PTDF Overseas Scholarship 2026 Application Guide | Fully Funded MSc & PhD for Nigerians
Apply for PTDF Overseas Scholarship 2026 – Fully funded MSc & PhD programmes for Nigerians in UK, Germany, France & Malaysia, etc..
PTDF Overseas Scholarship 2026 Application Guide | Fully Funded MSc & PhD for Nigerians
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund has officially announced the 2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme, offering Nigerian students a fully funded opportunity to pursue Master’s and PhD programmes at prestigious universities across the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about this competitive scholarship programme.
What is the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme?
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is a Federal Government agency responsible for developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The scholarship programme provides exceptional Nigerian graduates with access to world-class training, cutting-edge research facilities, and international expertise while building local capacity for the nation’s energy industry.
The 2026 award cycle focuses on strategic partnerships with selected institutions where PTDF maintains confidence in academic standards and programme delivery.
Read Also: ANSO Scholarship in China 2026: Fully Funded Masters & PhD Programs (How to Apply)
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
The PTDF Overseas Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support covering:
- Return flight tickets to and from your study destination
- Full tuition fees for approved programmes
- Health insurance coverage throughout your study period
- Living allowances for accommodation and daily expenses
- Bench fees where applicable for research programmes
This fully funded package ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their academic pursuits without financial burdens.
Eligible Countries and Universities for 2026
Applications for the 2026 award are restricted to PTDF partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. These strategic partnerships guarantee that scholarship standards remain high and programme objectives are achieved.
UK PhD Split-Site Programme
An important development for 2026 is the PhD scholarship structure for the United Kingdom. PhD scholarships in the United Kingdom will be limited to split-site programmes only, under which successful candidates will undertake research by splitting residency between CPESK and designated UK partner universities.
The three designated UK partner institutions are:
- Robert Gordon University
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Portsmouth
The College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) serves as the Nigerian base for this innovative programme, positioning itself as a center for world-class postgraduate education and industry-academia partnerships.
Approved Courses and Programmes
Scholarships will only be awarded for studies relevant to PTDF’s mandate, primarily focused on disciplines within the oil and gas sector. The complete list of sponsored courses is available through the official scholarship portal.
Beyond core petroleum engineering disciplines, management and law programmes may also be considered due to their relevance to industry operations and governance.
The proposed course must align with your previous academic background to ensure continuity and expertise development.
Eligibility Requirements
For MSc Applicants
To qualify for a Master’s degree scholarship, you must:
- Possess a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in your first degree, or Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
- Have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme
- Demonstrate computer literacy
- Possess five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics
- Submit a Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) explaining your study rationale, its relevance to the oil and gas industry, and expected contribution to national development
- Have a National Identity Number (NIN) fully verified before application
For PhD Applicants
PhD candidates must meet these requirements:
- Hold a minimum Second Class Lower (2.2) in their first degree and a good postgraduate degree
- Have completed NYSC
- Possess five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics
- Submit a comprehensive research proposal (up to five pages) outlining objectives, methodology, and data collection approaches
- Provide relevant publications where available
- Have a fully verified National Identity Number (NIN)
Special note for PTDF/DAAD partnership applicants pursuing PhD studies in Germany: you must secure a research supervisor before the final selection interviews.
Selection Process and Criteria
The PTDF emphasised that the scheme is highly competitive and will select candidates based on academic merit, quality of research proposals, professional body memberships, and the relevance of studies to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The selection process involves:
- Initial Screening: Applications are reviewed based on submitted qualifications and documents
- State-Level Shortlisting: Top applicants from each category in every state receive interview invitations
- Interview Assessment: A selection committee evaluates candidates using multiple criteria
Assessment Criteria Include:
- Academic merit demonstrated through degree quality, complete transcripts, and professional qualifications
- Relevant publications (required for PhD applicants)
- Membership in professional bodies
- Viability and relevance of the study plan or research proposal
- Alignment of previous studies with the oil and gas industry and proposed programme
Required Documents
Applicants must scan and attach the following documents to their online application:
- WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results with PINs for online verification
- Complete academic transcripts from all tertiary institutions attended
- Degree certificates
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
- National Identity Number (NIN) verification
- Statement of Purpose or Research Proposal
- Professional membership certificates (if applicable)
- Publications (for PhD applicants)
Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and authentic. Submission of any illegible or falsified documents as part of the application will result in automatic disqualification.
