Introduction
If you’re a Nigerian engineering student looking to remove the financial burden of undergraduate study — good news. A major opportunity is on the table: the Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. (JBN) fully-funded undergraduate scholarship for engineering students. In this blog post, we’ll dive into exactly what the scholarship is, how it works, who is eligible, how you can apply, and why this is an opportunity worth your time. We’ll also compare this scholarship to others and give you key insights and tips to make your application stand out.
So imagine being free of worrying about tuition fees, accommodation, even living stipends — allowing you to focus purely on excelling academically and building your engineering career. That’s the promise here.
Let’s get into it.
What is the Julius Berger Nigeria Scholarship?
At its core, the scholarship is part of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The company has recognized the need to invest in the next generation of engineers — especially female engineers — in Nigeria, and this scholarship scheme is one of the ways it is doing that.
Here are some key facts about the programme:
- It is merit-based and targeted at undergraduate students in engineering or related disciplines in Nigerian public (Federal or State) universities. (Scholardigger)
- It is renewable from the 200 level (second year) through to graduation — provided you maintain the required grades and other conditions. (After School Africa)
- The benefit is described in various sources as full scholarship or near-full coverage: tuition, living stipend, accommodation in some cases. (After School Africa)
- It is primarily aimed at female engineering students (so as to promote greater gender balance in STEM/engineering fields) though one must check each year’s specific terms. (Opportunity Desk)
- The eligible courses span a wide array of engineering and construction-related disciplines: architecture, building & construction engineering, civil, mechanical, electrical engineering, metallurgical, production engineering, quantity surveying, etc. (icanstudent.com)
- Application is free of charge and must be done via the official portal (e.g., SCHOLASTICA). Applicants are cautioned against paying agents or intermediaries. (Scholardigger)
Given this, if you meet the criteria, this scholarship is a highly desirable opportunity to get strong support all the way through your undergraduate engineering degree.
Eligibility & Key Requirements
Before you dive into an application, let’s list the major eligibility conditions — you’ll want to ensure you tick all boxes to avoid disqualification.
Here’s a summary table of key requirements:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a Nigerian citizen |
| Gender | Female students are prioritised / required (for many editions) |
| University | Must be enrolled in a full-time programme in a Federal or State public university in Nigeria, accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) |
| Level | Must currently be in or entering 200 level (second year) of the programme |
| Course of Study | Must be in Faculty of Engineering / Environmental / Technology — one of the eligible disciplines (see list below) |
| Minimum CGPA | Often 3.5 on a 5.0 scale or equivalent |
| Application | Submit via official portal, upload required documents, abide by deadlines, no fee for application |
Eligible engineering and related disciplines often include (but are not limited to):
Architecture, Building & Construction Engineering, Building Engineering, Building Technology, Cartography, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Project Management, Electrical Engineering, Land Surveying, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Production Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Structural Engineering. (Opportunities For Africans)
Note: Always check the specific year’s call for any adjustments or expansions of fields or conditions.
Scholarship Value and What “Fully-Funded” Means
When you see the phrase “fully-funded”, what exactly does the scholarship cover? For this JBN scheme, while not every benefit is exhaustively spelled out in all announcements, typical coverage includes:
- Tuition fees (or at least a significant portion)
- Living stipend and/or accommodation support
- The scholarship is often renewable each year until graduation, assuming you maintain eligibility.
Some sources report amounts of ₦100,000 per year in past editions. (julius-berger.com) Another source indicates benefits of full tuition + accommodation + living stipend up to ₦200,000 per year in recent calls. (After School Africa)
Thus, for a student, this means you may be freed from worrying about tuition and living costs — a big plus.
Why This Opportunity is Important for Engineering Students
Let’s talk about why this scholarship matters so much — especially if you are studying engineering at a Nigerian university.
1. Engineering is costly and demanding
Engineering programmes typically carry higher costs (lab fees, project costs, materials) and require full-time commitment. Having a scholarship that alleviates financial stress allows you to focus on the academic and practical demands of your course.
2. Gender gap in engineering/ STEM
In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, female representation in engineering and technology fields remains significantly lower than male representation. By targeting female engineering students, this scholarship helps to bridge that gap and create more inclusive engineering talent. For example, JBN’s own sustainability report states: “Through this scholarship programme, we aim to encourage more women to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers and empower them to take leadership roles in the male-dominated engineering space.” (julius-berger.com)
3. Prestige and network
Being a scholarship awardee for a major engineering construction company like JBN adds credibility to your academic record, and may offer future industry contacts, internship opportunities, or exposure that can be valuable for career building.
