If you are a Nigerian student looking for a fully funded opportunity to ease the cost of your education and concentrate more on your studies, the MTN Scholarship 2026 could be worth considering. Each year, thousands of students apply for the scholarship, but only a limited number are selected.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the MTN Scholarship 2026, including who can apply, the required documents, the application process, and the official application link. We will also highlight common mistakes you should avoid to give your application the best possible chance of success.
What Is the MTN Scholarship 2026
The MTN Scholarship is an annual education support program run by the MTN Foundation to reward academically strong students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. It has been running since 2010, and over the years it has supported thousands of students across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and teaching hospitals.
For 2026, the program is structured into three main categories:
- MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship (STS)
- MTN Foundation Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS)
- MTN Foundation Top 10 UTME Scholarship
Each category has its own eligibility rules, but they all share one goal: rewarding discipline, hard work, and consistent academic performance with real financial support that continues year after year, not just a one time payment.
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MTN Scholarship 2026 Benefits
Before getting into the requirements, here is what makes this scholarship worth your time and effort.
- Successful applicants receive N300,000 every year
- The award is renewed annually until graduation, as long as you maintain the required grades
- It covers tuition, books, and other study related costs
- Around 400 students will benefit under the Science and Technology category alone
- 100 students will be selected under the Blind Students category
- Top 10 UTME candidates are automatically considered, regardless of the institution or course they choose
- No repayment is required. This is a grant, not a loan
This is one of the few scholarships in Nigeria that pays out consistently across multiple academic sessions instead of a single disbursement, which is why competition for it remains high every year.
MTN Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility depends on which category you are applying under. Read this section carefully because MTN Foundation is strict about applicants who do not meet the exact criteria.
1. Science and Technology Scholarship (STS)
- Open to Nigerian students in public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and teaching hospitals
- Must be studying a science or technology related course
- Open to students at 300 level, and to medical students moving into 400 level
- Applicants must have completed their second semester examinations for the level below the one they are moving into
- Minimum CGPA requirement:
- 3.0 out of 4.0 or 3.5 out of 5.0 (second class upper) for university and college of education students
- 3.0 upper credit from OND for polytechnic students moving into HND
- Direct entry students need a minimum CGPA of 3.0 upper credit from OND, with confirmed admission into 300 level
- Medical students need a minimum pass grade or its equivalent
2. Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS)
- Open to blind students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education
- Applicants must be in 200 or 300 level, studying any course of their choice
- Law students who are blind can only apply from 300 level, since law is a five year program
- Minimum CGPA requirement:
- 2.5 for university and college of education students
- 2.0 from OND for polytechnic students moving into HND
3. Top 10 UTME Scholarship
- Automatically open to the ten highest scoring candidates in that year’s UTME, as released by JAMB
- Applies regardless of the course of study chosen
- Applies whether the student gains admission into a public or private tertiary institution in Nigeria
- Coverage begins from 100 level and continues to graduation, provided academic performance remains strong
MTN Scholarship 2026 Deadline
Deadlines matter more than almost anything else in this process, so here is the most current picture as it stands.
- The main application window for the Science and Technology Scholarship, the Scholarship for Blind Students, and the Top 10 UTME Scholarship closed on May 31, 2026. If you missed this window, do not worry. MTN Foundation typically reopens applications for a new intake between March and May every year, so the next cycle should open around that period in 2027
- A separate program, the MTN Foundation MUSON Music Scholarship, remains open right now and closes on August 23, 2026. This one is for Nigerians pursuing music education at the MUSON School of Music and is not tied to the STEM, blind students, or UTME categories
- In Ghana, the MTN Bright Scholarship also closed its 2026 window on May 31, 2026, and a new cycle is expected to open again in the first quarter of the following year
Because MTN sometimes adjusts these dates or opens fresh intakes without much notice, your safest move is to bookmark the official portal and check it every few weeks during Q1 and Q2, rather than relying on a single date from any blog post, including this one.
Documents You Will Need
Getting your documents ready before you start the application saves time and reduces the risk of errors. Typically, you will be asked to provide:
- A valid student ID card
- Academic transcript or an official statement of result
- Admission letter, where applicable
- Proof of your current CGPA
- JAMB result slip, for Top 10 UTME applicants
- Disability certification, for Blind Students Scholarship applicants
- A recent passport photograph
- Any other document requested directly on the application portal
Scan these documents clearly in advance. Blurry uploads and mismatched names on documents are among the most common reasons applications get disqualified during screening.
How to Apply for the MTN Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps carefully to complete your application without errors.
- Visit the official MTN Foundation scholarship application portal at apps.mtn.ng/scholarships/form
- Confirm the details of the current program on the main scholarship page at mtn.ng/scholarships before you begin
- Select the scholarship category that matches your situation: STS, SBS, or Top 10 UTME
- Fill in your personal, academic, and institutional details accurately
- Upload all required documents in the correct format
- Review every field before you submit, since most portals do not allow edits after submission
- Submit your application and keep a copy or screenshot of your confirmation for your records
- Watch your email and phone line for updates from MTN Foundation regarding screening and selection
Applicants in Ghana can access the separate MTN Bright Scholarship through scholarship.mtn.com.gh, which runs on its own timeline and eligibility structure, with a strong preference for students in ICT, computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning
Thousands of students apply for this scholarship every cycle, but only a fraction get selected. These tips can genuinely improve your odds.
- Apply as early as possible. Portals can close ahead of schedule once the required number of applications comes in
- Double check your CGPA against the official minimum before applying, so you do not waste time on a category you do not qualify for
- Use your correct legal name exactly as it appears on your academic documents
- Avoid submitting the same documents for a different scholarship category, since mismatches are flagged during review
- Never pay anyone to guarantee your selection. MTN Foundation does not charge any fee at any stage of this process
- If you are shortlisted for an interview or panel review, prepare to speak clearly about your academic journey and your future goals
Is the MTN Scholarship 2026 Legit
Yes. The MTN Scholarship is run directly by the MTN Foundation, the corporate social investment arm of MTN Nigeria. It has operated since 2010 and has a public track record of paying successful applicants. The only official application channel is through MTN’s own domains, mtn.ng and apps.mtn.ng. Be cautious of unofficial pages, agents, or social media accounts asking for payment or personal banking details in exchange for a guaranteed slot. Those are scams and have no connection to MTN Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MTN Scholarship 2026
Is the MTN Scholarship only for science students? No. The Science and Technology category is limited to STEM and medical courses, but the Blind Students Scholarship is open to any course of study, and the Top 10 UTME Scholarship covers any course as well.
Can private university students apply? Generally, the STS and SBS categories are open to public tertiary institutions only. However, Top 10 UTME winners can study at either a public or private institution and still qualify.
How much does the MTN Scholarship pay? Successful applicants receive N300,000 per year, renewed annually until graduation, subject to meeting the required academic standard.
Is there an application fee? No. The application is completely free. Do not send money to anyone claiming to speed up or guarantee your selection.
When does the MTN Scholarship 2026 application close? The main STS, SBS, and Top 10 UTME window closed on May 31, 2026. The MUSON Music Scholarship remains open until August 23, 2026. New intakes for the main categories are expected to open again around Q1 to Q2 of 2027, so keep checking the official portal for updates.
Final Thoughts
The MTN Scholarship 2026 is still a great opportunity for Nigerian undergraduates who need financial support to continue their education. If you meet the eligibility requirements, applying is definitely worth considering.
Before you start, make sure your documents are ready and double check that your CGPA meets the required standard. When everything is in place, you can visit the official scholarship portal at apps.mtn.ng/scholarships/form and submit your application.