The MTN scholarship program is a prestigious opportunity for students seeking financial aid to pursue their education. With its commitment to supporting academic excellence, MTN Foundation offers scholarships to deserving students across various fields of study relating to science and technology. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the MTN Scholarship types 2023.
The MTN scholarship types you can apply for
There are two main academic scholarships available from MTN that you can apply for. They are as follows:
Apply for the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship
This is the flagship program that has been running in Nigerian public tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education) since 2010 and is aimed at 300-level students pursuing Science and Technology-related fields. If they keep up their good grades, 300 students will get annual scholarships of N200,000.00 till they graduate.
Apply for the MTN Scholarship for blind students
The program began in 2012 for visually impaired students in 200 and 300-level programs and enrolled in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Sixty high-achieving visually impaired students will each get a ₦200,000.00 scholarship each year until they graduate, provided they maintain the necessary GPA.
Steps to take when applying for the MTN scholarships 2023
Eligibility criteria to apply for any of the MTN scholarship types
Before you apply for the MTN Scholarship types, it is crucial to research and understand the eligibility criteria. Typically, the scholarship is available to undergraduate students in accredited Nigerian higher institutions. Ensure that you meet the minimum requirements such as age, educational background, and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average). Review the specific criteria outlined by the MTN Foundation to ascertain your eligibility.
Eligibility and criteria to apply for the MTN scholarship types are as follows:
1. Institution of study
Students enrolled in a Nigerian public tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, or college of education) are eligible to apply for the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (STS) or the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS).
2. Course of study
The MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (STS) is available to undergraduates in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education who are majoring in a science or technology-related field.
Visually impaired students in their second and third years of study at one of Nigeria’s public universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education are eligible to apply for the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS).
3. Level of study
MTN recognises that the academic calendar is not standardized across all public tertiary institutions, so the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (STS) application is open to students who have completed their second semester 200 level examinations and are going to 300 level, as well as students who are currently enrolled in 300 level.
The MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS) is available to blind students enrolled in the second and third years of study at any of Nigeria’s public universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. However, for law students whose program is a five-year one, the MTN Scholarship is only open to students in their third year of the legal discipline.
4. Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
MTN Science and Technology Scholarship
Students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics at a public university or college of education are eligible to apply for the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (STS) if they maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.4 (Over a grade point of 4.0) or 3.5 (second class upper).
Students in STEM fields who wish to enrol in the Higher National Diploma (HND) program at public polytechnics must have earned a CGPA of 3.0 or higher in the OND program.
Direct Entry students looking to enter the third year of study in a STEM field at the university level are expected to a CGPA of at least 3.0 (upper credit) in the relevant subject area from the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) program.
MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS)
Students who are visually impaired and are enrolled in a higher education institution must maintain a 2.5 or higher in their cumulative grade point average (CGPA).
Students who are blind and wish to tap into the MTN scholarship program at a public polytechnic must have completed the OND program with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and have been accepted into the HND program.
Gather the required documents
To complete the application process smoothly, gather all the necessary documents. These may include your recent passport photograph, valid identification card, admission letter, academic transcripts, and a letter of recommendation from a reputable academic referee. And a concise biography of yourself and why you think you deserve the scholarship.
Ensure all documents are well-organised, up-to-date, and meet the specified requirements.
Visit the MTN Foundation Scholarship portal
Access the MTN Foundation Scholarship portal through the official website at https://apps.mtn.ng/scholarships/. Fill in the 7-step required information accurately, including your personal details, contact information, and academic background. Be careful to provide correct and verifiable information to avoid any disqualification.
See the 7 steps in the images below:
Complete the application form
Once you’re confirmed through that first stage into the portal, you’ll see the scholarship application form. Carefully fill in the required details, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Provide concise and well-articulated responses to essay questions or personal statements, showcasing your achievements, aspirations, and the impact you intend to make with the scholarship. Double-check all the information before submitting the form.
Some questions you’ll meet on the application form are captured in the following images:
5. Review and submit
Before finalizing your application, review all the provided information and attached documents. Make any necessary edits or corrections. Once you are satisfied with the accuracy of your application, submit it through the portal.
Final thoughts on how to apply for MTN scholarship 2023
Applying for the MTN Scholarship involves careful attention to detail, document preparation, and completion of the online application form. For the year 2023, the application portal for the MTN Scholarship closes on the 18th of June. So apply as soon as you can if you want to key into this opportunity.