Top Indigenous University Scholarships for Sierra Leoneans in 2026

Landing a degree should not hinge on your family’s wallet. Below are the best home-grown scholarships—funded by Sierra Leone’s government, universities, businesses, and community groups—that will accept new applications for the 2026 academic year.

1. Sierra Leone Government Grant-in-Aid (SLG)

The Ministry of Technical & Higher Education will again disburse 3,000+ tuition grants across all public universities in 2026.
Who qualifies? Undergraduates in science, engineering, agriculture, medicine and French; priority for female STEM students.
Award: Full tuition + registration fees for one academic year (renewable on good grades).
Apply: Online portal announced each August on https://www.mthe.gov.sl

2. University of Sierra Leone Merit & Hardship Bursaries

Fourah Bay College, IPAM and COMAHS offer annual merit bursaries and financial-need awards—students must attend an on-campus verification exercise
Award: 50–100 % tuition rebate plus book allowance.
Deadline: October 2025 for the 2025/26 session; expect similar timing for 2026.

3. Njala University–NOSLINA Post-Graduate Scholarship

The Sierra Leonean diaspora body NOSLINA funds two master’s candidates in Public Health at Njala each year.
Award: Full tuition + research grant of NLe 25,000.
Eligibility: BSc in a health field and commitment to serve rural districts after graduation.

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4. University of Makeni Community-Service Scholarship

UNIMAK sets aside bursaries for undergraduates who complete 120 hours of community outreach annually.
Coverage: 60 % tuition waiver.
Next call: February 2026 via https://unimak.edu.sl

5. Orange Sierra Leone Foundation “Women in STEM” Award

Telecom leader Orange SL offers 30 scholarships to first-year female students in engineering, IT or maths programmes (public or private universities).
Package: Full tuition + laptop + paid internship.
Watch for: May 2026 application window on the Foundation’s Facebook page.

6. Sierra Rutile Technical Scholarship Scheme

Mining firm Sierra Rutile sponsors diploma and degree students in mining, geology and mechanical engineering.
Benefit: Tuition, stipend, and mandatory paid vacation placement at the mine.
Apply: Company HR desk in Moyamba District every March.

7. Freetown Terminal Limited Community Scholarship

Port operator FTL funds 47 university students from Seaside and Moa Wharf communities each year.
What’s covered? Full tuition for all public universities, renewable on a 3.0 GPA.
2026 intake: June application at the FTL community office, Cline Town.

8. Fullah Progressive Union (FPU) Undergraduate Grant

The FPU awards Le 500,000 per semester to high-achieving undergraduate Fullah students nationwide.
Selection: Essay + proof of community involvement.
Apply: Forms released every July on FPU’s WhatsApp groups.

Quick Tips for a Winning Application

Start early—most portals open 6–8 months before the academic year.
Prepare one tidy PDF with transcripts, reference letters, and a one-page CV.
Demonstrate impact: show how your course benefits Sierra Leone’s development goals.
Track announcements on university noticeboards, ministry sites, and reputable news outlets like Awoko.

Conclusion

These local scholarships put higher education within reach—no need to chase overseas funding. Shortlist the awards that fit your field, gather documents now, and mark the release dates in your calendar. Your 2026 tuition could be fully covered by Sierra Leone’s own institutions.

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