Scholarships Available Now in Nigeria: Let’s Be Honest
Most scholarship articles in Nigeria do the same thing.
They list 25 programs.
Half are closed.
Some are from 2022.
Others don’t apply to Nigerians at all.
So let’s slow down.
If you are searching for scholarships available now in Nigeria, what you really want is:
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Something open
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Something real
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Something you actually qualify for
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And something worth your time
This guide focuses on scholarships that are either currently open in 2026 or part of active, predictable cycles you can prepare for immediately.
Let’s break it down properly.
Undergraduate Scholarships Available Now in Nigeria (2026)
If you’re currently in university (100–400 level), these are the most realistic opportunities.
1. MTN Foundation Scholarship (2026 Cycle)
This is one of the most stable corporate scholarships in Nigeria.
Who it is for:
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Students in public universities
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Mainly science and technology fields
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Strong academic performance (usually 3.5 CGPA and above)
Why it matters:
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Renewable every year
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Pays around ₦200,000+ annually
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Recognised nationwide
The 2026 cycle is expected within the usual annual window. You can track official updates through their foundation page and verified scholarship directories.
If you are in 200 or 300 level, this is one you should prepare for seriously.
2. Lagos State Scholarship & Bursary Awards (Currently Relevant in 2026)
If you are an indigene of Lagos State, this is not optional; it is strategic.
It supports:
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Undergraduate students
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Postgraduate students
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Students studying in Nigeria and abroad
Award range:
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₦20,000 to ₦400,000 depending on category
Many students ignore state scholarships because they focus only on oil companies. That is a mistake.
State scholarships often have fewer applicants, which increases your chances.
Recent updates and listing references can be monitored.
If you qualify, apply. Do not overthink it.
3. NHEF Scholars Program
This is not just financial aid.
The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation program combines:
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Funding support
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Leadership development
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Internship and corporate exposure
It is especially useful if you are thinking long term about career growth.
You can review currently listed Nigerian opportunities.
This is ideal for serious students who want more than just “school fees help.”
Postgraduate Scholarships Available Now in Nigeria (2026)
Now let’s talk about the bigger opportunities.
If you are planning a Master’s or PhD, funding becomes more serious, but so does competition.
4. PTDF Overseas Scholarship (Fully Funded)
If you are in engineering, sciences, or technology, this is one of the most powerful scholarships available now in Nigeria.
It covers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Travel
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Research costs
Countries usually include:
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UK
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Germany
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France
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Malaysia
This is not a small bursary. It is full funding.
The key difference between successful and unsuccessful applicants is preparation.
You need:
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A strong academic record
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A clear research proposal
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Serious referees
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A focused statement of purpose
This is not for last-minute applicants.
5. NNPC / TotalEnergies International Master’s Scholarship
This is another serious fully funded opportunity.
It sends Nigerian students to study in France for a Master’s degree and typically covers:
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Tuition
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Accommodation
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Monthly allowance
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Flight
This scholarship is competitive but transformative.
If your CV is strong and your grades are solid, this should be on your radar in 2026.
6. Federal Government BEA Scholarship
The Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship allows Nigerians to study in partner countries under government arrangements.
It usually supports:
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Undergraduate students
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Postgraduate students
It covers:
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Tuition
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Living allowance
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Travel
Unlike corporate scholarships, this one requires strict documentation and eligibility compliance.
It is best for disciplined applicants who follow instructions carefully.
The Truth About Scholarships Available Now in Nigeria
Here is something most people will not tell you:
There are scholarships in Nigeria.
But most students lose because they:
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Apply late
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Apply carelessly
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Submit weak personal statements
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Or apply for everything without strategy
Winning a scholarship is not about luck.
It is about positioning.
How to Position Yourself for Scholarships in Nigeria
If you want to improve your odds in 2026:
1. Fix Your Academic Record
If your CGPA is low, focus on improving it before chasing competitive awards.
2. Build a Simple Academic CV
Even undergraduates should have:
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Academic achievements
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Leadership roles
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Volunteer work
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Certifications
3. Prepare a Strong Personal Statement Template
Most scholarships ask similar questions:
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Why do you deserve this?
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What impact will you create?
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Why this field?
Prepare one strong master draft and tailor it.
4. Track Scholarship Seasons
In Nigeria, patterns are predictable:
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January–March: Government/state scholarships
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April–June: Corporate/oil-sector scholarships
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September–December: International scholarships
If you understand this cycle, you stop reacting and start preparing.
Scholarships Available Now in Nigeria: What You Should Do Today
Instead of bookmarking 20 links, do this:
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Pick 2 scholarships that match your level.
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Check eligibility carefully.
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Prepare your documents now.
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Set a deadline reminder.
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Start early.
One strong application is better than ten rushed ones.
If you are searching for scholarships available now in Nigeria in 2026, here is the reality:
The opportunities exist.
But they reward preparation, not desperation.
Whether you are:
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An undergraduate trying to survive tuition,
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Or a graduate aiming for a fully funded Master’s abroad,
Your strategy matters more than the number of applications you submit.
Do not just search.
Prepare.
Apply.
Follow up.
And treat scholarships like opportunities, not lottery tickets.
