FG Opens Applications for 2026 PTDF Overseas Scholarships for MSc and PhD Programmes

FG has opened applications for 2026 PTDF Overseas Scholarships for MSc and PhD Programmes.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme.

The announcement was made via a statement published on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the PTDF.

The Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS) is aimed at developing indigenous human capacity to support the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Scholarship details

According to the PTDF, the 2026 scholarship will cover both MSc and PhD programmes and is limited to PTDF partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.

The Fund explained that the restriction to these countries is based on its assessment that academic standards will be maintained and that the objectives of the scheme will be best achieved through strategic partnerships with selected institutions.

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For PhD candidates in the UK, the PTDF stated that the programme will adopt a split-site arrangement. This will allow scholars to divide their research residency between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), and partner UK universities, including Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Portsmouth.

Successful candidates will enjoy benefits such as return flight tickets, health insurance, full tuition, bench fees where applicable, and allowances for accommodation and living expenses.

The PTDF noted that the list of eligible courses and application forms are available on its scholarship portal at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng. Applications close on 27 February 2026.

Selection process

The Fund said the scholarship is highly competitive and will be awarded strictly on merit.

After an initial screening based on submitted qualifications, the top applicants in each category from every state will be invited for interviews. Candidates will be assessed based on academic excellence, professional qualifications, relevance of the proposed study or research to the oil and gas industry, and overall suitability.

Eligibility requirements

For MSc applicants:
Applicants must possess at least a Second Class Upper (2.1) degree, or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience. They must have completed NYSC, be computer literate, possess five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics, submit a Statement of Purpose not exceeding 500 words, and have a fully verified National Identity Number (NIN).

For PhD applicants:
Applicants must have completed NYSC, be computer literate, possess five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics, hold at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) degree and a good postgraduate qualification, submit a research proposal of not more than five pages relevant to the oil and gas industry, and have a verified NIN. Lecturers must also provide a letter from their Vice-Chancellor confirming they are not currently benefiting from another scholarship.

All applicants are required to upload clear scanned copies of mandatory documents, including academic certificates, NYSC discharge certificate, O’Level results, passport photograph, and relevant professional memberships.

Additional information

The PTDF stressed that scholarships will only be awarded for courses aligned with its mandate and relevant to the applicant’s academic background. Multiple applications, submission of falsified documents, or illegible uploads will lead to automatic disqualification.

The Fund disclosed that it received 29,633 applications for the 2025 Overseas Scholarship Scheme, with 5,723 candidates shortlisted nationwide for MSc and PhD awards. It also noted that, in addition to petroleum-related disciplines, courses in Management and Law may be considered due to their relevance to the oil and gas sector.