Scholarships for 100 Level Students in Nigeria 2026

Scholarships for 100 Level Students in Nigeria 2026 are available for newly admitted undergraduates, although the number of scholarships open specifically to freshers is smaller than those available to students in higher levels.

This is important because many popular undergraduate scholarships require applicants to have completed at least one academic year before they can apply. For example, the 2026 MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is targeted at students moving from 200 level to 300 level, while its Scholarship for Blind Students is for eligible 200 and 300 level students.

However, some opportunities can support students from 100 level, including the MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship, which is automatically available to the top 10 UTME candidates announced by JAMB and provides ₦300,000 annually from 100 level through graduation, subject to the scholarship conditions.

This guide focuses specifically on scholarships that 100 level students, newly admitted undergraduates and prospective university students should consider in 2026.

Can 100 Level Students Get Scholarships in Nigeria?

Yes, but students need to check the level requirement carefully.

A common mistake is assuming that every undergraduate scholarship accepts students from 100 level. Many do not.

Some programmes require applicants to have completed 200 level examinations, while others are available only to students in 300 level or above.

For example, MTN’s 2026 Science and Technology Scholarship requires applicants to have completed their second-semester 200 level examinations and be moving to 300 level, or already be in 300 level.

Therefore, a newly admitted student should search specifically for 100 level scholarships, entrance scholarships and awards linked to UTME performance.

Scholarships for 100 Level Students in Nigeria 2026

1. MTN Foundation Top 10 UTME Scholarship

The MTN Foundation Top 10 UTME Scholarship is one of the clearest opportunities for students entering 100 level.

The scholarship is awarded to the top 10 candidates in the UTME as announced by JAMB. These students automatically qualify for the award.

Each recipient receives ₦300,000 annually from 100 level until graduation, provided the required academic conditions are maintained. The scholarship is not restricted to a particular course and can apply to students in either public or private Nigerian tertiary institutions.

An important point for prospective applicants is that this is different from the regular MTN Science and Technology Scholarship.

You do not become eligible simply because you are a high-performing 100 level student. The Top 10 UTME Scholarship is specifically tied to being among the top 10 UTME candidates announced by JAMB.

MTN Foundation Scholarship Information

2. Federal Government Scholarship Award

The Federal Government Scholarship Award is another programme that Nigerian students should monitor.

The Federal Scholarship Board under the Federal Ministry of Education administers national scholarship programmes for Nigerian students. The Federal Government has also revised the value of its scholarship awards, with the undergraduate Nigerian Scholarship Award listed at ₦450,000 annually under the revised structure.

However, students should not assume that every 100 level student automatically qualifies.

The specific academic level, application period and eligibility conditions depend on the particular scholarship announcement.

Students should therefore wait for the relevant 2026 application notice and carefully check whether fresh 100 level students are included before applying.

Federal Ministry of Education

3. University Entrance and Freshman Scholarships

New students should also check their university for scholarships offered to newly admitted students.

Some institutions provide awards based on:

• UTME performance
• Admission score
• Academic excellence
• Financial need
• State of origin
• Special achievements
• Sports or artistic ability

These opportunities are not always advertised alongside national scholarships.

Check your university’s official website, student affairs office, scholarship office or admission portal after securing admission.

This can be particularly useful for students who are not eligible for national scholarship programmes that require them to have completed one or two academic sessions.

4. State Government Scholarships

State scholarship boards can also provide opportunities for newly admitted students.

Some state government scholarship schemes accept students who have recently gained admission into universities, polytechnics or colleges of education.

Requirements can include:

• Proof of state of origin
• Admission letter
• School identification
• UTME result
• Academic credentials
• Local government identification
• Other documents specified by the state scholarship board

The rules are different from one state to another, so students should check the scholarship board in their state.

5. University Alumni and Foundation Scholarships

Another option for 100 level students is funding provided through university alumni associations and charitable foundations.

These awards may be targeted at students experiencing financial difficulties or those who demonstrated exceptional academic performance before entering university.

The opportunities may not be available every year, so students should check their institution and reputable education foundations regularly.

Scholarships That 100 Level Students Should Not Apply for Yet

Knowing which scholarships do not accept 100 level students can save applicants time.

MTN Science and Technology Scholarship

Although it is one of Nigeria’s major undergraduate scholarship programmes, the 2026 MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is not for newly admitted 100 level students.

MTN states that the 2026 application is open to students who have completed their second-semester 200 level examinations and are moving into 300 level, as well as eligible students already in 300 level. Medical students have a separate level requirement.

The scholarship is worth ₦300,000 annually and can be renewed until graduation when the recipient meets the required academic and upskilling conditions.

Therefore, a 100 level student should save this opportunity for the appropriate academic year.

MTN Scholarship for Blind Students

The MTN Scholarship for Blind Students is also not designed for ordinary 100 level applicants.

For 2026, MTN states that the programme is open to eligible blind students in 200 and 300 level at Nigerian public tertiary institutions.

This means a newly admitted 100 level student should wait until the applicable level before applying.

Why Many Scholarships Do Not Accept 100 Level Students

Scholarship providers often use academic performance from university as part of their selection process.

A student who has just entered university may not yet have a university CGPA or sufficient academic record.

For this reason, some programmes require students to complete 200 level before applying.

This does not mean 100 level students have no options. It simply means they need to focus on opportunities designed around admission performance, UTME results, financial need or freshman status.

Requirements for 100 Level Scholarships

The requirements depend on the scholarship.

A newly admitted student may be asked to provide:

• JAMB UTME result
• Admission letter
• University acceptance letter
• Student ID, where already issued
• O’level results
• Birth certificate or age declaration
• Certificate of origin
• Local government identification
• Passport photograph
• Valid means of identification
• NIN
• Evidence of admission

Some scholarships may also request a personal statement or proof of financial need.

Do not prepare documents based on another scholarship’s requirements. Always use the checklist provided by the organisation offering the award.

How to Apply for Scholarships as a 100 Level Student

Step 1: Confirm Your Admission

Make sure you have valid admission into a recognised tertiary institution before applying for scholarships that require proof of admission.

Step 2: Check the Academic Level

Look for wording such as:

• 100 level
• Freshman
• Newly admitted students
• First-year students
• New undergraduate students

Do not assume that “undergraduate” means 100 level.

Step 3: Check the Course Requirement

Some awards are open to all courses, while others focus on science, technology, engineering, medicine or another discipline.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Keep your admission letter, JAMB result, O’level result and identification documents available.

Step 5: Use the Official Application Portal

Apply directly through the scholarship provider’s official website.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Do not wait until the last day, especially when you need to upload several documents.

Step 7: Keep Checking for Updates

Some scholarship providers publish shortlisted candidates, test invitations or interview information after the application closes.

How to Find More Scholarships as a 100 Level Student

A good scholarship search should not stop at one programme.

Check these sources regularly:

• Federal Ministry of Education
• Your state scholarship board
• Your university’s official website
• Student affairs department
• Scholarship foundations
• Corporate foundations
• Recognised scholarship portals
• Official company websites

For example, PTDF operates an official scholarship management portal, but its scholarship schemes have specific academic and course requirements. Students should check the current guidelines rather than assuming that every PTDF award is available to 100 level students.

PTDF Scholarship Management Portal

Can 100 Level Students Apply for PTDF Scholarship?

Not every PTDF scholarship is available to a newly admitted student.

PTDF has different scholarship categories and specific eligibility conditions for its In-Country and Overseas schemes.

Students should therefore check the current PTDF guidelines before applying.

The official PTDF portal provides the application guidelines and information about its scholarship schemes.

A student should never assume that having a PTDF-approved course automatically means they qualify for the scholarship.

How Much Can a 100 Level Student Get From a Scholarship?

The amount depends on the programme.

For example, the MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship is worth ₦300,000 annually, and qualifying recipients can receive it from 100 level through graduation if they maintain the required standards.

