How to apply for PTDF Postgraduate Scholarship 2025/2026

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has announced the opening of applications for its 2025/2026 International Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme, offering fully funded opportunities for Nigerian graduate students to pursue master’s (MSc) and Doctoral (PhD) degrees in areas relevant to the gas and oil industry. This program aims to create indigenous knowledge to accommodate the ever-changing requirements of Nigeria’s energy industry.

Scholarship Overview

The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme provides an extensive financial aid package, which includes:

• Flight tickets for international travel
• Healthcare insurance throughout the study
• Fees for tuition in full, as well as any applicable fees for benching
• Allowances for living to cover the cost of accommodation as well as daily expenses

This helps ensure that students can focus on their academic work without worrying about financial issues.

Partners Institutions, Study Destinations

For the 2025/2026 academic year, PTDF has established partnerships with selected institutions from those countries listed below:

• United Kingdom (UK)
• Germany
• France
• Malaysia

Furthermore, PhD students will be involved in the Split-Site Program that spans Nigeria as well as the UK, which includes

• College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK)
• The University of Oxford is one UK partner universities.
  • Robert Gordon University
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Portsmouth

This arrangement allows students to take advantage of both international and local academic settings.

Eligibility Criteria for MSc applicants:

• You must have a minimum of Second-Class Upper (2:1) in your first degree. Candidates who have a lower second class (2:2) and relevant industrial experience can additionally be eligible.
• Successful completion of the obligatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
• The ability to use computers is vital.
• It is required to possess five credits from O’Level that include English Language and Mathematics.
• Submitting the statement of the purpose (maximum 500 words) outlining the importance of the study proposed to the industry of oil and gas and its anticipated impact on the development of the nation.
• Possession of the National Identity Number (NIN), which must be thoroughly checked.

For PhD applicants:

• The completion of the NYSC is a requirement
• Computer literacy is necessary.
• You must possess five credits at O’Level, which include English Language and Mathematics.
• You must have at least a Second-Class Lower (2:2) in their first degree as well as have a high postgraduate qualification.
• The submission of a research proposal (no longer than 5 pages) that is relevant to the field of petroleum and gas comprising:
  • Topic
  • Introduction
  • Objectives
  • Methodology
  • Data collection method
• Possession of a fully verified NIN that has been fully verified.

Selection Process

The PTDF selection of scholarships is extremely competitive and is based on the following guidelines:

• High academic quality as demonstrated by the quality of diplomas and academic transcripts that are complete, and other professional credentials.
• Relevant publication (for PhD candidates).
• Professional bodies that are members.
• Relevance and viability of the research plan.
• Relevance of prior studies for the industry of oil and gas and the course/research that is proposed.

Candidates with the highest score from each state will be contacted for an interview, where the selection committee will evaluate their eligibility for the award.

Application Guidelines

Mandatory Documents:

Candidates need to scan and upload the following documents:

• First Degree Certification or Statement of Results.
• NYSC Discharge Certificate.
• Results from WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO and the PINs to verify.
• Recent Passport Photograph.
• Local Government Identification Letter.
• Master’s Degree Certificate (for PhD candidates only).
• A proof of participation in professional organizations.

Application Process:

1. Go to the PTDF Scholarship Portal to register an account.
2. Complete your information and then submit the form online.
3. Upload all documents required.
4. Apply for the position before the deadline.

Notice: If your first option is a German university, you should choose Abuja to be the place of your interview.

Important Dates

• The deadline for applications is July 4, 2025
• interview shortlisting August 2025
• Program Commencement: September 2025

Additional Information

• The award is restricted to PTDF-approved classes in partner universities.
• Scholarships are only awarded for research that is relevant to the oil and gas industry.
• The proposed study course should be connected to studies that have been conducted previously.
• Candidates who submit several applications will automatically be exempted.
• Candidates who are funded by the Fund within a particular class (MSc/PhD) will not be eligible to apply in the same or lesser category.
• The applicants who have received any other scholarship offered by similar organizations are not qualified to submit an application.
• Every lecturer must submit an official note from the vice-chancellor’s office in order to prove that they are not receiving any other kind of award.

Conclusion

The PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship offers an incredible chance for Nigerian graduates to enhance their education while contributing to the country’s energy and oil sector. With a wide range of financial assistance and access to top-quality universities, PTDF has a strong commitment to making the future generation of leaders in the industry.

For more information about Nigerian universities and scholarships, visit Universities.ng.