Application Process
Step 1: Verify Your NIN
Before beginning your application, ensure your National Identity Number is fully verified. NIMC verification charges apply, and you must complete this step before accessing the application portal.
Step 2: Access the Application Portal
Visit the official PTDF scholarship portal at: https://scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng/guidelines
Step 3: Select Approved Programme
Choose from PTDF-approved courses at partner institutions. The full list is available on the scholarship portal.
Step 4: Complete Online Application
Fill out the online application form accurately and upload all required documents in the specified formats.
Step 5: Submit Before Deadline
The deadline for submission is February 27, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Important Application Guidelines
- Single Application Only: Multiple applications will result in automatic disqualification
- Programme Relevance: Apply only for programmes relevant to PTDF’s mandate in the oil and gas sector
- Academic Consistency: The proposed course of study must be consistent with the applicant’s prior academic background
- Previous Sponsorship: Candidates previously sponsored by the Fund for a scholarship category (MSc/PhD) are ineligible to apply again for the same or lower category
- Document Authenticity: Any falsified documentation leads to immediate disqualification
Tips for a Successful Application
Craft a Compelling Statement of Purpose
Your statement should clearly articulate why you want to pursue the programme, how it relates to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and your expected contribution to national development. Be specific, authentic, and demonstrate genuine passion for your field.
Ensure Document Quality
All scanned documents must be clear and readable. Poor quality scans may lead to rejection during the screening process.
Meet All Requirements
Review the eligibility criteria carefully and ensure you meet every requirement before applying. Missing documentation or unmet criteria will disqualify your application.
Apply Early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Technical issues can occur, and early submission gives you time to address any problems that may arise.
Research Your Proposed Programme
Demonstrate thorough knowledge of your chosen programme and how it aligns with both your career goals and national development needs.
What Makes PTDF Scholarships Competitive?
The programme’s highly selective nature stems from:
- Limited slots compared to the volume of applications (the 2025 cycle received 29,633 applications with 5,723 candidates shortlisted)
- Strict academic and professional standards
- Focus on candidates who can demonstrate exceptional merit across multiple criteria
- Emphasis on relevance to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector development
External Resources
For additional information about studying abroad and scholarship opportunities, visit:
- EducationUSA Nigeria – Comprehensive guidance on international education opportunities
- British Council Nigeria – Information about UK education and scholarship programmes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the PTDF Overseas Scholarship 2026?
Nigerian citizens with a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) degree for MSc or good postgraduate qualifications for PhD, who have completed NYSC and possess verified NIN can apply. Applicants must also have five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics.
2. When is the application deadline for PTDF Scholarship 2026?
The application deadline is February 27, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
3. Which countries are covered under the 2026 PTDF Overseas Scholarship?
The scholarship covers studies in four countries: United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia at PTDF partner universities only.
4. What does the PTDF scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded and covers return flight tickets, full tuition fees, health insurance, living allowances for accommodation and daily expenses, and bench fees where applicable.
5. Can I apply for multiple programmes under PTDF Scholarship 2026?
No. Multiple applications will result in automatic disqualification. You must choose one programme and submit a single application.
6. What is the split-site PhD programme for UK universities?
PhD candidates studying in the UK will split their research time between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) in Nigeria and designated partner universities in the United Kingdom (Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde, or University of Portsmouth).
7. Do I need to have an admission letter before applying?
No, you do not need an admission letter to apply. However, you must apply through PTDF
