It has become a fact of life for Nigerians that higher education in Nigeria becomes more expensive each successive year. Not every brilliant student can afford the high costs.
But here’s the good news, scholarships are available for Nigerian undergraduate students, both within the country and abroad. These funding opportunities are designed to reward academic excellence, support financial need, and help you achieve your educational dreams without worrying about tuition or expenses. Mostly, anyway.
In this guide, we’ll list the top scholarships available to Nigerian undergraduate students in 2025, show you where to find them and tell you how to apply as well as powerful tips to increase your chances of winning.
Why Scholarships Matter for Nigerian undergraduate Students
If you’ve ever sat down with your parents to calculate school fees, you’ll understand how stressful it can get. Tuition alone is expensive, not to mention the literal mountain of textbooks one has to buy and money for transport, feeding, and accommodation. For many families, sending a child to university feels like walking on a sea of hot coals with no end in sight.
That’s why scholarships are so much sought after. They don’t just ease the financial burden, they open doors. Some scholarships connect you with big-name institutions, others boost your CV, and some even give you a shot at studying abroad. But most importantly, they let you focus on your studies without constantly worrying about how to pay next semester’s fees.
To make it clearer, scholarships:
Reduce financial stress
Open doors to prestigious institutions
Boost your CV or LinkedIn profile
Provide international exposure
Help you focus on your studies
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a straight-A student or come from a rich background to win a scholarship. Nowadays, many opportunities are based on leadership, talent, or financial need.
Download free JAMB Past Questions and Answers:
Top Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduate Students in 2025
Here are some of the best scholarships Nigerian undergrads can apply for in 2025:
1. NNPC/TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship
Level: 100 Level
Value: N150,000 per session till graduation
Eligibility:
Must be a full-time 100-level student in a Nigerian university
Must have gained admission through JAMB
Must not hold any other scholarship
Fields: All
Deadline: Usually September–November
How to Apply: https://scholarships.totalenergiescsredu.com
This is one of the most popular merit-based scholarships. If you’re starting university in 2025, don’t miss this one!
2. MTN Foundation Scholarship
Level: 200 Level
Value: N200,000 per year (renewable till graduation)
Eligibility:
CGPA of 3.5 and above (2:1)
Open to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) students in public tertiary institutions
Deadline: Usually June–August
How to Apply: https://www.mtn.ng/scholarships
MTN offers this scholarship to reward academic excellence in tech and science-related fields. They also offer a special Blind Student Scholarship.
3. Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship (Chevron)
Level: 100 & 200 Level
Value: N100,000–N200,000 per session
Eligibility:
Students in Medicine, Engineering, and Nursing
Must be in their first or second year in a Nigerian university
Deadline: Usually March
Apply via: https://www.ormng.com
This scholarship focuses on core STEM fields and medical students. It’s highly competitive but worth every effort.
4. Shell Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship
Level: 100 Level
Value: N200,000 per session
Eligibility:
Must be a Nigerian undergraduate in any public university
Academic performance matters (JAMB and O’level results)
Deadline: April–May
Application: Online application via Shell Nigeria’s portal
Link: https://www.shell.com.ng
This one is open to students in both oil-producing states and others nationwide.
5. Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship
Level: 100 Level (renewable)
Value: Up to N150,000 per year
Eligibility:
Based on academic merit and leadership potential
Available to students in Nigerian universities
Deadline: Varies
Application: https://www.jimoviafoundation.org
This scholarship focuses on empowering future leaders. Past winners have gone on to secure international scholarships too.
6. Federal Government Scholarships (BEA & Local Awards)
Level: Undergraduate
Value: Tuition and other benefits depending on the award
Types:
BEA Scholarship: For studying abroad in countries like Russia, China, Hungary, etc.
Local Scholarship: For Nigerian public universities and colleges
Eligibility:
Minimum of 5 Distinctions in WAEC/NECO
Full-time Nigerian students in public institutions
Apply via: https://fsbn.com.ng
7. Seplat JV Scholarship Scheme
Level: 200 Level
Value: N150,000 annually
Eligibility:
Must be in 2nd year of a federal/state university
Minimum CGPA of 3.5
Open to students in selected courses
Fields: Engineering, Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts
Apply via: https://www.seplatenergy.com
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Where to Find More Scholarships
There are several websites and platforms where Nigerian students can find scholarship opportunities. Bookmark these:
Scholars4Dev
ScholarshipAir
MySchool.ng
NG Students
Nigerianscholars.com
Stay active on social media and LinkedIn as well, many scholarship updates drop on Twitter and Facebook pages.
How to Apply for Scholarships and Get Picked
You don’t win a scholarship by filling out an application and hoping for the best. You have to stand out in a sea of applications because chances are that there are hundreds, if not thousands of other people applying for the same scholarship.
You must keep it in mind that most scholarships don’t only care for your grades – they want to know your story, your passion, what makes you unique. They want to deal with a person, not just a brain box.
So…let’s walk you through the steps to jot only help you apply, but increase your chances of being picked.
1. Start Early, Don’t Wait for the Last Minute
Trust me, procrastination is your enemy here. Many scholarship deadlines are months before the academic year begins. Waiting until the last minute means rushing your application, possibly missing important documents, or overlooking crucial details. Starting early gives you plenty of time to gather your documents, write your essays, and submit everything with confidence. Plus, you’ll feel less stressed knowing you’re not racing against the clock.
2. Prepare Your Documents in Advance
Most scholarships will require certain documents to verify your eligibility. Here’s a checklist of common items you’ll need:
WAEC or NECO result
Admission letter
JAMB result
Birth certificate
Proof of indigene or LGA certificate
Passport photo
School ID or acceptance letter
Don’t wait until the last minute to gather these documents. Some can take time to get, so the sooner you start, the better. Make sure they’re all up to date and clear, as errors or missing items can delay your application.
3. Write a Solid Essay (If Required)
If the scholarship asks for an essay (which most of them do), don’t treat it like just another school assignment. This is your chance to show who you are beyond your grades. Talk about your dreams, what drives you, and why you’re passionate about your field of study. Make sure to highlight:
Your goals and aspirations: What do you want to achieve, and why does this scholarship help you get there?
Why you deserve the scholarship: This is where you sell yourself. Explain your work ethic, dedication, and vision for the future.
How you plan to give back: Scholarships are about supporting future leaders, so show them how you’ll make a difference in your community or the world.
4. Maintain a High CGPA
Many scholarships are renewable, which means you’ll need to maintain a certain GPA to keep the funding. Aim for at least a 3.5 GPA or higher if possible. A solid academic record demonstrates your commitment to your education and shows you’re serious about your goals.
5. Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of success. Research a variety of opportunities, even those you might not have considered at first. The more you apply, the more likely you are to find one that fits your background and aspirations. Remember, each application is an opportunity to tell your story.
By following these steps, you’ll not only have a better shot at securing a scholarship, but you’ll also give yourself the peace of mind knowing you’ve done everything you can to stand out. Good luck, you’ve got this!
Common Mistakes Nigerian undergraduate Students Make When Applying for Scholarships (and How to Avoid Them)
We’ve all been there, rushing an application the night before the deadline, or thinking one generic essay will work for every scholarship. But those small slip-ups can cost you big opportunities. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
1. Missing Deadlines
Life gets busy, but scholarships wait for no one. Set reminders, mark calendars, and treat deadlines like exam dates, you don’t want to miss out because you forgot.
2. Submitting Incomplete Applications
Imagine getting shortlisted but being disqualified because you left out one document. Double-check everything before hitting “submit.”
3. Using One Essay for Every Scholarship
It’s tempting to copy and paste the same essay, but don’t. Each scholarship is unique, your application should reflect that. Tweak your story to match what they’re looking for.
4. Ignoring Requirements
If the scholarship says “STEM students only” or “minimum CGPA of 3.5,” respect that. Skipping over eligibility details is a fast track to rejection.
5. Not Following Up
Some students miss out because they don’t check their emails or respond when shortlisted. If you’re serious, stay alert, you might just get that “Congratulations” message.
Conclusion
Scholarships can change your life. Thousands of Nigerian undergraduate students win scholarships every year, and you can too. All it takes is the right information, a little effort, and the determination to succeed.
Don’t be discouraged if you’re not picked the first time. Keep applying, improving your profile, and chasing your dreams.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your friends, or drop a comment below if you need help with applications or writing your scholarship essay.