Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduates 2026

Looking for a fully funded scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates in 2026? You’re in luck to have come across this post.

Studying in university is one of the biggest investments a student can make. For many Nigerian undergraduates, the cost of tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses can be overwhelming.

That’s where fully funded scholarships come in, they cover all or most of your school expenses so you can focus on learning and building your future.

In this detailed guide, I will take you through the top fully funded scholarships available for Nigerian undergraduates in 2026, both locally and abroad.

You’ll learn what the scholarships offer, who can apply, how to prepare your application, and tips to improve your chances of winning. This isn’t just a list, it’s a step-by-step guide to building your scholarship strategy.

Table of Contents

What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship means that the scholarship covers almost every cost related to your education. This can include:

Full tuition fees
Accommodation/hostel fees
Living stipends
Books and study materials
Travel or airfare (for international scholarships)

Unlike partial scholarships that only give a lump sum or support one part of your school expenses, fully funded scholarships remove the financial barrier to studying — which is why they are highly competitive and highly sought after.

Categories of Fully Funded Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates mostly fall into two(2) main categories:

1. Domestic Scholarships (Within Nigeria)

These scholarships are offered by Nigerian government bodies, companies, foundations, and NGOs.

They are aimed at students studying in Nigerian universities.

2. International Scholarships

These are offered by foreign governments, universities, and international organizations. They allow you to study abroad with all expenses covered.

Now let’s explore both categories.

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1. Domestic Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities

Here are some of the most recognized fully funded scholarship opportunities available to Nigerian undergraduate students:

NNPC/TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship

This popular award supports Nigerian undergraduates with an annual bursary until graduation.

It targets academically strong students who have gained admission through JAMB.

Benefits: Annual funding until graduation
Eligibility: Full-time 100 level students in Nigerian universities
Application Period: Usually between September and November

MTN Foundation Scholarship

MTN Foundation offers full scholarship awards to high-performing 200 level students studying STEM courses.

Benefits: Annual funding until graduation
Eligibility: STEM undergraduates with high CGPA
Application Period: Mostly available from June to August

Agbami Medical and Engineering Scholarship

Sponsored by Chevron and partners, this scholarship supports students in medical, engineering, and related fields with significant funding.

Benefits: Tuition support plus annual bursary
Eligibility: Students studying Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, or Engineering

Shell Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship

This award is available to capable students, especially in sciences and engineering, studying at Nigerian universities.

Benefits: Funding each year until graduation
Eligibility: Nigerian citizens enrolled full-time at accredited institutions

Airtel Africa Scholarship

This is one of the fully funded for N programmes designed for financially disadvantaged undergraduates studying in public universities.

Benefits: Tuition, accommodation, and living expenses
Eligibility: 100-level students with SSCE credits in one sitting

Jim Ovia Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

The Jim Ovia Foundation provides a generous scholarship covering tuition and a yearly stipend for academically strong students.

Benefits: Full tuition plus stipend
Eligibility: Nigerian undergraduates with leadership and academic excellence

Other Local Opportunities

There are additional country-specific opportunities from organizations such as:

Female Scholars Foundation Scholarship: This supports female Nigerian undergraduates with full tuition and living costs.
Ajesola Solarin Majekodunmi Foundation (ASMAF) Scholarship: This supports indigent female students in selected courses.
Bridge Foundation Scholarship Programme: This supports talented Nigerian students.

These local programmes often have financial need and academic excellence as key requirements.

2. International Fully Funded Scholarships

If you dream of studying abroad, here are some key fully funded scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduates you should consider in this 2026:

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK)

This programme supports students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria. It usually covers full tuition, airfare, and a monthly stipend.

Benefits: Tuition, fees, living stipend, travel
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries with strong academic records

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)

Offered by the University of Toronto, this prestigious award covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four years.

Benefits: Tuition, housing, books, and living support
Eligibility: Outstanding academic and leadership performance

Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey)

This competitive programme offers full scholarships for international students at undergraduate level, including full tuition, monthly stipend, and language training.

Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, stipend, language course

MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

The Japanese Government offers this undergraduate scholarship, covering tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and accommodation subsidy.

Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare

Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Programme

Although many IsDB awards focus on postgraduate programmes, some undergraduate opportunities exist that provide full coverage for eligible students.

Benefits: Tuition, living allowance, travel (depending on programme)

Eligibility Requirements: What You Must Know

While each scholarship has its own criteria, most fully funded scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates require the following common qualities:

1. Academic Excellence

Most programmes look for strong academic performance, good JAMB scores, high CGPA, or excellent O-Level results.

2. Proof of Admission

You usually need an acceptance or offer letter from a recognized university to qualify.

3. Demonstrated Need or Merit

Some scholarships combine merit (grades and leadership) with financial need.

4. Supporting Documents

This includes:

Passport photographs
Academic transcripts
Recommendation letters
Personal statement or motivation letter
Proof of financial situation (for need-based awards)

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning

Applying for scholarships is competitive, but there are proven strategies you can use:

Start Early

Most scholarships open many months before the academic year, sometimes a year before. Begin preparing at least six months in advance.

Follow Instructions Carefully

Read eligibility, requirements, and deadlines thoroughly. Missing one document or requirement can get your application rejected.

Write a Strong Personal Statement

A clear, honest, and compelling personal statement or motivation letter can dramatically improve your chances.

Get Good Recommendation Letters

Ask lecturers or mentors who know your strengths well. A weak referee letter can weaken your application.

Prepare for Interviews (if required)

Some scholarships conduct interviews. Practice and be confident.

FAQs for Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates 2026

What counts as a fully funded scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship covers your tuition fees, living costs, and other essential expenses like books and accommodation.

Can Nigerian undergraduates study abroad for free?

Yes. There are scholarships that allow Nigerian students to study abroad fully funded, but they are competitive and require careful preparation.

Do these scholarships require IELTS or TOEFL?

Many international scholarships require proof of English proficiency, but some exceptions or alternative tests may be accepted depending on the country and university.

Are local fully funded scholarships only for top students?

Not always. Some consider academic performance alongside financial need, leadership, or community involvement.

Can part-time students apply?

Most fully funded scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates require full-time enrolment in an accredited undergraduate programme.

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships can open doors that once seemed impossible. Whether you want to study in Nigeria or abroad, there are opportunities available for diligent, prepared Nigerian undergraduates.

Thank goodness you have realized all the fully funded scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates this 2026, now all you’re required to start early, do your research, prepare strong applications, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed at first.

With persistence and preparation, you can secure funding that changes your academic journey.

I wish you the very best in your scholarship journey, ensure you go after those opportunities listed here with confidence and purpose.