Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria 2026: Fully Funded Wins for Undergrads and Postgrads

Imagine landing a spot at a top university with tuition, living costs, and even flights covered. That’s the reality for many through ongoing scholarships in Nigeria right now. In this guide, you’ll find current open scholarships for Nigerians, eligibility rules, deadlines, application steps, tips, and pitfalls to dodge.

You’ll get details on undergrad and postgrad options like NLNG and NNPC/TotalEnergies. Always check official sites for the latest deadlines and changes, as they shift fast. Counselors at places like StudyIn or QS have guided students, such as Bibil Jose to a BSc at Arizona State University, through apps and visas.

Quick Answer: Read This First for Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria

Here are seven top ongoing scholarships in Nigeria open as of December 2025 for 2026 intake. Focus on strong grades; most favor Nigerians.

• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (Masters in UK): Low-income Nigerians in development fields; deadline 9 Dec 2025; open now. Check cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk.
• NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies International Masters (France/UK): Top Nigerian grads in energy/engineering; fully funded; deadline 31 Jan 2026; open. See msmeafricaonline.com.
• IsDB Scholarship (Undergrad/Masters/PhD): High-achieving Nigerians; approved fields; early 2026 cycle; open. Visit isdb.org.
• University of Manchester Scholarships (Undergrad/Postgrad UK): Nigerians with strong grades/offers; undergrad deadlines Feb/Apr 2026, Masters Apr; open post-offer. Details at manchester.ac.uk.
• NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship (Nigeria/abroad): 100/200-level Nigerians, GPA 3.50+; Dec 2025 deadline; open. Apply via nlngscholarships.smapply.io.
• UCL African Graduate Scholarship (Masters UK): Merit-based Africans incl. Nigerians; post-offer; Apr 2026-ish; check UCL site.
• MTN Foundation Scholarships (Undergrad science/tech): High-performing Nigerians in public unis; annual, check portal. More at mtn.ng/scholarships.

Apply soon; verify status.

What Are Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria and What Do They Cover?

Ongoing scholarships in Nigeria are active programs open now for locals to study home or abroad. They often pay full tuition, books, housing, stipends, and travel. International ones like IsDB or Commonwealth target developing nations; locals like NLNG come from firms.

These cut money worries so you focus on studies. Students like Pranay Kasat got Masters spots at Arizona State with counselor help to match goals and handle apps. Corporate picks favor STEM; unis seek merit.

Many cover visas too, as seen in StudyIn stories where teams eased UK entries. You gain skills, networks, and a global edge.

Key Features of Top Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria

• Fully funded perks: Tuition, living allowance, flights (e.g., NNPC/TotalEnergies).
• Merit focus: Need high GPA, transcripts (GPA 3.5+ for NLNG).
• Levels open: Undergrad (NLNG), postgrad/PhD (IsDB, Commonwealth).
• Docs required: CV, essays, refs, passport.
• Tests sometimes: IELTS for UK/France programs.
• Nigeria priority: Citizens only; some STEM-specific.
• Annual cycles: Watch portals like IsDB for 2026.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Ongoing Scholarship in Nigeria

1. Scan eligibility on official sites (Nigerian citizen? GPA min? Age?).
2. Collect docs: Transcripts, passport, CV, motivation letter, two refs.
3. Register on portal (e.g., NLNG smapply or IsDB online).
4. Complete form; upload scans clearly.
5. Take IELTS/TOEFL if listed (aim 6.5+).
6. Submit early; note deadlines like 9 Dec for Commonwealth.
7. Prep for interviews (practice goals, why you).
8. Track email/portal; follow up politely.

Before you apply checklist:

• Confirm legit site, no fees.
• Match your level/field.
• Deadlines current.
• Strong refs ready.

Undergraduate Ongoing Scholarships

NLNG covers tuition/allowance for 100/200-level stars in any course; GPA 3.50, no other awards. MTN aids science undergrads; deadlines yearly. Students say these eased settling into uni life.

MRS Oil or Flour Mills offer similar; check sites for 2026. Good grades win big.

Postgraduate Ongoing Scholarships

NNPC/TotalEnergies funds Masters abroad; engineering focus, fully paid. Commonwealth Shared sends to UK; development fields. Ishwar landed Lancaster Masters with £5k aid via counselor lists.

Erasmus Mundus varies by program; selective but global.

Eligibility, Deadlines, and Costs for Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria

Apps cost nothing; just time/docs/tests (~$200 IELTS). Here’s a snapshot:

Verify sites.

Pros and Cons of Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria

Wins like Illustrious at Tufts show it’s worth it.

Common Mistakes When Applying for Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria (and Fixes)

• Miss deadline: Set phone alerts; apply week early.
• Weak essay: Get counselor review, like StudyIn did for UCL admits.
• Fake sites: Stick to official portals only.
• Skip refs: Ask profs months ahead.
• Ignore GPA rule: Boost marks first.
• No test prep: Book IELTS early.
• Generic apps: Tailor to program goals.
• Forget follow-up: Email status queries.

Are Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria Legit and Safe?

Yes, from sources like IsDB, NLNG, or unis. No upfront fees; govt/firm backed. Aggregators list them, but hit official sites.

Scams promise guarantees for cash; ignore. StudyIn testimonials prove real visa/scholarship success.

Tips to Get the Best Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria

• Build GPA early.
• Tailor motivation letters.
• Practice IELTS now.
• Attend QS fairs for uni chats.
• Use counselors; Meghna aided 1,000+.
• Apply to 5+ options.
• Network on LinkedIn.
• Prep interview stories.
• Track portals weekly.
• Highlight leadership.

FAQs on Ongoing Scholarships in Nigeria

What are current deadlines? Commonwealth: 9 Dec 2025; NNPC: 31 Jan 2026; check sites.

Fully funded? Yes, most cover tuition/living (NLNG, IsDB).

Nigerians only? Mostly citizens/residents.

Need IELTS? Often for abroad (6.5+).

How competitive? High; top grades win.

Visa help? Many include it; counselors assist.

Official links? NLNG: nlngscholarships.smapply.io; MTN: mtn.ng/scholarships.

Current ongoing scholarships in Nigeria like NLNG and Commonwealth offer real paths to 2026 studies. Pick ones matching your field/GPA, gather docs, apply today.

Book free counseling at gostudyin.com like Riddhi did for clear advice. Your win starts now.