15 Scholarships Nigerian Students Can Apply For — Including 7 Most Students Have Never Heard Of

15 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students — Local & International Opportunities

By Campusflash Editorial Team  |  Updated March 2026  |  Reading time: 11 minutes

Every year, billions of naira in scholarship money goes unclaimed in Nigeria — not because students don’t need it, but because they simply don’t know about it in time.

This guide fixes that. We have compiled 15 real, verified scholarships that Nigerian students can apply for — local and international, undergraduate and postgraduate, science and non-science. For each one, we tell you exactly what it offers, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Bookmark this page. Share it with every student you know. And start applying — because no serious scholarship is ever given to someone who didn’t try.

Important: Scholarship deadlines change every year. Always verify the current deadline and application window on the official website before applying. Links and deadlines in this guide are accurate as of March 2026.

Quick Tips Before You Apply

• Apply to multiple scholarships at once — there is no rule against holding more than one, as long as there is no conflict in their terms
• Keep your documents ready — most scholarships ask for your admission letter, school ID, academic transcript, WAEC/NECO result, passport photograph, and indigene certificate. Have digital copies of all of these saved and ready to upload
• Maintain a strong CGPA — 3.5/5.0 is the sweet spot for most corporate scholarships. Start protecting your grades from your first year
• Never pay to apply — no legitimate scholarship charges a processing or application fee. If anyone asks you to pay, it is a scam
• Check your email regularly — most scholarship bodies communicate exclusively by email. Use a valid personal email address and check it (including your spam folder) constantly after applying

15 Scholarships Nigerian Students Can Apply For

1. Federal Government Scholarship Board (FGSB)

Type: Local undergraduate & postgraduate  |  Open to: All courses

The Federal Government Scholarship Board is Nigeria’s flagship government scholarship programme. It supports Nigerian students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels studying in Nigerian federal universities. It is one of the most accessible scholarships on this list because it is open to all courses — not just science or engineering.

• Benefit: Annual financial award (amount reviewed periodically by the government)
• Eligibility: Nigerian citizen, currently enrolled in an accredited Nigerian federal university, strong academic record
• How to apply: Through the Federal Ministry of Education Scholarship Portal at scholarship.education.gov.ng
• Application window: Typically opens between April and July each year

Campusflash tip: Many students overlook the FGSB because it doesn’t get as much buzz as corporate scholarships. That lower awareness means less competition for you — apply early every cycle.

2. NNPC/SEPLAT JV National Undergraduate Scholarship

Type: Local undergraduate  |  Award: ₦200,000 per year (renewable)

One of Nigeria’s most well-known corporate scholarships, jointly run by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Seplat Energy. It awards ₦200,000 annually to undergraduate students in public universities and renews each year as long as you maintain your grades.

• Eligibility: 200 level and above, federal or state university, minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0, five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics in one sitting
• Eligible courses: Engineering, Medicine, Sciences, Law, Mass Communication, Business Administration, Economics, and more
• How to apply: Online at seplatgrowthacademy.com/scholarship
• Application window: Typically February to March annually

Campusflash tip: The NNPC/SEPLAT scholarship involves a competitive aptitude test after initial screening. Download past questions from the official portal and prepare for it like an exam — your score matters.

3. MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship

Type: Local undergraduate  |  Award: ₦300,000 per year (renewable)

The MTN Foundation Scholarship is one of the highest-value local scholarships available to Nigerian undergraduates. It awards ₦300,000 annually and has a special stream for visually impaired students — a thoughtful inclusion that sets it apart from most corporate scholarships.

• Eligibility: 300 level students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at accredited Nigerian universities; minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0
• How to apply: Through the MTN Foundation website at mtnfoundation.com.ng
• Application window: Expected June to July 2026

4. PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship

Type: International postgraduate  |  Award: ₦700,000+ per year + laptop + fully funded study abroad

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship is one of the most generous scholarships available to Nigerian graduates. It funds Master’s and PhD studies in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia — covering tuition, living allowance, flights, and even a laptop.

• Eligibility: Nigerian graduates in petroleum-related and engineering fields; strong academic record
• Benefit: Full tuition, monthly stipend, return flights, laptop, and health insurance
• How to apply: Through the PTDF website at ptdf.gov.ng
• Application window: Typically opens early in the year — watch for 2027 cycle announcement

Campusflash tip: PTDF is highly competitive and primarily targets oil and gas-related disciplines. If your field is eligible, this is arguably the single most valuable scholarship a Nigerian graduate can win.

5. NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship

Type: Local undergraduate  |  Award: ₦300,000 per year (renewable)

The Nigeria LNG Limited Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (UGSS) is targeted at fresh 100-level students in federal and state universities. It is renewable throughout your degree as long as you maintain good grades — making it potentially worth ₦1.8 million over a six-year programme.

• Eligibility: Fresh 100-level admission, federal or state university, strong O’Level results
• How to apply: Through the Nigeria LNG website at nlng.com
• Application window: Typically October to December annually — watch for the 2026/2027 cycle

6. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship

Type: Local undergraduate  |  Award: Tuition + ₦150,000 annual allowance

The Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship is one of the most holistic scholarships in Nigeria. Beyond the financial award, it connects recipients with mentors, leadership training, and a powerful alumni network. It is open to all courses — not restricted to STEM — which makes it accessible to a wider range of students.

• Eligibility: Nigerian undergraduates in accredited universities, all courses, demonstrated financial need and academic excellence
• How to apply: Through the Jim Ovia Foundation website at jimovia.org
• Application window: Watch the official website for 2026 announcement

7. Shell/SNEPCo National Merit Award

Type: Local undergraduate  |  Award: ₦200,000 per year (renewable)

Shell Nigeria’s undergraduate scholarship targets students in engineering, geosciences, and related technical fields. Like most oil and gas scholarships, it is competitive — but it also comes with mentorship opportunities and potential pathways into Shell’s graduate recruitment pipeline.

• Eligibility: Engineering and geoscience students in Nigerian federal and state universities; minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0
• How to apply: Through Shell Nigeria’s website at shell.com.ng
• Application window: Typically mid-year — watch for announcement

8. NDDC Postgraduate Scholarship

Type: International postgraduate  |  Fully funded

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Postgraduate Scholarship is one of the most generous fully-funded scholarships available to Nigerian graduates — but it is exclusively for indigenes of Niger Delta states. It covers tuition, flights, accommodation, visa costs, and a monthly living allowance for Master’s study abroad.

• Eligibility: Graduates who are indigenes of Niger Delta states (Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, Rivers); strong academic record
• Benefit: Full tuition, return flights, accommodation, visa fees, and monthly living allowance
• How to apply: Through the NDDC website at nddc.gov.ng
• Application window: Watch official channels — 2026 cycle recently closed; watch for 2027

9. ExxonMobil Undergraduate Scholarship

Type: Local undergraduate  |  Award: ₦150,000 per year (renewable)

ExxonMobil Nigeria’s undergraduate scholarship supports students in science and engineering fields. While the award amount is lower than some others on this list, it is renewable annually and comes with industry mentorship — which can be just as valuable as the cash award for students targeting careers in the oil and gas sector.

• Eligibility: Science and engineering students in Nigerian federal universities; minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0
• How to apply: Through the ExxonMobil Nigeria website at exxonmobil.com/en/nigeria
• Application window: Watch official website for announcement

10. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Type: International undergraduate & postgraduate  |  Fully funded

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious fully-funded scholarships available to African students. It partners with top universities in Africa and internationally — including several Nigerian institutions — to fund talented students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Eligibility: African students (including Nigerians) with demonstrated academic excellence and financial need; strong leadership potential
• Benefit: Full tuition, accommodation, meals, books, travel, and mentorship
• How to apply: Through the Mastercard Foundation website or directly through partner universities at mastercardfdn.org
• Application window: Varies by partner university — check each institution’s deadline separately

11. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

Type: International postgraduate  |  Fully funded

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission funds Nigerian students for Master’s and PhD study at UK universities. It is one of the most respected international scholarships a Nigerian student can hold — and it covers everything from tuition to flights to a monthly living stipend.

• Eligibility: Nigerian citizens, strong undergraduate degree (typically First Class or Second Class Upper), clear development impact plan for after graduation
• Benefit: Full tuition, monthly stipend, return flights, and arrival allowance
• How to apply: Through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission at cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
• Application window: Typically September to November for the following academic year

12. University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship (Nigeria)

Type: International undergraduate & postgraduate  |  Award: Up to £30,000

The University of Manchester specifically targets Nigerian students through its Global Futures Scholarship — offering up to £10,000 per year for undergraduate studies (up to £30,000 total) and £18,000 for Master’s students. It is merit-based and awarded to students who have already received an offer of admission to Manchester.

