Updated October 2026.
Fees, accommodation, uniforms, books and exam charges add up quickly for nursing students. The good news: there are now more ways to fund nursing education in Nigeria than ever, including a government student loan that nursing schools have joined in large numbers. Here are your main options.
1. NELFUND student loan
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) offers loans to students in public tertiary institutions. It pays institutional charges directly to your school and can also give you up to ₦20,000 a month for upkeep. Repayment begins two years after you complete NYSC.
Nursing students are using it more and more. By September 2026, NELFUND had disbursed more than ₦1.08 billion to 5,381 students in 21 federal and state nursing and midwifery institutions. In the 2025/2026 session alone it gave ₦811.9 million, about 14 times the 2023/2024 figure.
How to apply: register on the official NELFUND portal using your NIN, JAMB details and matriculation number, upload your admission letter and student ID, choose whether you also want upkeep, and submit. First check that your school is on NELFUND’s list of participating institutions.
2. Federal Scholarship Board awards
The Federal Ministry of Education’s Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) runs merit-based awards for Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions. Undergraduates generally need a CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 5.0, plus their NIN, transcripts, certificate of state of origin, admission letter and school ID. Shortlisted applicants sit a computer-based test. Watch the Ministry of Education’s official website for each year’s advert.
3. State government bursaries and scholarships
Many states pay bursaries or scholarships to their indigenes, and some give priority to health courses such as nursing and midwifery. Contact your state scholarship board, and watch for adverts at the start of each academic session. Some states also sponsor students who agree to work in state hospitals after qualifying.
4. Corporate, foundation and church scholarships
Banks, oil and gas companies, telecoms firms, foundations and religious bodies run scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates. These are usually open from 200 level upward and favour strong grades. Many are advertised once a year, so keep a calendar.
5. Your school and hospital
Ask your school about fee waivers, prizes for top students, and staff or hospital sponsorship. Registered nurses going for post-basic or degree programmes may also be sponsored by their employer, sometimes in return for agreeing to keep working there afterwards.
Tips to improve your chances
- Keep your grades up. Most scholarships set a minimum CGPA.
- Have your documents ready: NIN, admission letter, transcripts, certificate of state of origin, school ID and bank details.
- Apply early, before portals get busy.
- Never pay anyone to “process” a scholarship or loan. Official applications are free.
Planning a master’s abroad later? See our 2026–2027 calendar of fully funded scholarships.
Sources: Vanguard: NELFUND nursing funding; Nairametrics: NELFUND nursing funding; TechCabal: NELFUND explained; FSB awards 2026 guide. Always confirm current rules on official portals.