The Federal Government, through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), has officially commenced the application process for its 2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme. This fully-funded initiative offers Nigerian graduates a golden opportunity to pursue Master's (MSc) and Doctorate (PhD) degrees at prestigious partner universities abroad.
Scholarship Scope and Partner Institutions
The 2026 scholarship programme is restricted to PTDF's partner universities in four countries: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. This strategic limitation is designed to ensure quality assurance and guarantee that the core objectives of building indigenous capacity for Nigeria's oil and gas sector are fully met. Interested candidates must apply exclusively through the official PTDF scholarship portal for pre-approved programmes at these institutions.
The comprehensive scholarship package is designed to remove all financial barriers for successful candidates. It covers return international flight tickets, comprehensive health insurance, full tuition and bench fees, as well as monthly allowances for accommodation and living expenses. The fund will only consider courses of study that are directly aligned with its mandate in the oil and gas industry.
Unique Split-Site Model for UK PhD Awards
In a significant development for the 2026 cycle, PTDF has confirmed that all PhD scholarships for the United Kingdom will be offered strictly on a split-site basis. This model is a key part of the agency's effort to strengthen local research capacity.
Under this arrangement, PhD beneficiaries will divide their research residency between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies (CPESK) in Kaduna and selected UK partner universities, which include Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Portsmouth. This approach aims to position CPESK as a central hub for postgraduate education and advanced research within Nigeria's energy sector.
Eligibility and Competitive Selection Process
PTDF has described the scholarship as highly competitive, with selection based purely on merit and suitability. The application process involves multiple stages. After an initial screening, the top candidates from each state of the federation will be shortlisted for interviews before a selection committee.
The assessment criteria are rigorous:
- Academic excellence and professional qualifications.
- The relevance of the proposed study or research to the oil and gas industry.
- For PhD applicants, the quality of the research proposal and any existing publications.
- Membership in relevant professional bodies will be an added advantage.
Basic eligibility requirements are mandatory for all applicants:
- MSc applicants must have a minimum of a Second Class Upper (2:1) degree. Those with a Second Class Lower may apply if they possess relevant post-graduation industry experience.
- PhD applicants must hold at least a Second Class Lower degree and a strong postgraduate qualification.
- Completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
- Computer literacy and five O'Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
- A verified National Identity Number (NIN).
Applicants must upload clear copies of all required documents, including academic certificates, transcripts, and NYSC discharge certificates, during the online application. The PTDF has issued a stern warning that multiple applications, submission of falsified documents, or applications for non-approved programmes will lead to immediate disqualification.
The portal for applications is now open, and the final deadline for submission is 27 February 2026. Prospective applicants are urged to visit the official PTDF website for detailed guidelines and to commence their applications promptly.
