If you are a Nigerian undergraduate student looking for financial support to fund your education, the MTN Scholarship 2026 is one of the best opportunities available to you right now. Offering up to ₦300,000 annually, this flagship program by the MTN Foundation has been changing the lives of Nigerian students since 2010 and applications are currently open.
In this complete guide, we break down everything you need to know about the MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026: the categories, eligibility requirements, award benefits, required documents, and a clear step-by-step application process. Read every section carefully because missing one detail could cost you your application.
MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026: Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | MTN Foundation Scholarship Scheme 2026 |
| Host | MTN Foundation (MTN Nigeria) |
| Award Amount | ₦300,000 per year |
| Open To | Nigerian undergraduate students |
| Institutions | Public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education |
| Renewable? | Yes — until graduation |
| Application Deadline | May 31, 2026 |
| Application Portal | www.mtn.ng/scholarships |
What Is the MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026?
The MTN Foundation Scholarship is one of Nigeria’s most competitive and widely respected undergraduate education support programs. Since its establishment in 2010, the MTN Foundation — the corporate social responsibility arm of MTN Nigeria has consistently provided financial support to thousands of high-performing students across the country.
Rather than offering a one-time payment, the MTN Scholarship 2026 provides annual funding until graduation, provided that beneficiaries maintain the required academic performance. Consequently, this makes it one of the most valuable and long-lasting scholarship opportunities available to Nigerian undergraduates today.
The program focuses on three key values: academic excellence, inclusivity, and national development. Through this scholarship, MTN Foundation aims to reduce financial barriers that prevent talented students from completing their education in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.
MTN Scholarship 2026 Categories: Which One Is for You?
The MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026 is structured into three distinct categories. Therefore, before applying, it is important to identify which category applies to your situation:
1. MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (STS)
This is the flagship category of the MTN Scholarship scheme. It targets undergraduate students studying Science and Technology-related courses in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. For 2026, MTN Foundation will award 400 students scholarships worth ₦300,000 each.
Eligible courses under this category include engineering, computer science, medicine, and other STEM-related disciplines.
2. MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS)
Introduced in 2012, this category specifically supports visually impaired students studying in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. Unlike the STS category, blind students can apply regardless of their course of study. Moreover, 100 students receive scholarships worth ₦300,000 annually under this category.
3. MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship
This category automatically rewards the top 10 highest-scoring candidates in the UTME examination as announced by JAMB each year. Notably, you do not need to apply for this category — successful candidates are identified and contacted directly. Furthermore, this scholarship covers both public and private institutions, making it the only MTN category open to private university students.
MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026: Who Can Apply?
This is where many applicants make costly mistakes. Below is a clear breakdown of the eligibility requirements for the MTN Scholarship 2026:
Institution of Study
- Must be enrolled in a Nigerian public university, polytechnic, or college of education
- Teaching hospitals also qualify under the STS category
- Private institutions are only eligible under the Top 10 UTME category
Course of Study
- STS Category: Must be studying a Science and Technology-related course, or be a 400-level medical student
- SBS Category: Open to blind students studying any course in a Nigerian public tertiary institution
Level of Study
- STS applicants must be in 300 level (or going into 300 level having completed 200-level second semester exams)
- SBS applicants must be in 200 or 300 level (blind students studying Law, a 5-year course, must be in 300 level)
- Medical students must be in 400 level or transitioning into it
CGPA Requirements
Meeting the minimum CGPA is non-negotiable for the MTN Scholarship 2026. Here are the specific requirements:
- STEM students in public universities and colleges of education: Minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (Second Class Upper / Credit)
- STEM students in public polytechnics: Minimum CGPA of 3.0 (Upper Credit) from OND, with secured HND admission
- Direct Entry STEM students: Minimum CGPA of 3.0 (Upper Credit) from OND, with secured admission into 300 level
- Blind students in universities: Minimum CGPA of 2.5
- Blind students in polytechnics: Minimum CGPA of 2.5 (Lower Credit)
Nationality
- Must be a Nigerian citizen
- Must be studying in a Nigerian public tertiary institution
MTN Scholarship 2026 Benefits: What Will You Receive?
Successful beneficiaries of the MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026 receive the following:
- ₦300,000 annually — covering tuition fees, book allowances, and living stipend
- Renewable funding — the scholarship continues each year until graduation, as long as you maintain the required grades
- Recognition as an MTN Foundation Scholar — a credential that strengthens your academic and professional profile
- Blind students under the SBS category receive ₦200,000 annually (some sources indicate up to ₦300,000 depending on the cycle — confirm on the official portal)
Unlike many scholarships that pay once and end, the MTN Scholarship 2026 keeps supporting you throughout your academic journey. This, in particular, is what makes it one of the most impactful scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates.
Documents Required for the MTN Scholarship 2026 Application
Before you begin your application, prepare the following documents to avoid delays:
- Valid student ID card from your institution
- Admission letter from your tertiary institution
- Recent passport photograph
- O-Level results (WAEC/NECO)
- Proof of CGPA (official transcript or result printout)
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Letter of identification from your institution or department
Additionally, ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and up to date. Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents is one of the most common reasons applications fail.
