Michael Taiwo Scholarships Names Its Largest-Ever Cohort of 69 Scholars from 9,198 Applicants 

In 2019, seven graduates received the Michael Taiwo Scholarship. Seven years later, that number has grown to 69. The 2026 Michael Taiwo Scholarship cohort has officially been announced, and this year’s selection marks a new milestone for the scholarship programme. From a highly competitive pool of 9,198 applications received by June 30, only 69 exceptional graduates made it through to become 2026 Michael Taiwo Scholars. It is the largest cohort since the scholarship was launched in 2019, but the numbers tell only part of the story.

Over the years, the Michael Taiwo Scholarship has continued to grow in both reach and impact. Seven awardees were selected in 2019, followed by 23 in 2020. In 2021, 36 awardees were selected from over 8,000 applicants across 14 countries, while 47 winners were selected in 2022. In 2023, 56 winners emerged from 8,830 applicants. The programme received 13,384 applications in 2024 and selected 59 awardees. In 2025, 66 brilliant graduates were selected from 9,056 applicants. Now, in 2026, 69 graduates have joined the growing community of Michael Taiwo Scholars. This year’s application cycle also reflects the expanding global reach of the programme. The 9,198 applicants represented 48 nationalities across 73 countries, with applicants from Africa accounting for 90% of the pool.

Proof That Persistence Pays

Behind every statistic is a graduate who dared to apply, wait, try again, and believe that an opportunity could change the trajectory of their academic journey. For 2026 scholar Heba Hamzat, this was not her first attempt. “3 attempts, 2 rejections and finally, I’m Michael Taiwo Scholar,” she shared on X. “I kept clapping for others till it was finally my turn. Out of the 9,198 applicants, being among the 69 selected is proof that hard work pays.”

For another scholar, Priscilla Nengi Paul-Worika, being selected represents more than a scholarship.“9,198 applicants. 69 scholars. And somehow, I’m one of them,” she wrote on Twitter. She described the opportunity as being “seen, believed in, and given the resources and mentorship to pursue bigger dreams.”

Inside the 2026 Scholarships Package

The Michael Taiwo Scholarships is committed to doing: giving bright graduates the support they need to pursue graduate school opportunities abroad, regardless of the financial barriers standing in their way. For the 2026 scholars, that support goes beyond simply receiving funding. The scholarship provides a comprehensive package designed to help scholars prepare for and navigate the graduate school application journey.

The benefits include full payment for standardized tests such as the GRE and GMAT, as well as IELTS and TOEFL; coverage of six graduate school application fees; four additional score reports; transcript evaluation; one-on-one mentoring from top scholars and professionals; and exclusive access to a rich resource library.  The goal is not simply to help scholars apply to graduate school, but to give them the tools, guidance, resources, and community to make their applications stronger and their dreams more attainable.

The Journey Continues: Be a part of it

From seven scholars in 2019 to 69 in 2026, the Michael Taiwo Scholarship has grown into a community that continues to open doors for talented graduates across Africa and beyond.  To the 69 scholars of the 2026 cohort, congratulations on this remarkable achievement. You are joining a growing community of brilliant graduates whose stories remind us that persistence, preparation, and opportunity can change the course of a life. But the journey does not end with selection; it is only beginning. As these scholars take the next steps towards graduate school, they will need the resources, support and opportunities that  can turn their aspirations into reality.

You can be part of that journey. Through the Michael Taiwo Scholarships, every contribution helps make graduate school more accessible by supporting costs such as application fees, standardized tests, transcript evaluations, and other essential expenses. If you believe that talent should not be limited by financial circumstances, you can support the next chapter of these scholars’ journeys by supporting the MichaelTaiwo Scholarships.

One contribution can help open a door. One scholar can go on to open many more. Together, we can help make their dreams possible.

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