Every year, thousands of Nigerian undergraduate students scroll past the MTN scholarship announcement without applying — not because they don’t qualify, but because nobody explained the process clearly enough for them to feel confident doing it.
Some think it is too competitive to bother. Others assume it is only for students at certain universities. A good number simply miss the deadline because they heard about it too late and assumed it was already closed.
If any of that sounds familiar, this guide is specifically for you.
The MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026 is genuinely one of the most accessible and reliable scholarship programmes available to Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions right now. It has been running consistently since 2010, it awards real money — ₦300,000 per year — and it renews annually until graduation as long as you maintain your grades. That is not a one-time payment. That is sustained financial support across the most expensive years of your education.
This article walks you through everything: what the scholarship is, who can apply, what the specific requirements are for each category, what documents you need to prepare, how the application process works step by step, and what separates successful applicants from those who miss out every year.
What Is the MTN Foundation Scholarship?
The MTN Foundation Scholarship is an annual education support programme run by the MTN Nigeria Foundation — the corporate social responsibility arm of MTN Nigeria. It was established in 2010 with a specific goal: to identify and financially support high-performing undergraduate students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions who demonstrate academic excellence but need financial support to sustain their studies.
Since its launch, the MTN Foundation has awarded nearly ₦3 billion in scholarships to over 4,200 students across Nigeria. That figure puts the scale of this programme in perspective. This is not a small pilot initiative. It is one of the most substantial privately-funded scholarship programmes in the country, and it has a proven track record of consistently delivering on its promises to beneficiaries.
What makes this scholarship particularly valuable beyond the money is what comes after. Every MTN scholarship recipient gains access to the MTN Skill Up Training programme upon graduation — a structured upskilling initiative that includes certifications from recognised bodies like the Project Management Institute (PMI). Beneficiaries also join an alumni community with access to job opportunity alerts, mentorship, and career resources. The scholarship, in other words, opens a door into a community — not just a cheque deposited once and forgotten.
For the 2026 edition, the programme will award 400 students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. Each successful candidate receives ₦300,000 annually, covering tuition, books, and general academic expenses, renewable every year until graduation provided they maintain the required grades.
The Three Categories of the MTN Scholarship 2026
One of the most important things to understand before applying is that the MTN scholarship is not a single programme. It operates under three distinct categories, each with its own eligibility conditions and target group. Applying under the wrong category — or failing to understand which one applies to you — is one of the most avoidable mistakes in the entire process.
MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (MTN STS)
This is the flagship category and the one most Nigerian students are referring to when they talk about the MTN scholarship. It targets students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related disciplines studying in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.
To be eligible for the STS, you must be in your 300 level — either currently enrolled in 300 level or transitioning into it from 200 level (meaning you have completed your second-semester 200-level examinations). Medical students are a slight exception to this rule: those completing their second-semester 300-level examinations or currently in 400 level are also eligible, given the extended duration of medical programmes in Nigeria.
For the 2026 edition, 400 students will be selected across this category. The award is ₦300,000 per year, renewable annually until graduation provided you maintain the required CGPA.
MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (MTN SBS)
This category was introduced in 2012 specifically to support visually impaired students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. Unlike the STS, the SBS is open to students studying any course — not limited to science and technology fields. This is an important distinction many people miss.
To qualify under SBS, you must be in your 200 or 300 level. The one exception is blind students studying Law, which is a five-year programme — for that group, only 300-level students are eligible. The award is ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 annually depending on the selection outcome, and it renews each year until graduation provided academic standards are maintained.
Top 10 UTME Scholarship
This is the most automatic of the three categories, introduced in 2020. Every year, JAMB announces the ten highest-scoring candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Those ten students automatically qualify for the MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship — no separate application form is required beyond meeting the standard verification requirements.
The reward is ₦300,000 per year from 100 level through graduation, and it is awarded regardless of the student’s course of study. Crucially, this category is the only one that extends to private universities — while the STS and SBS are restricted to public institutions, the UTME scholarship covers both public and private tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
MTN Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Requirements
Before you invest time preparing documents and filling out an application, go through this eligibility checklist honestly. Applying when you do not meet the requirements wastes your effort and changes nothing.
