MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026: Everything 300-Level STEM Students Need to Know

If you are truly serious about securing this grant, you are exactly where you need to be. Most people miss out not because they’re unqualified; they miss out because of small, avoidable mistakes. Tiny things. The kind you only notice after it’s too late. Stay with this till the end, and you’ll understand not just what to do, but how to do it right. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be walking into this application with clarity, confidence, and a real edge and you will be selected and win your grant with ease.

MTN Foundation Scholarship 2026: Everything 300-Level STEM Students Need to Know

In the Nigerian academic landscape, few opportunities carry as much prestige and financial relief as the MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship (STS). For over a decade, this program has been the “lifeline” for high-achieving STEM students in public tertiary institutions.

As we enter the 2026 cycle, the stakes are higher and the rewards are better. The scholarship value was recently increased to N300,000 annually, and it remains renewable until you graduate—provided you keep your grades up. But don’t let the simplicity of the application fool you; with thousands of students boasting high CGPAs, the “tiny mistakes” in documentation or timing are what usually separate the winners from the “almost-made-its.”

The “N300k” Promise: Why This is a Game-Changer

The MTN STS isn’t just a one-time payment. It is a partnership. Once you are selected in your 300-level (or 3rd year), MTN covers your academic needs until you finish your degree.

• Financial Security: N300,000 covers tuition, books, and a significant portion of living expenses.

• Networking: You become an “MTN Scholar,” a title that carries weight on a CV and opens doors for internships and graduate roles within the telecommunications giant.

• Inclusivity: MTN also runs a parallel scholarship for Blind Students (SBS), which is open to 200 and 300-level students across any course of study, proving their commitment to “leaving no one behind.”

Eligibility: Do You Meet the “MTN Standard”?

Before you even look at the portal, you must verify your academic standing. MTN is looking for the “best of the best” in STEM.

1. Level of Study: You must have completed your 200-level second-semester exams and be heading into 300-level, or be a current 300-level student.

2. Institution Type: This is strictly for students in Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions (Federal/State Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education).

3. The CGPA Threshold: * Universities/Colleges of Education: A minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0 or 3.0/4.0 (Second Class Upper territory).

   • Polytechnics: A minimum CGPA of 3.0 (Upper Credit) from your OND, with proof of admission into an HND program.

   • Direct Entry: Must have a 3.0 OND CGPA and admission into 300-level.

The 2026 MTN Scholarship Checklist

Missing a single document or providing an blurred scan is the fastest way to the “disqualified” pile. Prepare these now.

Academic Evidence:

• JAMB Admission Letter: Both the original and the institutional admission letter.

• School ID Card: A valid, non-expired student identity card.

• Certified Result Statement: A stamped copy of your 200-level results from your department or exams and records.

• HND Admission Letter: (For Polytechnic students only).

Personal Identification:

• NIN Slip/National ID: Ensure the name on your school portal matches your NIN.

• Passport Photographs: Two recent photos with a clear, white background.

• Medical Certificate: (Strictly for applicants of the Scholarship for Blind Students).

The Digital Phase:

• Functional Email: Use a professional email (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com), not a “nickname” email.

• The “Selection Test” Prep: If shortlisted, you will be invited for a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Start brushing up on current affairs, basic mathematics, and logical reasoning.

The Grant Researcher’s Strategy for 2026

In my research into past winners, I found that the CBT (Computer-Based Test) is the real filter. Your high CGPA gets you in the door, but the test determines who gets the cash.

• Timing is Everything: The portal usually opens between April and June. If you wait until the last week, the high traffic often crashes the site. Aim to submit in the first 48 hours.

• The “Blind” Opportunity: If you are a visually impaired student, the CGPA requirement is slightly lower (2.5), but the competition is still high. Ensure your medical documentation is from a recognized government hospital.

• Maintain the Grade: Remember, if your CGPA drops below the required threshold after you’ve won, the scholarship stops. This is a “merit” award—you have to keep earning it every semester.

Conclusion: Your Academic Edge Starts Here

The MTN Foundation Scholarship is more than just money; it is a badge of excellence. In a country where the cost of living is rising, securing N300,000 can be the difference between struggling to finish your degree and graduating with flying colors.

Don’t assume your department will “upload” your name. You must take the initiative. Check your CGPA, gather your JAMB letters, and be ready to click “Apply” the moment that 2026 window opens. You’ve done the hard work in the classroom—now do the smart work in the application.