The Federal Scholarship Board (FSB), under the Federal Ministry of Education, runs scholarships for Nigerian students at home and abroad. The best known is the Nigerian Scholarship Award (NSA) for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Award amounts (as reported)
| Level | Annual award |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (degree) | ₦250,000–₦300,000 |
| HND | ₦150,000 |
| NCE | ₦150,000 |
| Education Bursary Award (education courses) | ₦150,000 |
Payments go to beneficiaries’ verified bank accounts, and the award is renewable each year if you remain eligible. Amounts can change, so confirm on the official portal.
Who can apply
- Nigerian citizens in full-time study at federal or state universities, polytechnics or monotechnics.
- Undergraduates in their second year or above.
- A high CGPA, commonly reported as at least 4.00 on a 5-point scale for universities and 3.50 on a 4-point scale for polytechnics.
- Postgraduate applicants need a Second Class Upper and completed NYSC, with age limits of 35 for Master’s and 40 for PhD.
- You cannot hold another scholarship at the same time.
When to apply
The FSB portal usually opens around April to May. In 2025, the deadline was 29 May 2025. Watch for the 2027 announcement from the Federal Ministry of Education.
The selection test
Shortlisted applicants sit a computer-based test (CBT) after their documents are verified. The test covers general knowledge and awareness of national and global issues. Reading the news regularly helps.
Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) awards
The FSB also manages BEA scholarships for study abroad in partner countries. The partner country usually covers tuition, while the Nigerian government provides travel and living support. BEA calls are announced separately, so watch for them.
Prepare now
- Keep your CGPA high. See how CGPA works.
- Gather documents: school ID, admission letter, latest results, state of origin certificate and a bank account in your name.
- Applications are free. Never pay anyone to “process” a federal scholarship.
