Paying for university can be challenging for many Nigerian students and their families. Tuition, textbooks, accommodation, transportation, feeding and other academic expenses can quickly add up. Fortunately, scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates can reduce some of this financial pressure and help students continue their education.
However, getting a scholarship is not simply about having good grades. Different scholarship programmes have different eligibility requirements. Some are designed for students in specific courses, institutions or academic levels, while others consider factors such as financial need, disability, academic performance or outstanding achievement.
If you are searching for undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria, understanding the requirements before applying can save you time and help you avoid incomplete or unsuitable applications.
What Are Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduates?
Scholarships are financial awards given to students to support their education. Depending on the programme, a scholarship may contribute towards tuition, books, accommodation, living expenses or other educational costs.
Some scholarships provide a fixed annual amount, while others may continue until graduation if the recipient maintains the required academic standard.
Scholarships can come from different sources, including the Nigerian government, foundations, private companies, universities, international organisations and charitable institutions.
For example, the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB), under Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, coordinates various local and international scholarship programmes for Nigerian students. Its responsibilities include implementing federal scholarship programmes and supporting scholarship opportunities for Nigerian scholars.
Private-sector programmes also provide opportunities. The MTN Foundation, for instance, operates scholarship programmes for eligible students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. Its current programmes include the Science and Technology Scholarship, Scholarship for Blind Students and the Top 10 UTME Scholarship.
Who Is Eligible for an Undergraduate Scholarship in Nigeria?
There is no single eligibility rule that applies to every scholarship. Each organisation sets its own requirements.
Nevertheless, many Nigerian undergraduate scholarships consider some common factors:
- Nigerian citizenship or eligibility under the programme rules
- Admission into an approved tertiary institution
- Current undergraduate status
- Academic performance
- Course or field of study
- Level of study
- Age, where applicable
- Specific personal or financial circumstances
- Submission of the required documents before the deadline
It is important to read the official eligibility requirements for every scholarship before applying. A student who qualifies for one scholarship may not qualify for another.
Academic Performance Requirements
Academic performance is one of the most common requirements for scholarships.
Some programmes require students to achieve a particular Grade Point Average (GPA) or Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Others may use secondary-school examination results, UTME performance or a combination of academic achievements.
For example, historical Federal Scholarship Board criteria for the Nigeria Award included a minimum CGPA of 4.0 on a five-point scale for undergraduate applicants, with applicants generally required to be full-time students in their second year or above. Because scholarship requirements can change, applicants should always check the latest official announcement rather than relying on older requirements.
Private scholarship providers may use different academic thresholds.
The MTN Foundation’s current Science and Technology Scholarship, for example, requires eligible students in public universities and colleges of education to have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a four-point scale or 3.5 on a five-point scale. Different requirements apply to polytechnic, direct-entry and medical students.
This means that having a good result is helpful, but you should not assume that every scholarship uses the same CGPA requirement.
Does Your Course of Study Matter?
Yes. Your course can determine whether you are eligible for some scholarship opportunities.
Certain scholarships are open to students studying any discipline, while others target particular fields such as:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Agriculture
- Environmental sciences
- Education
- Law
- Social sciences
For example, MTN Foundation’s Science and Technology Scholarship is targeted at eligible students studying science and technology-related courses in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. The programme also has specific provisions for medical students.
The Federal Scholarship Board has also historically offered undergraduate opportunities covering fields such as engineering, agriculture, sciences, mathematics, environmental sciences, law, social sciences, architecture and medicine, depending on the specific programme and available award.
Therefore, when searching for scholarships for Nigerian university students, always check whether your course is included.
Does Your University Matter?
Your institution can also affect eligibility.
Some scholarships are available only to students attending public universities, while others may include private universities, polytechnics or colleges of education.
For instance, the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is currently open to eligible students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions, including universities, teaching hospitals, polytechnics and colleges of education.
Other programmes may have wider eligibility.
A good approach is to check these details before spending time on an application:
- Is your institution included?
- Is your institution recognised under the scholarship rules?
- Is your programme eligible?
- Does your current level of study meet the requirement?
These simple checks can prevent unnecessary applications.
What Level of Study Can Apply?
Scholarships may be designed for specific undergraduate levels.
Some are available to newly admitted students, while others are specifically for students who have already completed one or more years of study.
For example, the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship currently accepts eligible students progressing from 200 level to 300 level, as well as certain students already in 300 level. Medical students may qualify at different levels under the programme’s specific rules.
This is why students should not assume that being an undergraduate automatically makes them eligible.
Before applying, look for wording such as:
- 100-level students
- 200-level students
- 300-level students
- Final-year students
- Students entering a particular academic level
- Students who have completed a specified examination
The exact wording matters.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Some scholarship programmes specifically support students living with disabilities.
For example, the MTN Foundation Scholarship for Blind Students is available to eligible blind students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. The current programme covers students in 200 and 300 level, subject to its stated academic requirements.
Government scholarship programmes may also include provisions for students with disabilities.
In 2026, the Federal Ministry of Education announced revised scholarship arrangements that include a 5% allocation for students with disabilities within the revised national scholarship framework.
Students should therefore look beyond general scholarship searches and consider opportunities designed specifically for their circumstances.
What Documents Are Usually Required?
Scholarship applications commonly require evidence that you meet the stated eligibility conditions.
