The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship 2026 is a premier federal government initiative aimed at building high-level indigenous manpower for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The 2026 cycle offers fully funded opportunities for Master’s (MSc) and Doctoral (PhD) studies at top-tier partner institutions in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. The scholarship is comprehensive, covering tuition, international travel, health insurance, and monthly stipends. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence (minimum 2.1 for MSc or 2.2 with experience) and provide research proposals or statements of purpose that align with current challenges in the petroleum and energy sectors. The application portal is open to all qualified Nigerian citizens, with a final submission deadline of February 27, 2026.
Fully Funded PTDF Scholarship 2026 for Nigerian Students Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | UK, Germany, France, Malaysia |
| Study Abroad | Study in UK, Europe, and Asia |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships (MSc & PhD) |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria |
| Reward | Full Tuition, Airfare, Health Insurance & Stipends |
| Key Criteria | Minimum 2.1 (MSc), Research Proposal (PhD), & NIN Verification |
| Application Deadline | February 27, 2026 |
Fully Funded PTDF Scholarship 2026 for Nigerian Students Details
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2026 is a federal government initiative designed to develop human capacity and technology in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. This fully funded program invites qualified Nigerians to apply for MSc and PhD studies at partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
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For the 2026 cycle, applications are limited to PTDF-approved institutions where high standards are maintained to align with the scheme’s goals. This scholarship focuses on oil and gas-related fields, ensuring your studies contribute to national development and build indigenous expertise for Nigeria’s energy industry.
Scholarship Details
The PTDF scholarship is open exclusively to Nigerian citizens. Its core philosophy is to bridge the gap between local manpower and the technological requirements of the global energy sector. The scheme prioritizes candidates with strong academic backgrounds who are committed to returning to Nigeria to apply their skills in the petroleum industry. Note that candidates must apply to specific courses relevant to the oil and gas industry as listed on the PTDF portal.
Benefits of the Fully Funded PTDF Scholarship 2026 for Nigerian Students
The program utilizes a tiered funding structure to ensure all academic and logistical needs are met for scholars abroad.
Tier 1: Doctoral (PhD) Research Fellowship
- This tier provides full funding for a three-year doctoral program. UK-bound candidates participate in a “split-site” program, dividing time between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), and UK partners like Robert Gordon University and the University of Strathclyde.
Tier 2: Master of Science (MSc) Professional Award
- This tier covers the full cost of a one-year Master’s degree in specialized engineering and geoscience fields. It includes full tuition payment, return flight tickets, and comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Tier 3: General Living and Research Support
- All successful scholars receive monthly stipends to cover accommodation and daily living expenses. Additionally, PhD candidates may receive “bench fees” to cover specialized research materials and laboratory access required for their energy-focused projects.
Eligibility Requirements for the Fully Funded PTDF Scholarship 2026 for Nigerian Students
- Academic/Leadership: MSc applicants require a minimum Second Class Upper (2.1) or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience. PhD applicants must have a good postgraduate degree and a 5-page research proposal.
- Study Status: All applicants must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and be computer literate.
- Visa/Indigene Status: Must be a Nigerian citizen with a valid National Identity Number (NIN) verified before the application.
- Program Admission: Candidates must possess at least five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, and apply for approved courses only.
How to Apply for the Fully Funded PTDF Scholarship 2026 for Nigerian Students (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Visit the official PTDF portal, create an account, and select your preferred course and country (UK, Germany, France, or Malaysia).
- Automatic Evaluation: The system verifies your eligibility based on your NIN and basic academic data entered during registration.
- Eligibility Assessment: Upload clear copies of your degree certificates, NYSC discharge certificate, and your 500-word Statement of Purpose or PhD research proposal.
- Notification of Award: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Successful applicants will be notified via the portal and email for pre-departure briefings.
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the PTDF 2026 scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers full tuition, return airfare, health insurance, and monthly living allowances.
2. Can I apply for the PTDF scholarship with a 2.2?
Yes, for MSc, provided you have relevant professional experience in the oil and gas industry.
3. What is the word limit for the MSc Statement of Purpose?
The Statement of Purpose for MSc applicants must be exactly or no more than 500 words.
4. Is the NYSC certificate mandatory?
Yes, all applicants must have completed their NYSC and must upload their discharge certificate.
5. Which countries can I study in under this scheme?
For the 2026 cycle, the approved countries are the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
6. Do PhD students spend the whole time abroad?
For the UK, PhDs are “split-site,” meaning time is shared between Nigeria (CPESK) and the UK partner institution.
7. Is NIN verification required before applying?
Yes, you must have a valid National Identity Number (NIN) which will be verified during the application process.
8. What disciplines are eligible for the PTDF scholarship?
The scholarship is limited to courses related to the oil and gas industry, such as Engineering, Geosciences, and Energy Economics.
9. Can I apply for more than one country?
No, applicants are restricted to one choice of country and one specific course of study.
10. When is the deadline for the 2026 application?
The application deadline is February 27, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