• Eligibility: Nigerian students who have received an offer from the University of Manchester for undergraduate or Master’s study starting September 2026; awarded based on academic merit
• How to apply: Application form is sent automatically once you receive an offer from the university
• More info: manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/nigeria/scholarships

13. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Type: International postgraduate  |  Fully funded

The Fulbright Program is arguably the world’s most prestigious international scholarship. For Nigerian graduates, it offers fully-funded Master’s and PhD study at American universities — covering tuition, a living stipend, health insurance, return flights, and more. Fulbright alumni include heads of state, Nobel Prize winners, and global leaders across every field.

• Eligibility: Nigerian citizens with a strong first degree, clear academic and professional goals, and demonstrated leadership potential
• Benefit: Full tuition, monthly living stipend, health insurance, return flights, and pre-departure orientation
• How to apply: Through the US Embassy in Nigeria at ng.usembassy.gov
• Application window: Typically February to May for the following academic year

Campusflash tip: Fulbright is extremely competitive globally — but Nigeria has a strong track record of producing Fulbright Scholars. Your application essay and statement of purpose carry enormous weight. Start working on yours months before the deadline.

14. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

Type: International postgraduate  |  Fully funded

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully-funded Master’s and PhD scholarships for Nigerian graduates to study in Germany. Germany has no tuition fees at public universities, which means DAAD scholars receive a generous monthly stipend (€850 for graduates, €1,200 for doctoral candidates), health insurance, and travel allowance on top of their tuition-free education.

• Eligibility: Nigerian graduates with strong academic records; proficiency in German or English depending on the programme
• Benefit: Monthly stipend of €850–€1,200, health insurance, travel allowance, and tuition-free study
• How to apply: Through the DAAD portal at daad.de
• Application window: Varies by programme — check the DAAD website for current openings

15. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

Type: International postgraduate  |  Fully funded

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, funding exceptional students from outside the UK to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. It covers full tuition, a generous annual living stipend of £17,500, academic development funding, and even a family allowance if applicable.

• Eligibility: Nigerian citizens applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge; outstanding academic record and demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of others
• Benefit: Full tuition, £17,500 annual stipend, academic development funding up to £2,000, and family allowance
• How to apply: Through the University of Cambridge admissions portal at gatescambridge.org
• Application window: Typically October for the following academic year

Campusflash tip: Gates Cambridge is extraordinarily competitive — fewer than 1% of applicants are selected globally. Apply, but treat it as a stretch goal. Use the application process itself to sharpen your personal statement and academic goals, which will strengthen every other scholarship application you submit.

Summary — All 15 Scholarships at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?

Yes. There is no rule against applying to multiple scholarships simultaneously. Many successful scholarship recipients hold more than one award. Just make sure to read each scholarship’s terms — a few explicitly state that recipients cannot hold concurrent awards.

What CGPA do I need to qualify for most scholarships?

Most corporate scholarships in Nigeria require a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale — equivalent to a Second Class Upper. Some government scholarships and NGO awards may accept 3.0. The international scholarships on this list generally require a First Class or Second Class Upper degree.

Are these scholarships free to apply for?

Every legitimate scholarship on this list is completely free to apply for. If anyone asks you to pay a processing fee, registration fee, or any other charge to secure a scholarship, it is a scam. Report it and walk away.

I study a non-science course. Are there scholarships for me?

Yes. The Federal Government Scholarship Board, Jim Ovia Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, Commonwealth Scholarship, Fulbright, DAAD, and Gates Cambridge are all open to students across multiple disciplines — including arts, social sciences, law, and management.

Where can I find more scholarship opportunities?

Subscribe to the Campusflash newsletter — we publish scholarship alerts as soon as application windows open, so you never miss a deadline. You can also check the Federal Ministry of Education Scholarship Portal regularly at scholarship.education.gov.ng.

Final Word

Scholarships do not find you — you have to go looking. The 15 opportunities on this list represent real, life-changing funding that Nigerian students win every single year. The difference between those who win and those who don’t is rarely talent or grades alone — it is preparation, attention to deadlines, and the willingness to apply.

Start with the scholarships that match your level, course, and profile. Apply thoroughly, apply early, and apply to more than one. Campusflash will keep you updated on every new scholarship opening — subscribe to our newsletter so you are always first to know.

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