The Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) scholarship is Nigeria's flagship government scholarship programme, awarding eligible students up to ₦300,000 per year to ease the cost of higher education. This article covers what the FSB scholarship is, who qualifies, how much it pays at each level, what documents you need, and how to submit your application through the FSB portal.
Key Takeaways
- The FSB scholarship helps Nigerian students ease the financial burden of studying undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
- Eligible students can receive ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 annually, depending on their level of study.
- The award is renewable each academic year.
- You cannot hold the FSB scholarship simultaneously with another award, nor use it for part-time studies.
- Applications are submitted online via the FSB portal or through scholarship.education.gov.ng. The application attracts no processing fee.
What Is the FSB Scholarship?
The Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) is a department of the Federal Ministry of Education, headed by a Director who serves as Secretary of the Board. The Board ensures that deserving Nigerian scholars are awarded both foreign and local scholarships, and is also responsible for fulfilling commitments to Multilateral Education Agreements, the Education Bursary Award, and the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA).
The Federal Scholarship Board administers four programmes under the Federal Ministry of Education. These are the Nigerian Scholarship Award (NSA), the Education Bursary Award (EBA), the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), and multilateral agreements. The Board's mission goes beyond financial assistance — it also aims to develop human capital that will drive Nigeria's socio-economic development.
FSB Scholarship Types
Nigerian Scholarship Award (NSA)
The FSB Nigerian Scholarship Award is an annual ₦150,000–₦300,000 scholarship for undergraduates and postgraduate students of all tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Education Bursary Award (EBA)
The Education Bursary Award is a special scholarship for students pursuing education courses at any public tertiary institution in Nigeria. The FSB EBA scholarship is worth ₦150,000 for eligible undergraduate students in Nigerian institutions.
Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA)
In collaboration with several foreign governments, the Ministry of Education offers international scholarships for Nigerian students to study abroad. The BEA scholarship is funded by both the Government of Nigeria and the partner country — the partner country typically covers tuition and associated costs, while the Nigerian government caters for travel and living expenses.
FSB Scholarship Amount
The award amount varies by level of study. The scholarship takes effect from the beginning of the academic session.
- NCE: ₦150,000
- HND: ₦150,000
- Undergraduate (B.Sc): ₦250,000–₦300,000
Payments are processed through the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and are paid directly into beneficiaries' verified bank accounts.
FSB Scholarship Requirements
Undergraduate Applicants
All undergraduate and HND applicants must be registered full-time students in their second year or above, in Federal or State Universities, Polytechnics, or Monotechnics, and must have at least a 4.0 CGPA on a five-point scale or 5.0 on a seven-point scale. College and university students need a minimum CGPA of 4.00 on a 5.00-point scale, while polytechnic students need 3.50 on a 4.00-point scale.
Postgraduate Applicants
Applicants for postgraduate studies must possess a minimum first degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) and be registered full-time students of Federal or State Universities. All postgraduate applicants must have completed the NYSC programme. The age limit is 35 years for Masters and 40 years for PhD.
General Conditions
- You must not hold the scholarship simultaneously with another award, nor for part-time studies.
- You must not change your course or institution while enjoying the award.
- You must be a Nigerian citizen by birth, with valid documentation.
What Documents Are Needed for the FSB Scholarship?
The application process requires careful documentation — every file submitted must be accurate, verifiable, and clearly presented. Incomplete or incorrectly uploaded documents are among the most common reasons for disqualification.
- National Identification Number (NIN) slip
- Passport photograph (white or red background)
- WAEC/WASSCE or NECO certificate
- Academic transcripts from all tertiary institutions attended
- First degree certificate (postgraduate applicants only)
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificate (postgraduate applicants)
- Acknowledgement/application slip
Note: Some documents must be uploaded during the online application, while others must be presented at the Computer-Based Test (CBT) stage.
How to Apply — FSB Portal Login and Application Steps
The FSB application process follows a structured digital pathway designed to ensure transparency and accessibility. All applications are submitted through the official FSB portal at fsbn.com.ng or the Federal Ministry of Education scholarship portal.
- Visit the portal — Go to fsbn.com.ng or education.gov.ng and click the Federal Scholarship Board icon.
- Create an account — Use an active email address, active phone number, and a strong password.
- Select your scholarship category — Choose NSA, EBA, or BEA as applicable.
- Read the guidelines — Select your scholarship type, read the guidelines carefully, then complete the application form online.
- Upload your documents — Attach all required files in the correct format. Your name must match exactly what appears on your certificates.
- Submit and print — Print the completed application form for your own reference.
- Await CBT invitation — Shortlisted candidates are invited to take a computer-based test.
- Track your status — Log into your applicant dashboard using your registered email and password for updates on verification, screening, and final award decisions.
Common mistakes include using nicknames that don't match your certificates, uploading blurred transcripts, selecting the wrong scholarship category, entering an incorrect CGPA, or submitting fake documents. Any of these can lead to disqualification.
When Does the FSB Portal Open?
The Federal Scholarship Application Portal is usually open between April and May each year. The 2025 cycle had a deadline of 29 May 2025. Dates for 2026 have not yet been officially confirmed — check the FSB portal and education.gov.ng for announcements.
FSB Scholarship Contact Details
- Official portal: fsbn.com.ng
- Ministry portal: scholarship.education.gov.ng
- Email: fsb@education.gov.ng
- Phone: 08077884418 / 08091155229
FAQs
Is the FSB scholarship legitimate?
Yes — the scholarship is fully government-backed and administered by the Federal Scholarship Board under the Federal Ministry of Education. Applicants should avoid scammers and apply only through official platforms.
Can I apply for the FSB scholarship in my first year?
No. To be eligible, undergraduates must be registered full-time students of Federal or State Universities, and all undergraduates must be in their second year or above. Postgraduate applicants must hold a minimum first degree with Second Class Honours Division.
What happens after I submit my FSB application?
Multi-level verification typically takes two to four weeks. This includes NIMC identity validation, academic record verification with institutions, and WAEC/JAMB result checks. After verification, shortlisted candidates sit a CBT.
Can I hold the FSB scholarship alongside another scholarship?
You must not hold the FSB scholarship simultaneously with another award, nor use it for part-time studies. Doing so will result in disqualification.
What is the FSB scholarship CBT, and how should I prepare?
For each cycle, applicants are expected to pass a computer-based test that evaluates their knowledge and awareness of national and global issues. Strong performance in this test significantly improves a candidate's chances of selection, so applicants are encouraged to stay informed about national developments and practise relevant test questions in preparation.
