next application dates require confirmation.
1.) Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship
The PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship is one of Nigeria’s major fully funded opportunities for students pursuing advanced studies abroad.
The programme supports qualified Nigerians undertaking master’s and PhD degrees in disciplines relevant to the oil, gas and energy industries.
For 2026, the scholarship covered approved programmes at partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Malaysia.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Full tuition fees and approved research costs.
- Return flight tickets.
- Health insurance.
- Accommodation and living allowances.
Eligible Applicants: Nigerian graduates pursuing approved master’s or PhD programmes.
Application Window: Currently not open. The overseas scholarship deadline was February 27, 2026.
Official Website: PTDF Scholarship Portal
2.) MTN Foundation Scholarships
The MTN Foundation Scholarship supports academically outstanding students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The programme has three major categories:
- MTN Science and Technology Scholarship: For eligible students studying STEM-related courses.
- MTN Scholarship for Blind Students: For eligible visually impaired students across different disciplines.
- MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship: For the ten highest-scoring UTME candidates identified by JAMB.
Scholarship Benefits:
Successful recipients receive ₦300,000 annually, renewable until graduation, subject to meeting the scholarship’s academic and other requirements.
Eligible Applicants: Nigerian students who satisfy the requirements of the relevant scholarship category.
Application Window: Currently not open. Next application phase to be announced.
Official Website: MTN Foundation Scholarships
3.) Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Scholarship
The NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship is part of Nigeria LNG’s educational development initiatives.
The company has historically supported Nigerian students through undergraduate and overseas postgraduate scholarship programmes, helping academically promising students access higher education.
Scholarship Benefits:
Depending on the scheme, recipients may receive educational grants or financial support towards postgraduate studies.
Eligible Applicants: Nigerian students who meet the academic, residency and other conditions of the particular NLNG scholarship.
Application Status: The next undergraduate application window and current award amount require confirmation from NLNG.
Official Website: Nigeria LNG
4.) Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship
The Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to academically qualified Nigerian students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Previously known as the MUSTE Scholarship, the programme aims to help beneficiaries complete their university education and develop the skills needed for future employment and leadership.
Scholarship Benefits:
- ₦250,000 annual scholarship award.
- Renewable financial support throughout the beneficiary’s undergraduate studies, subject to eligibility and annual renewal.
- Opportunities for educational and personal development.
Eligible Applicants: Full-time undergraduate students who are Nigerian citizens and residents.
Application Status: The foundation’s website identifies the 2025 application cycle as closed. The next application deadline has not been confirmed.
Official Website: Jim Ovia Foundation
5.) Federal Government Nigerian Scholarship Awards
The Federal Ministry of Education provides domestic scholarship opportunities through its Scholarship Award Department, formerly known as the Federal Scholarship Board.
These include the Nigerian Scholarship Awards for students in public tertiary institutions and other government-supported educational funding programmes.
Scholarship Benefits:
Financial assistance towards educational expenses, with the amount depending on the particular award and government guidelines.
Eligible Applicants:
Nigerian students who meet the academic, institutional and other requirements of the relevant scheme.
Important Update:
The former Federal Government Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship has been discontinued for new awards. However, the Federal Government has confirmed that its domestic scholarship programmes remain operational.
Application Status: Check the Federal Ministry of Education for the latest domestic scholarship announcements.
Official Website: Federal Ministry of Education
6.) Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Postgraduate Scholarship
The NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship supports qualified graduates from the Niger Delta region pursuing postgraduate education overseas.
The scholarship aims to develop specialised skills in fields relevant to regional and national development.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the NDDC selected 200 beneficiaries for its foreign postgraduate scholarship programme.
Scholarship Benefits:
Funding for approved overseas postgraduate studies, subject to the commission’s award conditions.
Eligible Applicants:
Qualified indigenes of the Niger Delta states who satisfy the academic and programme requirements.
Application Window: Currently not open; beneficiaries have already been selected for 2026 round.
Official Website: NDDC Scholarships
7.) NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture Undergraduate Scholarship
The NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture National Undergraduate Scholarship is a corporate educational initiative supporting students in Nigerian public universities.
