EDUCATION

Polytechnic Bursary Application Form – How to Apply and Get Paid

If you’re a polytechnic student struggling with tuition, handouts, or upkeep, here’s one opportunity you shouldn’t miss—the polytechnic bursary offered by the Nigerian government and some state authorities. Yes, there’s real money on the table. Every year, thousands of students in federal and state polytechnics are eligible to receive bursaries of ₦20,000 or more. The sad part? Many don’t even apply because they either didn’t know or didn’t take it seriously. This article walks you through how the bursary application works, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay payment.

What Is a Polytechnic Bursary?

A polytechnic bursary is a financial support scheme provided by government bodies—usually through the Federal Ministry of Education or State Scholarship Boards—to assist students from recognized Nigerian polytechnics with funding their education.

Unlike loans, bursaries are non-repayable. Once approved, the money is yours. Some of these bursaries are targeted at specific categories of students:

Indigenes of a particular state
Students in science and technology courses
Students with disabilities
Female students in engineering
Children of civil servants or public sector workers

Most bursary schemes are open for National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) students in both full-time and sometimes part-time programs.

Who Is Eligible?

While each bursary scheme may have its unique criteria, here’s the general requirement for applying:

Must be a Nigerian citizen
Must be enrolled in a recognized federal or state polytechnic
Must have a valid student ID or admission letter
Must be in ND1, ND2, HND1, or HND2
Must have a minimum CGPA (usually 2.50 and above)
Some schemes may require proof of origin or indigene certificate
Must not be currently benefiting from another scholarship or bursary

Eligibility can depend heavily on your state of origin, course of study, and whether the bursary is state-sponsored or federal.

Where Do You Get the Bursary Form?

There are three major channels:

1. Federal Government Bursary (through the Federal Ministry of Education)

Each year, the Federal Government announces its bursary awards for students in tertiary institutions, including polytechnics.

The form is usually made available on:

https://fsbn.com.ng – the Federal Scholarship Board portal
https://education.gov.ng – Ministry of Education site
Social media platforms of the Ministry or Federal Scholarship Board

2. State Scholarship Boards

Almost every state has a scholarship or bursary board where indigene students can apply. Examples include:

Lagos State Scholarship Board
Oyo State Bursary Board
Ekiti State Students’ Bursary Portal
Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board
Benue State Bursary Application

Search for your state’s official scholarship portal or go to your Local Government Area (LGA) office for guidance.

3. Institutional Bursary Units

Some polytechnics also offer internal bursary support for indigent or high-performing students. This is usually handled by the Student Affairs or Bursary Department.

How to Apply for a Polytechnic Bursary

Here’s a general application process that most states or federal bursaries follow:

Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official bursary or scholarship board website (e.g., fsbn.com.ng or your state’s portal).
Create an Account
Register with your full name, email, phone number, and password.
Fill the Online Form
Provide your details such as:

Full name
Matriculation number
JAMB registration number
Course and department
Polytechnic name and location
LGA and state of origin
CGPA (upload statement of result or student ID)

Upload Required Documents
You’ll be asked to scan and upload:

Admission letter
Student ID card
Passport photograph
LGA certificate of origin
Birth certificate or age declaration
Bank details (mostly your own personal account)

Submit and Print Acknowledgement Slip
Always print or save a copy of your completed application.
Wait for Shortlist or Disbursement Update
Successful applicants are usually contacted via email or SMS. You may also be asked to attend a screening at your state secretariat or polytechnic bursary unit.

How Much Can You Receive?

The amount varies depending on the scheme:

Federal bursaries: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 (one-time payment)
State bursaries: ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 (annually or per session)
Institutional bursaries: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 (based on availability)

Some special schemes (e.g., female engineering students) offer higher amounts up to ₦100,000.

When Is the Application Period?

Federal bursary: Typically announced between August and November each year
State bursaries: Application periods differ. Some open in the first semester; others close by second semester
Institutional bursaries: Varies by school. Check notice boards or Student Affairs offices regularly

Make sure you apply early, as late applications are often disqualified.

How Is the Bursary Paid?

Once approved, your payment is sent directly to the bank account number you provided during application. Always double-check that your name matches your BVN and account details.

Some states may distribute bursaries via cheques or pay through school bursary departments. You’ll be informed on how to claim it if you’re shortlisted.