Application Deadline: 27th February 2026
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a federal agency committed to enhancing indigenous expertise and advancing petroleum technology in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, has officially opened applications for its 2026/2027 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme. This prestigious scholarship targets both Master’s and PhD candidates aiming to pursue advanced studies at select international universities. The 2026 edition specifically focuses on study opportunities within PTDF’s partner institutions located in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia, where the Fund is confident that scholarship standards will be upheld and the program’s objectives optimally fulfilled.
Scholarship Overview
The PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship is designed to support Nigerian graduates by providing full funding for specialized Master’s and Doctoral degree programs abroad. This initiative facilitates access to exceptional academic training, cutting-edge research facilities, and global expertise, ultimately empowering recipients to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Available Courses and Universities
Applicants can find the complete list of eligible courses and download application forms via the official scholarship portal at https://scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng/guidelines. For PhD candidates interested in the UK, the scholarships will be limited to split-site programs in partnership with the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK). This arrangement allows scholars to conduct research partly in Nigeria at CPESK and partly at one of the designated UK universities:
- Robert Gordon University
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Portsmouth
By fostering this split-site model, PTDF aims to bolster local capacity, promote research excellence, and strengthen collaborations between academia and industry within Nigeria.
Selection Process, Eligibility, and Criteria
The PTDF scholarships are highly competitive, reserved for candidates who exhibit exceptional academic achievements and align with the Fund’s goals. The selection procedure involves initial screening of submitted credentials, after which top applicants from each state will be invited to an interview conducted by a selection committee. Evaluation factors include (but are not limited to):
- Academic excellence demonstrated through degree classification, transcripts, and relevant professional qualifications
- Relevant publications for PhD applicants
- Membership in professional organizations
- Feasibility and significance of the proposed study or research plan
- Alignment of previous academic background with oil and gas industry needs and the chosen program
Eligibility Requirements
A) For MSc Applicants:
- Must hold at least a Second Class Upper (2.1) degree or a Second Class Lower (2.2) accompanied by relevant work experience in the industry
- Completion of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program
- Competence in computer literacy
- Possession of five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics
- Submission of a Statement of Purpose (up to 500 words) explaining the reason for study, its relevance to the oil and gas sector, and anticipated contribution to national development
- Must have a National Identity Number (NIN), fully verified before application (note that NIMC verification fees apply)
B) For PhD Applicants:
- Must have completed the NYSC program
- Computer literacy is required
- Possession of five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics
- Hold at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) undergraduate degree as well as a quality postgraduate degree
- Submission of a research proposal (maximum five pages) relevant to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, encompassing: topic, background/introduction, objectives, methodology, and data collection strategy
- Possess a verified National Identity Number (NIN) before applying (NIMC verification fees apply)
- Lecturers applying for scholarships must also provide a letter from their Vice-Chancellor confirming they are not currently sponsored by any other scholarship scheme
Mandatory Documents for Application
Applicants must upload clear, scanned copies of the following documents during the online application process:
- First Degree Certificate or official Statement of Result
- NYSC Discharge Certificate
- Original WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results along with relevant PINs for online verification
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Local Government Identification Letter
- Master’s Degree Certificate (PhD candidates only)
- Proof of membership in relevant professional bodies
Important Guidelines and Additional Information
- This scholarship targets the 2026 academic session only.
- Applicants must choose from PTDF-approved courses at designated partner institutions.
- Only programs pertinent to the oil and gas sector under PTDF’s mandate qualify; those applying for unrelated courses risk disqualification.
- The chosen study must logically follow the applicant’s previous academic background.
- PhD applicants applying for the PTDF/DAAD partnership in Germany must secure a research supervisor before the final interview phase.
- Submitting more than one application will automatically disqualify the applicant.
- Any attempt to upload illegible or falsified documents will result in disqualification.
- Applicants previously sponsored by PTDF at the same or lower scholarship level are ineligible to reapply for that category.
- Shortlisted candidates invited for interviews must have their academic transcripts ready for presentation.
For comprehensive details and to apply, please Visit the Official Webpage of the PTDF Overseas Postgraduate (Masters & PhD) Scholarship.
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