The programme provides annual educational grants to selected students studying approved courses.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must generally:
- Be in their second year of university study or above.
- Have a minimum CGPA of 3.5.
- Possess at least five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in one sitting.
- Study an eligible discipline.
Approved fields include Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Geology, Geophysics, Law, Economics and several other courses.
Scholarship Benefits:
Annual financial grants to support undergraduate education. The amount should be confirmed from the applicable award notice.
Application Window: Currently not open. 2026 applications ran from February 23 to March 13.
Official Website: Seplat Energy
8.) PTDF In-Country Scholarship Scheme
The PTDF In-Country Scholarship supports Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate, master’s and PhD degrees at approved public universities within Nigeria.
Unlike the overseas scholarship, this scheme is designed specifically for students studying in Nigerian institutions.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Undergraduate applicants must be in 200 level at a public university.
- Eligible undergraduate applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 2.4 on a 5.0 scale.
- Postgraduate applicants must meet the relevant academic and admission requirements.
- Courses must fall within approved disciplines related to the petroleum, energy or management sectors.
Scholarship Benefits:
Educational funding under the PTDF In-Country Scholarship Scheme, according to the award category and applicable terms.
Application Window: Currently not open. The 2026 applications ran from April 27 to June 5.
Official Website: PTDF Scholarship Portal
9.) NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture Scholarship
The NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture Scholarship is a longstanding educational support initiative associated with Chevron’s social investment activities in Nigeria.
Previous scholarship editions supported eligible Nigerian undergraduates across approved disciplines.
Scholarship Benefits:
Financial assistance towards undergraduate education. The ₦100,000 annual award reported in older editions should not be treated as the current scholarship amount.
Eligible Applicants:
Determined by the requirements of each announced scholarship edition.
Application Status:
A new 2026 application round under this exact scheme has not been confirmed.
Official Website: Chevron Nigeria
10.) Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship
The Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship has historically supported Nigerian university students pursuing degrees in medical and engineering disciplines.
The programme was associated with Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited and its Agbami partners as part of their educational and community development initiatives.
Scholarship Benefits:
Earlier editions offered financial awards to eligible medical and engineering students, with different amounts depending on the discipline.
Eligible Applicants:
Historically, eligible Nigerian undergraduates studying approved medical and engineering courses.
Application Status:
A current 2026 application round has not been confirmed. Applicants should not rely on the old application instructions or award amounts.
Official Website: Chevron Nigeria
General Requirements for Nigerian Scholarships
Scholarship requirements differ by sponsor, academic level and course of study. However, applicants should prepare the following commonly requested documents.
Undergraduate Scholarship Requirements
- Admission letter.
- JAMB result, where required.
- O’level results.
- Academic transcripts or CGPA statement.
- School identity card.
- National Identification Number (NIN).
- State or local government identification.
- Recent passport photograph.
Postgraduate Scholarship Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree certificate.
- Academic transcripts.
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, where required.
- Admission letter, where applicable.
- Updated CV or résumé.
- Statement of purpose or personal statement.
- Academic recommendation letters.
- Research proposal for relevant PhD scholarships.
- Identification and other documents specified by the scholarship sponsor.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Nigeria
Interested students should follow these general steps:
- 1.) Identify scholarships that match your academic level, field of study and eligibility.
- 2.) Visit the official scholarship provider’s website to confirm the current application status.
- 3.) Review the eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits and required documents.
- 4.) Prepare the necessary academic records and supporting materials.
- 5.) Complete the official online application form when applications are open.
- 6.) Submit your application before the deadline and monitor your email for further instructions.
- Applicants should avoid unofficial agents requesting payment to guarantee scholarship awards.
Final Thoughts
There are several valuable scholarship opportunities for Nigerian university students, ranging from annual financial grants to fully funded postgraduate programmes abroad.
Students seeking undergraduate support can explore opportunities such as MTN, Jim Ovia Foundation and NNPC/Seplat scholarships. Graduates interested in advanced studies should consider PTDF and NDDC postgraduate funding where eligible.
The best scholarship is not necessarily the one offering the highest amount, but the one that matches your qualifications, academic goals and financial needs.
Start preparing your documents early, follow official announcements and apply whenever a suitable scholarship opens.
