GEF Scholarship 2026: Up to ₦500,000 for Undergraduates in Nigeria
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The GEF Scholarship supports outstanding undergraduate students at accredited Nigerian institutions who combine strong academic performance with genuine financial need. It provides up to ₦500,000 per academic session toward tuition, registration fees, learning materials, and a modest living stipend. The award is renewable each year, provided the recipient maintains a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale. Ten awards are given out annually, with applications opening every September. This is a meaningful option for Nigerian undergraduates who have the grades but lack the financial means to complete their studies.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | GEF Scholarship |
| Provider | Not specified |
| University/Institution | Any accredited Nigerian university or polytechnic |
| Study Country | Nigeria |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Degree/Program | Not specified — open to undergraduates generally |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria |
| Target Applicants | Academically strong undergraduates with demonstrable financial need |
| Funding Type | Partial funding (fixed amount per session) |
| Funding Coverage | Up to ₦500,000 per academic session, covering tuition, registration fees, learning materials, and a modest living stipend |
| Application Deadline | Not specified — applications open every September |
| Study Start | Not specified |
| Scholarship Duration | Renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic progress |
| Application Fee | Not specified |
| Official Website | Not specified |
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is a partial scholarship providing up to ₦500,000 per academic session, covering:
- Tuition and registration fees
- Learning materials
- A modest living stipend
The award is renewable each year, provided the recipient maintains a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an undergraduate enrolled in, or admitted to, an accredited Nigerian university or polytechnic
- Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale
- New entrants (without an existing CGPA) may qualify instead with a UTME score of 250+ or five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics
- Must demonstrate genuine financial need
Required Documents
The source information does not list a specific document checklist. Applicants should be prepared to provide proof of enrollment/admission, academic records (CGPA or UTME/O’Level results), and evidence supporting their financial need, but should confirm the exact requirements once the application opens.
How to Apply
- Confirm you are enrolled in, or admitted to, an accredited Nigerian university or polytechnic.
- Check that you meet the minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0, or, as a new entrant, the UTME (250+) or O’Level credit requirement.
- Watch for the application window, which opens every September.
- Prepare documentation demonstrating your financial need alongside your academic records.
- Submit your application once the portal opens, and maintain the required CGPA each year to keep the award renewed.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Every September |
| Application Deadline | Not specified |
| Awards Per Year | 10 |
Can International Students Apply?
No. The GEF Scholarship is restricted to undergraduates enrolled at accredited Nigerian universities or polytechnics, making it a Nigeria-focused award rather than one open to international students generally.
Can African and Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes, for Nigerian students specifically. The scholarship is aimed at undergraduates at accredited institutions within Nigeria. The available information does not indicate eligibility for students from other African countries.
Important Things to Know
- Only 10 awards are given per year, so competition is expected to be strong.
- Renewal is conditional on maintaining a minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0 each year.
- The scholarship combines an academic merit requirement with a genuine financial-need requirement — both matter for selection.
- New entrants without a university CGPA yet can still qualify through UTME score or O’Level credit requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the GEF Scholarship? Undergraduates at accredited Nigerian universities or polytechnics with a minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0 (or, for new entrants, a UTME score of 250+ or five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics) and demonstrable financial need.
Is this scholarship fully funded? No. It provides up to ₦500,000 per academic session toward tuition, fees, materials, and a modest stipend — not full funding.
When do applications open? Every September.
How many awards are given each year? 10.
Is the scholarship renewable? Yes, each year, subject to maintaining a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale.
Can new university entrants apply without a CGPA yet? Yes — they can qualify with a UTME score of 250+ or five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics.