The Federal Government’s revised undergraduate scholarship award is listed at ₦450,000 annually, although eligibility and application conditions depend on the specific scholarship call.

Other scholarships may provide tuition support, accommodation, books or other benefits rather than a fixed cash payment.

Important Tips for Fresh 100 Level Students

Do Not Apply for Every Scholarship You See

Check the academic level before spending time on an application.

Keep Your JAMB Result Safe

UTME performance can be important for entrance-based scholarship opportunities.

Maintain Good Grades From Your First Semester

Even if a scholarship is not available in 100 level, your academic performance can become important when you reach 200 or 300 level.

Check Your University’s Opportunities

Your school may have scholarships that are not widely advertised online.

Watch Your Email

Scholarship sponsors may contact shortlisted candidates by email.

Avoid Scholarship Scams

Do not pay an individual who promises to secure a scholarship for you.

Always trace the opportunity back to the official sponsor.

When Should a 100 Level Student Start Applying?

The best time is before or immediately after gaining admission, depending on the scholarship.

Students waiting until 200 level to start searching may miss opportunities that are based on UTME performance or admission status.

At the same time, students should maintain a longer-term scholarship plan.

For example, if a programme is only open from 300 level, keep your academic record strong so that you can apply when you become eligible.

100 Level Scholarship vs Undergraduate Scholarship

These terms are not always interchangeable.

Undergraduate scholarship is a broad term covering students studying for an undergraduate qualification.

100 level scholarship specifically targets first-year students.

A scholarship can therefore be available to undergraduates but still exclude 100 level students.

The MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is a good example. It is an undergraduate scholarship, but the 2026 eligibility rules require students to be moving from 200 to 300 level or already in 300 level.

The MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship, on the other hand, specifically provides an award from 100 level through graduation for qualifying candidates.

Students who want to see a wider range of opportunities should also read our guide on Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduates 2026.

That article covers undergraduate scholarship opportunities from the Federal Government, PTDF, MTN, NLNG and other sponsors, including programmes that become available after students progress beyond 100 level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there scholarships for 100 level students in Nigeria?

Yes. However, opportunities specifically open to 100 level students are fewer than scholarships for students in higher levels. The MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship is one example that starts from 100 level for qualifying UTME candidates.

Can a newly admitted student apply for a scholarship?

Yes, if the scholarship’s requirements allow newly admitted students to apply. Always check the specified academic level before applying.

Which scholarship is available from 100 level?

The MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship is available from 100 level for the top 10 UTME candidates announced by JAMB. It provides ₦300,000 annually through graduation, subject to the conditions of the programme.

Can 100 level students apply for the MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship?

No. The 2026 MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is aimed at students who have completed their second-semester 200 level examinations and are moving to 300 level, or students already in 300 level.

Can 100 level students apply for PTDF scholarship?

It depends on the specific PTDF scholarship and its current requirements. Students should check the official PTDF guidelines before applying rather than assuming that all PTDF schemes accept 100 level students.

What documents do 100 level students need for scholarships?

Common documents include a JAMB result, admission letter, O’level result, identification documents, passport photograph and proof of state or local government origin. The exact requirements depend on the scholarship.

How can I find genuine scholarships for 100 level students?

Check your university, Federal Ministry of Education, state scholarship board, recognised corporate sponsors and official scholarship portals. Avoid relying solely on WhatsApp messages or social media posts.

Wrap Up

Scholarships for 100 Level Students in Nigeria 2026 do exist, but students need to check the academic-level requirement carefully before applying.

For newly admitted students, opportunities linked to UTME performance, admission status, university awards and state scholarships may be more relevant than programmes that require an existing university CGPA.

The MTN Top 10 UTME Scholarship is a notable example because qualifying recipients can receive ₦300,000 annually from 100 level through graduation. Other major scholarships, including MTN’s Science and Technology Scholarship, become available at later academic levels.

The best strategy is to start searching early, keep your documents ready, maintain strong academic results and monitor official scholarship portals throughout your university education.