The Federal Government has announced the start of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which offers Nigerian postgraduate students the opportunity to study abroad.
The scholarship programme covers selected universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Malaysia.
The announcement was made on Monday through a post on X by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.
“FG has announced the commencement of applications for 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas,” the post stated.
Information published on the PTDF scholarship board website explained that the scheme is designed for MSc and PhD candidates in fields linked to the oil and gas industry. Successful applicants will receive support that includes tuition fees, return air tickets, accommodation, living allowances, health insurance and bench fees where applicable.
In a statement released by the agency, PTDF said, “The 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships provide access to world-class training, research facilities, and global expertise, while developing indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
For PhD candidates who choose the United Kingdom, the programme will operate under a split-site structure. Research activities will take place at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, alongside partner institutions in the UK. These include Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Portsmouth.
The agency noted that the scholarship scheme is highly competitive. “Only candidates who demonstrate outstanding merit and suitability will be considered,” the statement said. It added that selection will depend on academic qualifications, research proposals, membership of professional bodies and how relevant the proposed studies are to the oil and gas sector.
PTDF outlined that MSc applicants must possess at least a Second Class Lower degree, complete the National Youth Service Corps programme, demonstrate computer literacy and present five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics. PhD applicants are also required to submit a research proposal of no more than five pages, which must clearly state objectives, methodology and data collection plans.
The statement further warned that, “All applicants must ensure their National Identity Number (NIN) is verified prior to application, and multiple applications or submission of falsified documents will result in automatic disqualification.”
Interested candidates have been advised to apply online through scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng for approved courses at PTDF partner institutions. Applications will close on February 27.