Depending on the programme, you may be asked for documents such as:
- Recent passport photograph
- School identification card
- Admission letter
- Student identification number
- Academic transcript or result
- WAEC or other secondary-school certificate
- JAMB or UTME information
- Proof of course or department
- Proof of institution
- Identification documents
- Recommendation or reference
- Evidence of special achievement, where applicable
Do not upload documents simply because another scholarship requested them. Always follow the document checklist for the specific programme you are applying for.
It is also important to ensure that information is accurate. Scholarship providers may verify academic records and other information supplied by applicants.
For example, MTN’s scholarship terms state that submitted documents and information must be genuine and that the foundation determines eligibility and qualification for the award.
How to Find Legitimate Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria
One of the biggest challenges facing scholarship applicants is identifying genuine opportunities.
Unfortunately, students may encounter websites, social media posts or individuals claiming to offer scholarships while requesting unnecessary payments or personal information.
A safer approach is to start with official sources.
Useful places to check include:
Federal Ministry of Education
The Federal Ministry of Education publishes information about government scholarship opportunities and programmes administered through the Federal Scholarship Board.
Its website can also provide announcements relating to international scholarship programmes available to Nigerians.
Scholarship Provider Websites
If a company, foundation or organisation is offering a scholarship, visit its official website and look for the scholarship announcement there.
For example, current MTN Foundation scholarship information is published through MTN Nigeria’s official platforms.
Your University
Your institution may publish scholarship announcements through its student affairs division, faculty, department, official website or student portal.
Always verify that an opportunity is genuine before submitting personal documents.
Are There Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduates?
Yes, some undergraduate scholarships can provide substantial financial support, but “fully funded” does not always mean exactly the same thing across programmes.
One scholarship may cover tuition and provide a living allowance. Another may provide a fixed annual award that helps with educational expenses without covering every cost.
For example, the Federal Ministry of Education’s information on the 2026/2027 Morocco undergraduate scholarship states that the award covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend, while selected nominees are responsible for certain expenses such as airfare, accommodation and feeding.
This is an important lesson for applicants: never assume that a scholarship covers every university expense simply because an advertisement calls it fully funded.
Read the funding details carefully.
New Scholarship Opportunities Can Appear
Students should also keep checking official sources because new scholarship schemes can be introduced.
A recent example is the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s announced scholarship programme for undergraduate students in Nigerian federal and state universities. The National Universities Commission reported in September 2026 that the initiative is expected to target 30,000 students in its first phase, with a focus on STEM and related disciplines. The reported eligibility requirement includes a minimum CGPA of 2.5, equivalent to a Second Class Lower Division, alongside a selection process.
Because scholarship programmes can change from year to year, students should verify current requirements, application dates and eligible institutions directly from the organisation responsible for the award.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee an award. Scholarships can be competitive, particularly when many students apply for a limited number of places.
You can improve your application by following these steps.
1. Maintain Strong Academic Results
Your CGPA can be important, especially for merit-based scholarships. Try to maintain consistent academic performance rather than waiting until an application opens.
2. Apply Only for Scholarships You Qualify For
Read the requirements carefully. Applying for an opportunity that excludes your course, institution or academic level wastes time.
3. Prepare Your Documents Early
Keep digital copies of important academic documents in a secure location. This makes it easier to apply when a scholarship opens.
4. Follow Instructions Carefully
A strong student can still lose an opportunity because an application is incomplete or submitted incorrectly.
Check every field before submitting.
5. Avoid False Information
Never change grades, create fake documents or provide misleading information to appear eligible.
Scholarship providers may verify applications, and false information can lead to disqualification.
6. Watch the Deadline
Do not wait until the final hours to apply. Internet problems, website traffic or missing documents can prevent a successful submission.
7. Look Beyond Academic Scholarships
Some programmes consider more than grades. Depending on the opportunity, you may find scholarships based on disability, leadership, sports, music, community involvement, financial circumstances or specific fields of study.
Common Mistakes Scholarship Applicants Should Avoid
Several mistakes can reduce an applicant’s chances.
One common mistake is relying on old scholarship information. Requirements, award amounts and deadlines can change.
Another is assuming that a scholarship is automatically available simply because a student meets the academic requirement. Some programmes have additional selection stages, interviews, aptitude tests or other conditions.
Applicants should also be cautious about scholarship scams. Be particularly careful when someone promises guaranteed selection in exchange for money.
A legitimate scholarship may have an application process, but you should verify any payment request through the provider’s official channels before proceeding.
Finally, avoid submitting the same generic personal statement everywhere when a scholarship asks why you are a suitable candidate. Where a personal statement is required, answer the specific question and explain your goals clearly and honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CGPA is required for scholarships in Nigeria?
There is no universal CGPA requirement. Each scholarship sets its own standard. Some may require a specific CGPA, while others may consider secondary-school results, UTME performance or other achievements.
Can a 100-level student apply for a scholarship?
Some scholarships accept newly admitted or 100-level students, while others are specifically for students in 200 level or above. Always check the scholarship’s eligibility criteria.
Can private university students get scholarships?
Yes, depending on the scholarship. Some programmes include private universities, while others are restricted to public tertiary institutions. The institution requirement should be checked for each opportunity.
Do scholarships cover accommodation and feeding?
Not always. Some scholarships provide a general educational allowance, while others specifically cover tuition, accommodation, living expenses or books. Read the funding terms carefully.
Where can Nigerian students find legitimate scholarships?
Start with official government websites, scholarship provider websites, university announcements and verified institutional channels. Avoid relying solely on forwarded messages or unofficial social media posts.