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The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has invited applications for its 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships.

PTDF, a Federal Government agency, stated that the scholarship scheme is designed to build indigenous human capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Successful candidates will be placed in approved programmes at selected partner universities abroad.

EducationNGR reports that the scheme remains highly competitive and merit-based.

What The Scholarship Covers

PTDF listed the following benefits for successful candidates:

• Return flight tickets

• Health insurance

• Tuition and bench fees (where applicable)

• Allowances for accommodation and living expenses

Partner Countries For 2026

For the 2026 award cycle, applications are restricted to PTDF partner universities in:

• The United Kingdom

• Germany

• France

• Malaysia

The Fund stated that standards at its partner institutions meet its expectations and align with the objectives of the scheme.

UK PhD: Split-Site Model At CPESK

PTDF explained that, following the establishment of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), UK PhD scholarships for 2026 will be limited to a split-site arrangement.

Under this model, scholars will divide their residency between CPESK and designated UK partner universities:

• Robert Gordon University

• University of Strathclyde

• University of Portsmouth

This structure is aimed at strengthening local capacity while maintaining international academic collaboration.

Selection Process

PTDF stated that its scholarships are awarded strictly on merit. After initial screening of qualifications, top applicants from each State will be invited for interviews.

The selection committee will assess candidates based on:

• Academic merit (degree classification, transcripts, professional qualifications)

• Relevant publications (PhD applicants only)

• Membership of professional bodies

• Viability and relevance of study plan or research proposal

• Alignment of prior studies with the oil and gas industry

MSc Requirements

Applicants for MSc must:

• Possess at least Second Class Upper (2.1), or Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience

• Have completed the mandatory NYSC

• Be computer literate

• Have five 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 verified National Identity Number (NIN)

PhD Requirements

Applicants for PhD must:

• Have completed NYSC

• Be computer literate

• Have five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics

• Possess at least Second Class Lower (2.2) in the first degree and a good postgraduate degree

• Submit a research proposal (maximum five pages) covering:

  • Topic

  • Introduction/background

  • Objectives

  • Methodology

  • Data collection approach

• Have a verified NIN

Lecturers are required to submit a letter from their Vice-Chancellors confirming they are not currently benefiting from another scholarship.

Mandatory Documents To Upload

Applicants must upload clear scanned copies of:

• First degree certificate or statement of result

• NYSC discharge certificate

• WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results with verification PIN(s)

• Recent passport photograph

• Local government identification letter

• Master’s degree certificate (PhD applicants only)

• Evidence of membership of professional associations

PTDF cautioned that illegible or falsified documents will result in automatic disqualification.

Important Notes

• The scholarship is for the 2026 academic session

• Applications are limited to PTDF-approved courses at partner institutions

• Proposed courses must align with the applicant’s academic background

• Multiple applications will lead to automatic disqualification

• Previously sponsored candidates are not eligible to apply for the same or lower category

• Shortlisted candidates must present academic transcripts at interview

• PhD applicants under the PTDF/DAAD partnership in Germany must secure a research supervisor before final interviews

Application Deadline

Applications close on 27 February 2026. Interested candidates are advised to submit their applications within the specified timeframe.

Summary Of Important Details