The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is inviting applications for its 2026/2027 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship for Masters and PhD programs. This prestigious scholarship aims to build local expertise and advance Nigeria’s oil and gas sector by providing scholars with world-class education and research opportunities at selected international partner universities.
For 2026/2027, the scholarship covers postgraduate studies at approved institutions in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. The program provides access to advanced academic resources, research facilities, and global exposure to prepare scholars for impactful careers in the energy and petroleum industry.
PhD applicants for the UK are expected to participate in split-site programs, combining research at their home institution, the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), with study at one of PTDF’s UK partner universities.
Eligibility Criteria
Masters Applicants
- Minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in a first degree, or Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant work experience
- Completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
- Proficient in computer skills
- Five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics
- Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) outlining: rationale for the study, relevance to the oil and gas sector, and expected contribution to national development
- Valid National Identity Number (NIN)
PhD Applicants
- Completion of NYSC
- Computer literate
- Five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics
- Minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) in both first degree and Master’s degree
- Research proposal related to the oil and gas sector (maximum 5 pages) covering: topic, introduction, objectives, methodology, and data collection strategy
- Valid NIN
- Letter from Vice-Chancellor confirming no concurrent scholarship
Additional Notes
- Applicants must ensure proposed programs align with PTDF’s mandate
- Multiple applications or falsified documents will lead to disqualification
- Previous PTDF scholars are not eligible to reapply for the same or lower-level program
Benefits
- Tuition fees at PTDF-approved overseas universities
- Access to international research and academic resources
- Opportunity to gain global exposure and professional networks in the oil and gas industry
- Support for split-site research programs for PhD candidates in the UK, combining CPESK and partner university studies
Application Process
- Visit the PTDF scholarship portal to review the list of approved courses: scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng
- Prepare mandatory documents including degree certificates, NYSC certificate, O’Level results, passport photograph, local government identification, and membership proof of professional associations (PhD candidates also require Master’s degree certificate)
- Submit the application online before the deadline
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews based on academic merit, relevance of research/study plan, and suitability for the oil and gas sector
Deadlines
- Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
- Program: 2026/2027 Academic Session
Official Link
PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Portal
https://scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng
