If you are a Nigerian student looking for financial support to continue your education, the MTN scholarship is one opportunity worth understanding. The scholarship programme is provided through the MTN Nigeria Foundation and is designed to support high-performing students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The programme covers different categories, including students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), blind students studying eligible courses, and top-performing candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The award is intended to reduce some of the financial pressure associated with tertiary education while encouraging academic excellence.
For students interested in applying, it is important to understand that eligibility differs according to the scholarship category. Applicants should therefore check the official requirements carefully instead of assuming that every student qualifies.
This guide explains the MTN scholarship, its categories, eligibility requirements, award value, application process, renewal conditions, common mistakes to avoid and frequently asked questions.
What Is the MTN Scholarship?
The MTN scholarship is an annual educational support programme operated by the MTN Nigeria Foundation for eligible students in Nigeria.
According to MTN Nigeria, the programme supports students in public tertiary institutions through different scholarship categories. These include the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship, the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students and the MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship.
The programme has operated for several years and has supported thousands of scholarship recipients. MTN Foundation reports that it has invested more than ₦3.3 billion in its scholarship programme, with 15,764 scholarships awarded to 5,741 students as of its latest published figures.
The scholarship is particularly relevant to Nigerian students because the cost of university, polytechnic and college education can include tuition-related charges, accommodation, books, transportation, practical materials and other academic expenses.
However, applicants should understand that receiving the scholarship is not automatic. Students must meet the requirements for the relevant category and successfully pass the Foundation’s selection and verification processes.
MTN Scholarship Categories
The programme currently has three major categories.
| Scholarship category | Main beneficiaries | Level/course requirement | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (STS) | Eligible STEM and medical students | Mainly 300-level STEM students and eligible 400-level medical students | ₦300,000 annually |
| MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS) | Eligible blind students | 200 and 300 level, depending on programme | ₦300,000 annually |
| MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship | Top 10 UTME candidates announced by JAMB | From 100 level through graduation, subject to requirements | ₦300,000 annually |
MTN Nigeria states that the award is renewable annually until graduation provided recipients satisfy the applicable academic and other requirements.
1. MTN Science and Technology Scholarship
The Science and Technology Scholarship is intended for eligible students studying science and technology-related disciplines in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.
The current eligibility information covers students who have completed their second-semester 200-level examinations and are proceeding to 300 level, as well as students already in 300 level where the academic calendar of their institution differs.
The programme also provides for eligible medical students who have completed their 300-level examinations and are proceeding to 400 level, as well as eligible students already in 400 level.
This means students should not assume that being a science student automatically makes them eligible. The course, institution, level and CGPA requirements must all be considered.
2. MTN Scholarship for Blind Students
The Scholarship for Blind Students provides educational support to eligible blind students studying in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.
According to MTN, eligible students may be in universities, polytechnics or colleges of education. The programme generally covers 200- and 300-level blind students, although specific requirements can differ by course. For example, the published requirements state that blind students studying Law, which is a five-year programme, are eligible at 300 level.
This category is important because it gives eligible students with visual impairment an opportunity to receive financial support while pursuing tertiary education.
3. MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship
The Top 10 UTME Scholarship is different from the other categories because students do not apply through the normal scholarship application route.
MTN states that the top 10 candidates in the UTME as announced by JAMB automatically qualify for this scholarship. The award applies irrespective of the successful candidate’s preferred course or whether the student attends a public or private tertiary institution in Nigeria.
Students who qualify can receive ₦300,000 annually from 100 level through graduation, subject to meeting the applicable grade requirements.
How Much Is the MTN Scholarship Worth?
The current published award value is ₦300,000 per student per year.
This amount is considerably higher than the earlier award figures published in older MTN Foundation announcements. For example, a previous MTN announcement referred to an annual award of ₦200,000. The current MTN scholarship pages now state ₦300,000.
