Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme 2026: Everything to Know

If you're an indigent Nigerian student who just gained admission into a Federal University, the 2026 Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme (SBSP) could be the financial lifeline that carries you through your entire undergraduate journey. 

Named in honour of Seyi Bickersteth, a respected figure who served in leadership roles within Nigeria's professional services sector, this scholarship is run in partnership by three heavyweight organisations: KPMG, Leadway Assurance, and Andersen.

Beyond just paying school fees, the programme is built to open doors: internships, mentorship, professional exposure, and even a possible career path into some of the biggest firms in Nigeria's finance and professional services industry. Here's a full breakdown of what it is, who qualifies, and how to apply before time runs out.

What is the Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme?

The SBSP is a fully funded, four year scholarship designed specifically to ease the financial burden on brilliant but financially disadvantaged Nigerian students entering federal universities.

It's not a singular award; successful beneficiaries receive support for the entire duration of their degree, alongside structured opportunities to build practical experience while they study.

Who is Eligible?

This scholarship isn't open to everyone; it's targeted at genuinely indigent students who've earned their spot at a federal university through merit. To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be an indigent Nigerian student; the programme is specifically for students facing real financial hardship.

• Hold a provisional admission letter into a Federal University in Nigeria.

• Be admitted into a four year degree programme in one of these courses:

  • Accounting

  • Business Administration

  • Economics

  • Actuarial Science

  • Insurance

  • Finance

• Have attended a public secondary school or a private secondary school where you were enrolled on a scholarship (this criterion helps confirm genuine financial need).

• Score a minimum of 230 in UTME (JAMB).

• Have at least 5 distinctions in WASSCE, including compulsory passes in English Language and Mathematics.

• Be a 100 level student at the time of application; this scholarship is not open to returning or senior students.

• Not currently be a beneficiary of any other scholarship programme. If you're already receiving funding elsewhere, you're not eligible to apply for this one.

What Do Successful Applicants Get?

Beneficiaries of the SBSP walk away with more than tuition support. Here's what's on offer:

• An annual financial grant covering the full four year duration of the degree programme.

• Internship opportunities during academic holidays or while completing the National Industrial Attachment (SIWES/IT).

• Mentorship and professional exposure from experienced professionals within the partner organisations.

• A pathway to employment: graduates who finish with a First Class or Second Class Upper degree become eligible for consideration to work with KPMG, Leadway Assurance, or Andersen.

This last point is arguably what makes the SBSP stand out from many other undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria; it's not just about getting through school, it's about setting you up for a career afterwards.

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online. Here's how to go about it:

• Confirm your eligibility against the criteria listed above before you start; incomplete or ineligible applications are unlikely to progress.

• Gather your documents. You'll typically need your provisional admission letter, WASSCE result, UTME result slip, and any supporting documents that confirm your indigent status (this may include an attestation or similar proof, depending on what the portal requests).

• Visit the official application portal and complete the online form with accurate personal, academic, and admission details.

• Submit before the deadline. Applications close on 13 August 2026 at 4:00 PM, so don't leave it until the last minute; portals can get congested close to the deadline day.

• Wait to be shortlisted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage, which involves an aptitude test.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to sit the aptitude test; not everyone who applies will hear back immediately, so be patient but proactive in checking your email (including spam folders).

• Current beneficiaries of other scholarships are disqualified, so make sure you're not already receiving support elsewhere before applying.

• Since this scholarship is administered through KPMG's official hiring portal, be wary of any unauthorised sites or individuals asking for payment to "process" your application; the official process is free.

The Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme is one of the more comprehensive undergraduate scholarships available to Nigerian students right now, not just because of the financial grant, but because of the internship, mentorship, and career path components layered on top of it. 

If you're a fresh 100 level admit in accounting, business administration, economics, actuarial science, insurance, or finance, and you meet the academic and financial need criteria, this is well worth your time to apply for.