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Scholarship Applications 2026/2027 Now Open

Investing in Brilliant Minds, Building Better Futures

The Curious Minds Foundation awards merit and need-based scholarships to exceptional students across Nigeria and Africa — removing every financial barrier between talent and its full potential.

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Years of Impact

Trusted by Leading Institutions

University of LagosUniversity of Ibadan Covenant UniversityObafemi Awolowo University ABU ZariaUNIBENINLASU Babcock UniversityPan-Atlantic University Redeemer's UniversityUniversity of Abuja UNICALFUTAUNIPORT NDA Kaduna University of LagosUniversity of Ibadan Covenant UniversityObafemi Awolowo University ABU ZariaUNIBENINLASU Babcock UniversityPan-Atlantic University Redeemer's UniversityUniversity of Abuja UNICALFUTAUNIPORT NDA Kaduna

"Education is the most powerful tool you can give a child."

Our Story

Twelve Years of Opening Doors

Founded in 2012 by a coalition of Nigerian business leaders, academics, and philanthropists, The Curious Minds Foundation was established with a single conviction: that financial circumstance should never determine intellectual destiny. Over the past twelve years, we have partnered with 48 universities, funded over 1,200 scholars, and disbursed more than ₦50 million in scholarships, grants, and support packages across Nigeria and the African continent.

Our mission is to eliminate financial barriers to education for talented but under-resourced students. Our vision is an Africa where every brilliant mind — regardless of postcode, family income, or circumstance — has unrestricted access to world-class education and the mentorship to transform that education into lasting impact.

Excellence

We fund those who refuse to be ordinary. We seek students who push boundaries and set new standards.

Equity

We reach those the system has overlooked. First-generation students and underserved communities are our priority.

Empowerment

We build scholars, not just beneficiaries. Mentorship, networks, and leadership development are core to every award.

What We Offer

Our Scholarship Programs

Our scholarships are not just financial awards — they are complete support packages designed to remove every barrier between a brilliant student and their full potential.

Flagship Award

The Founders Merit Scholarship

For the exceptional. For the relentless.

Top academic performers across all disciplines

  • Full Tuition Coverage — 100% of school fees paid directly to your institution every semester
  • Weekly Living Allowance — ₦300,000 – ₦400,000 per week
  • Laptop & Equipment Grant — One-time ₦250,000 grant
  • Textbook Allowance — ₦50,000 per semester
  • Research & Project Funding — Up to ₦500,000
  • 1-on-1 Professional Mentorship — Monthly career sessions
  • Internship Placement Support — Priority SIWES referrals
  • Networking Access — Annual Summit invitations
  • LinkedIn Premium — 1-year subscription covered
  • Certificate of Excellence — Recognised by 48 partner institutions
Total Annual Value: Up to ₦25,000,000+
Renewal: Minimum CGPA 4.0/5.0
Need-Based

The Equity & Access Grant

Because potential has no postcode.

First-generation university students with demonstrated financial need

  • Partial to Full Tuition — 50%–100% based on need assessment
  • Weekly Living Allowance — ₦100,000 – ₦200,000 per week
  • Accommodation Support — ₦150,000 per semester
  • Feeding Subsidy — ₦30,000 monthly voucher
  • Transport Allowance — ₦20,000 monthly
  • Laptop Grant — ₦150,000 one-time
  • Exam Fee Coverage — WAEC, NECO, JAMB fees covered
  • Academic Coaching — Free tutoring every semester
  • Peer Support Network — Equity Scholars community
  • Emergency Hardship Fund — Up to ₦100,000
Total Annual Value: Up to ₦8,000,000+
Renewal: CGPA 3.0/5.0 + continued need
Women in STEM

The Women in STEM Award

Africa's future is female. And it is brilliant.

Female students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics

  • Full Tuition Coverage — 100% of school fees each semester
  • Weekly Living Allowance — ₦200,000 – ₦300,000 per week
  • STEM Equipment Grant — ₦200,000 for lab kits and tools
  • Coding Bootcamp — 3-month intensive tech programme
  • Female Mentor Matching — Senior female STEM leader
  • Conference Sponsorship — Travel and registration covered
  • Research Grant — ₦300,000 for collaborative research
  • LinkedIn Premium — 1-year sponsored access
  • Internship Pipeline — Direct referrals to tech companies
  • Women in STEM Community — Private mentoring circle
Total Annual Value: Up to ₦15,000,000+
Renewal: Minimum CGPA 3.5/5.0
Leadership Award

The Community Leaders Bursary

Lead your community. We will fund your future.

Students with demonstrated community service and grassroots leadership

  • Partial Tuition — 75% of school fees per semester
  • Weekly Living Allowance — ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 per week
  • Leadership Programme — 6-month training sponsored
  • Community Project Fund — Up to ₦1,000,000
  • NGO Internship Placement — Civil society organisations
  • Public Speaking Training — Quarterly workshops
  • Travel Grant — Up to ₦200,000 for conferences
  • Board Mentorship — Quarterly sessions with trustees
  • Certificate of Leadership — Jointly issued with partner institution
Total Annual Value: Up to ₦10,000,000+
Renewal: CGPA 2.75/5.0 + community engagement

Side-by-Side Analysis

Compare Scholarship Benefits at a Glance

Select a programme column to explore how each award supports your academic journey.

