Applications are now open for the 2026 InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, designed for secondary school students across Nigeria. This prestigious competition offers winners up to a five (5) year university scholarship, along with an annual stipend valued at ₦15,000,000 (Fifteen Million Naira).
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know including eligibility, benefits, application steps, and key deadlines.
InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host | Interswitch Nigeria |
| Type | Undergraduate Scholarships | Competition |
| Eligible Country | Nigeria |
| Rewards | Full Scholarship + Up to ₦15 Million Stipend + Laptop |
| IELTS Requirement | Not Required |
| Application Deadline | May 24, 2026 |
About the InterswitchSPAK Competition
The InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition 8.0 is currently open to secondary school students in Nigeria.
Recognized as the largest STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) competition in Nigeria, it is designed to discover and support young scientific talents and innovators across the country.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 competition, applicants must:
- Be a Year 11 (SS2) student
- Be between the ages of 14 and 17 years
Registration & Selection Process
Here’s how the process works:
Registration Details
- Registration is completely free
- Deadline for registration: 11:59 PM, Friday, May 22, 2026
- Schools can register up to 20 SS2 science students
- Mixed schools must include at least 2 female students
Exam Format
- The qualifying exam is fully online (CBT)
- Students can take the exam:
- At school
- From home
- Or any convenient location
Exam Schedule
- Dates: June 9 – June 16, 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Candidates can choose their preferred date and time
- Each student has two attempts, and the best score is recorded
Benefits of the InterswitchSPAK 2026
First Prize
- 5-year university scholarship
- Annual stipend of ₦15,000,000
- Brand-new laptop
- National recognition as the top science student
Second Prize
- 5-year university scholarship
- Annual stipend of ₦10,000,000
- Brand-new laptop
Third Prize
- 5-year university scholarship worth ₦5,000,000
- Brand-new laptop
Additional Rewards
- Laptops and prizes for the top 9 finalists
- Cash rewards for teachers of top-performing students
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Register Online
Begin your application by registering on the official competition platform.
Step 2: Choose Registration Type
There are two registration options:
1. Individual Registration
- Parents or guardians can register students directly
- Suitable for:
- Homeschooled students
- Students whose schools are not participating
2. School Registration
- Schools must register:
- Minimum: 6 students
- Maximum: 20 students
- Schools are encouraged to submit their best science students (SS2)
- Mixed schools must include at least 2 female students
Competition Stages Explained
Stage 1: Initial Online Examination
- All registered candidates take part
- Conducted online within the scheduled period
Stage 2: Second Qualifying Round
- Only students who score 75% and above advance
- The top 81 students move to the next phase
Stage 3: TV Quiz Show
- The best candidates compete in a televised quiz stage
Exam Structure Details
- The exam runs for 5 days
- Each day lasts 8 hours
- Students can select any convenient time within the window
Additional features:
- A 5-minute demo session is provided before the test
- Each student has two attempts, with the higher score counted
Important Deadline
- Application Deadline: May 24, 2026