If you're in 100 or 200 level at a Nigerian university and your UTME score was 200 or higher, the NNPC Limited / TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMSS) is worth checking today. It is an undergraduate award, and it is open to any course of study. This post walks through what the official page says, how to check yourself against it, and how to avoid the mistakes that get applications rejected.
One thing first: the official page shows "Applications open" but, in the text available to us, it does not state a closing date. Don't assume you have time. Open the portal now and look for the deadline there.
What the scheme is
According to the TotalEnergies scholarship portal, NNPC Limited and TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI), operator of PML 2/3/4 and PPL261, together with their corporate partners, invite suitably qualified Nigerian students to apply. The scheme supports first-year and second-year full-time undergraduates, whatever they are studying, to help finance their education.
What you get
The page describes the benefit as an annual scholarship grant from the year of award to the completion of the undergraduate programme. That is the whole description. The portal text we have does not give the naira amount, so don't trust any figure you see on social media or blogs. Check the application guide and FAQ on the official site for the amount and payment details.
The "to completion" wording matters. Winning at 100 or 200 level could mean support for the rest of your degree, though you should read the FAQ for any conditions on renewal.
Eligibility checklist
Go through each line honestly. Every one of these comes from the official page.
- You are a Nigerian student.
- You are registered for full-time undergraduate study at an NUC-accredited Nigerian university.
- You are a certified 100- or 200-level student at the time of application.
- Your UTME score is at least 200.
- If you're in 200 level, your CGPA is at least 2.5 on a 5.0-point scale.
Who should not apply
- Anyone with a UTME score below 200.
- 200-level students with a CGPA below 2.5 on a 5.0 scale.
- Students in 300 level or above.
- Current beneficiaries of similar awards from an entity in the oil and gas industry.
That last point catches people. If you already receive a bursary or scholarship from another oil and gas company, you are excluded. If you're unsure whether your award counts, ask the scheme through the FAQ or support channel on the portal before applying. For more on spotting traps like this in small print, see How to Read Scholarship Eligibility Rules Before You Apply.
A quick worked example (hypothetical)
Take three imaginary students.
- Ada is in 100 level with a UTME score of 214. She meets the UTME rule. The CGPA rule applies only to 200-level students, so she can apply.
- Musa is in 200 level with a UTME score of 231 but a CGPA of 2.31. He fails the CGPA requirement and should not apply.
- Chidi is in 200 level with a UTME score of 205, a CGPA of 3.4, and a current scholarship from another oil company. He is excluded because of the existing award, even though his grades are strong.
Notice that a good score in one area does not rescue a failure in another. All the conditions apply together.
How to apply, step by step
The official process is: review the requirements, complete your application, upload supporting documents, then review and submit. Here is how to make that practical.
- Go to the official portal only. The page is on csr-ngscholarship.totalenergies.com. The selection notes say applications are online only through the scholarship website, and you should not send applications by email. Anyone asking you to email documents or pay an agent is not following the official process.
- Read the application guide and FAQ linked from the page before you start.
- Collect your documents first. The page says to follow the document requirements shown in your application and to upload clear, readable files. It does not list them in the text we have, so see the list on the portal. Typical student records like your UTME result and proof of your current level are the kind of thing to expect, but confirm against the portal.
- Scan properly. Use a scanner app in good light, check each page is readable, and keep file names clear.
- Complete the form in one sitting if you can. With unstable power and data, charge your phone or laptop and use a stable connection. Save your login details somewhere safe.
- Review before you submit. Check spelling of your name, matric number and scores against your documents.
- Keep proof. Screenshot or save the confirmation and keep the email you used.
What happens after you apply
Only shortlisted candidates are invited to selection tests. TotalEnergies also reserves the right to change the schedule or the selection test process. So watch the email address and phone number you registered with, including your spam folder, and check the portal regularly. If you are shortlisted, treat the test seriously and ask your department or past beneficiaries how it was run, but don't pay anyone for "past questions" claiming to be official.
Common mistakes
- Applying from 300 level. The scheme is closed to you, so save your effort for other awards.
- Forgetting the 200-level CGPA rule. Check your latest result, not your best semester.
- Blurry uploads. The page specifically asks for clear, readable documents.
- Waiting until the last day. Portals slow down when many students apply at once.
- Trusting middlemen. Scholarships like this are not sold. Read our guide on fake scholarship agents if someone offers to "secure" a slot.
If you don't qualify
If you're past 200 level or below the score cutoffs, look at other options. Our list of scholarship and study deadlines covers awards with dates between now and May 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I study medicine or engineering?
Yes. The page says the scheme supports first- and second-year full-time undergraduates irrespective of course of study.
Does a private university count?
The requirement is an NUC-accredited Nigerian university. Check that your school is on the NUC list.
Is the scholarship a loan?
The page calls it an annual scholarship grant. For repayment or renewal terms, read the FAQ on the portal.
Can I apply by email?
No. The page says applications are online only and not to send them by email.
Next step: open the official portal today, find the closing date, and check your UTME score and CGPA against the list above before you gather documents.
Sources
Details checked against the official sources above on 11 November 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.