Therefore, students searching for information about the current scholarship should rely on the latest official MTN Foundation information rather than older social media posts or outdated blog articles.
The scholarship is not simply a one-time payment in every case. MTN states that scholarship awards can continue annually until graduation when recipients satisfy the required academic and other conditions.
Who Can Apply for the MTN Scholarship?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship category.
For the Science and Technology Scholarship, applicants must generally be Nigerian students studying eligible programmes in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.
The published requirements include universities, teaching hospitals, polytechnics and colleges of education for relevant categories.
For STEM students in public universities and colleges of education, MTN currently lists a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale or 3.5 on a 5-point scale.
For eligible STEM students in public polytechnics, the requirement includes a minimum OND CGPA of 3.0 (Upper Credit) and admission into an HND programme.
Direct Entry STEM students are also required to have a minimum OND CGPA of 3.0 and admission into 300 level or the third year of a public university.
Medical students have a separate requirement, with MTN currently listing a minimum Pass grade or equivalent score.
MTN Scholarship Requirements
The following table provides a simplified overview of the major requirements published by MTN.
| Category | Institution | Level | Academic requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology Scholarship | Public university/college of education | 300 level | Minimum 3.0/4 or 3.5/5 CGPA |
| Science & Technology Scholarship | Public polytechnic | HND | Minimum OND CGPA of 3.0 and HND admission |
| Direct Entry STEM | Public university | 300 level | Minimum OND CGPA of 3.0 and 300-level admission |
| Medical students | Public university/teaching hospital | 400 level | Minimum Pass or equivalent |
| Scholarship for Blind Students | Public university/college of education | 200/300 level | Minimum CGPA of 2.5 |
| Blind students in polytechnics | Public polytechnic | HND | Minimum OND CGPA of 2.0 and HND admission |
Requirements can change between application cycles, so applicants should always confirm the current requirements on MTN’s official scholarship platform before submitting an application.
Is the MTN Scholarship Only for University Students?
No.
One common misunderstanding is that the scholarship is exclusively for university students.
The current eligibility information shows that relevant scholarship categories can cover students in public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The Science and Technology Scholarship also identifies teaching hospitals for eligible medical students.
However, the exact level and academic requirements depend on the applicant’s institution and programme.
A student in a polytechnic should therefore check the polytechnic-specific requirement rather than applying university CGPA rules to their situation.
How to Apply for the MTN Scholarship
The application process should be approached carefully because applicants are expected to provide genuine and accurate information.
A typical application process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before starting the application, determine the category that applies to you.
Check your:
- Institution
- Course of study
- Current academic level
- CGPA
- Admission status
- Programme requirements
- Other category-specific conditions
Do not submit an application simply because you have heard that MTN is offering scholarships.
Step 2: Visit the Official MTN Scholarship Platform
Use the official MTN Nigeria scholarship page or the official scholarship application portal.
Avoid relying on WhatsApp messages, Facebook posts or unofficial websites for application instructions.
The official application page is hosted on MTN’s domain, and applicants should use the information provided there when the application window is open.
Step 3: Provide Accurate Information
Applicants should enter their personal, academic and contact details carefully.
Information should correspond with official records. Do not alter your CGPA, level, institution or other information to meet eligibility requirements.
The MTN Foundation’s application terms state that documents submitted must be genuine and that applicants must not provide false statements or representations.
Step 4: Upload or Provide Required Documents
Where documentation is requested, applicants should ensure that documents are clear and valid.
Depending on the application category, students may need information relating to their institution, academic performance or other eligibility conditions.
Always follow the exact document requirements displayed on the official application platform for the relevant application cycle.
Step 5: Review Your Application
Before submitting, carefully review every section.
Check your:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Institution
- Course
- Level
- CGPA
- Examination details
- Uploaded documents
A simple mistake in important information can create problems during verification.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Do not wait until the final day before submitting your application.
Heavy traffic, internet problems, electricity interruptions or other technical issues can affect the application process.
If the official application portal closes, an applicant may no longer be able to submit an application for that cycle. The currently accessible MTN scholarship application page, for example, indicates when submissions are closed.
What Happens After Applying?
Submitting an application does not mean that the applicant has been selected.
MTN Foundation may review applications against its eligibility and selection requirements. Applicants may also be required to undergo verification.
The Foundation’s application terms state that MTN Foundation has discretion regarding eligibility, qualification and selection, and that submitted information may be subject to verification.
Therefore, applicants should keep their academic records and supporting information available after applying.
Students should also be careful about people who claim they can guarantee selection in exchange for money. A legitimate scholarship selection process should not require an applicant to pay an individual to “secure” the award.
How the MTN Scholarship Is Renewed
One major benefit of the programme is that successful students can continue receiving the award until graduation, provided they satisfy the required conditions.
MTN states that scholarship awards are renewed annually subject to recipients maintaining the required CGPA and completing specified digital courses.
This means winning the scholarship once does not mean that a student can stop paying attention to academic performance.
Recipients should therefore:
- Maintain the required academic performance.
- Complete required digital courses.
- Follow the Foundation’s instructions.
- Keep their academic records updated.
- Respond to official communications.
- Avoid providing false information.
MTN Scholarship 2026: What Applicants Should Know
For 2026, MTN Foundation’s detailed scholarship page states that the number of new scholarship opportunities was increased from 400 to 500, with 100 additional slots specifically allocated to medical students.
However, MTN’s separate general scholarship page currently contains an older statement saying that the 2026 edition will see 400 students awarded.
Because these are both official MTN pages but contain different figures, prospective applicants should rely on the most recently updated Foundation scholarship information and the live application instructions when the application window is available.
This is also a good example of why students should check official scholarship pages instead of depending entirely on old articles.
Important Tips for Applicants
Getting a scholarship application right requires attention to detail.
Keep Your Academic Records
Keep copies of your result, transcript, admission documents and other relevant academic records.
Check Your CGPA
Do not estimate your CGPA. Use the official result issued by your institution.
Apply Under the Correct Category
A STEM student should check the Science and Technology Scholarship requirements, while an eligible blind student should check the requirements for the Scholarship for Blind Students.
Use Correct Information
Your application should contain accurate information. False information can affect your eligibility and may create problems during verification.
Avoid Fraudsters
Be cautious of anyone asking you to pay money in exchange for guaranteed selection.
Check Official Updates
Application dates, requirements and instructions can change. Check the official MTN Nigeria website regularly when the scholarship application period approaches.
How to Avoid MTN Scholarship Scams
Scholarship scams are a serious concern for students searching for financial support.
A scammer may create a fake application page, send a message claiming that a student has been selected or ask for payment before releasing a scholarship.
To protect yourself:
- Use official MTN websites.
- Check the web address before entering personal information.
- Do not share passwords or banking PINs.
- Do not pay an individual to guarantee selection.
- Verify suspicious messages independently.
- Do not download unknown application files.
- Check MTN’s official communication channels.
MTN provides official contact information on its website, including its Foundation email address and customer contact channels.
Benefits of the MTN Scholarship
The main benefit is financial support for eligible students.
A ₦300,000 annual award can help a student meet some education-related expenses. Depending on the student’s circumstances, the money may contribute towards books, academic materials, transportation, accommodation or other legitimate educational needs.
Another benefit is continuity. Successful recipients can receive the award annually until graduation when they continue to meet the applicable requirements.
The programme also encourages academic performance and skills development because scholarship renewal includes academic requirements and digital-course expectations.
Why Students Should Take Academic Performance Seriously
The MTN scholarship is designed around academic excellence in several of its categories.
Students should therefore treat their CGPA as an important part of their scholarship journey.
For students who have not yet reached the required level, the best approach is to work towards meeting the academic standard rather than trying to manipulate their records.
