How To Apply for the NNPC SNEPCo 2026 Postgraduate Scholarship

The NNPC–SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship is a prestigious, fully sponsored opportunity for qualified Nigerian students to pursue a one-year Master of Science (MSc) degree in the United Kingdom. It is offered by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), as operator of Oil Mining Lease 118 (OML 118), together with its co-venturers Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria and Nigerian Agip Exploration Company Limited under a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates

The scholarship is open to applicants from all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and is designed to develop highly skilled Nigerian professionals in fields critical to the oil, gas, engineering, and technology sectors.

What the Scholarship Covers

Partner Universities (Academic Year: September 2026)

Eligible MSc Courses

University of Aberdeen

1. MSc Geophysics
2. MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering for Oil and Gas
3. MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering
4. MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience

Newcastle University

1. MSc Data Science and AI
2. MSc Data Science
3. MSc Engineering Management
4. MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering
5. MSc Artificial Intelligence
6. MSc Robotics and AI
7. MSc Marine and Ocean Engineering

Eligibility Requirements

Before you begin your application, confirm that you meet every requirement listed below. A single mismatch will disqualify you.

Who CANNOT Apply

You are not eligible if you are:

• A current employee of SNEPCo, any Royal Dutch Shell Group company, or the participating university
• A direct relative of an employee at any of the above organisations
• A former employee of any of the above organisations who left less than five years before the application date

How To Apply for the NNPC SNEPCo 2026 Postgraduate Scholarship (Step-by-Step Guide)

STEP 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before anything else, go through the eligibility checklist above point by point. Do not proceed if you fail any requirement. Key things to verify:

• Check your date of birth against the age requirement (21–28 by 30 September 2026).
• Confirm your degree class is 2:1 or its equivalent.
• Check that your NYSC discharge/exemption certificate will be ready by September 2026.
• Confirm your Nigerian international passport is valid through December 2026.
• If your passport is expired or expiring before December 2026, renew it before applying.

STEP 2: Choose Your Preferred Eligible Course

• Review the list of approved MSc courses above carefully.
• Select one course that aligns with your academic background and career goals.
• Research the specific entry requirements for that course on the university’s official website.
• University of Aberdeen courses: Visit www.abdn.ac.uk
• Newcastle University courses: Visit www.ncl.ac.uk

STEP 3: Prepare Your Required Documents

Gather and prepare all documents you will need for both the university admission application and the scholarship form. Typical documents include:

• Academic Transcripts — Certified copies of all university transcripts
• Degree Certificate — Certified copy of your first degree certificate (or a letter from your university confirming your expected result, if not yet graduated)
• NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate — Or a letter showing expected discharge before September 2026
• IELTS Certificate — Showing a score of at least 6.5 (all bands); ensure it is still valid
• Nigerian International Passport — Must be valid until at least December 2026
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Up-to-date, highlighting academic achievements and relevant experience
• Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose — A compelling written statement explaining your academic background, motivation, and career goals in the oil/gas or technology sector
• Two or Three Academic/Professional References — Referees should be lecturers, supervisors, or professional mentors who can speak to your intellectual ability and leadership potential
• Passport Photographs — Recent, clear photographs

STEP 4: Apply for Admission to a Participating University

This is a mandatory prerequisite — you cannot access the scholarship form without first receiving a formal university offer of admission.

1. Visit the official admissions page of your chosen university:
   • University of Aberdeen: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/
   • Newcastle University: www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/
2. Create an applicant account on the university’s application portal.
3. Select your chosen eligible MSc course and complete the online application form.
4. Upload all required documents (transcripts, personal statement, references, English language scores, etc.).
5. Pay any applicable application fees as required by the university.
6. Submit your application and save your reference or application number.
7. Monitor your email regularly for a response from the university’s admissions office.

STEP 5: Receive Your Formal Offer of Admission

• Wait for the university to process your application.
• If additional information is requested (e.g., a copy of a document, a telephone interview), respond promptly.
• Once you receive a formal offer of admission (conditional or unconditional), save and print all correspondence.

Note: A conditional offer means you must still meet certain requirements (e.g., final results or English language test). Ensure you can meet all conditions before the scholarship deadline.

STEP 6: Access and Complete the Scholarship Application Form

Once you have your formal offer of admission:

1. Go to the scholarships or funding section of your university’s website (University of Aberdeen or Newcastle University).
2. Locate the NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship application form — forms are made available only to students who have received a formal offer of admission.
3. Download or fill out the scholarship application form online.
4. Complete all sections of the form accurately and honestly, including:
   • Personal details (name, address, date of birth, state of origin)
   • Academic qualifications and results
   • Details of your NYSC completion or expected completion
   • IELTS score and certificate details
   • Passport details
   • A supporting statement explaining your motivation, academic excellence, and leadership qualities
5. Attach all requested supporting documents to the form.
6. Review the completed form carefully before submission.

STEP 7: Submit the Scholarship Application to the University

• Submit your completed scholarship application form directly to the participating university (not to NNPC or SNEPCo directly).
• Confirm the submission channel — whether via email, an online portal, or physical submission — as specified on the university’s scholarship page.
• Deadline: Aim to submit well before June 8, 2026 (confirm the exact date on the university website, as some sources indicate June 30, 2026).
• After submission, save proof of submission (a confirmation email, receipt, or screenshot).

STEP 8: Await University Shortlisting

• After the deadline, the participating universities will review and shortlist applications.
• If shortlisted, you will be notified and invited to proceed to the interview stage with SNEPCo.
• If you are not contacted, your application may not have been shortlisted at that stage.

STEP 9: Attend the SNEPCo Interview (If Invited)

• If selected by the university, you will be invited for an interview conducted by SNEPCo.
• Prepare thoroughly for the interview by:
  • Researching SNEPCo and NNPC’s operations, values, and role in Nigeria’s energy sector
  • Reviewing your chosen MSc course curriculum and its relevance to the oil and gas industry
  • Practising answers to questions about your academic background, career goals, and leadership experience
  • Being ready to discuss how the scholarship aligns with Nigeria’s development needs

STEP 10: Await Final Selection Outcome

• After the interviews, SNEPCo and NNPC will make final scholarship award decisions.
• Successful candidates will be officially notified.
• If awarded the scholarship, you will receive further instructions on acceptance, visa processing, and pre-departure arrangements.

Important Notes and Reminders

• No employment bond: The scholarship is non-committal. SNEPCo, NNPC, and co-venture partners are not obligated to offer employment after graduation, and scholars are not bonded to the organisations.
• Data privacy: Personal data submitted will be used exclusively for scholarship selection purposes and will not be shared for incompatible purposes.
• One-year programme only: The scholarship supports only one-year MSc programmes. Multi-year courses are not covered.
• No automatic employment: Receiving the scholarship does not guarantee a job at NNPC or SNEPCo after graduation.
• False information: Any misrepresentation in your application will result in immediate disqualification.

 

Key Contacts & Resources