Institution of Study
For the STS and SBS categories, you must be enrolled in a Nigerian public tertiary institution — a federal or state university, a polytechnic, or a college of education. Private universities are not eligible for these two categories. This is a firm rule and one of the most common reasons students get disqualified at the initial screening stage.
Level of Study
For the STS: you must be in 300 level, or transitioning from 200 level to 300 level having completed your second-semester examinations. Medical students going from 300 level to 400 level are also covered.
For the SBS: 200 or 300 level for most courses, and 300 level only for blind law students.
For UTME Top 10: 100 level — this category starts from your first year and runs until graduation.
CGPA Requirements
This is where most applicants genuinely fall short, and it is better to know this clearly upfront than to be disappointed at the verification stage.
University and College of Education students applying for the STS must have a minimum CGPA of 3.50 on a 5.0 scale or 3.50 on a 4.0 scale — the equivalent of a Second Class Upper in most Nigerian grading systems.
Polytechnic students must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 (Upper Credit) in their OND result and must have secured admission into an HND programme.
Direct Entry students must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 in OND and must currently be enrolled in 300 level at a public university.
For the SBS (blind students): university and College of Education applicants need a minimum CGPA of 2.50. Blind polytechnic students need a minimum CGPA of 2.0 in OND results.
Be honest with yourself about where you stand. The CGPA verification is thorough — MTN Foundation contacts institutions directly to confirm figures during the selection process. There is no room to estimate or round up.
Course of Study
The STS is specifically for science and technology-related courses. If you are studying Accountancy, Mass Communication, English, Law, or another non-STEM discipline, the STS is not open to you — unless you qualify under the SBS category. The SBS is open to all disciplines, provided you meet the other conditions.
Nationality
You must be a Nigerian citizen. This scholarship programme is not open to international students studying in Nigeria.
MTN Scholarship 2026 Deadline
Based on confirmed information from the official MTN Foundation website and multiple verified sources, the application deadline for the 2026 edition is May 31, 2026. Some sources indicate the portal may remain open into July 2026 depending on the application cycle — but planning around May 31 as your hard deadline is the safest approach.
Looking at the pattern across previous years, the portal typically opens between March and May and closes sometime between late May and mid-July. The 2025 cycle’s official deadline was April 25, 2025. The 2026 cycle opened later in the year, with the confirmed closing date of May 31.
The single most important thing to take from the deadline information is this: do not apply in the final days. Nigerian students who leave applications to the last 48 hours routinely run into portal congestion, document upload failures, and session timeout problems that can cost them their submission entirely. Give yourself at least two weeks before the deadline to prepare, review, and submit your application without pressure.
Always verify the current official deadline at mtn.ng/scholarships, since dates can shift slightly between cycles.
Documents You Need to Prepare Before Applying
This is the section most scholarship guides rush through, and it is the part that causes the most last-minute disruption. Getting your documents ready before you open the application portal is not just recommended — it is essential. The portal does not save partially completed applications indefinitely in all cases, and running out to get a document mid-application creates real risk.
Here is exactly what you need:
A recent passport photograph against a white background. This must be a clear, formal photograph — not a selfie, not a photograph with a patterned or coloured background. MTN Foundation is specific about photograph standards, and a substandard image can flag your application.
Your official academic transcript or statement of results showing your current CGPA. This must come from your institution’s registry or examinations office — not a printout from your student portal. Official transcripts at many Nigerian universities take one to three weeks to process. Request yours immediately if you have not already.
Your current student ID card. Must be a valid, unexpired ID issued by your institution.
Your JAMB admission letter or O’Level results. These are required for identity and admission status verification.
Evidence of your current level of study. Your course registration form or any official academic document confirming your enrollment at the level you are claiming.
A personal bank account in your name. MTN Foundation disburses the scholarship award directly to a bank account. If you are currently using a parent’s or guardian’s account for transactions, open a personal account before you begin the application. Most Nigerian banks process student accounts quickly.
For SBS applicants: a certified medical or institutional document confirming your visual impairment, signed by a qualified medical professional or issued by a recognised institution.
All documents must be in digital format — scanned clearly, properly oriented, and within the file size restrictions specified on the portal. A blurry photograph of a transcript photographed with a low-quality phone camera is not the same as a scanned document. If you do not have access to a scanner, most university business centres and cybercafes offer scanning services for ₦50 to ₦200 per page.
How to Apply for the MTN Scholarship 2026: Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility First
This step sounds obvious but it is the one most people skip. Before you open the portal, confirm your CGPA from your transcript, confirm your level of study, confirm that your institution is a Nigerian public tertiary institution, and confirm that your course falls under science and technology if you are applying for the STS. Only proceed when you are certain.
Step 2: Prepare All Your Documents in Advance
Gather every document listed in the section above. Scan them and save them in the required formats — typically PDF or JPG. Name your files clearly (for example: transcript_surname.pdf, passport_photo_surname.jpg) so you can find them quickly when the portal prompts you for uploads. Doing this before you open the application form saves significant time and reduces errors.
Step 3: Visit the Official MTN Scholarship Portal
Go directly to mtn.ng/scholarships or apps.mtn.ng/scholarships. Do not apply through any third-party website, Facebook page, or link someone sent you on WhatsApp. The only legitimate application channel is the official MTN website. The application is completely free — any agent, individual, or website asking for payment to “process” or “fast-track” your application is running a scam.
Step 4: Create Your Account or Log In
First-time applicants need to create an account using a valid email address. Use an email address you check regularly and that you have sole access to — because all communication from MTN Foundation, including shortlisting notices, requests for additional documents, and award announcements, goes through email. Using your school email or a shared family email is a mistake that has caused students to miss critical notifications in previous cycles.
Step 5: Select the Correct Category
Choose between STS and SBS carefully. Read the description for each category before selecting. Applying under the wrong category does not carry over to the right one — your application will simply be screened out during the initial review. If you are unsure which category applies to you, re-read the eligibility requirements in this guide before making your selection.
Step 6: Complete the Application Form Fully
Go through every section of the form carefully. Leave nothing blank unless the form explicitly marks a field as optional. Pay particular attention to your name — it must match exactly what appears on your transcript, student ID, and JAMB documents. A name discrepancy between your application and your official documents will create verification problems that can cost you your selection.
Enter your CGPA accurately. MTN Foundation verifies all stated CGPAs directly with institutions. Do not round up. Do not estimate. Enter the exact figure that appears on your official transcript.
Step 7: Upload Your Documents
Upload each document as the form requests it. Confirm that each file uploaded correctly — do not assume it did just because the progress bar completed. Check that the uploaded file actually displays correctly before moving to the next section. A corrupted or blank upload is one of the most frustrating and avoidable application errors.
Step 8: Read and Accept the Declaration
Before submitting, you will be asked to read and agree to a declaration that covers the accuracy of your information, your consent to verification, and your understanding of the scholarship conditions. Read it. This is not boilerplate to skip past. It is a commitment that carries consequences — MTN Foundation has the right to disqualify any applicant found to have submitted false information.
Step 9: Submit and Save Your Confirmation
After submitting, save or screenshot your confirmation reference number. This is proof that your application was received by the portal. Keep it accessible until results are announced.
What Happens After You Submit
Selection for the MTN scholarship moves through several stages after the application window closes.
The first stage is eligibility screening. Applications are reviewed against the stated criteria — institution type, level of study, course, and CGPA threshold. Applications that do not meet the requirements are filtered out here.
Applications that pass screening go to academic verification. MTN Foundation contacts institutions directly to confirm the CGPAs and enrollment status of candidates who made it through. This is why accuracy matters so much — any discrepancy found during this stage removes your application from consideration regardless of how strong everything else looks.
Shortlisted candidates are then contacted by email with instructions for the next stage, which may include an aptitude test or submission of additional documentation. This varies between cycles.
Final awardees are notified individually by email and the ₦300,000 award is disbursed directly into the bank account provided during application. The full cycle from application close to final announcement typically takes between two and four months.
During this waiting period, continue your studies as normal. Do not pay anyone claiming they can influence your selection or confirm your shortlisting before the official announcement — no such arrangement exists.
What ₦300,000 Realistically Covers for a Nigerian Student
It is worth spelling out what this scholarship actually means in practical terms, because the figure alone does not capture the impact for students who genuinely need it.
School fees at federal universities range from approximately ₦40,000 to ₦200,000 per session depending on the faculty and institution. For the vast majority of students applying for this scholarship, the ₦300,000 covers fees in full with money remaining.