Useful habits include:
- Attending lectures regularly.
- Reading before examinations.
- Joining useful study groups.
- Asking lecturers questions.
- Practising past questions.
- Keeping academic materials organised.
- Avoiding examination malpractice.
- Monitoring your CGPA after each semester.
Strong academic performance can also help students become eligible for other scholarships and academic opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About MTN Scholarship
1. What is the MTN scholarship?
The MTN scholarship is an educational support programme of the MTN Nigeria Foundation for eligible Nigerian students. It has categories for STEM students, blind students and top-performing UTME candidates.
2. How much does the MTN scholarship pay?
The current published award is ₦300,000 annually for eligible scholarship categories. The award can continue until graduation when the recipient satisfies the renewal conditions.
3. Can polytechnic students apply?
Yes. Eligible students in public polytechnics can qualify under relevant categories, subject to meeting the specified course, level and academic requirements.
4. Can students in colleges of education apply?
Yes. The published requirements include eligible students in public colleges of education under the relevant scholarship categories.
5. Can a 100-level student apply for the Science and Technology Scholarship?
The current Science and Technology Scholarship requirements focus on students progressing into or currently in 300 level, while eligible medical students are covered at the relevant 400-level stage. Therefore, a typical 100-level STEM student does not meet the stated STS level requirement.
6. Can blind students apply for the scholarship?
Yes. MTN has a specific Scholarship for Blind Students for eligible blind students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.
7. What CGPA is required for the scholarship?
The requirement depends on the category and institution. For example, MTN lists 3.0/4 or 3.5/5 for eligible STEM students in public universities and colleges of education, while different requirements apply to polytechnic and blind-student categories.
8. Do top UTME candidates apply separately?
According to MTN, the top 10 UTME scoring candidates as announced by JAMB automatically qualify for the Top 10 UTME Scholarship.
9. Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. The scholarship can be renewed annually until graduation, subject to meeting the applicable academic and other requirements.
10. Can private university students receive the scholarship?
The general Science and Technology and Blind Students categories are focused on Nigerian public tertiary institutions. However, the Top 10 UTME Scholarship is stated by MTN to apply regardless of whether the qualifying candidate attends a public or private tertiary institution.
11. Can medical students apply?
Yes. The current programme includes eligible medical students, with requirements applying to students progressing into or currently in the relevant 400-level stage.
12. Is the MTN scholarship application free?
Students should follow the official application instructions and should be cautious of anyone asking for money to guarantee selection. The official application platform should be used when applications are open.
13. Where can I apply for the scholarship?
Applicants should use MTN Nigeria’s official scholarship platform and follow the instructions provided for the relevant application cycle.
14. What should I do if I miss the application deadline?
If the application window has closed, you should wait for the next official application cycle and monitor MTN Foundation’s official announcements. Do not pay anyone claiming that they can reopen the application for you.
15. How can I know whether an MTN scholarship message is genuine?
Check whether the information appears on an official MTN Nigeria website or official communication channel. Do not rely solely on forwarded WhatsApp messages, Facebook posts or unofficial websites.
Conclusion
The MTN scholarship provides an important educational support opportunity for eligible Nigerian students, particularly those who demonstrate strong academic performance or fall within one of the programme’s specific beneficiary categories.
The current programme includes Science and Technology Scholarship, Scholarship for Blind Students and Top 10 UTME Scholarship categories. The published award is ₦300,000 annually, with renewal possible until graduation when recipients continue to meet the relevant requirements.
Students interested in applying should not rely on outdated information because scholarship requirements, application windows and award details may change. Instead, check the official MTN Nigeria scholarship pages and application portal before submitting any application.
Most importantly, provide genuine information, protect your personal details and avoid anyone who promises guaranteed selection in exchange for payment.
For the latest application status and official requirements, prospective applicants should consult MTN Nigeria’s official scholarship information before taking action.
