Nigerian undergraduate students can access numerous essential scholarships in 2026 to mitigate rising educational costs, with major programs focusing on academic merit and specific fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Geosciences. Key opportunities include the NLNG and MTN Foundation schemes, both offering ₦300,000 annually; the PTDF scholarship, which provides a higher award of ₦700,000 plus a laptop; and programs from Shell and Chevron, often prioritizing students from host communities. Additionally, the Jim Ovia Foundation offers full tuition plus a ₦250,000 stipend, and the fully-funded Airtel Africa Scholarship targets economically disadvantaged students, with most applications requiring online submission via official portals and a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or 3.5 for eligibility.
Best 2026 Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities For Nigerian Students You Need To Know
Given the increasing expenses of university education across Nigeria, it is understandable that students and their families are concerned about costs such as tuition, books, accommodation, and daily transportation. However, relief is available. Fortunately, there are many established financial support programs specifically created to assist Nigerian students.
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These undergraduate scholarships can significantly lessen your financial concerns, allowing you to concentrate fully on your studies and future career goals.
In this essential guide, we will outline the premier undergraduate scholarships for Nigerians in the 2026 academic year. We will detail the eligibility requirements, the financial rewards each scholarship offers, and the important application deadlines.
If you are committed to commencing or continuing your university studies soon, this list will help you stay organized, prepared, and confident throughout your entire application journey.
Here is the List of the Best 2026 Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities For Nigerian Students You Need To Know
Before submitting any application, you must always visit the official website of the sponsoring organization to verify the latest requirements and application windows. Criteria may change annually, and using outdated information may negatively affect your application. Most applications are submitted entirely online via the organization’s dedicated application portal.
Now, let’s explore the leading undergraduate scholarships available to you as a Nigerian undergraduate Student:
1. NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) scheme is highly regarded, offering students a substantial annual reward of ₦300,000. This scholarship supports first-year students and requires continued good academic performance for renewal.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligibility requires Nigerian citizenship and at least six credits in your Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), which must include English and Mathematics. You must also have proof of admission to a recognized Nigerian university. Eligible courses typically include Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, and Environmental Sciences. Renewal depends on maintaining excellent grades throughout your course. The application is typically done through an online portal after an official advertisement.
- Reward: ₦300,000 per year
- Deadline: December 12 (Typically opens in November)
2. MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship
The MTN Foundation provides one of the most popular scholarships for undergraduates, awarding ₦300,000 yearly to students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
This program is competitive and focuses on students in Science, Engineering, and other selected courses. It is intended for hardworking students. Applicants must be full-time 300-level students with a minimum of 3.5 CGPA or its equivalent.
This scholarship has successfully assisted many students in completing their education.
- Reward: ₦300,000 per year
- Deadline: Currently closed, but the next application window is anticipated for early 2026.
3. PTDF Scholarship
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) scholarship offers an award of ₦700,000 yearly, often including a laptop. It is available to students studying courses related to oil and gas at accredited universities. PTDF supports high academic standards and quality training. Examples of eligible fields include Geosciences, Petroleum Engineering, and Marine Technology.
Candidates must be Nigerian citizens with at least five SSCE credits and confirmed admission into a relevant program. This scholarship is available for various study levels, including undergraduate studies.
- Reward: Full Scholarship | ₦700,000 per year + Laptop
- Deadline: Varies
4. Shell (SPDC/SNEPCo) Undergraduate Scholarship
The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) run two of the most substantial scholarship programs in Nigeria, offering annual awards to thousands of students.
The SPDC award is typically for students from its host communities (Niger Delta region), while the SNEPCo award is open to all Nigerian students studying in accredited institutions.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be 200-level students at the time of application, with a minimum of 3.0 CGPA. They must be registered in a full-time course such as Engineering, Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Applied Sciences.
- Reward: N200,000+ per year
- Deadline: Varies; usually around October/November.
5. West Africa Oil & Gas Development Scholarship
This scheme offers ₦250,000 yearly plus a laptop. It aims to support first and second-year university students who show excellent academic progress.
To qualify, you must be a Nigerian citizen with a valid UTME ID or matriculation number. Strong grades must be maintained throughout the academic year for ongoing eligibility. This award is currently open.
- Reward: ₦250,000 + Laptop
- Deadline: December 23, 2025
6. Chevron (NNPC/Chevron JV) Scholarship
The NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture (JV) scholarship offers ₦200,000 annually and is a leading undergraduate award in the oil and gas sector. Crucially, preference is strongly given to candidates from Chevron’s host communities/local government areas (LGAs).
It is available to 200-level students in recognized Nigerian universities who meet the academic and course requirements. This award supports students studying engineering, sciences (e.g., Geology, Environmental Science), and other approved fields.
To be eligible, you must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 and six O-level credits obtained in one sitting. Only students admitted during the 2023/2024 session may apply, so check your admission year carefully.
- Reward: ₦200,000 yearly
- Deadline: Reopens around June/July
7. Airtel Africa Scholarship
Airtel Africa sponsors a comprehensive, fully funded undergraduate scholarship for Nigerian students. This award covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. It targets financially disadvantaged students in selected public universities, providing complete support for their academic journey.
To be eligible, you must be a 100-level student with five SSCE credits achieved in a single sitting. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide their JAMB results, admission letter, school ID card, and WAEC results.
- Reward: Full Funding | Stipend | Accommodation
- Deadline: Not Specified
8. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship
The Jim Ovia Foundation provides a highly generous award, covering full tuition and offering a ₦250,000 annual stipend. It targets undergraduate students demonstrating leadership, high academic performance, and a desire to contribute positively to society.
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens enrolled or planning to enroll in a recognized university. The foundation seeks intellectual ability, leadership, and active community service.
- Reward: Full Tuition | ₦250,000 Stipends
- Deadline: December 3, 2026
9. Cowrywise Ambassador Program
The Cowrywise Ambassador Program offers a distinct opportunity that includes funding, internships, mentorship, and skills certification. This initiative supports students across all tertiary institutions, promoting leadership and financial literacy.
To qualify, you must be a full-time undergraduate who exhibits creativity, strong communication skills, and a zeal for innovation. A background in finance is not required. The program also provides branded items and career support.
- Reward: Scholarship | Internship | Certification
- Deadline: Not Specified
10. AgricTech Undergraduate Scholarship
The AgricTech award provides a full scholarship for Nigerian students focusing on Agriculture or related fields. It covers tuition, study costs, and grants certification as an AgriTech Scholar.
Eligibility requires being in 200-level or higher with a strong academic record. While first-class students are preferred, those with a Second-Class Upper division are also considered under certain conditions. This scholarship is specifically aimed at students passionate about the future of modern agriculture.
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Study Expenses
- Deadline: December 1, 2025
General Requirements for Undergraduate Studies in Nigeria
Before you can be admitted into any Nigerian university, you must fulfill a set of fundamental academic and registration requirements. Meeting these standards confirms your readiness for university-level academics and ensures your documents are valid.
Here is a simplified overview of what every student must have:
- Five O-Level Credits: You must achieve a minimum of five credit passes in your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB examinations, which must include English Language and Mathematics, in addition to subjects relevant to your intended course of study.
- Correct UTME Subject Combination: When registering for the JAMB exam, selecting the correct subject combination for your chosen course is mandatory to avoid automatic disqualification.
- A Valid UTME (JAMB) Score: You must sit for the UTME and achieve a score that meets the cut-off mark set by your preferred university or specific department.
- Post-UTME or Screening Participation: Most institutions conduct a Post-UTME screening exercise, which may involve a written exam or verification of documents and your academic record, to finalize admission offers.
- Complete Personal Documents: You will need essential official documents such as your birth certificate, state of origin certificate, passport photographs, and valid contact information (email and phone number).
- Age Requirement: Most universities mandate that applicants be 16 years of age or older by the time the admissions process commences.
Finding the ideal undergraduate scholarship requires patience, organization, and dedication. Start your search early, meticulously review all instructions, and strategically apply for awards that best match your academic profile and personal strengths. Persistence always yields results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the typical reward amount for major Nigerian undergraduate scholarships?
A: Most major scholarships (like NLNG and MTN) offer an annual reward of around ₦300,000. However, some programs, such as the PTDF scholarship, provide higher amounts, often around ₦700,000 annually, plus a laptop.
Q2: Do I need to be a 100-level student to apply for these scholarships?
A: Not necessarily. While some, like NLNG and Airtel, are open to 100-level students, the majority of the major awards (including Shell and Chevron) require applicants to be in 200-level at the time of application.
Q3: What are the most common academic requirements for scholarship eligibility?
A: Key requirements typically include a minimum CGPA (often 3.0 or 3.5 on a 5.0 scale), at least five O-level credit passes (including English and Mathematics) in one sitting, and current enrollment in an accredited Nigerian university.
Q4: Is the Shell (SPDC/SNEPCo) scholarship only for students from the Niger Delta?
A: No. The SPDC award is generally focused on students from host communities (Niger Delta region), but the SNEPCo award is a separate scheme that is open to all eligible Nigerian students studying in accredited institutions nationwide.
Q5: What courses are preferred by the oil and gas industry scholarships (NLNG, Chevron, PTDF)?
A: These scholarships prioritize courses relevant to the oil and gas sector, such as various fields of Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical), Geosciences, Environmental Science, and Applied Sciences.
Q6: How do I submit my scholarship application?
A: All major scholarships use a modern application process, meaning you must submit your application online via the official, dedicated application portal advertised by the sponsoring organization. Hard copy applications are rarely accepted.
Q7: What is the financial reward structure of the Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship?
A: This scholarship is highly generous, covering full tuition fees for the academic year and providing an annual ₦250,000 cash stipend to support living and study expenses.
Q8: What does “host community preference” mean for the Chevron scholarship?
A: It means that while the scholarship is open to all qualified Nigerians, candidates who can prove they hail from Chevron’s operational host communities or local government areas (LGAs) are given a strong preference during the selection process.
Q9: Can Polytechnic or College of Education students apply for any of these awards?
A: Yes, the MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship is one notable program that explicitly extends its eligibility to full-time students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Q10: What is the single most important action I must take before starting any application?
A: You must always visit the official website of the sponsoring organization to verify the exact, latest requirements, criteria, and application opening/closing dates, as these details can change from one academic session to the next.
