The Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme (SBSP) 2026 offers financial support to academically outstanding but financially disadvantaged Nigerian students who have secured admission into eligible federal universities.

The four-year scholarship is designed to help successful candidates complete their undergraduate studies while also providing opportunities for mentorship, internships and professional development.

The programme was established in honour of Seyi Bickersteth, a prominent Nigerian professional who held senior leadership positions in the country’s professional services industry. It is delivered through a partnership involving KPMG, Leadway Assurance and Andersen.

Unlike scholarships that focus solely on tuition or financial assistance, the SBSP combines financial support with opportunities to gain practical work experience, connect with professionals and develop skills that can improve career prospects after graduation.

If you have recently gained admission into a Nigerian federal university and intend to study Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Actuarial Science, Insurance or Finance, the Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme 2026 may be worth considering.

What is the Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme?

The Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme is a four-year undergraduate scholarship created to support talented Nigerian students who face significant financial challenges.

The programme is targeted at students who have demonstrated strong academic performance but may struggle to finance their university education because of their financial circumstances.

Successful scholars receive financial assistance throughout the four-year duration of their degree programme, subject to meeting the applicable conditions of the scholarship.

Beyond financial support, the programme provides opportunities for scholars to develop professional skills and gain exposure to the workplace through internships, mentorship and engagement with professionals from the partner organisations.

Eligibility Requirements for Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship 2026

The scholarship is targeted at a specific group of students, so applicants must meet all the stated eligibility conditions before applying.

To qualify for the Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship 2026, you must:

• Be a Nigerian citizen who is financially disadvantaged or indigent.
• Have obtained provisional admission into a Federal University in Nigeria.
• Be admitted into a four-year undergraduate degree programme.
• Be studying one of the eligible courses listed below.
• Have attended a public or private secondary school where you received a scholarship.
• Have scored at least 230 in the UTME (JAMB).
• Have obtained at least five distinctions in WASSCE, including the required credits in English Language and Mathematics.
• Be a 100-level student at the time of application.
• Not be receiving another scholarship at the time of applying.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection. Applications are reviewed and only shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

Courses Eligible for the Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship

The SBSP is not open to students in every undergraduate programme. Eligible applicants must have gained admission to study one of the following courses:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Actuarial Science
• Insurance
• Finance

Candidates studying other courses should not apply unless the official scholarship announcement confirms that additional programmes have been added.

What Does the Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Cover?

The Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme provides more than financial assistance for university students.

Successful beneficiaries can receive an annual financial grant for the duration of their four-year undergraduate programme, subject to the scholarship’s conditions.

In addition to the financial award, scholars may benefit from professional development opportunities, including:

Financial Support

Successful applicants receive an annual grant designed to support them throughout their four-year degree programme.

This financial assistance can help reduce the burden of university-related expenses and allow scholars to concentrate more fully on their studies.

Internship Opportunities

Scholars may have opportunities to undertake internships during academic holidays or as part of their SIWES/Industrial Training (IT) requirements.

This allows students to gain practical workplace experience before completing their degrees.

Mentorship

The programme provides access to mentorship and professional exposure from experienced professionals associated with the partner organisations.

Mentorship can help scholars better understand their chosen industries, develop professional skills and make informed career decisions.

Potential Employment Opportunity

One of the notable features of the programme is its potential career pathway.

Graduates who complete their degree with a First Class or Second Class Upper may be considered for employment opportunities with KPMG, Leadway Assurance or Andersen, subject to the applicable recruitment requirements.

This does not represent an automatic job offer, but it can provide successful scholars with an important opportunity to begin their professional careers.

Documents Required for the Scholarship Application

Applicants should prepare their academic and admission documents before beginning the online application.

Documents that may be required include:

• Provisional university admission letter
• WASSCE result
• JAMB/UTME result slip
• Evidence of admission
• Documents supporting financial need or indigent status
• Other supporting documents requested through the official application portal

Applicants should carefully check the application form for the exact documents required because additional information may be requested during the selection process.

How to Apply for the Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship 2026

The Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship application is completed online.

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before starting the application, carefully compare your academic qualifications, university admission, course of study, and financial circumstances with the scholarship requirements.

Do not submit an application if you do not meet the stated eligibility conditions.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Have your provisional admission letter, WASSCE result, JAMB result, and other required documents ready.

Make sure the information on your documents is accurate and consistent with the information you provide on the application form.

Step 3: Access the Official Application Portal

Go to the official scholarship application platform provided by the programme’s administrators.

Avoid third-party websites or individuals claiming that they can secure a scholarship placement for you in exchange for money.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Provide accurate personal, academic, and admission information.

Review your details carefully before submitting the form because mistakes or incomplete information can affect your application.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

The application deadline for the 2026 Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Programme is 13 August 2026 at 4:00 PM.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their forms in case of internet problems or technical difficulties with the application portal.

Step 6: Wait for Shortlisting

After applications close, eligible applications will be reviewed.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted about the next stage of the selection process, which includes an aptitude test.

Seyi Bickersteth Scholarship Application Deadline 2026

The application deadline is 13 August 2026 at 4:00 PM.

Candidates who are interested in the scholarship should submit their applications before the deadline. Late applications may not be considered.

Please complete the application well before the closing time rather than waiting until the final day.