Scholarships for 100 Level Students in Nigeria (2026 Updated Guide)

Are you a new undergraduate looking for scholarships in Nigeria? Good news: several reputable organizations now offer scholarships for 100 level students in public and private universities.

These awards can cover your tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and even a yearly allowance. However, most students miss out simply because they don’t know which scholarships are open to first-year students or how to apply correctly.

This 2026 guide lists all available scholarships for 100 level students in Nigeria, their benefits, requirements, and how to increase your chances of winning.

Why 100-Level Scholarships Matter

Starting university comes with heavy financial responsibilities like acceptance fees, hostel rent, and school materials. Many corporate, government, and foundation scholarships now target fresh undergraduates to ease this burden early.

Most of these scholarships open between April and September every year and are based on O-level and JAMB performance, not CGPA (since you are still in 100 level).

List of Scholarships for 100 Level Students in Nigeria (2026)

💡 Which of these accept private university students?

NLNG explicitly requires a federal or state owned university, so private university students do not qualify for it. Most of the others, including MTN Top 10 UTME, Jim Ovia, FATE Scholar, The Bridge, and the oil and gas linked awards, are not explicitly restricted to public universities in their published criteria, but always confirm current eligibility on the official portal before applying, since this can change from year to year.

Note: The MTN Foundation Top 10 UTME Scholarship does not require an application.

Only the ten highest-scoring candidates in the JAMB UTME examination each year are automatically selected and awarded ₦300,000 annually from 100 level through graduation, provided they maintain good academic standing.

This award is based on JAMB results, not a separate scholarship application.

New and Emerging Scholarships to Watch (2026)

The scholarship landscape changes often, so it helps to also track newer or less publicized options alongside the core list above.

• NNPC Oando / Renaissance JV Scholarship (National Merit Award): often open to 100-level students in engineering and related fields. Check the current brochure for exact award value and level eligibility before applying.
• Audacity Scholarship Programme: a private sector initiative offering tuition support and mentorship to Nigerian undergraduates. Confirm whether 100-level students qualify in the current call.
• NIPES Comfort Architectural Scholarship: targets undergraduates in architecture and related fields, with a reported award of up to ₦1,000,000. Confirm current level eligibility on the official brochure.
• Digital Jewels Scholarship: supports Nigerian undergraduates in ICT and tech related disciplines with cash and digital skills training.
• David Oyedepo Foundation (DOF) Scholarship: fully funded awards for Nigerian and other African undergraduates, tied to Covenant University and partner institutions, covering tuition and sometimes accommodation.

⚠️ Note: award amounts and eligibility for scholarships change every year.

Always confirm current details on the official portal before applying, and never pay a fee to apply for any of the scholarships listed here.

General Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for most 100-level scholarships, students must meet these basic requirements:

• Admission Status: Must be a full-time undergraduate (100 level) in a recognized Nigerian university.
• Academic Records: At least 5 O’Level credits (including English & Mathematics) at one sitting and a competitive JAMB score (usually 200 or higher).
• Identification Documents:
  • University admission letter
  • JAMB result slip
  • O’Level result
  • Passport photograph
  • Birth certificate
  • Local government area ID
• Financial Need: Some scholarships, like Jim Ovia and The Bridge, favor students from low-income backgrounds.
• No Fees Required: Legitimate scholarships never ask you to pay an application or “processing” fee.

💡 Application Tips to Boost Your Chances

1. Apply to multiple scholarships: Do not limit yourself to just one because competition is high.
2. Prepare documents early: Scan and organize your credentials before deadlines.
3. Start checking from April: Most scholarships open between April and September each year.
4. Follow official portals only: Avoid links shared on social media that do not match the official domain.
5. Check your email frequently: Shortlisted candidates are usually contacted via email.

Where to Find Newly Announced 100-Level Scholarships

Because new scholarships are announced throughout the year, it helps to check a few reliable sources regularly rather than relying on one article.

• Federal Scholarship Board (Federal Ministry of Education): handles federal and bilateral scholarships for Nigerian students, including the Nigerian National Scholarship Award Scheme. Always use the official government portal, not third party blogs claiming to represent the board.
• ScholarshipAir: lists ongoing undergraduate scholarship calls in Nigeria and abroad, filterable by level and deadline.
• MyJobMag Scholarships page: curates new corporate and foundation scholarship announcements for Nigerian undergraduates.
• Scholarship Region: posts updates on newer schemes as they open.

💡 Set a reminder to check these sources monthly between April and September, since that is when most 100-level scholarships open.

Example Spotlight: NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship (UGSS)

The NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship is one of the most popular for 100-level students.

Eligibility Highlights:

• Nigerian citizen, full-time 100-level student in a federal or state-owned university.
• Minimum UTME score of 200.
• At least 5 O’level credits including Mathematics and English.
• Aged between 18 and 25.
• Must not be a beneficiary of any other scholarship or an NLNG staff relative.

How to Apply:

1. Visit https://nlngscholarships.smapply.io/.
2. Select Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (UGSS).
3. Fill out the application and upload required documents (passport photo, admission letter, O-level and JAMB results, ID, etc.).
4. Check NLNG’s official social media pages or newspapers for application deadlines. For 2026, the application window is expected to run between November and December.

Award: ₦300,000 annually (renewable for the duration of your study if you maintain good academic performance).

Wrap Up

As a 100-level student, the key is to start early and stay consistent.
Do not wait till second year before applying because many top scholarships begin right from your first semester.

Remember:

• Keep your grades up.
• Check official websites only.
• Apply to as many as you qualify for.

Even a ₦200,000 scholarship can ease your financial stress and set you up for success throughout university.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for scholarships as a 100-level student?

Yes. Many scholarships such as NLNG, FATE Scholar, Jim Ovia, and The Bridge Scholarship are open to first-year students.

2. Do I need a CGPA to apply?

No. Most 100-level scholarships rely on O’level and JAMB results, not university CGPA.

3. Are there scholarships for female students only?

Yes. The Julius Berger Scholarship and NWAG Scholarship focus on supporting Nigerian female students.

4. Can I apply while awaiting matriculation number?

Yes, as long as you have an admission letter and proof of acceptance from your university.

5. What’s the best scholarship for 100-level students in 2026?

The NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship and FATE Scholar Programme offer the best combination of funding and renewal benefits.

6. Can private university students apply for these scholarships?

It depends on the scholarship. NLNG is restricted to federal or state owned universities, so private university students do not qualify. Most other awards on this list are not explicitly restricted to public universities, but you should confirm current eligibility on the official portal before applying.

7. Is there a scholarship based only on O-level results?

Most 100-level scholarships combine O-level results with your JAMB UTME score rather than O-level alone. A strong O-level result with 5 credits, including English and Mathematics, is a baseline requirement for almost every scholarship on this list.

8. Do any of these scholarships continue past 100 level?

Yes. The MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship, Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship, and NNPC/Mobil JV Scholarship are structured to continue into 200 level and beyond, provided you maintain the required academic performance.

9. Is there a Federal Government scholarship for 100-level students?

Yes. The Federal Scholarship Board, under the Federal Ministry of Education, runs the Nigerian National Scholarship Award Scheme for Nigerian students, including undergraduates. Always apply through the official government portal, not through third party blogs or unofficial sites claiming to represent the board.