How to Apply for Fully Funded FG Scholarship Abroad 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Education and various agencies like the PTDF, has officially launched the fully funded FG scholarship abroad 2026 cycle. This annual initiative is designed to empower Nigerian youths with global exposure, offering high-achieving students the chance to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in world-class institutions across Europe, Asia, and North America.
With the 2026 window now open, thousands of applicants are preparing to secure spots in countries such as the UK, Russia, Germany, and China. Unlike previous years, the current administration has streamlined the digital application process to ensure transparency and merit-based selection.
Core Scholarship Categories for 2026
The 2026 overseas scheme is divided into three primary windows, each targeting different academic needs and career paths:
- Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA): This is a partnership between Nigeria and foreign governments. It covers undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) studies in non-English speaking countries like Russia, Morocco, Hungary, and Algeria.
- Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF): Focused exclusively on the oil and gas sector, this scheme funds MSc and PhD studies in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP): Specifically for postgraduate studies in Commonwealth countries, primarily the United Kingdom.
Requirements to Apply
To stand a chance in the highly competitive selection process, candidates must meet stringent academic and administrative criteria:
- Undergraduate Level:
- Academic Performance: Minimum of Seven (7) Distinctions (As & Bs) in WAEC/WASSCE (May/June only).
- Age Limit: Must be between 17 and 20 years old.
- Certificates: WASSCE result must not be more than two years old.
- Postgraduate Level (MSc & PhD):
- Degree Class: Minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) for Master’s. For PhD, a good Master’s degree is required alongside a First Class or 2.1 in the first degree.
- NYSC: A valid Discharge or Exemption Certificate is mandatory.
- Age Limit: Maximum of 35 years for Master’s and 40 years for PhD.
- General Documents:
- National Identity Number (NIN) for verification.
- International Passport data page.
- Local Government Identification Letter.
- Detailed Statement of Purpose or Research Proposal (for PhD).
How to Apply
The application process for the fully funded FG scholarship abroad 2026 is strictly online. Follow these steps to ensure your application is successful:
- Visit the Official Portal: Access the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) via the Ministry of Education website at www.education.gov.ng or the PTDF portal at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng.
- Create an Account: Register with a valid email address and verify your NIN.
- Select Your Category: Choose between BEA, PTDF, or Commonwealth based on your qualifications and preferred destination.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload clear PDF copies of your certificates, passport photograph, and ID. Avoid uploading blurred documents as this leads to automatic disqualification.
- Submit and Print: Complete the form and print the “Acknowledgement Slip.” You will need this for the physical interview stage.
- Monitor the Interview Schedule: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Computer Based Test (CBT) or oral interview at designated centers across the six geopolitical zones.
Possible Prospects and Benefits
Successful scholars for 2026 will enjoy a comprehensive package that includes full tuition fee coverage, monthly stipends for living expenses, health insurance, and return flight tickets. Beyond the financial support, the scheme serves as a bridge for Nigerians to acquire specialized skills in fields like Biotechnology, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences, which are critical for national development.