Apply Now: MTN Foundation Opens Applications for 2026 MUSON Music Scholars Program

The MTN Foundation has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026/2027 edition of the MUSON Music Scholars Programme, offering talented young Nigerians the opportunity to pursue a fully funded Diploma in Music at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) School of Music.

Now in its twentieth year, the scholarship program continues to demonstrate how corporate social investment can contribute to education, youth development, and the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy. Since the initiative was launched in 2006, hundreds of aspiring musicians have received professional music training through the partnership between the MTN Foundation and MUSON, helping many build successful careers in performance, music education, composition, and other creative fields.

Beyond providing financial support, the programme reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to developing human capital by creating opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire specialised skills capable of transforming both their lives and the country’s cultural landscape.

Investing in Talent Beyond Traditional Education

While scholarship programmes often focus on science, technology, engineering, and medicine, the MTN Foundation has continued to recognise that the creative arts also play a vital role in national development.

Nigeria’s music industry has evolved into one of Africa’s fastest-growing creative sectors, generating employment opportunities, attracting global recognition, promoting Nigerian culture, and contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Yet, despite its rapid growth, access to professional music education remains limited for many talented young people because of financial constraints.

Through the MUSON Music Scholars Programme, the MTN Foundation is helping bridge that gap by ensuring that gifted musicians have access to structured, internationally recognised training regardless of their financial background.

The initiative is designed to develop musicians who are not only skilled performers but also educators, composers, conductors, and creative professionals capable of contributing to Nigeria’s expanding creative ecosystem.

What the Scholarship Offers

Successful applicants will receive a fully funded scholarship to study at the MUSON School of Music, one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for professional music education.

The two-year diploma programme combines practical performance with theoretical instruction, exposing students to internationally recognised standards in music education. Graduates receive a Diploma in Music that opens opportunities for further academic studies and professional careers within and outside Nigeria.

In addition to funding tuition, the partnership between the MTN Foundation and MUSON has continued to improve the learning environment for scholars. In recent years, the Foundation commissioned a fully equipped digital music studio at the MUSON School of Music, providing students with access to modern recording technology, musical instruments, computers, and production equipment that support practical learning and creative development.

Eligibility Requirements

According to the organisers, applicants must meet specific academic and musical requirements to qualify for the scholarship.

Eligible candidates must possess:

• A minimum of five credit passes in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or General Certificate of Education (GCE), including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.
• Grade Five or higher practical and theory certificates from the MUSON School of Music or other recognised examination bodies such as ABRSM or Trinity College London.
• Applicants must also be between 18 and 35 years old.

Applications for the 2026/2027 academic session are currently open and will close on August 23, 2026. Interested candidates are expected to complete their applications through the official MTN Foundation application portal.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Creative Economy

The MUSON Music Scholars Programme represents far more than a scholarship. It is an investment in Nigeria’s creative future.

As the global demand for African music continues to rise, the need for professionally trained musicians, composers, producers, educators, and performers has become increasingly important.

By supporting formal music education, the MTN Foundation is helping strengthen the talent pipeline that will sustain Nigeria’s creative industry for generations to come.

The initiative also contributes to preserving Nigeria’s rich musical heritage while encouraging innovation, creativity, and excellence within contemporary music practice. For many beneficiaries, the programme has served as a pathway to careers that may otherwise have remained beyond reach because of financial limitations.

Supporting Sustainable Development Through Education

The MUSON Music Scholars Program forms part of the MTN Foundation’s wider investment in education and youth empowerment across Nigeria.

Beyond music education, the Foundation continues to support initiatives focused on scholarships, digital skills development, science and technology education, and capacity building for young Nigerians. These interventions reflect a long-term commitment to human capital development and demonstrate how strategic corporate social investment can contribute to sustainable national development.

The programme also aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

As applications open for the 2026/2027 cohort, the scholarship presents another opportunity for talented young Nigerians to access quality music education while reinforcing the role of corporate organisations in expanding educational opportunities beyond traditional academic disciplines.

Interested applicants can find detailed information HERE.