MTN Foundation Scholarship Programme 2026 | Study in Nigeria — MTN Foundation
Students across Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education now have several distinct routes into one of the country’s most recognisable corporate scholarship schemes.
About the Scholarship
The MTN Foundation Scholarship Scheme is a long-running corporate initiative supporting Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions. Rather than offering a single blanket award, the Foundation splits its scheme into several categories, each targeting a different group of students, from STEM undergraduates to visually impaired students and the very highest UTME scorers nationwide. Qualified students can receive support annually until graduation.
Scholarship Benefits
- ₦300,000 annually until graduation under the main scholarship categories
- ₦200,000 annually for students selected under the Scholarship for Blind Students category
- Automatic qualification for the Top 10 UTME Scholarship for the nation’s highest scorers
- Support that continues yearly rather than as a single one-off payment
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be undergraduates in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. The Science and Technology Scholarship targets STEM students in 300 level, and medical students in 400 level at public universities and teaching hospitals. The Scholarship for Blind Students is open to visually impaired students in 200 and 300 levels. The Top 10 UTME Scholarship is awarded automatically to the ten highest-scoring candidates as announced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Fields of Study Covered
The Science and Technology Scholarship category is restricted to STEM and medical courses, while the Scholarship for Blind Students and Top 10 UTME Scholarship categories are open more broadly across disciplines, since their eligibility hinges on disability status or UTME performance rather than a specific field.
Required Documents
- Current student identification confirming institution and level
- Academic transcript or result summary
- Evidence of visual impairment (Scholarship for Blind Students category)
- UTME result slip (Top 10 UTME Scholarship category)
- Valid means of identification
- Passport photograph
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Visit the official MTN Foundation scholarship portal once the application window opens.
2. Select the scholarship category that matches your academic level and circumstances.
3. Complete the online application form with accurate academic and personal details.
4. Upload all required supporting documents for your chosen category.
5. Submit before the stated deadline and retain your application reference for tracking.
Selection Process
The MTN Foundation reviews applications for eligibility within each category, verifying academic level, institution type, and, where relevant, disability status or UTME ranking. Shortlisted applicants are confirmed as beneficiaries, with the Top 10 UTME Scholarship category drawing directly from JAMB’s official results rather than a separate application review.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Apply under the category that most precisely matches your current level and circumstances, since mismatched applications are a common reason for rejection. STEM students should ensure their transcript clearly reflects their course classification, since the Science and Technology Scholarship is strictly limited to STEM and medical disciplines. Students also exploring oil and gas sector funding can review the NLNG Scholarship for a comparable corporate-backed alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can private university students apply?
No, the scheme is restricted to students in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
What level do STEM students need to be in?
Science and Technology Scholarship applicants must be in 300 level, or 400 level for medical students in public universities and teaching hospitals.
Is the Top 10 UTME Scholarship a separate application?
No, it is awarded automatically to the top ten highest-scoring UTME candidates as announced by JAMB, without a separate application process.
How much do blind students receive under this scheme?
Students selected under the Scholarship for Blind Students category receive ₦200,000 annually.
Does the scholarship continue every year automatically?
Yes, successful applicants continue to receive support annually until graduation, provided they remain eligible.
Can polytechnic students apply for the STEM category?
Yes, the Science and Technology Scholarship covers STEM students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
The scheme is generally structured around academic level and institution type rather than a strict age cutoff, though current guidelines should be checked each cycle.
How often does the application portal open?
The Foundation typically opens its scholarship portal once per academic cycle, with timing announced through its official channels.
Can a student qualify for more than one MTN Foundation category at once?
Generally no, applicants are expected to apply under the single category that best matches their circumstances, since each category has its own distinct eligibility rules and award structure.
Does the scholarship cover students in private colleges of education?
No, the scheme is specifically restricted to public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, so students at private institutions of any kind would not qualify under the current structure.