PTDF Postgraduate Scholarships to Study Abroad 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a Federal Government agency mandated to build indigenous human capacity and advance petroleum technology in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, invites applications for the 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarship Scheme to selected universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.

The scheme provides eligible candidates with the opportunity to pursue approved postgraduate programmes at designated partner institutions abroad, offering access to world-class education, advanced research facilities, and global expertise.

Key Information for Applicants

1. Strategic Partnerships
For the 2026 award cycle, applications will be limited strictly to PTDF-approved partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. This restriction ensures the maintenance of high scholarship standards and the effective achievement of the Scheme’s strategic objectives.

2. Approved Courses
The complete list of sponsored courses, along with application forms, is available on the PTDF scholarship portal.

3. UK PhD Programmes to Run as Split-Site at CPESK
In line with its commitment to strengthening local capacity and domesticating critical components of its human capital development initiatives, PTDF has established the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK).

CPESK is being developed as a centre of excellence for postgraduate education, cutting-edge research, and strong industry–academia collaboration.

Consequently, for the 2026 academic session, PhD scholarships in the United Kingdom will be offered exclusively under a split-site arrangement. Successful candidates will conduct their research by alternating residency between CPESK and the following UK partner universities:

• Robert Gordon University
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Portsmouth

PTDF Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships – Benefits

The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Return air tickets
• Health insurance coverage
• Full tuition and bench fees (where applicable)
• Allowances to cover accommodation and living expenses

Requirements for PTDF Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships

A. MSc Applicants

Applicants for the MSc scholarship must:

• Possess a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1) in their first degree, or Second Class Lower (2:2) with relevant industry experience
• Have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme
• Be computer literate
• Possess a minimum of five (5) O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
• Submit a Statement of Purpose (not exceeding 500 words) clearly outlining:
  • The rationale for the proposed course of study
  • Its relevance to the oil and gas industry
  • The expected contribution to national development
• Have a National Identity Number (NIN) and ensure it is fully verified prior to application (NIMC verification charges apply)

B. PhD Applicants

Applicants for the PhD category must:

• Have completed the mandatory NYSC programme
• Be computer literate
• Possess at least five (5) O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
• Hold a minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) in their first degree and a good postgraduate qualification
• Submit a research proposal relevant to the oil and gas industry (maximum of five (5) pages), covering:
  • Research topic
  • Introduction and background
  • Objectives
  • Methodology
  • Data collection approach
• Possess a valid NIN and ensure it is fully verified prior to application (NIMC verification charges apply)

Additional Requirement for Lecturers:
All applicants who are lecturers must submit a letter from their Vice-Chancellor confirming that they are not currently benefiting from any other scholarship scheme.

Selection Process

PTDF scholarships are highly competitive, and only candidates who demonstrate exceptional merit and suitability will be shortlisted.

Following an initial screening based on submitted credentials, the top candidates in each category from every State will be invited for an interview. The selection committee will assess applicants based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

• Academic excellence (quality of degrees, complete academic transcripts, and relevant professional qualifications)
• Relevant academic publications (PhD applicants only)
• Membership of recognised professional bodies
• Feasibility and relevance of the proposed study plan or research proposal
• Alignment of prior academic training with the proposed programme or research
• Relevance of the proposed study to the oil and gas industry

Important Notes

Applicants are advised to carefully note the following:

• The scholarship is for the 2026 academic session only
• Applications are restricted to PTDF-approved courses at PTDF partner institutions
• Scholarships will be awarded strictly for programmes aligned with PTDF’s mandate; applications for non-relevant programmes may be disqualified
• The proposed course of study must align with the applicant’s academic background
• PhD applicants under the PTDF/DAAD partnership in Germany must secure a research supervisor before the final selection interview
• Multiple applications will lead to automatic disqualification
• Submission of illegible or falsified documents will result in automatic disqualification
• Candidates previously sponsored by PTDF for a particular category (MSc or PhD) are not eligible to apply again for the same or a lower category
• Shortlisted candidates invited for interview will be required to present original academic transcripts; applicants are advised to make these available in advance

Application Documents

Mandatory Documents

Applicants must scan and upload clear copies of the following documents during the online application process:

• First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
• NYSC Discharge Certificate
• WAEC, GCE, SSCE, or NECO results, including relevant PIN(s) for online verification
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Local Government Identification Letter
• Master’s Degree Certificate (PhD applicants only)
• Evidence of membership in relevant professional associations

How to Apply

Interested and eligible applicants should visit: Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) on scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng to apply

The complete list of sponsored courses, along with the application forms, is available on the scholarship portal and can be accessed by clicking the link above. 

For further inquiries and information kindly visit: Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

27th February, 2026