Study Abroad With FG Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship 2025

The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria is now accepting applications for the 2025/2026 Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship.

The FG Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship (BEA Scholarship) is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria aimed at providing fully funded educational opportunities to qualified Nigerians to study abroad in top universities across Europe and Asia. Administered by the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) under the Ministry of Education, this program covers tuition, living expenses, and other essential needs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to study abroad in selected countries.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the scholarship, eligibility requirements, benefits, and a step-by-step application process. If you’re ready to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity, read on for everything you need to know.

If you’re ready to pursue your academic dreams and gain a world-class education, this is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss!

What is the FG Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship?

The Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship is a scholarship program established by agreements between the Nigerian government and partner countries. These scholarships allow Nigerian students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in non-English-speaking countries while covering costs such as tuition, accommodation, and monthly living stipends.

Important Deadlines for the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship 2025

• Application Portal Opens: December 2, 2024.
• Application Deadline: January 12, 2025.

Late applications will not be considered, so it’s important to submit your application before the deadline.

Participating Countries

The BEA Scholarship is tenable in several European, Asian, and African countries. These include:

• Undergraduate Scholarships: Russia, Morocco, Hungary, Egypt, and Algeria.
• Postgraduate Scholarships: Russia (for candidates who completed their first degree in Russia), China, Hungary, Serbia, and Romania.

Eligibility Criteria for the FG Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship

To qualify for the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

For Undergraduate Scholarships:

1. Applicants must have a minimum of seven distinctions (As & Bs) in WASSCE/WAEC (May/June), including English and Mathematics.
2. The age of the WAEC certificate must not exceed two years (2023 and 2024) for non-African countries or one year (2024) for African countries.
3. Candidates must be between 17 and 20 years old.

For Postgraduate Scholarships:

1. Applicants must hold a First Class or at least a Second Class Upper Division in their first degree.
2. Candidates must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
3. The age limit is 35 years for master’s degree applicants and 40 years for PhD candidates.
4. Evidence of employer release (if employed) is required.

Check out our 10 Highest-Paying Master’s Programs in 2025

Fields of Study

Undergraduate Level:

Courses available include Engineering, Medicine (limited slots), Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology, Architecture, Sports, Law, Social Sciences, Agriculture, and Mathematics, among others.

Postgraduate Level:

All fields of study are open for postgraduate applicants, with priority given to science and technology-related disciplines.

How to Apply for the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship

Follow these steps to apply for the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship:

1. Visit the Official Website:
   • Go to the Federal Ministry of Education website at www.education.gov.ng.
   • Click on the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) menu on the homepage.
2. Read the Guidelines:
   • Carefully read the application guidelines provided.
3. Complete the Online Form:
   • Fill out the application form online and upload all required documents (listed below).
4. Print the Application Form:
   • After completing the form, print a copy for submission during the screening process.

Benefits of the FG Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship

Recipients of the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship enjoy the following benefits:

• Full tuition coverage.
• Monthly living stipends.
• Free accommodation.
• Access to top educational institutions in partner countries.
• Opportunity to learn a new language and immerse in a different culture.

Eligibility Criteria

For Undergraduate Applicants

1. Academic Requirements:
   • A minimum of seven (7) distinctions (A’s & B’s) in WASSCE/WAEC (May/June) in subjects relevant to your chosen field, including English Language and Mathematics.
   • Certificates must be recent:
     • Non-African countries: WAEC results must not be older than two years (2023 or 2024).
     • African countries: Only 2024 WAEC results are accepted.
2. Age Limit:
   • Applicants must be 17 to 20 years old.

For Postgraduate Applicants

1. Academic Requirements:
   • A First Degree with either 1st Class Honours or at least Second Class Upper Division.
   • Completion of the NYSC program (with discharge or exemption certificate).
2. Age Limit:
   • Masters: Up to 35 years old
   • PhD: Up to 40 years old
3. Additional Requirements:
   • Evidence of readiness to be released by your employer if applicable.

How to Apply for the FG Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship

Follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Visit the Federal Ministry of Education Website:
   Go to www.education.gov.ng and click on the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) icon.
2. Read the Guidelines:
   Carefully read through the application guidelines.
3. Complete the Application Form:
   • Fill out the online application form accurately.
   • Print a copy of the completed form.
4. Additional Instructions for Specific Countries:
   • Hungary: Apply on the Stipendium Hungaricum portal. Applications close on January 15, 2025.
   • Russia: Visit education-in-russia.com. Upload scanned PDF documents, including your WAEC certificate and international passport.
   • Other countries: Follow specific guidelines as outlined during your application process.

Required Documents

To apply, you must upload the following documents:

Undergraduate Applicants

• WAEC/WASSCE certificate
• National Identification Number (NIN) slip

Postgraduate Applicants

• First Degree certificate
• NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
• National Identification Number (NIN) slip

Additional Documents (for shortlisted candidates):

• Authenticated copies of academic certificates
• Data page of a valid international passport
• Medical reports from government hospitals
• Birth certificate and proof of indigeneity
• Police clearance certificate (if required)

Check out our guide on how to secure fully funded scholarships abroad.

Important Notes for All Applicants

1. Applicants must be ready to undertake a one-year foreign language program in their country of study if required.
2. Be cautious of fraudsters—this application process is free and does not require any processing fees.
3. Ensure all documents are properly scanned in PDF format before uploading.

FAQs About the FG Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship

1. What is the FG BEA Scholarship?
   The BEA Scholarship is a fully funded program for Nigerians to study abroad in European and Asian countries.
2. Who is eligible for the scholarship?
   Nigerian students with excellent academic records who meet the specific age and qualification criteria.
3. Which countries are covered under the scholarship?
   Russia, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, China, Serbia, and Romania.
4. What does the scholarship cover?
   It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and additional allowances.
5. How can I apply?
   Visit the Federal Ministry of Education website and follow the application process outlined.
6. Can I apply for multiple fields of study?
   Yes, especially for Hungary, where you can select up to two fields of study.
7. Are there age limits?
   Yes, undergraduate applicants must be 17-20 years old, while postgraduate applicants have limits of 35 (Masters) and 40 (PhD).
8. What happens if I submit incorrect information?
   Providing false or inaccurate information will lead to disqualification.
9. Can I apply with a WAEC certificate from 2022?
   No, only certificates from 2023 or 2024 are accepted for non-African countries, and 2024 for African countries.
10. Is there a fee to apply?
    No, the application process is entirely free.
11. Do I need a passport to apply?
    Yes, a valid international passport is required for some countries, like Russia.
12. Do I need NYSC for postgraduate applications?
    Yes, NYSC discharge or exemption certificates are mandatory for PG applications.
13. When will the application portal close?
    The portal closes on January 12, 2025.
14. What fields of study are available?
    Fields range from engineering, medicine, and biotechnology to law and social sciences.
15. What if I have more questions?
    Contact the Federal Scholarship Board at [email protected] or call 08077884417.

Conclusion

The Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for Nigerian students to gain world-class education abroad while enjoying full financial support.

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, gather the required documents, and submit your application before the deadline.

Don’t miss out on this chance to achieve your academic dreams!

Visit the Federal Ministry of Education official website to apply now