Scholarships for Polytechnic Students in Nigeria (2025/2026 Complete Guide)
Looking for scholarships for polytechnic students in Nigeria? See the full list of ND and HND scholarships, eligibility, amounts, and how to apply for 2025/2026.
Paying school fees in Nigerian polytechnics has become increasingly difficult due to rising tuition, accommodation costs, and learning materials. Fortunately, there are several scholarships specifically available for polytechnic students in Nigeria, covering ND and HND levels.
This guide lists federal, private, foundation, and institution-based scholarships that polytechnic students can apply for in the 2025/2026 academic session. You will also learn eligibility requirements, scholarship value, and application tips.
💡 Quick Summary:
Scholarships for polytechnic students in Nigeria include MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship, Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship, Ajijola-Iya Empowerment Foundation Scholarship, NTEF Scholarship, and institution-based awards like Grundtvig Polytechnic Scholarships. These scholarships offer ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 or full tuition support for ND and HND students in public polytechnics.
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General Eligibility for Polytechnic Scholarships in Nigeria
Most scholarships for polytechnic students are open to:
- ND or HND students in accredited Nigerian polytechnics
- Students in federal or state polytechnics
- Students with good academic performance
- Indigent or financially challenged students
- Science, technology, management, and social science students
Most scholarships prioritize public polytechnic students, especially those in ND2 and HND1 with strong academic records.
1. MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship (STS)
The MTN Foundation Scholarship is one of the most popular scholarships in Nigeria and it is open to polytechnic students.
Scholarship Value
- ₦300,000 per year
- Renewable until graduation
Eligible Students
- 300-level or HND students
- Students studying science and technology related courses
- Students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education
CGPA Requirements
- Polytechnic students must have minimum Upper Credit from OND
- Must have secured admission into HND
Courses Covered
- Computer Science
- Engineering courses
- Statistics
- ICT and technology-related programs
2. MTN Foundation Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS)
This category supports visually impaired students, including those in polytechnics.
Scholarship Benefits
- ₦300,000 yearly allowance
- Covers tuition and living expenses
Eligibility
- Blind students in ND or HND
- Minimum CGPA of 2.0 for polytechnic students
- Open to all courses
3. Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship
This scholarship is exclusively for students in Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria.
Scholarship Value
- Tuition allowance up to ₦100,000
- Maintenance allowance up to ₦20,000
- Additional academic support where necessary
Eligibility Criteria
- Nigerian student domiciled in Nigeria
- Must be under 25 years old
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 5-point scale
- ND or HND students including final-year students
Selection Process
- Academic merit assessment
- Online interview
- Submission of references and personal statement
4. Ajijola-Iya Empowerment Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship targets poor but brilliant students across Nigerian tertiary institutions, including polytechnics.
What It Covers
- School fees payment
- WAEC or academic expenses
- Additional financial support
Who Can Apply
- Students from poor or orphaned backgrounds
- ND and HND students in public polytechnics
- Applicants must show proof of financial hardship
Special Note
Students from wealthy families are not eligible, regardless of academic performance.
5. National Tertiary Education Fund (NTEF) Scholarship
The NTEF Scholarship is open to undergraduate students, including polytechnic students.
Scholarship Amount
- ₦300,000 for undergraduates
- Paid once or twice depending on verification
Eligibility
- Nigerian citizens with NIN
- ND or HND students in recognized polytechnics
- Minimum CGPA of 2.5 for continuing students
- JAMB score of 180+ for fresh students
Benefits
- Tuition support
- Living expenses
- Mentorship and career development
6. Grundtvig Polytechnic Full Scholarship
This is an institution-based scholarship offered by Grundtvig Polytechnic, Anambra State.
Available Scholarships
- Full ND scholarships for UTME candidates
- Full HND scholarships for ND graduates after IT
Courses Covered
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Engineering and technology courses
Selection Process
- Scholarship aptitude test
- Merit-based evaluation
7. Other Polytechnic Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria
Aside from major foundations, students should also check:
- State government bursaries
- Polytechnic alumni scholarships
- Local government education grants
- NGO and faith-based organizations
Many of these opportunities are not widely advertised.
Quick Comparison of Major Polytechnic Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligible Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN Foundation STS | ₦300,000 | HND | Science and technology courses |
| Ruth Titilayo | Up to ₦120,000 | ND/HND | Federal polytechnics only |
| Ajijola-Iya | Tuition support | ND/HND | For poor but brilliant students |
| NTEF | ₦300,000 | ND/HND | CGPA or JAMB-based |
How to Apply for Polytechnic Scholarships Successfully
To increase your chances:
- Maintain a strong CGPA
- Prepare your documents early
- Write a clear personal statement
- Apply before deadlines
- Use only official scholarship websites
- Apply to multiple scholarships to improve your chances
Avoid paying any agent or middleman.
Conclusion
Scholarships for polytechnic students in Nigeria are more available than many students realize. With proper research, timely applications, and good academic performance, ND and HND students can significantly reduce their financial burden.
Bookmark this page and check back often, as scholarship deadlines and requirements change yearly.
⚠️ Important: Legitimate scholarships in Nigeria do not charge application or processing fees.
FAQs
Are there scholarships strictly for polytechnic students in Nigeria?
Yes. Scholarships like Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship and Grundtvig Polytechnic Scholarship are strictly for polytechnic students.
Can ND students apply for scholarships?
Yes. Many scholarships accept ND1, ND2, and fresh ND students.
Do final-year polytechnic students qualify?
Yes. Some scholarships like Ruth Titilayo and NTEF accept final-year students.
Are private polytechnic students eligible?
Most scholarships focus on public polytechnics, but a few private foundations may accept private polytechnic students.
