Scholarships for Polytechnic Students in Nigeria (2026 Updated Guide)

Last updated: September 15, 2026

Paying for Polytechnic education in Nigeria can be difficult.

Apart from school fees, students may need money for accommodation, textbooks, transportation, projects, practical work and daily expenses.

The good news is that Polytechnic students are eligible for several scholarships in Nigeria.

Some opportunities are available to new ND students, while others target students who have completed OND and are moving into HND.

There are also scholarships designed specifically for Federal Polytechnic students.

This guide covers scholarships currently open, scholarships whose 2026 applications have closed but may return, and opportunities ND and HND students should prepare for.

Scholarships for Polytechnic Students in Nigeria: A Quick Look

Scholarships Currently Open for Polytechnic Students

1. Indomie Scholarship Programme 2026

Status: Open
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Award: Full tuition
Best for: Newly admitted students
Application fee: Free

The Indomie Scholarship Programme is one of the strongest current opportunities for students who have just gained admission into a Nigerian Polytechnic.

It is open to Nigerian students entering the 2026/2027 academic session at eligible public or state-owned:

• Polytechnics
• universities
• Colleges of Education
• specialised tertiary institutions

The scholarship covers full tuition for the duration of the student's programme, subject to maintaining the required academic performance.

New students can begin registration before all their JAMB and O'Level results are uploaded, but the application must be completed before the deadline.

Shortlisted students may proceed to a Computer-Based Test and physical verification.

Apply: Indomie Scholarship official page

If you are entering ND in 2026/2027, this is one of the first scholarships to check.

2. Gabriel Ezenri Foundation Scholarship

Status: Open
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Award: Up to ₦500,000 per academic session
Eligible institutions: Nigerian universities and Polytechnics

The Gabriel Ezenri Foundation Scholarship supports Nigerian students with good academic performance who also demonstrate financial need.

Polytechnic students are included among eligible applicants.

The scholarship can support:

• tuition and registration
• learning materials
• living expenses

with total support of up to ₦500,000 per academic session.

For continuing students, the Foundation requires strong academic performance, while new entrants can also qualify through their admission and pre-tertiary academic results.

Official page: Gabriel Ezenri Foundation Scholarships

3. Grundtvig Polytechnic Full Scholarship 2026/2027

Status: Open
Deadline: November 25, 2026
Scholarship test: November 26, 2026
Award: Full scholarship
Levels: ND and HND

Grundtvig Polytechnic in Oba, Anambra State is currently offering full scholarships for both ND and HND programmes.

For ND applicants, the scholarship is open to candidates who sat for the 2026 JAMB UTME.

For HND applicants, candidates must have completed an ND programme and their required one-year Industrial Training.

Eligible programmes include:

• Accountancy
• Business Administration and Management
• Computer Science
• Networking and Cloud Computing
• Software and Web Development
• Statistics
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Electronic/Telecommunications
• Power and Machines

Applicants must complete the scholarship application before November 25, 2026.

The scholarship selection test is scheduled for November 26, 2026 at Grundtvig Polytechnic.

Apply: Grundtvig Polytechnic Scholarship page

This opportunity is especially useful for students who are willing to study at Grundtvig Polytechnic rather than students already enrolled elsewhere.

Polytechnic Scholarships That Closed in 2026

4. Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship

Status: 2026 application closed
Award: Up to ₦100,000 tuition + ₦20,000 maintenance
Institution: Federal Polytechnics
Age: Under 25
Minimum GPA: 3.5/5.0 or equivalent

The Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship is one of the few scholarship programmes specifically created for Polytechnic students.

It supports students currently studying in Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria.

Applicants for the 2026 scholarship had to:

• live in Nigeria
• be under 25
• be a current student or have been registered as a student within the previous three years
• have at least a 3.5 GPA on a 5-point scale, or equivalent

Final-year Polytechnic students were also eligible.

The award included:

• tuition support up to ₦100,000
• maintenance allowance up to ₦20,000
• possible additional support for academic travel, research or fieldwork

Selection involved academic assessment, a personal statement, school results, references and an online interview.

The 2026 application ran from October 1 to October 31, 2025 and is now closed.

When should you check again?

Because the Foundation runs Polytechnic scholarships regularly, students should begin monitoring the scholarship page around September to October 2026 for the next award cycle.

A new application date has not yet been confirmed.

Official page: Ruth Titilayo Educational Foundation Scholarships

5. MTN Science and Technology Scholarship

Status: 2026 cycle closed
Award: ₦300,000 per year
Best for: HND students in Science and Technology fields
Institution: Public Polytechnics

The MTN Science and Technology Scholarship includes students in Nigerian public Polytechnics.

