List of Scholarships Available for Nigerian University Students

List of Scholarships Available for Nigerian University Students

(How to find them, who they’re for, and where to apply — with verified sources and links)

Access to reliable scholarship funding can transform a student’s university experience in Nigeria — reducing financial stress, enabling study-abroad opportunities, and opening career pathways. Below is a practical, up-to-date (2025–2026) guide to major scholarships Nigerian undergraduates and postgraduates commonly use, grouped by type (national, corporate, and international). For each item I list who it’s for, what it typically covers, and where to apply — with official sources you can check for application windows and eligibility.

Quick note on deadlines and verification

Scholarship cycles and eligibility rules change every year. Always confirm deadlines and required documents on the official scholarship site (links provided). The short list below highlights recurring programmes with active rounds in 2025–2026; check each source for the exact opening/closing dates and complete criteria. (NLNG Scholarships)

1) Federal / National scholarship schemes

Federal Scholarship Board (including Commonwealth-sponsored placements)

The Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) coordinates government scholarship opportunities and advertises schemes such as Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK. If you’re a Nigerian postgraduate applicant seeking fully-funded study in the UK through Commonwealth programmes, follow the FSB/British Council announcements. (FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION)

PTDF (Petroleum Technology Development Fund)

If your study area is oil, gas, energy or related engineering/technical fields, PTDF runs in-country and overseas postgraduate scholarships (and occasionally undergraduate awards tied to petroleum-sector needs). PTDF publishes calls and approved courses on its official portal. (scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng)

TETFund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund)

TETFund mostly funds institutional improvement and staff development but also runs academic staff development and sometimes postgraduate sponsorships. Eligibility and nomination are usually through beneficiary universities. Check TETFund notices for current interventions. (TERTIARY EDUCATION TRUST FUND)

2) Major corporate and industry scholarships (frequent & sizeable)

NLNG (Nigeria LNG) Scholarship Schemes

NLNG runs several regular schemes (Post-Primary, Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme — UGSS, and Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme). UGSS often targets first-year undergraduates at accredited Nigerian universities; PGSS and other awards support postgraduate training. Official application pages and timelines are published on NLNG’s scholarship portal. (NLNG Scholarships)

NNPC / Oil-and-Gas JV Scholarships (e.g., NNPC/SEPLAT, NNPC/SNEPCo, Renaissance JV)

Joint venture scholarship programmes from NNPC and oil-industry partners (SEPLAT, SNEPCo, Renaissance JV, etc.) offer undergraduate awards — often merit-based and sometimes region/area-specific. These are recurring and announced on corporate sites and approved scholarship platforms. (Seplat Energy)

PTDF, AGIP, and other energy-sector awards

Other oil & gas companies and development funds (e.g., AGIP-related schemes) periodically run postgraduate scholarship awards. Check company pages or central scholarship portals for the latest competitions. (candidate.scholastica.ng)

MTN Foundation Scholarships

MTN Foundation offers annual scholarships (Top-10 UTME scholarships and MTN Science & Technology scholarships) to eligible Nigerian undergraduates, often renewable yearly if academic criteria are met. Application windows and award amounts vary by year. (MTN Nigeria)

Dangote Foundation Scholarships / Grants

The Aliko Dangote Foundation funds educational initiatives including scholarships and postgraduate partnerships (sometimes for study abroad). Opportunities are announced through the foundation’s site and partner pages. (Dangote Industries Limited)

3) International scholarships often accessed by Nigerian students

Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship programme for outstanding mid-career applicants to study one-year master’s degrees in the UK. Nigerian applicants must meet the Chevening eligibility criteria and apply through the Chevening portal when applications open annually. (Chevening)

Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries (including Nigeria) to study in the UK. Applications are usually coordinated via the Federal Scholarship Board/British Council in Nigeria. (Study UK)

