2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme – Apply Now

Application Deadline: 27th February 2026

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is calling for applications from eligible candidates for its 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships. As a Federal Government agency, PTDF holds the mandate to foster indigenous human capacity and advance petroleum technology within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

This programme grants scholars the chance to enrol in designated courses at selected international partner universities. Participants will benefit from top-tier training, gain access to advanced research facilities, and learn from global experts.

Scholarship Benefits include:
• Round-trip airfare
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Payment of tuition and applicable bench fees
• Monthly stipends for housing and general living costs

Interested individuals must submit their applications via the PTDF website, specifically for programmes approved at the Fund’s partner institutions.

Key Information for Applicants

1) Strategic Partnerships: To maintain high standards and best achieve the Scheme’s goals for the 2026 award cycle, applications will only be accepted for PTDF’s partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.

2) Courses: The scholarship portal provides access to the complete list of sponsored courses and the necessary application forms.

3) UK PhD to be Conducted as Split-Site at CPESK: A key strategic aim of PTDF is to strengthen local capacity and integrate crucial elements of its human capital development programmes within Nigeria, aligning with national priorities. This objective is advanced through the establishment of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK).

CPESK is being developed into a hub for excellence in postgraduate education, impactful research, and robust partnerships between industry and academia.

Consequently, for the 2026 academic session, PhD scholarships for the United Kingdom will again be offered solely as split-site programmes. Successful applicants under this arrangement will divide their research residency between CPESK and one of these designated UK partner universities:
• Robert Gordon University
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Portsmouth

Selection Process, Criteria and Requirements
The competition for PTDF scholarships is intense. Consideration will be given only to those candidates who exhibit exceptional merit and a strong fit for the programme.

An initial screening of submitted qualifications will be conducted, after which the highest-ranked applicants from every State in each category will receive interview invitations. Assessment by the selection committee will be based on criteria including, but not limited to:
• Academic excellence (assessed through degree classifications, full academic transcripts, and pertinent professional qualifications)
• Publication record (required for PhD applicants)
• Affiliation with professional organisations
• The feasibility and pertinence of the proposed study or research plan
• How closely the candidate’s prior studies align with the oil and gas industry and their chosen programme or research

Requirements

A) MSc Applicants must fulfil these conditions:
• Hold a first degree with a minimum classification of Second Class Upper (2.1), or a Second Class Lower (2.2) supplemented by relevant industry experience.
• Possess a certificate of completion from the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
• Demonstrate computer literacy.
• Have achieved a minimum of five (5) O’Level credit passes, which must include English Language and Mathematics.
• Provide a Statement of Purpose (not exceeding 500 words) that outlines:
the reason for pursuing the proposed study;
its connection to the oil and gas sector; and
the potential contribution to Nigeria’s development.
• Obtain and fully verify a National Identity Number (NIN) before applying (note that NIMC verification charges apply).

B) PhD Applicants must meet the following:
• Provide proof of completion of the mandatory NYSC.
• Be computer literate.
• Have five (5) O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics.
• Hold at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) in their first degree and a good Master’s degree.
• Submit a research proposal (maximum five pages) focused on the oil and gas industry, covering:

• Research Topic;
• Introduction and background;
• Research Objectives;
• Methodology; and
• Approach to Data collection.
• Possess a verified NIN prior to application (NIMC verification charges apply).

In addition:
• All applicants who are lecturers must include a letter from their institution’s Vice-Chancellor. This letter must confirm they are not recipients of any other scholarship at the time of application.

Required Documents (Mandatory)
As part of the online application process, candidates must scan and upload clear copies of these documents:
• First Degree Certificate or official Statement of Result
• NYSC Discharge Certificate
• WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results along with the necessary PIN(s) for online verification
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• A Letter of Identification from the Local Government Area
• Master’s Degree Certificate (for PhD applicants only)
• Proof of membership in relevant professional associations

Click here to apply

Important Notes
Applicants should also take note of these critical points:
• This scholarship is intended for the 2026 academic session.
• Applications are only valid for PTDF-approved courses offered at the Fund’s partner institutions.
• Awards will be granted exclusively for studies that align with PTDF’s mandate; programmes considered irrelevant to the oil and gas industry may lead to disqualification.
• The applicant’s prior academic background must logically support their proposed course of study.
• Those applying for a PhD scholarship under the PTDF/DAAD partnership in Germany must find and secure a research supervisor before the final selection interviews take place.
• Submitting more than one application will lead to immediate disqualification.
• The submission of any document that is illegible or has been falsified will result in automatic disqualification.
• Individuals who have previously received sponsorship from the Fund for a particular scholarship category (MSc or PhD) are not eligible to apply for the same or a lower category.
• Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview will need to present their original academic transcripts; preparing these in advance is strongly advised.

All applications must be submitted by 27th February 2026. This deadline falls six weeks from the date of this publication.