For Polytechnic students, MTN requires:

• completion of an OND programme
• at least 3.0 CGPA or Upper Credit
• admission into an HND programme
• study in an eligible Science or Technology-related course

Successful scholars receive ₦300,000 every year, renewable until graduation subject to maintaining the programme's academic requirements.

Relevant fields can include:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• ICT
• Statistics
• other Science and Technology programmes

The 2026 application cycle is closed.

Next step: Monitor MTN for the next annual scholarship application.

Official page: MTN Foundation Scholarships

6. MTN Scholarship for Blind Students

Status: Latest cycle closed
Award: ₦300,000 annually
Courses: All eligible courses
Institution: Public Polytechnics and other public tertiary institutions

MTN also runs a separate scholarship for blind students.

Unlike the Science and Technology Scholarship, this programme is not restricted to STEM courses.

Eligible blind students attending Nigerian public Polytechnics can qualify.

Polytechnic applicants generally need:

• at least 2.0 CGPA from OND
• admission into an HND programme

Successful students receive ₦300,000 annually, renewable subject to maintaining the required academic performance.

Official page: MTN Foundation Scholarships

Federal Government Scholarship for HND Students

7. Federal Government Nigerian Scholarship Award

Status: No current domestic application call
Award: ₦450,000 for HND beneficiaries

Polytechnic students are included in the Federal Government's scholarship system.

Under the revised national scholarship structure, HND beneficiaries receive ₦450,000, up from ₦300,000 previously.

Previous Nigerian Scholarship Award rules required HND applicants to:

• be registered full-time students
• be in their second year or above
• attend an eligible Federal or State Polytechnic
• have strong academic performance

Previous Federal Scholarship Board criteria used a minimum 3.5 CGPA on a 4.0 scale for HND applicants.

Requirements can change when a new application cycle opens, so use the latest Federal Ministry of Education guidelines when applying.

Official page: Federal Scholarship Board

Another Polytechnic Scholarship to Watch

8. Ajijola-Iya Empowerment Foundation Scholarship

Status: Annual programme, next application window not currently announced
Best for: Brilliant students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds
Institution: Public Polytechnics and other public institutions

The Ajijola-Iya Empowerment Foundation supports less privileged Nigerian students who have gained admission into public tertiary institutions.

Eligible institutions include:

• public Polytechnics
• universities
• Colleges of Education

The Foundation places strong emphasis on financial need.

It specifically targets students from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans and other students who may struggle to afford their education.

Support can include payment of school fees and additional assistance for students facing serious financial difficulties.

The Foundation describes the scholarship as an annual programme, but a current 2026 application window is not listed on the scholarship page.

Next step: Monitor the Foundation for a fresh application announcement.

Official page: Ajijola-Iya Empowerment Foundation Scholarship

Scholarships for ND Students

If you are currently doing your National Diploma, the best opportunities depend on your stage.

Newly admitted ND students

Check opportunities such as:

• Indomie Scholarship Programme
• Grundtvig Polytechnic Scholarship
• Gabriel Ezenri Foundation
• relevant state bursaries and foundation scholarships

Continuing ND students

Your academic results become more important after ND1.

Maintain a strong GPA because many scholarships require evidence of good academic performance.

After ND

Your OND result can unlock additional opportunities when moving into HND.

MTN's Science and Technology Scholarship, for example, requires Polytechnic applicants to have an Upper Credit from OND and admission into HND.

Scholarships for HND Students

HND students should watch:

• MTN Science and Technology Scholarship
• MTN Scholarship for Blind Students
• Federal Government Nigerian Scholarship Award
• Gabriel Ezenri Foundation Scholarship
• Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship
• Grundtvig Polytechnic HND Scholarship

Your OND result is particularly important.

A student with an Upper Credit or Distinction will generally have access to more merit-based opportunities.

What CGPA Do Polytechnic Students Need for Scholarships?

There is no single CGPA requirement.

If possible, aim for Upper Credit or Distinction during your ND programme.

A strong OND result can become very useful when applying for HND scholarships.

Documents Polytechnic Students Should Prepare

Keep clear digital copies of:

1. Polytechnic admission letter
2. JAMB admission letter where applicable
3. JAMB result
4. WAEC/NECO result
5. Student ID card
6. Current academic result
7. OND result or transcript
8. HND admission letter for HND applicants
9. Industrial Training evidence where required
10. Passport photograph
11. NIN
12. Birth certificate or age declaration
13. State or LGA certificate of origin
14. Recommendation letters where required
15. CV and personal statement where required

Don't wait until a scholarship opens before gathering these documents.

Can Private Polytechnic Students Get Scholarships?

Yes, but the number of opportunities may be smaller.

Some programmes specifically limit applications to public institutions.

For example, MTN's major scholarship programmes cover eligible students in Nigerian public Polytechnics, while Ruth Titilayo specifically targets Federal Polytechnic students.

