Federal Government Scholarship (FSB Award) 2026: How Nigerian Students Can Apply Successfully

January 26, 2026 James Agbai

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Education is one of the most powerful tools for changing lives, but for many Nigerian students, the cost of higher education can feel overwhelming. Tuition fees, accommodation, books, and daily living expenses add up quickly. This is why government-backed scholarships remain one of the most reliable forms of financial support for students.

One of the most popular and trusted options is the Federal Government Scholarship Award (FSB), managed by the Federal Scholarship Board under the Federal Ministry of Education. Every year, thousands of Nigerian students search online for answers to questions like:

Is the Federal Government Scholarship real?
Who is eligible to apply?
How much does the scholarship pay?
What documents are required?
How do I apply without making mistakes?

This guide answers all those questions.

What Is the Federal Government Scholarship (FSB Award)?

The Federal Government Scholarship Award, commonly called the FSB Scholarship, is a financial aid program created by the Nigerian government to support students studying in approved tertiary institutions within Nigeria.

The scholarship is overseen by the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB), which operates under the Federal Ministry of Education. Unlike private scholarships that may come and go, the FSB award is a long-standing government program that has supported students for decades. The primary goal of the scholarship is to:

Reduce the financial burden on Nigerian students
Encourage academic excellence
Promote equal access to education across all states

It is important to note that this scholarship is not a loan. Beneficiaries do not repay the money.

Is the Federal Government Scholarship Legit?

Yes, the Federal Government Scholarship is 100% legitimate. It is funded by the Nigerian government and administered through official government channels. Applications are submitted through recognized scholarship portals linked to the Federal Ministry of Education. Key signs that the scholarship is genuine include:

No application fees
No agents required
Transparent eligibility criteria
Clear government ownership

If anyone asks you to pay money to “process” or “fast-track” your application, that is a red flag.

Types of Students the FSB Scholarship Is For

The Federal Government Scholarship is designed for students at different academic levels. You may qualify if you are:

An undergraduate student in a Nigerian university
An HND student in a polytechnic or monotechnic
An NCE student in a college of education
A postgraduate student (Master’s level) in Nigeria

Benefits of the Federal Government Scholarship

One of the most common questions students ask is, “How much is the Federal Government Scholarship?”

While amounts may vary slightly depending on academic level and government budget, beneficiaries typically receive annual financial support to help cover education-related expenses.

What the Scholarship Covers

A yearly stipend paid directly to the student
Support for tuition-related and academic expenses
Financial relief for books, materials, and daily needs

The scholarship does not usually cover international travel, accommodation abroad, or luxury expenses. It is meant to support basic academic needs.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Before applying, it is important to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. Applying without meeting them can lead to automatic disqualification.

General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

Be a Nigerian citizen
Be a full-time student in a recognized Nigerian institution
Be in second year (200 level) or above
Not be receiving any other scholarship or bursary
Not be a part-time student

Academic Requirements

Academic performance is very important.

Undergraduate, HND, and NCE students must have a strong CGPA (usually 4.0 out of 5.0 or its equivalent).
Postgraduate applicants must have at least a Second Class Upper Division in their first degree.

Courses That Are Commonly Accepted

The Federal Government Scholarship generally supports students in a wide range of disciplines, including:

Sciences and Technology
Engineering
Education
Medical and Health Sciences
Agriculture
Social Sciences

Exact course eligibility may vary slightly each year, so applicants should always read the official guidelines during application.

Documents Required for Application

Preparing your documents in advance makes the application process much easier.

Commonly required documents include:

Letter of admission from your institution
Academic transcript or current CGPA result
Certificate of State of Origin
National Identity Number (NIN)
Passport photograph

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply

Applying for the Federal Government Scholarship is done online. Below is a simple step-by-step explanation.

Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Portal

Access the official scholarship application platform provided by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Step 2: Read the Instructions Carefully

Before filling out any form, read all guidelines. Many applicants make mistakes simply because they skip this step.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Enter your personal details, academic information, and institution details carefully.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload clear copies of all requested documents in the correct format.

Step 5: Submit and Print Confirmation

After submission, print or save your confirmation slip for future reference.

Important: Only one application is allowed per applicant.

Application Deadline

The Federal Government Scholarship has a strict deadline. Late applications are not considered.

The application period usually opens around April and closes around May, but dates can change slightly each year.

Applicants are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many students lose their chance due to avoidable errors. Common mistakes include:

Submitting incorrect CGPA
Uploading unclear documents
Applying while receiving another scholarship
Using false information
Missing the deadline

Accuracy and honesty are essential.

What Happens After Application?

After applications close:

Submissions are reviewed by the scholarship board
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted
Final beneficiaries are announced through official channels

Not all applicants are selected, as the process is competitive.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

While no one can guarantee selection, these tips can help:

Maintain a strong academic record
Apply early
Double-check all information
Use only official portals
Avoid agents and middlemen