PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship 2026-2027 for Masters & PhD Study (Fully Funded)

Nigerian graduates seeking fully funded opportunities to study abroad can now apply for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme 2026/2027.

The scholarship, funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, supports Master’s and PhD studies at selected partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia, with a focus on building indigenous capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

PTDF is offering the scholarship strictly for approved courses at its partner institutions, ensuring access to quality education, advanced research facilities, and global expertise aligned with national development priorities.

Study Destinations

Successful applicants will study at PTDF partner universities located in:

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Malaysia

For the 2026 academic year, applications are limited to these countries to maintain scholarship standards and programme objectives.

UK PhD Split-Site Arrangement

PhD scholarships in the United Kingdom will be offered strictly as split-site programmes.

Selected candidates will divide their research residency between:

• College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), Nigeria, and
• One of the following UK partner universities:
  • Robert Gordon University
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Portsmouth

This model strengthens local research capacity while maintaining international collaboration.

Courses Available

The full list of PTDF-approved courses and application forms is available via the scholarship portal.

Applicants are advised to apply only for programmes relevant to the oil and gas industry.

Eligibility Requirements

For MSc Applicants

Applicants must:

• Hold a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1), or Second Class Lower (2:2) with relevant industry experience
• Have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
• Be computer literate
• Possess five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
• Submit a Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) explaining:
  • Rationale for the proposed study
  • Relevance to the oil and gas industry
  • Expected contribution to national development
• Have a verified National Identity Number (NIN)

For PhD Applicants

Applicants must:

• Have completed NYSC
• Possess at least a Second Class Lower (2:2) in the first degree and a good postgraduate degree
• Be computer literate
• Possess five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
• Submit a research proposal (maximum 5 pages) relevant to the oil and gas industry, covering:
  • Topic
  • Background
  • Objectives
  • Methodology
  • Data collection approach
• Have a verified NIN

Lecturers must also submit a letter from their Vice-Chancellor confirming they are not benefiting from another scholarship.

Selection Process

PTDF scholarships are highly competitive.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews after initial screening. Selection is based on:

• Academic merit
• Relevance of prior studies and proposed programme
• Professional qualifications and memberships
• Research publications (for PhD applicants)
• Viability of the study plan or research proposal

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Required Documents

Applicants must upload clear copies of the following:

• Academic certificates or statements of result
• NYSC discharge certificate
• WAEC/GCE/NECO results with verification PINs
• Recent passport photograph
• Local government identification letter
• Master’s degree certificate (PhD applicants only)
• Evidence of professional body membership

Important Notes

• Multiple applications will result in automatic disqualification
• Illegible or falsified documents will lead to disqualification
• Applicants previously sponsored by PTDF for the same or lower category are not eligible
• PhD applicants under the PTDF/DAAD partnership in Germany must secure a research supervisor before interviews

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027 is 27 February 2026.

APPLY FOR THE PTDF OVERSEAS POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP