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.
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:
- Get certified results: Obtain your original WAEC/NECO certificate and scratch-card PIN.
- Gather documents: Prepare ID, birth certificate, local-government letter, and attestation from your school.
- Write a standout personal statement: Highlight your dreams, community impact, and leadership roles.
- Apply early: Scholarships fill up fast—start at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline.
- 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:
- Register at MTN Scholarships portal.
- Complete profile, paste your WAEC/NECO grades.
- 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:
- Go to TotalEnergies Nigeria website.
- Register under “Careers → Scholarships.”
- 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:
- Create an account at fsbn.com.ng/scholarships.
- Follow prompts; submit WAEC/NECO certificate and NYSC discharge.
- 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!
