Are you a student from Nigeria who aspires to attend a prestigious institution and change your nation? Do you possess the intellectual aptitude and drive to achieve your objectives? If so, you may be qualified for the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship, a renowned grant that assists deserving Nigerian students in a range of academic specializations.
Nonetheless, Total Energies, a global energy business with operations in Nigeria, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation support the scholarship. The scholarship pays for all of your tuition costs up until the point at which you finish your degree program. You must take the PSAT/NMSQT, a standardized exam that assesses your critical reading, writing, language, math, and science skills, in order to apply for the award. In the US, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation administers the exam. Only a small percentage, roughly 2,000 students annually, are selected as Merit Scholars, making the program very difficult.
Nevertheless, using this article scholarafrika will help you discover how to apply for scholarships and how to become a Merit Scholar. You can also find out more about the exam, the application procedure, and the scholarship program.
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Summary
NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship Overview
A distinguished scholarship, the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship honors and provides support to deserving Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate degrees in a range of subjects. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Total Energies, an international energy business with operations in Nigeria, are the scholarship’s sponsors. The scholarship seeks to advance academic achievement, support national growth, and raise the standard of education in Nigeria.
All first- and second-year full-time students at Nigerian institutions are eligible for the scholarship, irrespective of their program of study. The scholarship covers the tuition, living expenses, books, and other costs of the chosen students until they finish their degree program. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in the United States administers the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMST), and the results of this test determine the scholarship recipients. A standardized test called the PSAT/NMSQT evaluates students’ critical reading, writing, and language, arithmetic, and reading comprehension.
With over 1.5 million candidates annually, the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship is one of the most renowned and difficult scholarships in Nigeria. The program acknowledgment selects merely 50,000 students with exceptional scores, and only 16,000 of those progress to the semifinals. To proceed to the finalist stage, where they compete for approximately 7,140 National Merit Scholarships of three types namely
The semifinalists must then fulfill additional academic and eligibility requirements. Additionally, every spring, the organization declares the Merit Scholars, who are the recipients of the scholarships.
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Why Apply for The NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship
You ought to submit an application for the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship for a number of reasons, including:
How Much is the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship Worth?
Each student receives a yearly scholarship worth ₦150,000 from the NNPC/Total National Merit. This sum is adequate to pay for the student’s books, housing, tuition, and other living expenses while they pursue their degree.
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How Long Will the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship Last?
The NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship will be awarded throughout the duration of the student’s degree program, as long as the student maintains a solid academic record and fulfills all other scholarship conditions. Annual renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon funding availability and sponsor permission.
How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
The NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship is awarded based on the number of candidates and the kind of scholarships they receive. Approximately 7,140 National Merit Scholarships spanning the following types will be available in 2024, according to the NMSC:
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What is the Acceptance Rate of the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship
The NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship boasts a highly competitive acceptance rate. With 1.5 million PSAT/NMSQT entrants annually, only 50,000 high scorers receive program recognition. From there, 16,000 become semifinalists, and only 15,000 advance to the finalist stage. Approximately 7,140 students eventually secure the National Merit Scholarships, resulting in an acceptance rate of about 0.5%.
Eligible Nationality
Only Nigerian students are eligible for the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship. The students must be Nigerian citizens attending full-time in an undergraduate degree at a Nigerian university in order to be eligible.
Host Nationality
Nigeria is the host nation for the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as well as Total Energies, both based in Nigeria, are the scholarship’s sponsors. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a US-based organization, also oversees the scholarship.
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Eligible Institution(s)
Regardless of their field of study, students enrolled in any accredited Nigerian university are eligible to apply for the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship1. At the time of application, the students have to be in the first or second semester of a degree program.
Which Course of Study is Eligible for NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship?
Students pursuing undergraduate degrees in any field of study are eligible for the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship, provided that the institution is an accredited Nigerian university. No course of study is discriminated against or given preference over another by the scholarship.
Which Level is Eligible for the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship?
Students who are in their first or second year of a bachelor’s program at the period of application are eligible to apply for the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship. The pupils have to be enrolled full-time at a university in Nigeria. Students who are enrolled part-time, in distance learning, or in their third academic year or above are not eligible for the award.
