Telecom and Tech Scholarships in Nigeria, Ghana and Africa: Airtel, MTN and Telecel (2026 Guide)

Africa’s big telecom companies run some of the best-known local scholarships for tech, science and engineering students. This guide covers four of them: Airtel Africa in Nigeria and Uganda, MTN in Nigeria and Ghana, and Telecel in Ghana. Most of their 2026 rounds have closed, so use this guide to get ready for the next one.

At a glance

Airtel Africa Foundation Tech Fellowship

The Airtel Africa Foundation pays for the full undergraduate degree of first-year students in tech courses. In Nigeria, the 2025 round offered 100 places at seven public universities: UNILAG, UNN, ABU Zaria, UNIBEN, OAU, UNILORIN and TASUED. In Uganda, the first round in December 2025 offered 20 places at five universities, including Makerere University.

• Who can apply: 100-level students in computing, software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, telecom engineering or similar courses, who show financial need. In Nigeria, the 2025 round asked for a JAMB score of at least 230 and five O-level credits, including English and Mathematics, in one sitting.
• What it covers: Tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation support and study materials until graduation.
• When: Both 2025 rounds opened and closed in December. The next round has not been announced.

MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship (Nigeria)

The MTN Foundation gives ₦300,000 a year until graduation to high-performing students in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and teaching hospitals. In 2026 it offered 400 awards.

• Who can apply: Students in science and technology courses who have finished 200 level and are moving to 300 level, or who are in 300 level. Medical students in 400 level can also apply.
• Grades: A CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4 or 3.5 out of 5. Polytechnic students need an upper credit in their OND and admission to HND.
• When: The 2026 round closed on May 31, 2026. Apply on the MTN Nigeria scholarships page when the next round opens.

MTN also runs a ₦300,000 yearly scholarship for blind students in any course, and gives the same amount to the top 10 UTME scorers.

MTN Ghana Foundation Bright Scholarship

In 2026 the MTN Ghana Foundation offered 500 Bright Scholarships. 300 went to students on first degrees in STEM and to vocational and technical students. 200 went to teachers studying at public universities.

• Who can apply: Ghanaian citizens studying at a public tertiary institution or in vocational training, with strong grades and good conduct.
• What it covers: Tuition, accommodation and learning resources.
• When: The 2026 round closed on May 31, 2026. Applications are free and online only, on the MTN Ghana Foundation scholarship portal.

Telecel Female Engineering Students Scholarship (Ghana)

Telecel Ghana, formerly Vodafone Ghana, supports final-year female engineering students through its Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme (FESSP). The 2026 cohort of 10 scholars, from KNUST, the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Coast and UMaT, was announced on July 20, 2026.

• What it covers: Support toward final-year tuition, a laptop and data, mentorship, and an internship and national service placement. Strong scholars may be considered for Telecel’s NextGen Graduate Programme.
• When: The next round has not been announced yet.

How to get ready for the next rounds

• Keep your grades up. MTN and Airtel both check results closely.
• Keep copies of your admission letter, results, school ID and proof of financial need ready.
• Apply only through the official portals. These scholarships are free to apply for, so never pay anyone to apply for you.

Where to check the next official announcement

These are four different programmes in three countries. They do not share one deadline, application portal or list of eligible universities. Check the organisation running the specific award before paying for documents or submitting personal information.

Eligibility checklist before you apply

• Confirm the scholarship actually accepts students at your current institution, not simply all students in your country.
• Check your academic level and recent GPA or examination results.
• Keep identification, admission letter and student records ready.
• Prepare evidence of financial need if required by the specific programme.
• Make sure any submitted website is official and does not charge an unauthorised application fee.

Which programme suits which student?

A first-year Nigerian student interested in computing may want to follow Airtel Africa Foundation announcements, while a Nigerian 300-level science student should compare MTN’s academic and institutional rules. Ghanaian continuing university or vocational students can watch MTN Bright Scholarship announcements. Female engineering students at eligible Ghanaian universities should watch Telecel for a fresh intake announcement.

Because the previous rounds have closed, none of these should be described as currently open without a fresh official call.

Telecom scholarship FAQs

Is there one application form for all four scholarships?

No. Each organiser publishes its own application instructions and eligibility criteria.

Can students in Nigeria apply for MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship?

The Ghana programme is aimed at eligible Ghanaian students. Nigerian applicants should look at the separate MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria opportunities.

When will the 2027 rounds open?

No common 2027 opening date has been confirmed. Previous dates are historical, not a guarantee of next year’s schedule.

Editorial note: This is a comparison of earlier awards, not a live application listing. Review the official organisers’ pages for the latest availability.

Related guides

• CMU-Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027
• Prince Ukeme Ukpong Education Support Scholarship 2026
• Undergraduate Scholarships Abroad for Nigerian Students

Details are taken from MTN Nigeria, the MTN Ghana Foundation and published announcements, checked on October 15, 2026. Confirm the current rules on each official portal before you apply.