4. Freedom to focus
With financial support secured, you can focus on making the most of your university years: engaging in projects, research, internships, extracurriculars — which all make you a stronger engineer when you graduate.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a friendly walkthrough of what you need to do to apply for this scholarship. Follow these steps carefully — attention to detail matters.
Step 1: Check when the call is open
First, find the official scholarship page (for example via the SCHOLASTICA portal) to confirm that applications are open for the 2026 edition (or whichever year you’re applying). Past calls show deadlines like 21 August 2025. (icanstudent.com)
Since you’re seeking 2026, keep an eye on the official website or JBN’s announcements for the exact opening and closing dates.
Step 2: Ensure you meet eligibility
Go through all the eligibility criteria listed above. Specifically check that your course, CGPA, university, and level meet requirements.
Step 3: Gather required documents
You’ll need to have digital (scanned) versions of:
- Passport-sized photograph (JPEG, often white background)
- University or JAMB admission letter
- UTME result slip
- O’Level result (WAEC/NECO)
- First year academic transcript (100 level) showing your results
- Other credentials (possibly NIN, student ID, etc).
Make sure everything is clear, correctly named, and align with your personal details.
Step 4: Register and apply via official portal
Go to the official portal link (e.g., https://candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/JBN2025 as quoted) and:
- Create an account, activate via email
- Log in, fill your profile (personal + academic + contact)
- Upload your documents
- Review carefully (names must match documents)
- Submit your application before the deadline. (After School Africa)
Step 5: Wait for shortlist and test
After application closes, the scholarship team will shortlist qualified candidates. If you’re shortlisted, you may be invited for a proctored computer-based test. (Scholardigger)
Ensure you check your email regularly and prepare for the test (which may cover quantitative, logical reasoning, engineering fundamentals, etc).
Step 6: Maintain performance for renewal
If you are successful and awarded the scholarship, you will need to maintain your CGPA, remain full-time, and remain in your discipline for each year the award runs. If you fail to maintain standards you risk losing renewal.
What Does the 2026 Version Look Like? (Based on Past Editions + What to Expect)
Since we are discussing the “2026” edition, it is helpful to look at what past editions required and what you might expect, so you can prepare ahead. Here is a comparison table of past editions to help you anticipate:
| Year | Target group | Eligible courses | Benefit/Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Female undergraduate engineering students | Wide range of engineering/ construction disciplines | ₦100,000 per recipient/year – renewable until graduation (julius-berger.com) | – |
| 2025 | Female undergraduate in 200 level engineering etc. | Same broad disciplinary list | Full scholarship; tuition + accommodation + living stipend; up to ₦200,000/year for successful candidates. (After School Africa) | ~21 August 2025 (MyJobMag) |
From this you can infer for 2026:
- You should expect a call around mid-year (July/August) or early part of the academic year.
- The benefit may be similar or improved (depending on JBN’s CSR budget and targets).
- Expect the eligible disciplines to remain in engineering/related tech.
- The selection will be competitive, so early preparation gives you an edge.
Key Insights & Tips to Increase Your Chances
Having eligibility is one thing — successfully winning the scholarship requires positioning yourself well. Here are some insights and tips:
- Start academic strong and maintain CGPA
Since renewal depends on maintaining performance, don’t use the scholarship as an excuse to coast. Keep your grades strong from day one. - Full-time enrolment only
The scheme emphasizes full-time students; avoid anything that may shift you into part-time or distance learning if you’re targeting this. - Choose the right discipline and stay in it
The eligible course list is strict — make sure your course is one listed, and make sure you remain in it. Changing major may disqualify you. - Prepare the required documents early
Ensure your admission letter, transcript, O’Level/UTME results, etc are ready and in good format. Many applicants lose out due to incomplete or unclear uploads. - Beware of fraud / agents
Official information emphasises free application, no agent or middleman. If you see a website asking for payment, it’s likely a scam. (icanstudent.com) - Craft a clear, compelling profile
In your application, show ambition, relevance of your engineering discipline, your career goals, and how this scholarship will help you contribute to Nigeria’s engineering/ infrastructure development. - Highlight female engineering advantage
Since the programme is aimed at female engineering students, make sure you underscore your interest in engineering, any extra-curricular in STEM, leadership roles, and how you’ll use your skills for national development. - Network and stay updated
Follow JBN’s announcements, monitor the portal periodically, and set reminders for deadlines (and even earlier). Late submissions are often rejected. - Prepare for the test/selection
Once shortlisted, the proctored computer-based test may assess your reasoning, quantitative skills, perhaps basic engineering knowledge. Brush up accordingly. - Plan for what happens after selection
If awarded, think ahead: use the financial freedom to engage in internships, workshops, research projects, engineering societies, leadership. This will maximize the benefit.
