MTN Foundation Scholarship: How to Apply and Requirements

Education is often seen as one of the strongest tools for growth, yet for many Nigerian students, the high cost of tuition makes it difficult to achieve their academic dreams. The MTN Foundation Scholarship was introduced to ease this burden, giving thousands of students across the country the opportunity to complete their studies without worrying about financial strain. This scholarship has become one of the most respected programs in Nigeria, offering both financial support and recognition for academic excellence.

If you are a student in a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education and you have consistently maintained good grades, this program could be the boost you need to continue your journey. In this article, we will cover everything about the MTN Foundation Scholarship, from its requirements to the step-by-step process of applying.

What is the MTN Foundation Scholarship?

The MTN Foundation Scholarship is a corporate social responsibility initiative sponsored by MTN Nigeria through its Foundation. It targets high-performing students in public tertiary institutions across the country. The main aim of the scholarship is to encourage academic brilliance, reward hard work, and reduce the financial challenges students face in pursuing their education.

Every year, the scholarship program benefits hundreds of undergraduates from various disciplines. Successful applicants not only receive monetary assistance but also enjoy prestige, as being an MTN scholar is regarded as an achievement that stands out on a student’s academic record.

Types of MTN Foundation Scholarships Available

The Foundation offers different categories of scholarships to cater to diverse groups of students.

1. MTN Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme (STSS):
   This is for students studying science and technology-related courses in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
2. MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS):
   This is designed to support visually impaired students in any discipline, as long as they are enrolled in a recognized tertiary institution in Nigeria.
3. Top 10 UTME Scholarship:
   This scholarship is awarded to the top 10 candidates with the highest scores in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) every year.

Each of these scholarships shares the same goal: to promote education and create opportunities for Nigerian youths.

Requirements for MTN Foundation Scholarship

Before submitting an application, students must meet specific requirements set by the Foundation. These conditions are in place to ensure that only eligible candidates benefit from the program.

• Level of Study: Applicants must be in their second year (200 level) or third year (300 level for direct entry students) in a public tertiary institution.
• Course of Study: For the Science and Technology category, the student must be enrolled in a science or technology-related program. For the Scholarship for Blind Students, the applicant can be in any field of study.
• Institution: The scholarship is open to students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.
• Academic Performance: A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale or its equivalent (second class upper) is required for university students. Polytechnic students need a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Nationality: The applicant must be a Nigerian citizen.

Meeting these requirements increases your chances of being shortlisted for the scholarship.

How Much is the MTN Foundation Scholarship Worth?

Each successful applicant receives ₦200,000 annually, which covers tuition, accommodation, books, and other educational expenses. The award is renewable every year until graduation, provided the scholar maintains the required academic performance. This makes it one of the most attractive scholarships in Nigeria, as it not only relieves students of financial stress but also motivates them to sustain their academic performance.

How to Apply for the MTN Foundation Scholarship

Applying for the MTN Foundation Scholarship involves an online process that is user-friendly but requires accuracy and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the MTN Foundation Scholarship website when applications are announced.
2. Create a Profile: Register with your valid details such as full name, email address, phone number, and password.
3. Fill the Application Form: Provide accurate information including personal details, institution, matriculation number, department, level of study, and CGPA.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Required documents usually include a recent passport photograph, valid school ID card, admission letter, JAMB result slip, and academic transcripts or statement of results. For blind students, a medical report confirming visual impairment is needed.
5. Review and Submit: Carefully go through all entries before submitting to avoid errors.
6. Confirmation: Once submitted, a confirmation message is sent to your email. Keep this safe as proof of application.

Selection Process

After applications close, the MTN Foundation reviews entries and shortlists candidates who meet the requirements. Shortlisted candidates are usually invited for a test. For blind students, the test is adapted into a format that suits their needs, such as braille or oral assessments. Those who pass the test successfully proceed to the final stage where winners are announced.

Reasons Why You Should Apply for the MTN Foundation Scholarship

The benefits of becoming an MTN scholar extend beyond financial relief. Being a recipient opens the door to other opportunities such as:

• Relief from financial pressure, giving you more time to focus on your studies.
• A scholarship record that boosts your CV and academic recognition.
• Networking opportunities with other scholars across the country.
• Motivation to maintain excellent academic performance since the award is renewable based on results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application

Many students lose the opportunity to benefit from the MTN Foundation Scholarship due to mistakes made during the application process. Some of these include:

• Providing inaccurate details that do not match official documents.
• Submitting incomplete applications without uploading all required documents.
• Waiting until the deadline before applying, which often leads to rushed and careless entries.
• Failing to meet the CGPA requirement before applying.

Taking note of these points will help increase your chances of being selected.

ALSO READ: Step-by-Step Guide to Register for the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship