The Gabriel Ezenri Foundation (GEF) has opened its 2026 scholarship application for outstanding Nigerian undergraduates. The foundation says selected students at accredited Nigerian universities and polytechnics may receive up to ₦500,000 per academic session to help with tuition, registration fees, learning materials and a modest living stipend.
The application window opened on 1 September 2026 and closes on 15 October 2026. The official application form is live, and the foundation says applicants will be notified of decisions by 30 November 2026. Students should begin early because late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
What the GEF Scholarship covers
The scholarship is intended for students who are performing well academically but need financial support to continue their education. According to the foundation’s official scholarship page, the award can cover:
- Tuition and registration fees;
- Learning materials; and
- A modest living stipend.
The stated value is up to ₦500,000 per academic session. The foundation lists 10 undergraduate scholarships per year. Awards may be renewed in later sessions, but renewal is subject to satisfactory academic progress and a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale.
This means the scholarship should not be treated as an automatic four-year award. A beneficiary will need to continue meeting the foundation’s academic conditions and any other terms communicated by the provider.
Who can apply for the 2026 scholarship?
The opportunity is open to Nigerian undergraduates who are enrolled in, or admitted to, an accredited Nigerian university or polytechnic. Applicants must also show strong academic performance and genuine financial need.
| Applicant category | Academic requirement shown by GEF |
|---|---|
| Continuing undergraduate | Minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale, plus demonstrable financial need |
| New entrant | UTME score of 250 or higher, or five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics |
| Institution | Accredited Nigerian university or polytechnic |
| Citizenship/residency | Nigerian citizen or resident, under the foundation’s general eligibility information |
New entrants should use the condition that applies to their situation and should not assume that meeting one threshold guarantees selection. The foundation describes the scholarship as competitive and also requires evidence of financial need.
GEF Scholarship 2026 deadline and key dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | 1 September 2026 |
| Application closes | 15 October 2026 |
| Decision notification | By 30 November 2026 |
At the time of this report on 8 September 2026, the closing date was still several weeks away. Do not wait until the final day: the foundation says late or incomplete applications are not reviewed.
Documents and information to prepare
The foundation’s application guidance says applicants should typically prepare academic records, evidence of admission or enrolment, a personal statement of 500–800 words and one reference. The online form also asks for basic personal and institution details.
Prepare the following before opening the form:
- Your full name, active email address and reachable phone number;
- Your university or polytechnic and programme/level;
- Admission or enrolment evidence;
- Your academic transcript or other academic record;
- A clear personal statement of about 500–800 words explaining your academic goals, financial need and how the support would help; and
- Details for one suitable referee.
New entrants should also keep their UTME result and O’Level information available because the foundation lists UTME/O’Level pathways for applicants who have not yet built a tertiary CGPA. Upload only accurate documents. False or unverifiable information can put an application at risk.
How to apply for the GEF Scholarship
- Read the scholarship criteria. Confirm that you are studying at, or have admission to, an accredited Nigerian university or polytechnic and that your academic profile fits the continuing-student or new-entrant requirement.
- Choose the scholarship track. The foundation runs three funding tracks—Scholarships, Research Grants and Academia Support. You may choose only one track in the 2026 cycle.
- Gather your supporting information. Prepare your academic record, admission or enrolment evidence, personal statement and referee details before starting the form.
- Open the official application form. Use the GEF application form linked from the foundation’s website.
- Complete and review the form. Check your name, contact details, institution, programme and uploaded information carefully. Make sure your statement answers the questions and is within the stated length.
- Submit before 15 October 2026. Keep any confirmation or email received after submission and monitor the email address used in the application.
The foundation says shortlisted applicants may be invited to a virtual interview. All applicants are expected to receive notification by email by 30 November 2026.
There is no application fee
The Gabriel Ezenri Foundation says it does not charge an application fee and that nobody acting on its behalf should ask an applicant to pay money in exchange for an award. Treat requests for payment, guaranteed selection or admission placement as a fraud warning.
Apply through the foundation’s official domain, gabrielezenrifoundation.org, and do not send sensitive documents to an agent or social-media account claiming to represent the scholarship without verification.
Important checks before you submit
- Confirm that your institution is an accredited Nigerian university or polytechnic.
- Use an email address and phone number that you check regularly.
- Make sure your academic information matches your official records.
- Explain your financial need honestly and specifically without exaggerating.
- Proofread your personal statement and keep a copy of the submitted information.
- Select one funding track only; do not submit competing applications for different GEF tracks in the same cycle.
- Submit before the 15 October deadline rather than relying on a last-minute upload.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Gabriel Ezenri Foundation Scholarship worth?
The foundation lists support of up to ₦500,000 per academic session. It says the award may cover tuition and registration fees, learning materials and a modest living stipend.
Can a new student apply without a university CGPA?
Yes. The foundation lists a UTME score of 250 or higher, or five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics, as the academic route for new entrants. Applicants must still satisfy the other requirements, including financial-need and institution conditions.
Can I apply if I attend a polytechnic?
Yes. The scholarship page says eligible applicants may be enrolled in, or admitted to, an accredited Nigerian university or polytechnic.
What is the closing date?
The 2026 application closes on 15 October 2026. The foundation says late or incomplete applications are not reviewed.
Is there a scholarship application fee?
No. GEF says it never charges an application fee and warns applicants to report anyone requesting payment for an award.
When will applicants receive a decision?
The foundation says all applicants will be notified by email by 30 November 2026. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a virtual interview before decisions are finalised.
Official sources
Before applying, read the provider’s current information directly:
- GEF Scholarships: award value, eligibility and 2026 cycle
- GEF eligibility information
- GEF application steps and document guidance
- Official GEF 2026 application form
ExamScholars checked the foundation’s scholarship pages and live application form on 8 September 2026. Award decisions remain the responsibility of the Gabriel Ezenri Foundation, and applicants should follow any updated instructions published on the official website.