Comparison with Similar Scholarships
It’s useful to compare this scholarship with other undergraduate engineering scholarships in Nigeria (or aimed at engineering) to see how it stacks up. Here’s a mini-comparison:
| Scholarship | Eligibility Focus | Coverage | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julius Berger Nigeria Plc Scholarship | Female engineering undergraduates in Nigerian public universities | Full scholarship + stipend (renewable) | Industry-backed (construction/engineering company), strong focus on female in STEM |
| Other generic engineering scholarships (various) | May include male/female, broad STEM | Varies widely | Might be partial funding, not necessarily renewable until graduation |
| Study abroad engineering scholarships (outside Nigeria) | Engineering students wanting to study overseas | Often high coverage but may require relocation, additional costs | May involve language, visa, travel logistics |
From that table you’ll notice: the JBN scholarship stands out for its strong industry link (engineering/construction), its renewable nature, and its dedicated female-engineering focus. If your profile meets the criteria, it is among the top opportunities for Nigerian engineering undergraduates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions applicants ask (with answers) to help you clarify before applying:
Q: Is the scholarship only for female students?
A: Yes — the scheme is primarily for female engineering students. Many editions specify “female Nigerian citizens”. Use the specific year’s call to confirm. (Opportunity Desk)
Q: Can I apply if I am in 100 level (first year)?
A: Usually no — the eligibility often requires you to be in 200 level (second year) of a full-time engineering programme. (Scholardigger)
Q: What if I have a CGPA below 3.5?
A: Then you likely don’t meet the requirement. Since renewal is contingent on maintaining standards, aim to meet or exceed the CGPA threshold.
Q: Is the application fee required?
A: No. The official communications emphasise that application is free and no payment is required. Beware of fraud. (After School Africa)
Q: Can the scholarship cover part-time or distance learning?
A: No — full-time enrolment in the engineering programme is required in most calls. (SALTCITY CAREERS)
Q: What happens if I switch courses or university?
A: That may jeopardize your scholarship. If you change discipline or university, you may lose eligibility. Better to remain in the eligible programme and institution.
What to Do Now — Action Plan for You
Since you’re in Nigeria and presumably an engineering student (or planning to be one), here’s a suggested action plan to give you the best shot at this opportunity:
- Check your eligibility now
- Are you female? Are you a Nigerian citizen?
- Are you enrolled (or will be) full-time in 200 level in an NUC-accredited public university?
- Is your course one of the eligible engineering/tech disciplines?
- Is your CGPA at or above the threshold (or are you in a position to raise it)?
- Work on your academic performance
If you’re still in 100 level or finishing first year, focus on achieving strong grades so you meet the CGPA requirement by the time of application. - Gather and prepare your documents
Digitise your admission letter, UTME result, O’Level/WAEC/NECO certificate, passport photo, transcript, etc. Keep good digital backups. - Set reminders for the scholarship call date
Track when the 2026 edition opens (likely mid-year) and mark deadlines on your calendar. Applications often close abruptly. - Create a compelling personal profile
Think about your goals in engineering: what drives your interest? How do you plan to contribute to Nigeria’s infrastructure, construction, manufacturing or engineering sectors? What leadership or extra-curricular activities show your commitment? JBN will likely look for strong, motivated candidates. - Avoid fraud
Always use the official portal (e.g., SCHOLASTICA) and do not pay any “agent” to help you apply. JBN emphasises this. (candidate.scholastica.ng) - Prepare for assessment/test
After application you may be invited to a test. Brush up your fundamentals: mathematics, engineering reasoning, general aptitude. Also prepare mentally and professionally (clear CV, good photograph, correct documentation). - Plan for what you’ll do if awarded
If you win, plan for your undergraduate years: set goals for internships, projects, academic excellence, leadership in engineering societies. This not only ensures renewal but maximises the benefit of the scholarship.
Conclusion
In closing, the 2026 edition of the Julius Berger Nigeria Plc fully-funded undergraduate scholarship for engineering students stands out as a major opportunity for Nigerian female engineers in training. It offers the kind of support that allows you to focus on learning, building, and growing — rather than being weighed down by financial concerns.
By meeting the eligibility criteria, preparing your documents and profile now, staying alert for the call, and putting your best self forward in the application, you position yourself for success. And beyond simply winning the award, the experience can open doors: to internships, networks, mentors, and a stronger career trajectory in engineering and infrastructure.
If you’re serious about your engineering future — take this scholarship seriously. Start preparing now. Monitor the official portal and JBN’s announcements. Be ready when the 2026 call opens. With diligent preparation, you could be among the next scholars who will shape Nigeria’s engineering landscape.