FG opens applications for 2026 PTDF overseas scholarships
The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme, a programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s technical and human capacity in the oil and gas industry.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement shared via social media by the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun. According to the statement, the scholarship offers qualified Nigerian postgraduate students the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in selected institutions abroad.
Under the scheme, successful applicants will undertake master’s and doctoral programmes in disciplines relevant to the petroleum sector at institutions in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Malaysia.
Details released by the PTDF indicate that the scholarship is comprehensive, covering tuition fees, return airfare, accommodation, living allowances, health insurance and bench fees where applicable. The initiative is designed to expose beneficiaries to world-class training, cutting-edge research facilities and international best practices, while also enhancing indigenous expertise to support Nigeria’s energy sector.
For applicants seeking admission into master’s degree programmes, eligibility criteria include a minimum of a second class lower division in a relevant field, completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), basic computer literacy, and at least five credit passes at O-Level, including English Language and Mathematics.
PhD applicants are required to submit a research proposal not exceeding five pages, clearly outlining their research objectives, methodology and proposed sources of data.
The PTDF also disclosed that doctoral candidates studying in the United Kingdom will be enrolled under a split-site arrangement. This will allow them to conduct research both at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna and at partner universities in the UK. The partner institutions include Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Portsmouth.
The agency emphasised that the scholarship process is highly competitive and merit-based, noting that only applicants with excellent academic credentials and research proposals aligned with national priorities will be shortlisted. Evaluation will be based on academic performance, the quality and relevance of research proposals, professional affiliations and the applicability of the chosen course to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Applicants were advised to ensure their National Identity Number (NIN) is properly verified before completing their applications. PTDF also warned that multiple applications or the submission of falsified documents would lead to automatic disqualification.
Interested and eligible candidates are required to apply online through the official PTDF scholarship portal. The application window will close on February 27.