Benefit Category Founders MeritFlagship AwardMerit-Based Equity & AccessNeed-Based GrantFirst-Gen Focus Women in STEMSTEM ExcellenceFemale Scholars Community LeadersLeadership BursaryService Award
Core Financial Support
Tuition Coverage 100% 50–100% 100% 75%
Weekly Living Allowance ₦300–400kper week ₦100–200kper week ₦200–300kper week ₦100–150kper week
Academic & Career Resources
Laptop / Equipment Grant ₦250,000 ₦150,000 ₦200,000
Mentorship Programme
Internship Placement
Research / Project Fund ₦500,000 ₦300,000
Specialised Programmes
Community Project Fund ₦1,000,000
Emergency Hardship Fund ₦100,000
Conference / Event Access
Feeding / Housing Support
Leadership Training
STEM Bootcamp
Total Annual Value ₦25M+ ₦8M+ ₦15M+ ₦10M+
Included Not included

Requirements

Who Can Apply?

General Requirements

Nigerian citizen or African resident with valid ID
Minimum CGPA of 2.75/5.0 (varies by scholarship)
Currently enrolled in or admitted to an accredited university
Demonstrated financial need OR exceptional academic merit
No active disciplinary record from your institution
Must not currently hold another full scholarship
Age: 16–30 years at time of application

Required Documents

Current academic transcript (officially stamped)
Admission letter or current enrollment confirmation
Two reference letters (one academic, one character)
Personal statement essay (minimum 200 words)
Proof of financial need (bank statement or income declaration)
Valid government-issued ID (NIN, passport, or voter's card)
Passport photograph (recent, clear background)

Get Started

The Application Process

1

Create an Account

Register on our portal with your email address and basic details.

2

Fill Your Application Form

Complete the full scholarship application including personal, academic, and financial information.

3

Take All Three Required Tests

Complete the Discipline Exam, Aptitude & Reasoning Test, and Situational Judgement Test.

4

Submit Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents listed in the eligibility section.

5

Await Review & Decision

Our panel reviews all complete applications within 6–8 weeks.

Our Impact in Numbers

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"This scholarship didn't just pay my fees — it changed the trajectory of my entire family. I am the first engineer in my village because The Curious Minds Foundation believed in me when no one else could."
— Chidera Okafor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Class of 2022

Scholar Stories

Voices of Our Scholars

FA
★★★★★

"I never imagined I could attend university — my father is a farmer and my mother a petty trader. The Equity & Access Grant did not just cover my fees, it gave me dignity and a future I now fight to honour every day."

Fatima Aliyu
Agricultural Science, ABU Zaria, 300L
AN
★★★★★

"The Women in STEM Award introduced me to my mentor, who is now my boss. The Foundation does not just give money — they open doors that most people do not even know exist."

Adaeze Nnaji
Computer Science, Covenant University, Final Year
ET
★★★★★

"I used the Community Project Fund to build a reading room in my village in Benue State. Forty children now have a place to study. That is what this scholarship really means."

Emmanuel Terfa
Education, University of Abuja, 400L
OA
★★★★★

"The Founders Merit Scholarship pushed me to be the best version of myself. The monthly mentorship sessions alone were worth more than any financial award. My mentor helped me secure a placement at Dangote before I even graduated."

Olumide Adeyemi
Chemical Engineering, OAU Ile-Ife, Graduate

📅 Applications for the 2026/2027 Scholarship Cycle are NOW OPEN. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Late applications will NOT be accepted.

Apply Before Deadline

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Any Nigerian citizen or African resident aged 16–30, currently enrolled in or admitted to an accredited university, with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/5.0 (higher for some scholarships). Financial need is required for the Equity & Access Grant; exceptional merit is required for the Founders Merit Scholarship.
You may apply for one scholarship per cycle. Our admissions panel will assess your profile and may consider you for an alternative award if you do not qualify for your first choice.
All complete applications — including passed tests and submitted documents — are reviewed within 6–8 weeks of the application deadline. You will be notified exclusively via the email address used during registration.
Yes. All four scholarships are renewable each academic year provided you meet the minimum CGPA threshold and submit a renewal application before the cycle deadline. Renewal is not automatic.
You must be enrolled or have a valid admission offer from an accredited Nigerian university at the time of application. Gap year students awaiting admission may not apply in that cycle.
Tuition is paid directly to your institution. Living allowances are disbursed weekly to your registered bank account. Grants (laptop, research, project fund) are paid as one-time transfers after documentation verification.
The Foundation currently accepts applications from students enrolled in accredited Nigerian universities regardless of nationality. Non-Nigerian applicants must hold a valid residence permit and provide proof of enrollment.
Selected scholars attend a mandatory onboarding session (virtual or in-person), sign a Scholar Agreement, and are paired with a mentor. Disbursements begin within 2 weeks of onboarding completion.

Reach Out

Get in Touch

📧
Email
curiousmindfoundation@gmail.com
📞
Phone
+1 (747)280-8761
📍
Address
102 Kuhl Avenue, Georgia
🕐
Office Hours
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm WAT

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