The Federal Ministry of Education has opened applications for the Student Venture Capital Grant, providing eligible student founders with an opportunity to access up to ?50 million in equity-free funding.
Applications for the current cycle opened on 24 August 2026.
The programme is designed for students developing viable businesses and innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences, collectively described as STEMM.
In addition to funding, successful applicants may receive business validation, structured feedback, incubation support and national visibility.
Is this a scholarship?
No. The Student Venture Capital Grant is not a tuition scholarship or general student loan.
It is an entrepreneurship and innovation programme for students who have developed ventures with demonstrable real-world potential.
Applicants should not apply with only an undeveloped business idea. The official portal states that a project must have progressed beyond the proof-of-concept stage.
Can NOUN students apply?
The published eligibility requirements cover students currently enrolled in Nigerian tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
This means an eligible NOUN student may apply, provided all other programme requirements are satisfied.
Students should understand that being enrolled at NOUN does not automatically guarantee eligibility or selection. Each applicant must provide the requested business and academic information and successfully complete the evaluation process.
Level requirement
A lead applicant must be in at least 300 level or its equivalent.
Students below 300 level can still participate as members of a team, but the team must include an eligible student in 300 level or above as a co-founder or partner.
Applications may be submitted individually or as a team, subject to the programme’s requirements.
Business-registration requirement
The applicant’s business or project must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Students who have not registered their business should not submit false documents or use another person’s registration without a legitimate business relationship.
Applicants must ensure that the details on their CAC documents correspond with the venture being presented.
Eligible business areas
The programme is looking for developed solutions within areas such as:
Science
This includes scientific research, biotechnology, agricultural innovation and commercially viable solutions developed from scientific knowledge.
Technology
Eligible ventures may include software, hardware, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, educational technology and other digital solutions addressing real problems.
Engineering
Engineering projects may cover machinery, manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, environmental solutions and industrial systems.
Mathematics
This may include financial modelling, data analysis, decision-support systems and businesses based on mathematical innovation.
Medical Sciences
Healthcare technology, public-health solutions, medical devices and products improving healthcare delivery may qualify.
Applicants should explain clearly how their venture fits within an eligible area instead of selecting a category that does not genuinely describe the business.
What applicants should prepare
The official portal indicates that applicants will need to submit business information, a pitch video and a funding request.
Before starting the application, prepare:
Proof of current enrolment in NOUN.
CAC registration documents.
A clear and realistic business plan.
Details of founders and team members.
A concise pitch video.
Evidence that the solution has progressed beyond the idea stage.
A breakdown of how the requested funds will be used.
Implementation milestones.
Key performance indicators.
Evidence of existing users, testing, revenue or impact where available.
Accurate contact and identification information.
How the selection process works
Applications will undergo multiple review rounds.
Projects that advance through the process may receive structured feedback and participate in a validation stage intended to improve the solution and strengthen its business model.
Approved ventures will receive funding in tranches after achieving specified milestones. Applicants should therefore avoid treating the grant as a single unrestricted payment.
Funding remains subject to approval, verification and continued performance.
How to apply
Follow these steps:
Visit the official Student Venture Capital Grant portal.
Select the student application option.
Create an account with a valid email address.
Complete your student and founder information.
Enter accurate details about the business or innovation.
Upload the required documents and pitch video.
State the amount requested and explain how it will be spent.
Provide realistic milestones and measurable targets.
Review the entire application before submitting it.
Save your application confirmation and login information.
Applicants can proceed directly to the official student registration page.
Mistakes that could weaken an application
Avoid:
Submitting an undeveloped idea without evidence.
Applying without a CAC-registered business.
Making unrealistic financial projections.
Requesting funds without a clear expenditure plan.
Copying another company’s business plan.
Uploading false academic or business documents.
Paying unofficial agents who promise guaranteed approval.
Waiting until the application portal is about to close.
Has a closing date been announced?
At the time this information was verified, the official portal displayed the opening date of 24 August 2026 but did not clearly publish an application deadline.
Interested students should apply early and continue checking the official portal for any closing date or additional instruction.
NOUN Update will publish an update if the Federal Ministry of Education announces a deadline or materially changes the application requirements.
Important scam warning
Use only websites ending in education.gov.ng for this application.
Do not send money, passwords, sensitive documents or verification codes to anyone claiming they can guarantee your selection.
This is a competitive funding opportunity. NOUN Update does not select beneficiaries and cannot guarantee that any applicant will receive funding.
Eligible NOUN student founders should begin preparing their documents, business plans, pitch videos and milestone information immediately.
