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.
Eligibility Criteria (plain terms)
To qualify for the MTN Foundation MUSON Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Nationality: Nigerian citizen
- Age: 18 to 35 years old
- Academic qualification: Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level with credits in at least five subjects including English Language. The five credits must be obtained at no more than two sittings and before admission to the diploma course
- Music theory: Grade 5 or higher pass certificate from the MUSON School of Music, ABRSM, or Trinity College London
- Music practical: Grade 5 or higher pass certificate from the MUSON School of Music, ABRSM, or Trinity College London
- JAMB result: A valid JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) result is now required for admission into the MUSON Diploma School of Music
- Deficiency policy: Applicants who show outstanding practical ability but are deficient in theory requirements may still be admitted. These students must take a remedial theory course and pass the minimum requirements in their first year
Deadlines
The 2026/2027 application cycle (21st cohort) timeline:
- Applications open: July 20, 2026
- Application deadline: August 23, 2026
- Shortlisted applicants notified: August 26, 2026
- Examinations and auditions: Following notification of shortlisting
- Apply at: https://www.mtn.ng/foundation/muson-2026/
The application typically opens in July each year and closes in late August. The 2025/26 cycle deadline was August 25, 2025. The 2026/27 cycle follows a similar timeline.
Past Recipients
The MTN Foundation does not publish individual scholar names. However, the following aggregate data is available:
- Total scholars since 2006: More than 550 young Nigerians have completed the programme through fully funded scholarships
- Annual cohort size: Approximately 30 scholars per year
- 2026 graduating class (19th cohort): 39 music scholars graduated on July 7 and 8, 2026, at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. The ceremony featured performances by the graduating scholars and the MUSON School Orchestra
- 2025 graduating class (18th cohort): Graduated on July 4, 2025, at the MUSON Centre, Lagos
- 2020 graduating class: 30 MTN MUSON scholars graduated in the first virtual graduation concert on August 24, 2020, streamed live on YouTube from Shell Hall, Lagos
The programme has produced graduates who have pursued careers in performance, teaching, and the wider Nigerian creative industry. Notable ensembles formed by MUSON Diploma School alumni include the all-female GIRLZ RULE Band, the 5YZ MEN, and The Theosolites.
Videos
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
Similar Scholarships
- ABRSM Scholarships - Music education through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
- Berklee Africa Scholars Program - Scholarships for African musicians at Berklee
- SAMRO Bursaries - Music bursaries for Southern African musicians
- Aga Khan Music Awards - Recognition and support for musicians from Muslim societies and beyond
