The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has opened applications for its 2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme, targeting Nigerian candidates seeking MSc and PhD studies in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
In a notice published on January 18, 2026, the Fund said the scholarship programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas sector by developing indigenous human capacity and advancing petroleum technology through world-class education and research.
The scheme covers return flight tickets, health insurance, tuition and bench fees where applicable, as well as accommodation and living allowances.
Applications are to be submitted exclusively through the PTDF scholarship portal for approved programmes at partner institutions.
For the 2026 academic session, PTDF said applications will be restricted to selected partner universities in the four countries, a move it said is aimed at maintaining quality standards and ensuring the programme aligns with national manpower development objectives.
A major feature of the 2026 scheme is the continuation of the split-site PhD arrangement for United Kingdom universities. Under this model, successful PhD candidates will divide their research residency between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) and designated UK partner universities.
The approved UK institutions for this arrangement are Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde, and University of Portsmouth. PTDF said the policy reflects its strategy to deepen local capacity while sustaining global academic collaboration.
The Fund noted that the scholarships are highly competitive, with selection based on academic merit, relevance of prior studies, professional qualifications, and the viability of proposed study plans or research proposals. PhD applicants will also be assessed on relevant publications and the industry relevance of their research focus.
For MSc applicants, PTDF requires a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in the first degree, or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience.
Applicants must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), possess five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics, and submit a Statement of Purpose not exceeding 500 words. PhD applicants must hold at least a Second Class Lower in the first degree, a good postgraduate qualification, and submit a research proposal of up to five pages relevant to the oil and gas industry.
All applicants are required to have a verified National Identity Number (NIN) prior to applying. Lecturers applying for the PhD category must also provide a letter from their Vice-Chancellors confirming they are not currently benefiting from another scholarship.
PTDF cautioned that multiple applications, submission of falsified or illegible documents, or applications for non-approved courses will result in automatic disqualification. Candidates previously sponsored by the Fund for the same or a lower scholarship category are also ineligible to apply.
The Fund said the scholarship is strictly for programmes aligned with its mandate and that shortlisted candidates will be required to present original academic transcripts during interviews.
The application deadline is February 27, 2026, six weeks from the date of publication.
