The first deadline on this list is 5 November 2026, which is days away. If you are a Nigerian undergraduate or postgraduate, that one needs your attention this week. The others give you more room, but not as much as you think once you count document requests and recommendation letters.
Below are four open opportunities, sorted by deadline. The details come from the information we have on each one. Deadlines and eligibility can change, so confirm everything on the official page before you apply or pay for anything.
Deadlines at a glance
| Deadline | Scholarship | Level | Offered by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Nov 2026 | Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) Scholarship 2026 | Undergraduate and postgraduate | Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation, Nigeria |
| 30 Nov 2026 | NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship | Undergraduate | NNPC and SNEPCo |
| 15 Jan 2027 | Axel Adler Scholarship 2027 | Bachelor's and Master's (tuition fee waiver) | University of Gothenburg, Sweden |
| 27 May 2027 | LSE Demography Studentship | MPhil/PhD | London School of Economics, UK |
1. SAAF Scholarship 2026 (deadline 5 November 2026)
What it is: A scholarship from the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in Nigeria, open at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Who it is for: Nigerian students at those two levels. The exact criteria, such as state of origin, grades or need, are on the official listing, so read them before you spend time on documents.
Links: Official page | Our guide: Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) Scholarship 2026: How to Apply
With so little time, start with whatever depends on other people: school records and referee requests. Our guide to getting transcripts and certificates from a Nigerian university explains why those can take longer than you expect.
2. NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship (deadline 30 November 2026)
What it is: A university scholarship from NNPC and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo).
Who it is for: Undergraduates. Check the official page for the eligibility rules, such as admission status and course year.
Links: Official page | Our guide: NNPC/SNEPCo University Scholarship: Who Can Apply and How
Corporate-sponsored awards often attract a very large number of applicants. Neat, complete and consistent applications stand out in a big pile. Do not wait for the last week, because portals tend to slow down near closing.
3. Axel Adler Scholarship 2027, University of Gothenburg (deadline 15 January 2027)
What it is: A tuition fee waiver at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, for Bachelor's and Master's study.
Who it is for: Fee-paying international students. It sits on the university's page for scholarships for fee-paying students. Read the official eligibility rules carefully.
Links: Official page | Our guide: Axel Adler Scholarship 2027: Gothenburg Tuition Waiver Guide
A waiver covers tuition, not living costs. Before you celebrate any waiver, work out how you would pay for rent and food. Our comparison of tuition waivers and stipend scholarships shows how to do that sum. If you need an English test score, see English test options and waivers, and book early.
4. LSE Demography Studentship, MPhil/PhD (deadline 27 May 2027)
What it is: A studentship for the MPhil/PhD in Demography at the London School of Economics, United Kingdom.
Who it is for: Prospective doctoral students in demography. Check the official page for academic requirements and what the studentship covers.
Links: Official page | Our guide: LSE Demography MPhil/PhD Studentship: Who Can Apply and How
May 2027 feels far away, but a doctoral application needs a research proposal, strong references and often months of drafting. Treat it as a project that starts now, not in March.
How to prepare strong applications
Build one master folder
Scan your certificates, transcripts, ID page of your passport, CV and any test results into one folder, with clear file names. Keep each as a clean PDF. Every application above will ask for some of these, so you prepare once and reuse.
Read the official criteria first
Do this before drafting anything. Note the eligibility rules, required documents, word limits and how to submit. If you do not meet a hard requirement, move on and put your effort where you qualify.
Ask referees early and make it easy
Give each referee your CV, the scholarship details, the deadline and a few points you hope they can cover. Give them at least two to three weeks. If your referee is your boss, our guide on asking a busy boss for a recommendation letter helps.
Tell a specific story
Selectors read many statements that say "I am passionate and hardworking". Replace that with evidence: what you did, what changed, what you want to do next and why this award helps. Use numbers where honest, such as the students you tutored or the project you completed.
Plan for interviews
Some awards end in an interview. Practise answering why you deserve funding, using our guide to the "Why should we fund you?" question.
A hypothetical timeline for the next four weeks
Imagine you want SAAF and NNPC/SNEPCo. Today, check eligibility on both pages. By Thursday, request records and message two referees. By the weekend, finish the master folder. Early next week, submit SAAF with a day or two to spare, then use the weeks until 30 November to polish the second application. This is only an example of pacing, not an official schedule.
Mistakes that cost applicants
- Applying on the last day. Power cuts, slow data and portal crashes are common. Submit at least 48 hours early.
- Sending one generic statement everywhere. Tailor it to each funder.
- Missing a document. Use the official checklist and tick each item.
- Paying someone for a "guaranteed" award. Genuine scholarships do not sell places. Read how to spot fake scholarship agents.
- Mismatched names or dates across documents. Make them consistent before uploading.
Frequently asked questions
Are these deadlines final?
Not necessarily. Funders can change them. Confirm on the official page before you plan around a date.
Can I apply to all four?
Only if you meet each one's eligibility. Several are for different levels, so most people will qualify for only some.
Should I pay a fee to apply?
Be careful. If the official page does not list a fee, do not pay one to an agent or a social media page.
Your next step
Open the SAAF official page today, check whether you qualify, and send your referee requests before you sleep. Then put the other three dates in your phone calendar with a reminder two weeks ahead.
Sources
- SAAF Scholarship listing
- NNPC/SNEPCo University Scholarship listing
- Axel Adler Scholarship, University of Gothenburg
- LSE Demography Studentship listing
Details checked against the official sources above on 27 October 2026. Things change, so confirm on the official site before you act.
Scholarship details, deadlines and eligibility can change. Always confirm on the official website before applying, and never pay anyone who promises to "guarantee" a scholarship.