Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Master's Degree Scholarship Scheme 2026

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigeria’s foremost human capacity building institution dedicated to the development of indigenous manpower and technology in the oil and gas industry. Our mission is to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of sustaining and advancing Nigeria’s petroleum sector through strategic partnerships, innovative training programs, and scholarship initiatives. Join us as we empower the next generation of professionals and drive the nation's energy future.

Applications are invited for:

Title: 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Master's Degree Scholarship Scheme for Universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia

Details

• This scheme offers opportunities to study specific programmes at selected partner universities abroad, providing access to world-class training, research facilities, and global expertise.

Key Information for Applicants
Strategic Partnerships:

• For the 2026 award, applications will be restricted to PTDF partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia, where the Fund is satisfied that scholarship standards will be sustained and the Scheme's objectives will be best achieved.

Courses:

• The full list of sponsored courses and application forms can be accessed via the scholarship portal

Selection Process, Criteria and Requirements

• PTDF scholarships are highly competitive. Only candidates who demonstrate outstanding merit and suitability will be considered.
• Following initial screening based on submitted qualifications, the top applicants in each category from each State will be invited for an interview.

A selection committee will assess candidates using (but not limited to) the following criteria:

• Academic merit (quality of degrees, complete academic transcripts, and relevant professional qualifications)
• Membership of professional bodies
• Viability and relevance of the study plan / research proposal
• Relevance of prior studies to the oil and gas industry and the proposed programme/research

Requirements

• Possess a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in the first degree, or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
• Have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
• Be computer literate
• Possess five (5) O'Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
• Submit a Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) stating:
  • rationale for the proposed study;
  • relevance to the oil and gas industry; and
  • expected contribution to national development
• Have a National Identity Number (NIN) and ensure it is fully verified prior to application (NIMC verification charges apply)

In addition:

• All lecturers must also submit a letter from their Vice-Chancellors confirming that they are not currently benefiting from any other scholarship.

Scholarship Benefits

• Return flight tickets
• Health insurance
• Tuition and bench fees (where applicable)
• Allowances for accommodation and living expenses

Application Closing Date
27th February, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click Here to Start Application

Required Documents (Mandatory)
Applicants are required to scan and upload clear copies of the following documents during online application:

• First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
• NYSC Discharge Certificate
• WAEC / GCE / SSCE / NECO results and the relevant PIN(s) (to enable online verification)
• Recent passport photograph
• Local Government Identification Letter
• Evidence of membership of relevant professional associations

Important Note
Applicants are further advised to note the following:

• The scholarship is for the 2026 academic session.
• Applications are limited to PTDF-approved courses at PTDF partner institutions.
• Scholarships will only be awarded for studies relevant to PTDF's mandate; candidates may be disqualified for programmes deemed not relevant to the oil and gas industry.
• The proposed course of study must be consistent with the applicant's prior academic background.
• Applicants intending to pursue a PhD scholarship under the PTDF / DAAD partnership in Germany are required to secure a research supervisor prior to the final selection interviews.
• Multiple applications will result in automatic disqualification.
• Submission of any illegible or falsified documents as part of the application will result in automatic disqualification.
• Candidates previously sponsored by the Fund for a scholarship category (MSc /PhD) are ineligible to apply again for the same or lower category.
• Shortlisted candidates invited for interview will be required to present their transcripts; applicants are therefore advised to make transcripts available in advance.