Fulbright (USA)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program funds graduate study and research in the United States. Nigerian applicants use the US Embassy/Fulbright Nigeria announcements and application platform; Fulbright also runs specialized awards for artists, researchers, and PhD candidates. (U.S. Embassy Nigeria)

Erasmus+ / Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programs offer highly competitive, fully- or partially-funded scholarships for international students (including Nigerians) to study in multiple European universities. Program-specific applications are done via the consortium’s portal; selection is merit-based. (Erasmus+)

DAAD (Germany) Scholarships

DAAD provides a wide range of scholarships for postgraduate study and research in Germany, including in-country and in-region programmes that support developing-country students. DAAD’s Nigeria/West Africa pages list current offers and application procedures. (daad-ghana.org)

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners with select universities globally (and now with Nigerian institutions such as Pan-Atlantic University) to sponsor undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each partner university handles applications for the scholars programme; review partner lists to apply. (Mastercard Foundation)

4) University-specific and smaller foundations / state scholarships

• State governments & universities — many Nigerian states and institutions run scholarship/bursary schemes for indigenes and talented students (e.g., Enugu State scholarship schemes). Check your university’s student affairs or bursary page and your state government portal. (MySchoolGist)
• Private university partnerships — some universities have exchange scholarships, departmental awards, or donor-funded scholarships (announced on their websites).

5) How to find and apply (practical checklist)

1. Start with official portals: corporate pages, scholarship portals (NLNG, PTDF), government portals (Federal Scholarship Board), and embassies (US Embassy/Fulbright, British Council/Chevening). (Use the links listed above.) (NLNG Scholarships)
2. Prepare common documents in advance: degree transcripts, proof of admission (for some awards), passport photographs, valid ID (national ID or passport), recommendation letters, CV, and a well-written statement of purpose.
3. Meet eligibility exactly: many corporate scholarships restrict by year of study (e.g., NLNG UGSS often requires first-year status) or CGPA (NNPC JV scholarships often require a high CGPA). Read criteria carefully. (candidate.scholastica.ng)
4. Watch official timelines: set calendar reminders for open/close dates — scholarship pages publish the application window each cycle. (NLNG Scholarships)
5. Beware of scams: only apply through official portals; genuine scholarships do not ask for payment for application or “guaranteed” placement fees.

6) Tips to improve your chances

• Tailor your essays: be specific about goals, impact, and why you’re a fit for the scholarship.
• Strong referees: select academic or professional referees who can speak specifically about your abilities.
• Proofread & follow instructions: missing a single required document often disqualifies applicants.
• Apply widely but wisely: target scholarships that match your profile (year of study, CGPA, discipline).
• Use past winners’ reports: read blogs and official beneficiary lists to learn what successful applicants highlight. (See program pages and alumni stories on sponsor sites.) (Mastercard Foundation)

7) Useful official starting links (checked 2025)

• NLNG Scholarships portal (UGSS/PGSS): NLNG scholarship portal. (NLNG Scholarships)
• PTDF scholarship portal (in-country & overseas): PTDF Scholarship Management Portal. (scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng)
• Chevening (UK): Chevening Nigeria page & global guidance. (Chevening)
• Commonwealth Scholarships (via British Council / FSB): British Council / FSB notices. (British Council Nigeria)
• Fulbright (US Embassy / Fulbright): US Embassy Fulbright pages. (U.S. Embassy Nigeria)
• Erasmus Mundus (Erasmus+): Erasmus Mundus joint masters portal. (Erasmus+)
• DAAD: DAAD regional info and in-country programmes. (daad-ghana.org)
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (partner list & how to apply): Mastercard Foundation site. (Mastercard Foundation)

Action plan

1. Bookmark the official pages listed above and subscribe to email alerts where available. (NLNG Scholarships)
2. Make a 3-month calendar for each scholarship you plan to apply for (documents, referees, draft essays).
3. If you want, send me your course of study, year level, and CGPA and I’ll shortlist scholarships that fit your profile and give a tailored application checklist.