If a scholarship in Nigeria is asking you to pay before you apply, that’s your first red flag never to apply. Legit undergraduate scholarships, whether from corporations, foundations, or government agencies, don’t charge application fees.
Below are 7 undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria with no application fee open to students right now, updated as of September 2026.
I’ve included what each one pays, who qualifies to apply, and where to apply directly- no third-party “portals” that ask for a card number.
Note: Bookmark this site and check back regularly. Most Nigerian scholarships aren’t open all year; they run on specific windows (often April–September, with a few like NLNG opening October–December), so timing your application matters as much as your grades.
Let’s get started….
Also check: Scholarships, Internships and Grants for Nigerian Students.
7 Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria with No Application Fee.
Here are 7 fee-free undergraduate scholarships open to Nigerian students right now, updated as of September 2026:
1. NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (UGSS)
Nigeria LNG Limited runs one of the most trusted scholarship schemes in the country, aimed specifically at fresh 100-level students.
- Award: ₦300,000 per academic year, renewable for the full duration of your course
- Who qualifies: Nigerian citizens who are full-time first-year undergraduates at a federal or state-owned university, with at least 5 O-Level credits (including Math and English) in one sitting, aged 18 to 25
- Application fee: None
- How to apply: Through the official NLNG scholarship portal, using your own email and phone number, never a third party
- Good to know: Shortlisted candidates sit a computer-based aptitude test before final selection
2. Nifemi Brown Foundation (NBF) Undergraduate Scholarship
A private foundation scholarship built around an essay-based application, which makes it a good option if you write well but don’t have the highest CGPA.
- Award: Full-ride scholarship for selected finalists, plus recognition as an NBF Scholar and access to their student resource platform
- Who qualifies: Nigerian citizens currently enrolled as undergraduates at any Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education — including incoming 100-level freshers with an admission offer
- Application fee: None
- How to apply: Applications go directly to the foundation via email, with a required 600–750 word essay, academic transcript, and proof of enrolment
- Good to know: The essay carries important weight, so treat it like the deciding factor to be selected.
3. PTDF In-Country Scholarship Scheme
Run by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, this is one of the highest-paying undergraduate scholarships available to Nigerians, aimed at oil, gas, and related technical fields.
- Award: Reported around ₦700,000 per session, plus a laptop for beneficiaries
- Who qualifies: Nigerian undergraduates in petroleum, engineering, geosciences, and related science courses at approved Nigerian institutions
- Application fee: None
- How to apply: Directly through PTDF’s official application portal when the scheme opens
- Good to know: Competition is high; a strong CGPA (mostly 3.5/5.0 or above) improves your odds
4. MTN Foundation Scholarship
MTN Nigeria’s long-running scholarship program rewards high-performing students across science, technology, and humanities categories.
- Award: Varies by category (Science & Technology, ICT, and Humanities), disbursed annually
- Who qualifies: High-performing Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions
- Application fee: None
- How to apply: Via MTN Foundation’s official scholarship portal during the open application window
- Good to know: MTN scholarships are split into categories; check which one matches your course before applying so you’re not disqualified.
Read Also: How to Apply for Best Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria
5. NNPC/Renaissance JV University Scholarship
A corporate scholarship from the NNPC/Renaissance/TotalEnergies/AENR joint venture, aimed at developing Nigerian talent in the energy sector.
- Award: Annual tuition support (amount varies by cycle; confirm current figures on the official announcement)
- Who qualifies: Nigerian undergraduates, generally from 200-level upward, in relevant technical and science courses
- Application fee: None
- How to apply: Through the official Renaissance/NNPC JV scholarship announcement channels when the window opens
- Good to know: Unlike NLNG, this one isn’t restricted to only first-year students; check the current cycle’s specific level requirement
6. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Pan-Atlantic University
A fully funded scholarship for academically strong students facing real financial or socio-economic barriers; one of the most comprehensive on this list.
- Award: Full scholarship covering tuition and related costs
- Who qualifies: Exceptional young Nigerians (and other Africans) who can demonstrate genuine financial need alongside strong academic performance
- Application fee: None
- How to apply: Through Pan-Atlantic University’s official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page
- Good to know: This program looks closely at leadership potential and community impact, not just grades; your personal statement matters a lot here
7. TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship
This is a corporate scholarship from TotalEnergies EP Nigeria supporting undergraduates, with a rolling structure that makes it worth checking regularly.
- Award: Around ₦150,000 per session, renewable
- Who qualifies: Nigerian undergraduates, mostly in science and engineering-related fields
- Application fee: None
- How to apply: Via TotalEnergies EP Nigeria’s official scholarship communications
- Good to know: Because it runs on a rolling basis rather than one fixed annual deadline, it’s worth checking their official page periodically rather than assuming you’ve missed it.
Also Check: 5 Best Ways to Find Internship opportunities as a Nigerian Student.
How to Avoid Scholarship Scams While Applying?
Since scholarship season also brings out scammers targeting Nigerian students, keep these rules in mind:
- Never pay to apply. Legitimate scholarships are 100% free at the application stage, full stop.
- Apply only through official portals or emails listed on the organization’s real website, not links shared in random WhatsApp or Telegram groups.
- Use your own personal email and phone number to register, never someone else’s, even a relative’s, as this can get your application disqualified.
- Double-check deadlines directly on the official page before applying.
Final Thoughts
None of these 7 Undergraduate scholarships mentioned above require a kobo to apply.
If you’re a Nigerian undergraduate or about to become one, the biggest thing standing between you and one of these awards usually isn’t money; it’s timing and preparation.
So you need to start getting the necessary documents ready. Your transcripts, JAMB results, and a strong personal essay ready before the application windows open, so you’re not rushing when they do.
Do you know of a legitimate, fee-free scholarship we should add to this list? Please let us know, and we’ll verify and include it.
Gloria is the founder of LearnAndEarn, where I write about personal finance, side hustles, and funding opportunities for young Nigerians navigating a tough economy on a student or entry-level budget.
I have used and tested Nigerian fintech apps including OPay, PiggyVest, Cowrywise, and Bamboo firsthand, and have helped readers track down scholarships, grants, and remote income opportunities since 2020.
My goal is simple: cut through the noise and scam-heavy corners of “make money online” content with information I personally verified. And when I am not researching the next savings app, skills to learn, or scholarship deadline, I’m answering reader questions in the comments, because I believe financial advice should be tested, not just repeated.
Got a question for me? Reach out here.