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NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
In order for students to be qualified for the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship, they have to fulfill the following requirements:
Who should not Apply for the NNPC/TOTAL Scholarship
If you fall among the following groups of people mentioned below, then you cannot apply for the NNPC/TOTAL Scholarship
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How To Apply For NNPC /Total National Merit Scholarship 2025
Time Needed : 2 hours 0 minutes
To apply for the NNPC/Total Scholarship follow the step below:
Visit Website
Visit the official website, register, and create an account.Start your application
-Enter your email address and password to access the scholarship site.
-Enter your bank account information, educational background, and personal informationUpload Supporting Documents
Upload the necessary files, including the passport photo, matriculation number, admission letter, UTME results, SSCE or equivalent certificate, and A-level or equivalent certificate (for students pursuing direct entrance).Submit Your Application
Examine your application, then send it in by the due date.Online Assessment
In October 2025, take the PSAT/NMSQT and achieve the minimal score needed to be recognized by the program.Check Result and Acceptance
-Await the 2025 announcement of the semifinalists.
-Fill out the National Merit Scholarship Application (NMSA) and send it to the NMSC by the deadline if you are chosen as a semifinalist.
-Await the February 2026 announcement of the finalists.
-In March or April of 2026, if you are chosen as a finalist, watch for the information regarding the scholarship grant.
-Accept the offer and adhere to the sponsors’ guidelines if you are awarded the scholarship.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
What are NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship Documents Required For Application?
The following paperwork is needed for the NNPC/Total Merit Scholarship application:
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Is the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship Application Ongoing Now?
The application process for the NNPC/Total Merit Scholarship is currently closed. September 2024 will mark the beginning of the application period for the 2024 scholarship program, which ends in November 2024. In order to be eligible for the award, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2024 and obtain a score that is at least necessary for the program to recognize them.
What Can I Do To Win The NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship This Year?
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Application Deadline
The application deadline for the NNPC/Total Merit Scholarship is November 2025.
Selection Procedures
The selection procedures for the scholarship are as follows:
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Does the NNPC/Total Merit Scholarship have Scholarship Past Questions
Yes, you may study the scholarship’s prior questions to be ready for the test. The NNPC/Total Scholarship old questions and answers are available for download in PDF format on a number of websites. You can send us a message using the contact us page to get yours for free.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Win The NNPC/Total Merit Scholarship
If you don’t win any of the NNPC/Total Merit Scholarship, kudos for the attempt. You can also win another time. While you look up other opportunities and scholarship programs. You will find thousands of them in the US and Canada. Also, search our website for more Scholarships for Nigerian Students.
Meanwhile, you can find a good number of the Easiest scholarships to apply for and win easily here.
Other Scholarships Available for Nigerian Students
International Scholarships You Should Check Out
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below;
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare for the PSAT/NMST?
To excel in PSAT/NMSQT, familiarize yourself with the test format, content, and scoring. Utilize official sample questions and tests available on the website. Supplement your preparation with online resources like [Khan Academy] and [Prep Scholar] for skill enhancement. Review core subjects, particularly English and Math, and incorporate test-taking strategies. Plan a study schedule and prioritize your well-being before the test day for optimal performance.
How can I check my NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship application status?
Log into the [scholarship portal] using your email and password to view application details, including personal information, education, bank details, and documents. Track the status—submitted, verified, shortlisted, or rejected. Receive timely email notifications for updates on your application status through the scholarship portal.
How can I contact the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship team?
Reach out to the NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship team via email at scholarships.csredu@totalenergies.com. For more information, visit the [NNPC/Total website] or the [Total Energies website].
How can I receive my NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship award?
Upon winning, you’ll be notified via email with acceptance instructions on the scholarship portal. The sponsors will send a letter of award. Accept the offer, provide the requested details, and sign the scholarship agreement. The award, subject to fund availability and sponsor approval, is paid annually into your bank account.
Conclusion
Based on PSAT/NMSQT results, Nigerian university students in their first and second year can apply for the fully financed NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship. This esteemed prize honors academic excellence and seeks to assist academics in making contributions to the advancement of the country. See our post for complete information, eligibility requirements, and application advice. Don’t pass up the opportunity to apply and succeed. I wish you well as you pursue your scholarship!