On the other hand, some private foundations may use broader eligibility rules.

Institution-based scholarships such as Grundtvig are another option for students willing to study at the institution offering the award.

Always read the current requirements before applying.

State Government and Polytechnic Scholarships

Don't focus only on national scholarships.

Polytechnic students should also check:

• state scholarship boards
• state bursary programmes
• Local Government education grants
• Polytechnic alumni scholarships
• departmental awards
• religious and community foundations
• scholarships announced through Student Affairs

Some smaller opportunities are advertised mainly within the institution or state.

Check your Polytechnic notice board, Student Affairs office and official student portal regularly.

How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

Maintain a strong GPA from ND1.

Prepare your documents before application season.

Apply early instead of waiting until the last day.

Write a clear personal statement when one is requested.

For need-based scholarships, explain your financial circumstances truthfully.

Also apply to more than one programme when you qualify.

A Polytechnic student can apply for a national scholarship, foundation scholarship and state bursary without relying entirely on one opportunity, subject to each programme's rules.

Avoid Scholarship Scams

Use official scholarship websites whenever possible.

Be careful if someone asks you to:

• pay to get shortlisted
• send money to a personal bank account
• buy an unofficial scholarship PIN
• pay for guaranteed selection
• submit sensitive documents through an unknown WhatsApp number

Most established scholarship programmes do not guarantee selection simply because someone pays a fee.

Always confirm the organisation before submitting your personal information.

Final Advice

Polytechnic students have more scholarship opportunities than many people realise.

As of September 2026, newly admitted students can check the Indomie Scholarship Programme, while eligible Polytechnic students can also consider the Gabriel Ezenri Foundation Scholarship.

Students looking for admission into Grundtvig Polytechnic currently have another strong option because the institution's 2026/2027 full scholarship is open for both ND and HND candidates, with applications closing on November 25, 2026.

Meanwhile, programmes such as Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship, MTN Science and Technology Scholarship and Federal Government Scholarship are worth preparing for even when their current application windows are closed.

The best strategy is to know where you currently fit:

New ND student → continuing ND student → OND graduate → HND student

Then focus on scholarships that match that stage.

FAQs

Are there scholarships specifically for Polytechnic students in Nigeria?

Yes.

The Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship is specifically for students in Federal Polytechnics, while Grundtvig Polytechnic also offers institution-based ND and HND scholarships.

Other programmes such as MTN, Indomie and Federal Government scholarships also include eligible Polytechnic students.

Which scholarships are currently open for Polytechnic students?

As of September 15, 2026, relevant opportunities include the Indomie Scholarship Programme and Gabriel Ezenri Foundation Scholarship.

Grundtvig Polytechnic's full scholarship for 2026/2027 is also open to eligible ND and HND candidates.

Is there a full scholarship for Polytechnic students?

Yes.

The Indomie Scholarship provides full tuition to eligible newly admitted students.

Grundtvig Polytechnic is also offering full scholarships for eligible ND and HND candidates for the 2026/2027 session.

Can ND students apply for scholarships?

Yes.

New ND students can qualify for programmes such as Indomie and Grundtvig, while continuing ND students may qualify for foundation and state-level scholarships.

Can HND students get scholarships?

Yes.

HND students can qualify for programmes including MTN Science and Technology Scholarship, MTN Scholarship for Blind Students, Federal Government scholarships and selected foundation awards.

Does MTN Scholarship accept Polytechnic students?

Yes.

MTN includes eligible students attending Nigerian public Polytechnics.

For the Science and Technology Scholarship, Polytechnic applicants need an OND Upper Credit or equivalent and admission into HND.

Official page: MTN Foundation Scholarships

How much is Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship?

The 2026 award offered tuition support of up to ₦100,000, maintenance support of up to ₦20,000, and possible additional academic allowances.

Is Ruth Titilayo Polytechnic Scholarship open?

No.

The 2026 application has closed.

Students should monitor the Foundation for the next scholarship cycle.

Official page: Ruth Titilayo Educational Foundation Scholarships

Is there a Federal Government scholarship for HND students?

Yes.

The revised Federal Government scholarship structure provides ₦450,000 for eligible HND beneficiaries.

The next domestic application period has not yet been announced.

Can a Polytechnic student with Lower Credit get a scholarship?

Possibly.

It depends on the programme.

MTN's Science and Technology Scholarship requires an Upper Credit, but other need-based or foundation scholarships may use different academic requirements.

Can private Polytechnic students apply for scholarships?

Yes, depending on the programme.

Some scholarships restrict applications to Federal, State or public Polytechnics, while others may accept students from any accredited institution.

When should Polytechnic students start looking for scholarships?

Start immediately after gaining admission and continue checking throughout your ND and HND programmes.

Different scholarships open at different times of the year.