Top Scholarships for Nigerian SSCE, ND, HND & BSc Graduates

Getting a scholarship is one of the best ways Nigerian students can study without financial stress—whether locally or abroad. The good news is that you don’t need to be a university graduate before you qualify. There are scholarships for SSCE holders, ND and HND students, and even fresh BSc graduates looking to advance their education.

This guide covers the top scholarships currently available, eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to apply successfully.

1. PTDF Scholarship (Local & Overseas)

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) offers fully funded scholarships for Nigerians pursuing:

Undergraduate (selected universities)
Master’s (MSc)
Doctorate (PhD)

Who Can Apply?

ND, HND, or BSc graduates
Students with strong academic performance
Those interested in oil & gas, engineering, geosciences, and environmental sciences

Benefits

Full tuition
Monthly allowance
Accommodation
Return flight (for international scholars)

Why It’s Ideal

PTDF is one of the most trusted and competitive scholarships for Nigerians.

2. NNPC/Chevron JV Scholarship

Chevron partners with NNPC to award scholarships for university students, including those progressing from ND or HND programs.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students in any public university
SSCE graduates entering 100 level
ND graduates entering direct entry

Benefits

Annual maintenance allowance
Full scholarship throughout the program

Why It’s Ideal

It supports a wide range of courses and is open to many categories of Nigerian students.

3. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

This is one of the most generous scholarships for Africans. It supports:

Brilliant SSCE graduates
ND/HND holders applying for undergraduate programs abroad
BSc graduates seeking funded Master’s degrees

Partner Universities

University of Toronto
University of British Columbia
Arizona State University
Sciences Po
African Leadership University (ALU)

Benefits

100% tuition
Flight ticket
Laptop, books
Monthly stipend
Health insurance

Why It’s Ideal

It supports applicants even from low-income families, without requiring IELTS at some partner universities.

4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (Fully Funded)

This scholarship is for Nigerian BSc graduates seeking to pursue an MSc degree in the UK at selected universities.

Eligibility

Must have a first degree (minimum second-class lower)
No age limit
No application fee

Benefits

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Free flight ticket
Living allowance

Why It’s Ideal

It is perfect for Nigerian graduates looking for a no-fee, fully funded UK scholarship.

5. DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds African students for postgraduate programs.

Who Can Apply?

HND holders converting to MSc
BSc graduates
Fresh graduates with 1–3 years of work experience

Benefits

Free tuition
Monthly allowance
Accommodation
Travel allowance

Why It’s Ideal

Many DAAD programs do not require IELTS, and Germany offers free education.

6. MTN Foundation Scholarship

This is one of the most popular scholarships for Nigerian students at all levels.

Eligibility

SSCE graduates entering 200 level
ND and HND students
Undergraduate students with a CGPA of 3.5+
Science, tech, and blind students

Benefits

₦300,000 yearly allowance
Renewable until graduation

Why It’s Ideal

It is open to Nigerians from all states and backgrounds.

7. Jim Ovia Scholarship

This scholarship supports undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nigerian institutions.

Eligibility

SSCE graduates
ND, HND, and Bachelor’s degree holders
Students with outstanding academic records

Benefits

Full tuition support
Maintenance allowance

Why It’s Ideal

It supports both fresh university entrants and continuing students.

8. AGIP Undergraduate Scholarship

Sponsored by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, this scholarship targets Nigerian students at all levels.

Eligibility

SSCE and ND graduates entering 100 or 200 level
Students in Engineering, Geosciences, Agriculture

Benefits

Annual financial support

Why It’s Ideal

It is one of the most respected oil & gas scholarships in Nigeria.

9. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

This is one of the best scholarships for Nigerian BSc holders who want to pursue graduate studies in the United States.

Eligibility

A good first degree
NYSC certificate
Academic excellence

Benefits

Full tuition
Living stipend
Free travel
Research support

Why It’s Ideal

It opens the door to top U.S. universities and long-term global opportunities.

10. Federal Government Scholarship (FSB)

The Federal Scholarship Board offers awards for:

SSCE graduates
ND & HND students
Undergraduate and postgraduate students

Eligibility

Nigerian citizenship
Good academic performance

Benefits

Annual financial support
Scholarship can continue until graduation

Why It’s Ideal

It is one of the easiest scholarships to apply for since it is local.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

✔ Maintain a strong academic record

Scholarship bodies prioritize students with high grades.

✔ Write a compelling personal statement

Explain your background, goals, and passion.

✔ Apply early

Late applications rarely get reviewed.

✔ Prepare necessary documents

These include passport, transcripts, CV, reference letters, etc.

✔ Apply for multiple opportunities

Do not depend on one scholarship alone.

Wrapping Up…

Whether you are an SSCE holder, ND or HND graduate, or a BSc holder, there is a scholarship for your level. Many of these opportunities are fully funded, require little or no application fees, and give Nigerians the chance to study locally or abroad.

If you are serious about securing a scholarship, start preparing your documents early and apply to as many programs as possible.