Textbooks for a full academic year in a STEM course — the category most STS recipients are in — cost between ₦30,000 and ₦80,000 depending on whether you buy new or used copies and the specific courses you are taking. The scholarship covers this.
Off-campus accommodation in most Nigerian university towns runs between ₦15,000 and ₦50,000 per month for a single room depending on the location and quality. After paying fees and buying books, the remaining balance from the scholarship covers several months of rent.
For students who are currently borrowing from family members to pay school fees, skipping meals to make transport money last, or seriously considering dropping out because the financial pressure is unsustainable — this scholarship changes the equation entirely. It does not reduce the burden. For many students, it eliminates it.
Tips That Genuinely Improve Your Application
Apply early. This cannot be said enough. Portal congestion in the final days before the deadline is real and well-documented by Nigerian students who have gone through the process. Students who apply in the first two to three weeks of the open window avoid this problem entirely and have time to correct any errors before submission.
Get your official transcript, not a printout. The most common issue during verification is a discrepancy between what a student reported on their application and what appears in their institution’s records. Obtain your official transcript from your registry, read what it says, and enter exactly that figure.
Use a professional, personal email address. All MTN Foundation communication goes through email. An address like firstname.lastname@gmail.com is far less likely to be filtered into spam than creative nicknames, and it also makes a better impression if your email appears anywhere in the application review.
Do not pay anyone. Say this clearly to yourself before you start: the MTN scholarship application is free. There is no registration fee, no processing fee, no “express application” fee. Anyone collecting money for this is stealing from you.
Prepare for a possible aptitude test. In some cycles, shortlisted candidates are invited to sit an aptitude test as part of the selection process. If you are shortlisted, prepare for this the same way you would any academic assessment — it is not something to improvise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MTN scholarship genuine or a scam?
It is completely genuine. The MTN Foundation has been running this programme continuously since 2010 and has disbursed nearly ₦3 billion to over 4,200 students across Nigeria. The scam version is when someone asks you to pay money to apply or claims they can guarantee your selection — that is fraud. The scholarship itself is real, reputable, and one of the most reliable corporate scholarship programmes in the country.
Can students at private universities apply for the MTN scholarship?
Only students who qualify under the Top 10 UTME category can benefit from private university enrollment. The STS and SBS categories are strictly for students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
What is the minimum CGPA required for the MTN scholarship 2026?
For university and College of Education students applying for the STS: 3.50 on either a 4.0 or 5.0 scale. For polytechnic students: 3.0 Upper Credit in OND. For blind students under SBS: 2.50 at university level and 2.0 in OND for polytechnic.
Can I apply if I am in 200 level?
For the STS, you are eligible if you have completed your second-semester 200-level examinations and are transitioning into 300 level. If you are currently mid-way through 200 level with results still pending, wait for the next application cycle.
What happens if my CGPA drops after I receive the scholarship?
The scholarship is reviewed annually. If your CGPA falls below the required threshold during any year, your renewal for that academic session may be withheld. MTN Foundation verifies academic performance at each renewal stage before disbursing continued funding.
Can I apply again if I was not selected in a previous year?
Yes. Each application cycle is assessed independently. Many students who eventually received the scholarship had applied in at least one previous cycle before being selected. There is no penalty for previous unsuccessful applications.
Can polytechnic students apply for the MTN scholarship?
Yes. Polytechnic students are eligible for both the STS and SBS categories, provided they meet the specific CGPA and level requirements applicable to polytechnic applicants. The CGPA threshold for polytechnic students is 3.0 Upper Credit in OND.
Is there an age limit for the MTN scholarship?
No age limit is stated. Eligibility is determined by your level of study, institution type, course, and CGPA — not your age.
Final Word
The MTN scholarship exists because someone recognised a straightforward truth: academic ability in Nigeria is not distributed by income level, but the ability to stay in school often is.
You do not need a connection inside MTN. You do not need to pay an agent. You do not need to attend a particular university or know the right people. What you need is a qualifying CGPA, the correct level of study, enrollment in a public tertiary institution, and the discipline to put together an accurate, complete application before the deadline passes.
The 2026 window is open. The portal is free. The money is real and it renews every year.
Apply at mtn.ng/scholarships before May 31, 2026.
