Launched through NovaGrad, its education access platform, the scholarship is part of what the company calls its Next Chapter initiative, combining direct financial support with application guidance for students seeking postgraduate study abroad.

Prodigy Finance has funded postgraduate students at leading universities for years with its scholarship focus changing from one region to another.

In previous cycles, it targeted India and Latin America, alongside more established markets. This time, the attention is on Africa.

The company says it has learned from years of working with students. Funding is essential, but guidance also impacts outcomes. Many applicants find it difficult to organise their choices, meet deadlines and manage visa and funding requirements at the same time.

NovaGrad was set up to bring those steps into one place, from shortlist to enrolment.

Demand for international degrees is growing. At the same time, costs are increasing and timelines are tight. Students constantly need to secure funding quickly after receiving an offer. This scholarship is designed to support them at that stage.

There are two parts to the support package.

First, 10 students will receive up to $2,500 each to cover tuition and living costs. Priority will go to candidates who show strong academic merit, proof of financial need and a realistic shortlist of universities.

Applicants must complete their submissions through NovaGrad before the stated deadline. Shortlisted candidates may need to provide extra documents to confirm eligibility before funds are released.

Second, 100 students will qualify for application fee reimbursement of up to $200 each. This applies only to university applications submitted through NovaGrad. Once the platform verifies and accepts the submission, the reimbursement will be processed. Applications made outside NovaGrad will not qualify.

Students are required to register or log in on the platform, enter a valid waiver code where applicable, and submit their university applications through it.

Sonal Kapoor, global chief business officer at Prodigy Finance, said, “African students have consistently demonstrated exceptional ambition and academic strength. Over the years, we have seen students from across the continent succeed at some of the world’s top institutions. This scholarship gives them a focused opportunity, and NovaGrad helps bring clarity to every step around it.”

Mariana Alcocer, spokesperson for NovaGrad, added, “African students are among the most talented we see, yet many still lack the exposure or networks that help others access global education. This programme is about recognising that talent and creating a pathway forward.”

Applicants may also upload a short video on social media explaining why they deserve the scholarship and tag NovaGrad. Thoughtful submissions will earn additional points and families, friends and professional networks are encouraged to share the videos to broaden visibility.

Applications are now open through NovaGrad. Prodigy Finance says the goal is to ensure access to global education depends on merit and ambition, not geography.

The management of these institutions have successfully submitted their student data to the NELFUND Student Verification System (SVS).

“We urge all other state-owned tertiary institutions to submit their complete student data to the NELFUND Student Verification System timely to enable their students benefit from the scheme”, the Fund said.

Students from the following institutions can now apply:

1. Adamawa State University, Mubi
2. Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri
3. Borno State University
4. Mohammet Lawan college of Agriculture, Borno State
5. Edo State University, Uzairue
6. Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti
7. Gombe State University
8. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Imo State
9. Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo
10. Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria
11. Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano
12. Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina
13. Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management
14. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
15. Confluence University of Science and Technology, Kogi state
16. Lagos state university of education
17. Lagos State University
18. Nasarawa State University, Keffi
19. Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun state
20. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
21. Osun State University
22. University of Ilesa, Osun State
23. GTC, ARA Osun State
24. GTC, GBONGAN Osun State
25. GTC, IJEBU-JESA Osun State
26. GTC, ILE-IFE Osun State
27. GTC, INISA Osun State
28. GTC, IWO Osun State
29. GTC,OSU Osun State
30. GTC, OTAN AYEGBAJU Osun State
31. Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun
32. Government Technical College, Ile-Ife
33. Osun State College of Technology
34. Taraba State University, Jalingo
35. Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua, Yobe State
36. Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara