PTDF Opens 2026 Overseas MSc & PhD Scholarships for Nigerians
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has officially announced the opening of its 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships, aimed at developing Nigeria’s human capacity in the oil and gas sector. The scholarships, funded by the Federal Government, will place successful applicants in PTDF partner universities abroad in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
The deadline for applications is 27 February 2026.
What the PTDF Scholarship Offers
Successful candidates will enjoy a fully funded package that includes:
- Return flight tickets
- Health insurance
- Tuition and bench fees (where applicable)
- Allowances for accommodation and living expenses
The scholarship targets programmes aligned with PTDF’s mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and build local expertise.
Eligible Countries and Universities
For 2026, PTDF scholarships are restricted to its partner institutions in:
- United Kingdom – including split-site PhD programmes with CPESK Kaduna and UK universities: Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde, and University of Portsmouth
- Germany – PhD applicants under the PTDF/DAAD partnership must secure a research supervisor
- France
- Malaysia
PTDF assures that all partner universities meet the Fund’s scholarship standards.
MSc Scholarship Requirements
Applicants for MSc programmes must:
- Hold at least a Second Class Upper (2.1) or Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
- Have completed NYSC
- Be computer literate
- Possess five O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics
- Submit a Statement of Purpose (max 500 words) outlining the rationale, industry relevance, and expected contribution to national development
- Have a verified National Identity Number (NIN)
PhD Scholarship Requirements
PhD applicants must:
- Have completed NYSC
- Be computer literate
- Possess five O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics
- Hold a Second Class Lower (2.2) undergraduate degree and a relevant postgraduate degree
- Submit a research proposal (max 5 pages) detailing topic, background, objectives, methodology, and data collection approach
- Have a verified NIN
- Lecturers applying must include a Vice-Chancellor’s letter confirming they are not benefiting from any other scholarship
UK PhD Split-Site Model: Candidates will split residency between CPESK Kaduna and UK universities.
Application and Selection Process
PTDF scholarships are competitive. After initial screening, top applicants from each state will be invited for interviews. Selection criteria include:
- Academic merit and professional qualifications
- Relevance of prior studies to oil and gas
- Viability and industry relevance of proposed study or research
- Publications (PhD applicants only)
- Membership of professional bodies
Mandatory documents for upload during online application include first degree certificates, NYSC discharge, O’Level results, recent passport photo, local government ID, master’s certificate (PhD only), and proof of professional membership. PTDF warns that blurred or illegible uploads may lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
- The scholarship is for the 2026 academic session
- Applications are limited to PTDF-approved courses at partner institutions
- Multiple applications or submission of falsified documents will lead to automatic disqualification
- Previous PTDF scholarship recipients are ineligible for the same or lower category
How to Apply
Applicants can access the full list of sponsored courses and application forms via the PTDF scholarship portal for courses and forms. All submissions must be completed before 27 February 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit: PTDF Scholarship Portal
You may also like to read: Nigerians Eligible for 2026 COMSATS University Islamabad Scholarship
