NHEF Scholars Program 2026: How to Apply for Fully Funded Internship & Career Training

2026 NHEF Scholars Program: Scholarships, Internship & Mentorship

The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) Scholars Program 2026 is now accepting applications from outstanding Nigerian students seeking early career acceleration and global exposure. This fully funded initiative provides scholarships, internships, mentorship, and career development training designed to empower young professionals and future leaders.

The program targets penultimate students at NHEF’s Partner Universities, combining intensive training with hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and skill-building workshops to prepare scholars for the challenges of the global workforce.

What the NHEF Scholars Program Offers

The 2026 program provides an array of benefits for selected students:

Fully funded scholarships covering tuition, flights, accommodation, and meals
Paid internships lasting 6–8 weeks at top partner firms
Career development training and skill-building workshops by international facilitators
Access to mentorship and networking with CEOs, MDs, and influential professionals
Exposure to global standards of leadership, philanthropy, and community service

Each scholar also attends a weeklong orientation program aimed at providing career guidance and leadership training, ensuring an easy transition into professional life after graduation.

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Partner Universities for the NHEF Scholars Program 2026

Eligible students must be enrolled in one of NHEF’s partner institutions:

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Bayero University, Kano
University of Ibadan
University of Lagos
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
University of Port Harcourt

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2026 NHEF Scholars Program, candidates must:

Be Nigerian citizens
Be penultimate year students (300 Level for 4-year courses or 400 Level for 5-year courses)
Demonstrate leadership, community service, and philanthropy
Have strong academic performance and a commitment to making a global impact

How to Apply for the 2026 NHEF Scholars Program

Interested students should follow these steps:

Visit the NHEF application portal and create an account.
Verify your email through the link sent to your inbox.
Complete the application by filling in your bio-data and essay responses.
Upload supporting documents in PDF format:
- One-page Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page Cover Letter
- Most recent Statement of Results
Review responses carefully before submission as applications cannot be saved.
Submit before the deadline: March 13, 2026.

FAQ

Q1: What is the NHEF Scholars Program 2026?

The NHEF Scholars Program is a fully funded initiative providing scholarships, internships, mentorship, and career training to talented Nigerian students.

Q2: Who can apply for the NHEF Scholars Program 2026?

Penultimate-year Nigerian students at NHEF partner universities with strong academic performance, leadership skills, and community service involvement.

Q3: What benefits do scholars receive?

Full scholarship coverage, paid internships (6–8 weeks), mentorship, networking with top professionals, flights, accommodation, meals, and career training.

Q4: Which universities are eligible for NHEF Scholars Program 2026?

Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Port Harcourt.

Q5: What is the application deadline?

March 13, 2026.

Q6: What documents are required for the application?

CV, Cover Letter, Statement of Results, all in PDF format.

Q7: Can students in their final year apply?

No, only penultimate-year students (300 Level in 4-year courses, 400 Level in 5-year courses) are eligible.

Q8: How does the internship component work?

Selected scholars are placed in partner firms for 6–8 weeks of practical work experience, enhancing career readiness.