Call for Applications: PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 | UK, Germany, France & Malaysia
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF)—a Federal Government agency charged with developing indigenous human capacity and advancing petroleum technology for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry—invites applications for its 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarship Programme.
The scheme provides qualified Nigerian candidates with the opportunity to pursue selected postgraduate programmes at PTDF partner universities abroad, offering access to world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and global industry expertise.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will enjoy the following benefits:
- Return flight tickets
- Health insurance coverage
- Tuition and bench fees (where applicable)
- Allowances for accommodation and living expenses
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Key Information for Applicants
1. Strategic Partnerships
For the 2026 award year, applications are restricted to PTDF partner universities in the following countries:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Malaysia
This restriction ensures the maintenance of high academic standards and alignment with the objectives of the PTDF Scholarship Scheme.
2. Courses
The complete list of approved courses, partner institutions, and application forms is available on the PTDF scholarship portal.
3. UK PhD Programme – Split-Site at CPESK
With the establishment of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), PTDF continues to strengthen local capacity and domesticate key components of its human capital development initiatives in line with national priorities.
CPESK is being positioned as a hub for world-class postgraduate training, impactful research, and strong industry–academia collaboration.
Accordingly, for the 2026 academic session, PhD scholarships in the United Kingdom will be offered strictly on a split-site basis, requiring successful candidates to divide their research residency between CPESK and the following UK partner universities:
- Robert Gordon University
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Portsmouth
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Selection Process, Criteria, and Requirements
PTDF scholarships are highly competitive and awarded strictly on merit. Following an initial screening of applications, the top candidates from each state will be shortlisted and invited for interviews.
The selection committee will assess applicants based on (but not limited to):
- Academic merit and quality of qualifications
- Complete academic transcripts and relevant professional certifications
- Relevant publications (PhD applicants only)
- Membership of recognised professional bodies
- Viability and relevance of the study plan or research proposal
- Relevance of prior studies to the oil and gas industry
Eligibility Requirements
A. MSc Applicants Must:
- Possess a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in the first degree, or Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
- Have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
- Be computer literate
- Possess five (5) O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
- Submit a Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) outlining:
- Rationale for the proposed study
- Relevance to the oil and gas industry
- Expected contribution to national development
- Possess a National Identity Number (NIN) that is fully verified prior to application (NIMC verification charges apply)
B. PhD Applicants Must:
- Have completed the NYSC
- Be computer literate
- Possess five (5) O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
- Hold at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) in the first degree and a good postgraduate degree
- Submit a research proposal (maximum five pages) relevant to the oil and gas industry, covering:
- Topic
- Background
- Objectives
- Methodology
- Data collection approach
- Possess a verified NIN prior to application
Additional Requirement for Lecturers:
All academic staff must submit a letter from their Vice-Chancellor confirming that they are not currently benefiting from any other scholarship.
Mandatory Documents
Applicants must upload clear and legible copies of the following documents during the online application:
- First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
- NYSC Discharge Certificate
- WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results with relevant PIN(s) for online verification
- Recent passport photograph
- Local Government Identification Letter
- Master’s Degree Certificate (PhD applicants only)
- Evidence of membership of relevant professional bodies
Important Notes
Applicants should carefully note the following:
- The scholarship is for the 2026 academic session
- Applications are limited to PTDF-approved courses and partner institutions
- Only programmes relevant to PTDF’s mandate will be considered
- The proposed course must align with the applicant’s academic background
- PhD applicants under the PTDF/DAAD (Germany) partnership must secure a research supervisor before final selection
- Multiple applications will result in automatic disqualification
- Submission of falsified or illegible documents will lead to disqualification
- Candidates previously sponsored by PTDF for a particular category (MSc or PhD) are ineligible to apply again for the same or a lower category
- Shortlisted candidates must present original academic transcripts at the interview stage
Application Deadline: 27th February 2026
(Six weeks from the date of publication)
