PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 (Masters & PhD)

Job Description

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The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Programmes for both Masters (MSc) and Doctoral (PhD) studies. The scholarship is designed to develop indigenous human capacity and advance petroleum technology in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector by offering world-class training, research opportunities, and exposure to global expertise.

For the 2026 award, scholarships and are available exclusively at PTDF partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. The UK PhD scholarships will continue under a split-site arrangement, where research is undertaken between Nigeria’s College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), and designated UK universities.

Overview

• Scholarship Type: Masters and PhD
• Host Countries: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Malaysia
• Target Fields: Oil and gas industry–related programmes
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Eligibility: Outstanding Nigerian graduates and professionals relevant to PTDF’s mandate

UK PhD Split-Site Programme

Successful PhD applicants in the UK will split their residency between CPESK and one of the following partner universities:

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

This initiative strengthens local capacity, fosters high-impact research, and encourages industry–academia collaboration in line with Nigeria’s national priorities.

Eligible Courses

A full list of PTDF-sponsored courses and application forms is available on the PTDF Scholarship Portal.

Selection Criteria

Candidates are evaluated on:

• Academic merit (quality of degrees, transcripts, professional qualifications)
• Publications (for PhD applicants)
• Membership in relevant professional bodies
• Relevance and feasibility of the study plan or research proposal
• Alignment of prior studies and proposed programme/research with the oil and gas sector

Eligibility Requirements

MSc Applicants

• Minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1) in the first degree, or Second Class Lower (2:2) with relevant industry experience
• Completed NYSC
• Computer literate
• Possess five (5) O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics
• Submit a Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) explaining:
  • Rationale for the proposed study
  • Relevance to the oil and gas industry
  • Expected contribution to national development
• National Identity Number (NIN) must be fully verified

PhD Applicants

• Completed NYSC
• Computer literate
• Possess five (5) O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics
• Minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) in the first degree and a relevant postgraduate degree
• Submit a research proposal (maximum 5 pages) including:
  • Topic
  • Introduction/Background
  • Objectives
  • Methodology
  • Data collection approach
• National Identity Number (NIN) must be verified
• Applicants under PTDF/DAAD Germany partnership must secure a research supervisor before final interviews

Additional Notes

• Lecturers must submit a letter from their Vice-Chancellor confirming they are not receiving any other scholarship.
• Only courses approved by PTDF and relevant to the oil and gas sector are eligible.
• Multiple applications or submission of falsified documents will lead to disqualification.
• Previous PTDF-sponsored MSc or PhD recipients are ineligible to apply for the same or lower category.

Required Documents

Applicants must scan and upload the following during online application:

• First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
• NYSC Discharge Certificate
• WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results and PINs for verification
• Recent passport photograph
• Local Government Identification Letter
• Master’s Degree Certificate (PhD applicants only)
• Evidence of membership in professional associations

Important Notes

• Scholarships are strictly for the 2026 academic session.
• Proposed study programmes must align with PTDF’s mandate in oil and gas.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to present original transcripts during interviews.

The PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 offers a unique opportunity for Nigerian students and professionals to gain world-class education, strengthen research capacity, and contribute to the development of the oil and gas sector.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026