How to Apply for the MTN Scholarship 2026: Step-by-Step
The MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026 application process is entirely online. Here is exactly how to apply:
Step 1: Visit the Official MTN Scholarship Portal
Go to the official MTN Nigeria scholarship page at www.mtn.ng/scholarships or the direct application portal at apps.mtn.ng/scholarships/form. Avoid third-party websites that claim to process applications; always use the official MTN portal.
Step 2: Complete the Eligibility Screening Form
Before accessing the main application form, MTN first requires you to complete a short eligibility screening form. This step determines whether you qualify for the scholarship based on your institution, course, level, and CGPA. If you pass the screening, you proceed to the full application.
Step 3: Select Your Scholarship Category
Choose the category that applies to you; either the Science and Technology Scholarship (STS) or the Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS). Selecting the wrong category will disqualify your application, so double-check before proceeding.
Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application Form
Complete the application form with accurate personal, academic, and institutional details. In particular, ensure that your CGPA, institution name, course of study, and level of study are entered correctly. Even minor errors can lead to disqualification.
Step 5: Upload All Required Documents
Upload clear scanned copies of all the required documents listed above. Furthermore, make sure each file is within the accepted size limit and in the correct format (PDF or JPEG are typically accepted).
Step 6: Review and Submit Your Application
Before submitting, carefully review every section of your application. Check your personal details, academic information, and uploaded documents one final time. Once you are satisfied, click Submit and wait for a confirmation message or email from MTN Foundation.
Important: The application deadline for the MTN Scholarship 2026 is May 31, 2026. MTN does not accept late submissions under any circumstances — so apply as early as possible.
MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026 Selection Process
After submission, MTN Foundation follows a structured selection process:
- Eligibility verification — MTN confirms that all submitted details and documents are accurate
- Merit-based shortlisting — candidates are ranked based on academic performance and eligibility compliance
- Notification — shortlisted candidates receive communication from MTN Foundation via email or phone
- Award announcement — successful scholars are officially announced and onboarded into the program
Importantly, the MTN Scholarship bases selection strictly on merit and accuracy of submitted details. Therefore, any false information in your application results in automatic disqualification.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning the MTN Scholarship 2026
Based on the program’s structure and selection criteria, here are practical strategies to strengthen your application:
1. Apply early. The MTN Scholarship portal closes once the deadline passes. Moreover, applying early gives you time to correct any errors before the window closes.
2. Double-check your CGPA. Your CGPA is the most critical factor in your application. Ensure the figure you enter matches your official transcript exactly.
3. Use clear, readable documents. Blurry or incomplete uploads are a common reason for disqualification. Scan your documents properly before uploading.
4. Do not apply for more than one category. Each student can only apply under one category. Attempting to apply for multiple categories violates the program rules and leads to disqualification.
5. Confirm your institution’s eligibility. Not all institutions qualify. Before applying, verify that your school appears on the list of eligible Nigerian public tertiary institutions recognized by MTN Foundation.
Why the MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026 Is Worth Applying For
The MTN Scholarship 2026 stands out from most Nigerian scholarship programs for several important reasons:
- It is renewable — unlike one-time awards, this scholarship follows you through to graduation
- It covers real costs — tuition, books, and living expenses are all addressed by the ₦300,000 annual award
- It is backed by a credible institution — MTN Foundation has consistently delivered on its scholarship promises since 2010
- It is inclusive — dedicated categories exist for blind students and top UTME performers, ensuring the program reaches different groups of deserving students
- It is prestigious — being an MTN Foundation Scholar is a recognized academic credential in Nigeria
Overall, for any Nigerian undergraduate who meets the requirements, this scholarship is an opportunity too valuable to ignore.
Official Application Links for MTN Scholarship 2026
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Main Scholarship Page | https://www.mtn.ng/scholarships |
| Direct Application Portal | https://apps.mtn.ng/scholarships/form |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About MTN Scholarship 2026
What is the MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026? It is an annual financial support program by MTN Foundation offering ₦300,000 to high-performing Nigerian undergraduate students in public tertiary institutions.
Who is eligible for the MTN Scholarship 2026? Nigerian students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education who are in 200 or 300 level, studying STEM courses (or any course for blind students), and meeting the minimum CGPA requirements.
Is the MTN Scholarship 2026 renewable? Yes. Successful beneficiaries receive funding annually until graduation, provided they maintain the required academic performance each year.
What is the deadline for the MTN Scholarship 2026? The application deadline is May 31, 2026. Late submissions are not accepted.
Can polytechnic students apply for the MTN Scholarship 2026? Yes. Polytechnic students with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 Upper Credit from their OND program and secured HND admission are eligible under the STS category.
Do I need to apply for the Top 10 UTME Scholarship? No. The Top 10 UTME Scholarship is automatically awarded to the top 10 UTME scorers as announced by JAMB. There is no separate application required for this category.
Is the MTN Scholarship 2026 legitimate? Absolutely. The MTN Foundation Scholarship is a well-established, government-recognized program that has been awarding scholarships to Nigerian students since 2010. Always apply through the official MTN portal only.