Catch These 20 Scholarships with Just Your WAEC/NECO Result (No Degree Needed!)

Ready to level up your future without spending years on a degree? You’re in the right place. You can unlock life-changing funds with only your WAEC or NECO results in hand—no university admission required.

WAEC/NECO

In this post, you’ll discover:

  • How to qualify and apply for each scholarship
  • Key deadlines and award amounts
  • Pro tips to boost your chances of winning
  • A handy comparison table for quick reference

Let’s dive in!


Why WAEC/NECO-Only Scholarships Exist—and Why You Should Care

You might wonder: “Why do organizations fund students without requiring a degree?”

  • Widening access: Many foundations aim to bridge educational gaps at the senior-secondary level.
  • Early talent spotting: Companies like NLNG and MTN see potential in even pre-degree achievers.
  • Boosting local capacity: Supporting bright minds early helps communities thrive.

What this means for you: you don’t need to wait for JAMB or higher-ed admissions—your O-Level scores are your golden ticket.


How to Maximize Your WAEC/NECO Application Success

Before we list the scholarships, here’s how to set yourself up for success:

  1. Get certified results: Obtain your original WAEC/NECO certificate and scratch-card PIN.
  2. Gather documents: Prepare ID, birth certificate, local-government letter, and attestation from your school.
  3. Write a standout personal statement: Highlight your dreams, community impact, and leadership roles.
  4. Apply early: Scholarships fill up fast—start at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline.
  5. Follow instructions to the letter: Missing a required form or stamp = automatic disqualification.

Table: 20 WAEC/NECO-Only Scholarships at a Glance

Scholarship Name Award Value Eligibility Highlights Deadline (Typical) Apply Link
NLNG Post-Primary & Undergraduate ₦100,000–₦300,000 Top WAEC/NECO grades; host-community indigenes May every year nlng.com/scholarships
MTN Foundation STEM & Blind Students ₦200,000 annually Science & Technology; 300-level March–April mtnonline.com/scholarships
Agbami Medical & Engineering Full tuition + allowance Distinctions in WAEC; medical/engineering focus June–July chevron.com/csr/agbami
Shell/SNEPCo National Merit ₦200,000 Engineering & geosciences; WAEC distinctions April–May shell.com/scholarship
Total Nigeria (National Merit) ₦150,000 Secondary & tertiary WAEC achievers May totalenergies.com/ng/scholarships
NNPC/Total Merit Award ₦250,000 Science courses; WAEC As & Bs June nnpcgroup.com/scholarships
Federal Government Education ₦100,000–₦150,000 Five distinctions; post-primary & NCE July federal-scholarship.ng
PTDF Undergraduate ₦100,000 Oil & gas fields; top WAEC scores August ptdf.gov.ng
NDDC Bursary Program ₦50,000–₦100,000 Niger Delta indigenes; WAEC distinctions May nddc.gov.ng/bursary
Commonwealth Secondary Education Full tuition + stipend abroad Top WAEC results; Commonwealth country schools October commonwealthscholarships.org
Chevening (Under-19 Track) Full year’s tuition in UK WAEC Certificate; leadership potential November chevening.org/apply
China CSC (Undergraduate Abroad) Full fees, housing, stipend Strong WAEC; good English proficiency April csc.edu.cn
Canada Government International Tuition + living costs WAEC with As & Bs; IELTS/TOEFL January scholarships.gc.ca
Vietnam National University 100%/50% tuition waivers High WAEC GPA; interview pass August vnu.edu.vn
NLNG STEM ₦200,000 annually Science & Tech; WAEC distinctions May nlng.com/stem
Rotary Foundation Youth Leadership Awards Full training program abroad WAEC; community service record September rotary.org/en/our-programs
AUN Undergraduate ₦150,000 WAEC: 5 credits including English & Maths June aun.edu.ng/scholarships
Lagos State Scholarship ₦100,000 Lagos indigenes; WAEC As & Bs April lasgportal.lagosstate.gov.ng
Kaduna State Scholarship ₦80,000 Kaduna indigenes; top WAEC results May kadunastate.gov.ng/scholarship
Oyo State Scholarship ₦75,000 Oyo indigenes; WAEC distinctions June oyostate.gov.ng/scholarship

1. NLNG Scholarship Scheme

Award: ₦100,000–₦300,000 annually
Why You Should Apply: The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Scholarship opens to both post-primary and first-year undergraduates with strong O-Level results.

  • Who’s Eligible?
    • Post-primary: Basic 5 & 6 pupils with excellent WAEC/NECO marks and host-community indigenes.
    • Undergraduate: First-year undergrads with top WAEC/NECO grades plus high JAMB scores.
  • Perks:
    • Covers tuition, books, and living allowances.
    • International study grants for outstanding postgraduates.
  • Application Window: Opens every March; closes mid-May.
  • Pro Tip: Secure your indigeneship letter early from your community chairman.

Apply at the NLNG Scholarships & Discounts page.


2. MTN Foundation Science & Tech Scholarship

Award: ₦200,000 per year (renewable)
Why You Should Apply: MTN Nigeria’s CSR arm empowers high-performing students in STEM, plus blind-student stipends.

  • Eligibility Snapshot:
    • Undergraduates in public Nigerian institutions (200/300 level).
    • CGPA ≥ 3.5 (or 2.5 for blind-student track).
    • Must maintain minimum grades to renew.
  • How to Apply:
    1. Register at MTN Scholarships portal.
    2. Complete profile, paste your WAEC/NECO grades.
    3. Upload transcript and a teacher’s recommendation.
  • Deadline: Late March to early April each year.
  • Insider Tip: Highlight any coding or robotics club involvement in your essay.

3. Agbami Medical & Engineering Professionals Scholarship

Award: Full tuition + accommodation + book allowance
Why You Should Apply: Chevron’s Agbami partners invest in Nigeria’s future healthcare and infrastructure leaders.

  • Who Qualifies?
    • Full-time Nigerian undergraduates in Medicine, Nursing, or Engineering.
    • Must have Distinctions (As) in key WAEC/NECO subjects.
  • Benefits:
    • Covers 100% of tuition fees each semester.
    • Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
  • Application Tips:
    • Submit research or community-health project abstracts if available.
    • Secure both your WAEC/NECO result and JAMB registration printout.
  • Apply Via: Chevron’s CSR page around June–July.

4. Shell/SNEPCo National Merit Scholarship

Award: ₦200,000 per year
Why You Should Apply: Shell Nigeria and SNEPCo reward excellence in engineering and geosciences.

  • Eligibility:
    • 100-level undergraduates in accredited Nigerian universities.
    • WAEC/NECO distinctions in Maths and two sciences.
  • Perks:
    • Annual payments directly to your institution.
    • Skills workshops and internship opportunities.
  • How to Apply:
    • Visit the Shell Scholarships page each April.
    • Provide WAEC/NECO certificate scans and course registration letter.

5. Total Nigeria National Merit Scholarship

Award: ₦150,000 per year
Why You Should Apply: TotalEnergies funds bright students at both secondary and tertiary levels.

  • Requirements:
    • WAEC/NECO with five (5) credits (As & Bs).
    • Enrolled in an approved Nigerian institution.
  • Application Process:
    1. Go to TotalEnergies Nigeria website.
    2. Register under “Careers → Scholarships.”
    3. Upload your WAEC/NECO result and school ID.
  • Deadline: Typically in May.
  • Quick Tip: Write about your passion for community service in your essay.

6. NNPC/Total National Merit Award

Award: ₦250,000 lump sum
Why You Should Apply: A joint effort by NNPC and Total to boost STEM talent.

  • Who’s Eligible:
    • Science & technology undergraduates (all levels).
    • Minimum of As and Bs in WAEC/NECO.
  • Importance: First cohort receives on-the-job mentoring from industry experts.
  • Apply: Watch the NNPC Group website in June for application forms.

7. Federal Government Nigerian Scholarship

Award: ₦100,000 (NCE) or ₦150,000 (university)
Why You Should Apply: Sponsored by the Ministry of Education to reward academic excellence.

  • Eligibility:
    • NCE students with first five (5) distinctions in WAEC.
    • Undergraduates who completed NYSC with strong O-Level results.
  • Perks: Renewable for full course duration.
  • How to Apply:
  • Window: Opens in January; closes late July.

8. PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship

Award: ₦100,000 per annum
Why You Should Apply: Your entry point into Nigeria’s oil & gas sector.

  • Qualifiers:
    • 100 & 200-level undergraduates in engineering, geology, geophysics.
    • Strong WAEC/NECO performance.
  • Benefits:
    • Annual stipend paid directly to students.
    • Access to training at PTDF training centers.
  • Apply On: ptdf.gov.ng each August.

9. NDDC Bursary & Scholarship Program

Award: ₦50,000–₦100,000 per year
Why You Should Apply: Dedicated to Niger Delta indigenes aiming for tertiary education.

  • Eligibility:
    • Must be an indigene of an NDDC-mandated state.
    • WAEC/NECO with four (4) credits including English.
  • Apply:
    • Visit your state NDDC desk office in May.
    • Submit WAEC/NECO certificate, LGA certificate, and passport photos.
  • Pro Tip: Early arrival helps secure limited forms.

10. Commonwealth Secondary Education Scholarships

Award: Full school fees + stipend (Study Abroad)
Why You Should Apply: Get funded spot in top schools across the Commonwealth.

  • Who Can Apply:
    • Top WAEC/NECO performers under age 18.
    • Demonstrated leadership in school clubs.
  • Benefits:
    • Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
    • Cultural-exchange programs.
  • Apply At: commonwealthscholarships.org each October.
  • Insider Hint: Focus your personal statement on community leadership.

11. Chevening (Young Leaders Track)

Award: Full scholarship for one-year UK study program
Why You Should Apply: Chevening isn’t just for Master’s degrees—young talent track accepts WAEC holders.

