Best Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria for 2026/2027 Academic Year

Undergraduate scholarships Nigeria 2026: Studying at a Nigerian university is becoming more expensive each year. According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria has over 2 million undergraduate students across federal, state, and private universities. With rising tuition fees, hostel costs, and living expenses, many families find it difficult to support their children’s higher education.

Scholarships provide a lifeline. They reduce financial stress, reward academic excellence, and give students equal opportunities to succeed regardless of their background. In fact, several major companies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations offer undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria every year.

If you are an undergraduate looking for financial support in 2026/2027, this guide highlights the top 10 undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria, their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.

Top 10 Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria (2026/2027)

1. NNPC/TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship

• Eligibility: Open to full-time undergraduates in accredited Nigerian universities. Applicants must have completed at least their first year of study with good academic records.

• Benefits: ₦200,000 per year until graduation.

• Application Process: Applications are submitted online at the TotalEnergies scholarship portal. Shortlisted students undergo a test conducted by a reputable examination body. Here is the application link: https://csr-ngscholarship.totalenergies.com/

2. Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship

• Eligibility: For undergraduates in Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, and Engineering courses in recognized Nigerian universities.

• Benefits: ₦200,000 for medical-related students and ₦100,000 for engineering students annually.

• Application Process: Apply online through the official Agbami scholarship platform.

3. MTN Foundation Scholarship

• Eligibility: For 300-level students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses. Applicants must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (2:1).

• Benefits: ₦300,000 yearly until graduation.

• Application Process: Visit the MTN Foundation portal and submit all required documents, including admission letter and academic transcripts.

4. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) JV University Scholarship

• Eligibility: For full-time undergraduates in accredited universities from oil-producing states (Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, etc.).

• Benefits: Annual financial support covering tuition and living costs.

• Application Process: Candidates apply through Shell’s official scholarship page.

5. Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Undergraduate Scholarship

• Eligibility: For first-year undergraduates in Nigerian universities with excellent WAEC and UTME results.

• Benefits: ₦300,000 per academic year until graduation.

• Application Process: Submit applications online with WAEC, JAMB, and admission letters.

6. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship

• Eligibility: Open to Nigerian undergraduates with strong academic performance and leadership qualities.

• Benefits: Full tuition support and living allowance. Some recipients also gain access to mentorship and networking opportunities.

• Application Process: Applications are submitted via the Jim Ovia Foundation online portal.

7. ExxonMobil Undergraduate Scholarship

• Eligibility: For 100- and 200-level undergraduates in engineering, geology, geosciences, and other petroleum-related courses.

• Benefits: Annual financial support until graduation.

• Application Process: Applications are online, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for further assessment.

8. Seplat JV Undergraduate Scholarship

• Eligibility: For second-year students in Nigerian universities studying science or engineering-related courses.

• Benefits: ₦200,000 annually until graduation.

• Application Process: Apply online through the Seplat scholarship portal.

9. Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Local Scholarship Scheme (LSS)

• Eligibility: Nigerian undergraduates in engineering, geology, environmental sciences, and oil-related courses.

• Benefits: Tuition fees, books, and allowances fully covered.

• Application Process: Apply online through the PTDF official portal.

10. Federal Government Scholarship Award (FSB)

• Eligibility: Undergraduate students in federal and state universities with a minimum CGPA of 4.0 (for universities) or 3.5 (for polytechnics/colleges of education).

• Benefits: Covers tuition fees and stipends.

• Application Process: Applications are submitted via the Federal Scholarship Board portal, usually announced by the Ministry of Education. Here is the application link: https://fsbn.com.ng/scholarships

General Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria

Although each scholarship has its own requirements, most Nigerian undergraduate scholarships share the following criteria:

• Must be a Nigerian citizen.

• Must be enrolled full-time in a recognized Nigerian university.

• A minimum CGPA (usually 3.0 – 4.0 depending on the scholarship).

• Good performance in WAEC/NECO and JAMB.

• Some scholarships target specific fields like Medicine, Engineering, or STEM courses.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Research the Scholarship – Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and requirements.

2. Prepare Documents – WAEC/NECO results, JAMB admission letter, student ID, academic transcripts, and passport photograph.

3. Apply Online – Most scholarships now use official portals.

4. Submit Before Deadline – Late applications are usually rejected.

5. Prepare for Tests/Interviews – Some scholarships, such as NNPC/Total, conduct aptitude tests.

6. Wait for Results – Successful candidates are usually notified by email or published on the scholarship website.

10 Tips for Applying Successfully

1. Apply early to avoid last-minute mistakes.

2. Carefully read instructions before applying.

3. Maintain a strong academic record.

4. Keep digital copies of all documents.

5. Use a professional email address.

6. Practice for scholarship aptitude tests.

7. Apply for multiple scholarships at once.

8. Stay updated on deadlines via official portals and social media.

9. Join student forums or WhatsApp groups where scholarship alerts are shared.

10. Never pay money to “agents” promising guaranteed scholarships.

Conclusion

Undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic year are a golden opportunity for students to ease financial stress and focus on academics. From corporate-funded programs like MTN, Shell, and Seplat to government-funded schemes like PTDF and FSB, there are many options for students in different fields.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, start preparing your documents and apply early. Scholarships are competitive, but with persistence, the right preparation, and good academic performance, you stand a strong chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) On Best Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria for 2026/2027 Academic Year

1. Can I apply for more than one scholarship in Nigeria?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. However, some programs may not allow you to hold two awards at the same time.

2. Are Nigerian undergraduate scholarships only for science students?
No. While many scholarships focus on STEM courses, others like the Jim Ovia Foundation and Federal Government scholarships are open to students in all fields.

3. Do scholarships in Nigeria cover living expenses?
Some do, such as the MTN Foundation and Jim Ovia scholarships, which provide stipends in addition to tuition support.

4. How competitive are these scholarships?
They are very competitive. For example, the MTN Foundation receives tens of thousands of applications yearly but only selects about 500 students.

5. Can polytechnic or college of education students apply?
Yes. The Federal Government Scholarship and some oil company scholarships extend support to polytechnic and COE students.

6. What GPA do I need for most undergraduate scholarships?
Most require at least a 3.5 on a 5-point scale (2:1). Some accept 3.0 (second class lower).

7. When is the best time to apply for scholarships?
Between February and October, as most scholarship boards open applications during this period.

8. Where can I find reliable scholarship updates?
Check official scholarship portals, university notice boards, and trusted education blogs.

9. Do I need to pay to apply for scholarships?
No. All legitimate undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria are free. Avoid fraudsters who demand payment.

10. What happens if I lose my scholarship due to low grades?
Most scholarships require recipients to maintain a minimum CGPA. If you fall below, the award may be withdrawn.