MTN Foundation Scholarships

The MTN Foundation Scholarships are fully funded music education programs for Nigerian students, administered through the MTN Foundation in partnership with the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) School of Music in Lagos. The flagship program is the MTN Foundation MUSON Scholarship, which covers full tuition, books, and a stipend for a two-year diploma program in music. The program aims to produce well-rounded, thoroughly educated musicians who qualify for direct entry as transfer students into a university to complete an undergraduate music degree.

How MTN Foundation Scholarships Work

The MTN Foundation partners with the MUSON School of Music to offer a diploma program that follows a conservatoire-style syllabus. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance for qualifying Nigerian students.

The MUSON Diploma Program

The MUSON School of Music diploma is a two-year program designed to produce graduates comparable to those from a conservatoire. The curriculum includes performance, theory, music history, and ensemble work. Graduates qualify for direct entry as transfer students into a university to fulfill the remaining requirements for an undergraduate music degree.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Academic: The General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level with credits in five subjects including English Language, or the Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) with a credit in English Language. The five credits must be obtained at not more than two sittings and before admission to the diploma course.
• Practical: Grade five (5) or higher pass certificate of the MUSON School of Music or any other music examining body recognized by MUSON.
• Theory: Grade five (5) or higher pass certificate of the MUSON School of Music or any other music examining body recognized by MUSON.

Applicants who are deficient in the theory requirements but show outstanding practical ability may be admitted. These students must take a remedial theory course and pass the minimum requirements in the first year.

What the Scholarship Covers

The MTN Foundation MUSON Scholarship is a fully funded award that includes:

• Full tuition for the two-year diploma program
• Books and learning materials
• A stipend for living expenses

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the MTN Foundation or MUSON School of Music. The application typically opens in the spring and closes in late August. For the 2025/26 cycle, the deadline was August 25, 2025. The 2026/27 cycle is expected to follow a similar timeline.

Real-World Example

A 20-year-old Nigerian student who completed secondary school with five credits including English Language and holds a Grade 5 practical certificate in piano from a recognized music examining body could apply for the MTN Foundation MUSON Scholarship. If selected, they would attend the MUSON School of Music in Lagos for two years at no cost, receiving tuition, books, and a stipend. Upon graduation, they would receive a diploma in music and could transfer directly into a university program to complete a bachelor's degree in music.

A student who shows exceptional practical ability but lacks the theory requirements could still be admitted. They would take a remedial theory course in their first year and must pass the minimum theory requirements to continue in the program.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you are a Nigerian musician seeking formal music education but cannot afford tuition, the MTN Foundation MUSON Scholarship is one of the few fully funded music diploma programs available to you. It provides a conservatoire-level education at no cost, including a living stipend.

The program is specifically designed for students who would otherwise be unable to pay for tertiary education. It recognizes and rewards academic and musical excellence while removing financial barriers. The diploma is recognized for direct entry into university programs, meaning graduates can continue to a bachelor's degree without starting over.

The MUSON School of Music is located in Lagos, which is the center of Nigeria's music industry. Studying there provides networking opportunities with professional musicians, access to performance venues, and exposure to Nigeria's diverse musical traditions including classical, jazz, and traditional Nigerian music.

Related Opportunities

• ABRSM Scholarships for music education through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
• Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
• Music Awards Directory for performance and composition prizes
• Streaming Royalty Calculator to estimate your earnings as a Nigerian music artist
• Visit the MTN Foundation for official application details and deadlines