The Federal Government has opened applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarship Scheme, offering Nigerian postgraduate students the opportunity to pursue studies abroad.
The announcement was confirmed on Monday through a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.
According to the post, the scholarship programme is targeted at MSc and PhD candidates in disciplines relevant to the oil and gas sector.
A statement published on the PTDF scholarship portal explained that successful applicants will study in selected institutions in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
The scholarship package covers tuition fees, return flight tickets, accommodation, living allowances, health insurance, and bench fees where applicable.
PTDF noted that the 2026 overseas scholarship scheme is designed to provide beneficiaries with access to world-class training, advanced research facilities, and global expertise, while strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous capacity in the oil and gas industry.
For PhD applicants in the United Kingdom, the programme will operate under a split-site arrangement.
This allows scholars to conduct research between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, and designated UK partner universities, including Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Portsmouth.
The agency stressed that the selection process will be highly competitive, with candidates assessed based on academic performance, quality of research proposals, professional body membership, and the relevance of their proposed studies to the oil and gas sector.
MSc applicants are required to possess a minimum of a Second Class Lower degree, have completed the National Youth Service Corps programme, demonstrate computer literacy, and present at least five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics.
PhD applicants must also submit a detailed research proposal of no more than five pages, outlining objectives, methodology, and data collection strategies.
PTDF further warned that all applicants must verify their National Identity Number before applying, noting that multiple applications or the submission of false documents will lead to automatic disqualification.
Interested candidates are to submit their applications online via scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng for approved programmes at PTDF partner institutions.
Applications will close on February 27.
