The Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) is the primary vehicle the Nigerian Federal Scholarship Board uses to send its brightest students abroad. Through treaties with countries like Russia, Morocco, Hungary, and China, the host nation provides tuition and accommodation, while the Nigerian government provides a supplementary USD allowance, health insurance, and flights.
Quick Overview
Full Requirements & Details
Academic Requirements
- Min. CGPA
- 3.5
- Offer Degrees
- Bachelors, Masters, PhD
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics
- Seats Available
- Hundreds annually
- Study Gap Allowed
- No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
- Research Publication
- Optional
- Work Experience
- No
- Age Range
- 18 - 22
Language Requirements
- IELTS
- No
- TOEFL
- No
- GRE
- Not Required
- Local Language
- English
- Local Lang Test
- No
- Study Languages
- Varies by Host Country
Financial Details
- Type
- Full
- Fund Details
- See Description
- Monthly Stipend
- USD 0/mo
- Tuition
- Full
- Living Costs
- Partial
- Travel & Health
- Yes / Yes
- Application Fee
- Free (No Application Fee)
- Spouse Allowed
- No
What Matters Most
Required Documents
Why You Should Apply
It is a massive opportunity to escape the frequent ASUU strikes that paralyze Nigerian public universities. You receive a fully funded education in a foreign country, often returning to Nigeria highly employable or using the foreign degree as a springboard to Western Europe.
Application Process
You apply online via the Federal Ministry of Education portal. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to physically attend intense computer-based tests (CBT) and interviews across various geopolitical zones in Nigeria. You must bring your original WAEC/NECO certificates.
How to Win This Scholarship
The competition is absolute warfare. For undergraduate spots, you must have at least five distinctions (A's and B's) in your core WAEC subjects. Furthermore, they are extremely strict on age limits (undergraduates must usually be 18-22).
Your chances are significantly higher if you apply for hard sciences, mathematics, or foreign languages; applying for business or law is a guaranteed rejection. The process is also heavily influenced by the federal character quota system, meaning you are competing fiercely against candidates from your own state of origin.
Benefits After Completing Study
A foreign degree heavily insulates you from local educational disruptions.
The Nigerian government is historically infamous for delaying the supplementary USD stipends. Nigerian students in Russia and Morocco routinely protest at embassies because their stipends are months late. You must have family backing to survive the initial shock.
Official Source
For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.
Visit Official Source