PTDF 2026: How to Apply and Study Abroad

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), has opened applications for the 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships. The programme offers fully funded postgraduate study in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.

PTDF is a government agency set up to build local capacity and advance petroleum technology for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The Fund said the scholarship supports selected programmes at approved partner universities abroad, giving beneficiaries access to high-quality training, research facilities, and global expertise.

What the scholarship covers

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive funding, including:

• Return flight tickets
• Full tuition and bench fees (where applicable)
• Health insurance
• Allowances for accommodation and living expenses throughout the study period

PTDF said the scheme is designed to expose Nigerian scholars to world-class universities and best practices, while ensuring the knowledge gained is relevant to Nigeria’s energy and petroleum needs.

Countries, universities, and courses

For the 2026 academic session, PTDF has limited applications to approved partner universities in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia. The Fund said this is to maintain strong academic standards and ensure sponsored programmes align with its mandate.

Only PTDF-approved courses are eligible. Applicants can access the list of supported programmes and the application forms on the official scholarship portal: scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng.

Split-site PhD option (UK)

PTDF is continuing its split-site PhD arrangement for candidates studying in the UK. Under this model, PhD scholars will split their research time between:

• The College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), and
• Selected UK partner universities

The approved UK partner universities for the split-site PhD programme are:

• Robert Gordon University
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Portsmouth

How PTDF selects candidates

PTDF said the scholarship is highly competitive and merit-based. After initial screening, top candidates from each state will be shortlisted and invited for interviews.

Selection is based on:

• Academic performance
• Quality and relevance of degrees obtained
• Professional qualifications
• Publications (for PhD applicants)
• Membership of recognised professional bodies
• Strength and relevance of the study plan (MSc) or research proposal (PhD)
• Alignment between the applicant’s background, the oil and gas sector, and the proposed course

Who can apply

MSc requirements

Applicants must:

• Have a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1) in their first degree, or a Second Class Lower (2:2) with relevant industry experience
• Have completed NYSC
• Be computer literate
• Have five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
• Submit a Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) explaining:
  • Why the proposed course is chosen
  • Its relevance to the oil and gas industry
  • How it will contribute to national development
• Have a National Identity Number (NIN) that is fully verified before applying (NIMC verification charges may apply)

PhD requirements

Applicants must:

• Have completed NYSC
• Be computer literate
• Have five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
• Have at least Second Class Lower (2:2) in their first degree and a strong postgraduate degree
• Submit a research proposal relevant to the oil and gas industry (maximum five pages) covering:
  • Topic
  • Introduction/background
  • Objectives
  • Methodology
  • Data collection approach
• Have a verified NIN before applying (NIMC verification charges may apply)

Required documents

Applicants must upload clear, verifiable copies of required documents, including:

• Academic certificates
• NYSC discharge certificate
• O’Level results
• Passport photograph
• Local government identification letter
• Evidence of professional membership (where applicable)

PTDF warned that the following will lead to automatic disqualification:

• Multiple applications
• Falsified or illegible documents
• Applications for programmes not relevant to the oil and gas industry

It also said candidates previously sponsored by PTDF for the same or a lower category may not be eligible to apply again.

Application deadline

Applications are open until 27 February 2026.