  • Eligibility:
    • WAEC/NECO certificate with high grades.
    • Demonstrated leadership in national youth programs.
  • What’s Covered:
    • University fees, airfare, living stipend for one year.
  • Application Window: November; decisions by March.
  • More Info: chevening.org/apply.

12. Chinese Government CSC Scholarship

Award: Full tuition + accommodation + living stipend
Why You Should Apply: Study Medicine, Engineering, or Humanities in China with your WAEC result.

  • Requirements:
    • Minimum of As and Bs in WAEC/NECO.
    • IELTS ≥ 6.0 or TOEFL ≥ 80 (depending on program).
  • Apply Through: Chinese Scholarship Council via your chosen university’s CSC portal in April.
  • Pro Tip: Learn basic Mandarin to ace your visa interview.

13. Canada Government Scholarships for International Students

Award: Tuition + living costs + transport
Why You Should Apply: Canada offers multiple O-Level-based awards for bright students.

  • Qualifiers:
    • WAEC As & Bs; proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
    • Letter of admission from a Canadian college/university.
  • Apply Via: scholarships.gc.ca each January.
  • Hot Tip: Apply to smaller provinces (e.g., Manitoba) for higher acceptance rates.

14. Vietnam National University Scholarships

Award: 100% / 50% tuition waiver
Why You Should Apply: Get a world-class degree in Asia with minimal fees.

  • Who’s Eligible:
    • WAEC with GPA ≥ 4.0/5.0.
    • Interview required for final selection.
  • How to Apply: Check individual VNU college portals in August.
  • Local Insight: English-taught programs are rapidly expanding; apply early.

15. NLNG STEM Scholars Program

Award: ₦200,000 per year
Why You Should Apply: Special track for exceptional science & tech secondary students.

  • Eligibility:
    • Top three (3) As in WAEC Science subjects.
    • Must be in Basic 5 or 6.
  • Apply: Via NLNG’s CSR portal in May; community nomination required.
  • Tip: Participate in local science fairs and include certificates.

16. Rotary Foundation Youth Leadership Awards

Award: Fully funded leadership training abroad (2 weeks)
Why You Should Apply: Not a degree program but a transformational experience.

  • Requirements:
    • WAEC result with at least five credits.
    • Proven track record in community projects.
  • Apply At: Nearest Rotary Club each September.
  • Advice: Have two strong references from teachers or community leaders.

17. Africa University Network (AUN) Undergraduate Scholarship

Award: ₦150,000 per year
Why You Should Apply: Regionally accredited with diverse student body.

  • Qualifiers:
    • WAEC credits in English, Maths, and one science.
    • Must pass AUN entrance exam.
  • Application: June intake; details at aun.edu.ng.
  • Hack: Practice previous AUN English tests for top exam performance.

18. Lagos State Scholarship Board

Award: ₦100,000 per year
Why You Should Apply: Lagos State undergraduates get special bursary for high O-Level achievers.

  • Who’s Eligible:
    • Lagos indigenes with WAEC As & Bs.
    • Enrolled full-time in a Nigerian higher-ed institution.
  • How to Apply: April–May via LASG portal.
  • Pro Tip: Include a community-service letter from your LGA.

19. Kaduna State Scholarship

Award: ₦80,000 per year
Why You Should Apply: Kaduna invests heavily in its youth—no degree needed.

  • Eligibility:
    • Kaduna indigenes with four (4) credits in WAEC.
    • 100/200-level students in any Nigerian university.
  • Apply: May at state Ministry of Education offices or online.
  • Inside Scoop: Get your form stamped early to avoid lineups.

20. Oyo State Scholarship

Award: ₦75,000 per year
Why You Should Apply: Oyo State’s bursary rewards strong O-Level results and community involvement.

  • Requirements:
    • Oyo indigenes with Distinctions in WAEC/NECO.
    • Active participation in school or local clubs.
  • Apply: June at the State Scholarship Board or via e-portal.
  • Pro Tip: Attach proof of club leadership (e.g., captain, secretary).

FAQs: Your Top Questions, Answered

Q1: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes—apply broadly. Just keep deadlines and requirements straight.

Q2: What if I’m awaiting NECO results?
Most deadlines allow you to upload results later—check each portal’s policy.

Q3: Do I need JAMB for these?
No—these are O-Level-only. You can still apply even if you haven’t taken JAMB.

Q4: How do I follow up after submitting?
Email the scholarship office or call their helpline 2–3 weeks after the deadline.

Q5: What improves my chances most?
A compelling personal statement that shows leadership, community impact, and clear goals.


Final Tips to Secure Your Scholarship

  • Stay organized: Create a spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements, and status.
  • Network: Reach out to past scholars for application insights via LinkedIn or alumni groups.
  • Proofread thoroughly: Typos can derail an otherwise stellar application.
  • Demonstrate impact: Use numbers—“I led a team of 12” beats vague statements.
  • Plan for interviews: Practice common questions and research the sponsor’s mission.

Go ahead—pick your top five scholarships, set reminders, and start applying today.

You’re not just chasing a check; you’re unlocking a pathway to a brighter future. Good luck!

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