All posts by Education NGR Staff

Applications have opened for the 2026 edition of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation Global Citizen Scholarship Programme, marking the ninth round of the initiative aimed at empowering young leaders committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The programme is organised by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future and is delivered fully online. It targets young global citizens prepared to design and implement local changemaker projects aligned with one or more of the SDGs.

EducationNGR reports that selected participants will not only execute community-based projects but will also take part in a summer school, peer-to-peer mentoring sessions, and expert-led trainings and workshops.

Target Participants And Eligible Countries

The scholarship will select 16 young changemakers aged between 20 and 35 years from the following regions:

Africa

Cameroon, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Middle East

Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE

South Asia

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Southeast Asia

Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam

Scholarship Benefits And Programme Structure

Over a period of eight to nine months, selected scholars will deepen their understanding of Agenda 2030 and the SDGs, while also building expertise in entrepreneurship for sustainable development and expanding their professional networks.

The programme offers:

• Full cost coverage for a two-week summer school training at Management Center Innsbruck

• Coverage for expert-led workshops

• A peer-to-peer mentoring component

• Seed funding of 500 EUR to support a changemaker project (released after successful submission of a project proposal)

• A certificate of achievement upon successful completion, signed by Ban Ki-moon and Heinz Fischer

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of one of the listed eligible countries

• Be aged 20 to 35 at the time of application

• Have completed at least a Master’s degree (in exceptional cases, completion of the first year of a Master’s programme may suffice)

• Demonstrate strong commitment to the SDGs and global citizenship

• Possess a minimum English proficiency level of B2 (European standards)

Application And Required Documents

During the nomination process, applicants will provide:

• Personal details, including education and language competence

• Professional information such as organisation and role

• Changemaker project information, including SDGs addressed and implementation strategy

At the final stage, applicants must upload:

• A motivational statement

• A portrait photograph (JPEG or PNG format)

• A short introduction video (maximum 60 seconds, MP4 or MOV format)

• Curriculum Vitae

• Project outline

Applications must be submitted through the official online application form. After submission, candidates will receive a confirmation email. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further steps.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submission is 4 March 2026.

Summary Of Key Details

Applications have commenced for the 2026/2027 Commonwealth Distance Learning Masters Scholarship, a fully funded opportunity for students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries to study part-time Master’s programmes with UK universities.

The Commonwealth Distance Learning programme is one of three Master’s pathways administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. The Commission manages the UK government’s scholarship scheme in line with international development objectives under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.

EducationNGR reports that the distance learning route allows scholars to remain in their home countries while studying with approved UK institutions.

What The Scholarship Covers

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship provides financial support for:

• Full tuition fees

• Study grants where required

Applicants are advised not to hold other scholarships, awards, or bursaries covering the same costs at the same time. Candidates should confirm this before submitting their applications.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of, or have refugee status from, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person

• Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country

• Hold, by September 2026, a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard

• Present a lower qualification only where supported by sufficient relevant professional experience (in specific cases)

• Demonstrate inability to afford the programme without financial assistance

• Provide all required supporting documents in the prescribed format

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Academic merit

• Quality of the proposed study plan

• Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country

Application Deadline And Study Commencement

The deadline for submission is 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Successful candidates will begin their studies in September/October 2026.

Interested applicants are required to apply through the official online portal of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Summary Of Key Details

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