The Nigerian Defence Academy is accepting applications for its regular course from 28 Nov 2025 to 30 Apr 2026. Applicants are advised to follow the outlined steps to successfully complete their application process.
When is the Application Deadline:
30 April 2026
Tell Me About the Program:
The Student Venture Capital Program (S-VCG) is a Federal Government initiative under the Federal Ministry of Education designed to support innovative student-led businesses with funding, validation, and national visibility. It aims to empower young entrepreneurs across Nigeria by providing seed capital and structured support to accelerate their business ideas.
Read Also:
- PalmPay Flagship Scholarship Programme 2025 for Bayero University Kano (BUK) Students — ₦500,000 Award for 20 Students
- The US and Canada are losing international students to Asia and Europe
- The King’s Foundation Oxford DPhil Scholarships 2026/2027 (Nature, Health & Wellbeing Research Opportunity at the University of Oxford)
- NOVA Bank Graduate Trainee Program 2026 | Launch Your Banking Career in Nigeria
- Rise Academy Tech Internship Program 2025 | Paid Tech Training for Young Africans
- How to Apply for Bachelors and Masters Programmes at the University of Luxembourg: A Step-by-Step Guide
Which Fields Are Eligible?
All fields are eligible — students from any discipline can apply as long as they have a viable business idea or startup.
Type:
Entrepreneurship / Venture Capital Support Program (NOT an award).
Who Can Apply?
- Undergraduate or postgraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions
- Student-led startups or business ideas
- Teams with at least one student founder
- Young entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding and mentorship
How Are Applicants Selected?
Applicants are selected based on:
- Strength and feasibility of the business idea
- Level of innovation and problem-solving potential
- Potential for national impact and scalability
- Team capability and readiness
- Participation in required validation stages and milestone reviews
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Nigeria only.
Where Will the Program Take Place?
Nigeria – with activities coordinated through the Federal Ministry of Education and designated innovation hubs.
How Many Slots?
Not explicitly stated, but the program supports multiple student-led ventures across the country through milestone-based funding cycles.
What is the Benefit of the Program?
- Seed funding for student-led startups
- National visibility
- Business validation and mentoring
- Access to government-backed support structures
- Participation in workshops, pitch events, and ecosystem networks
- Potential scaling through milestone-based funding
How Long Will the Program Last?
Varies by business cycle — funding and support are provided in phases based on progress milestones.
How to Apply:
- Visit the NDA application portal: www.ndaapplications.net
- Select “Purchase Access Code”
- Enter your details to generate your ORDER ID and RRR code
- Pay the application fee of N7,000 via Remita
- Complete the online form and follow all instructions on the portal.

