PTDF Overseas Scholarship 2025/2026. Apply now for fully funded MSc and PhD awards to study abroad in top universities worldwide. Get ready for a life-changing experience.
PTDF Overseas Scholarship for Researchers
The PTDF Scholarship Scheme is for postgraduates and Masters degree applicants to research in universities abroad.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), the Federal Government agency with the mandate of developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry.
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The application type is the Overseas MSc and PhD scholarships special programmes at selected institutions nder its PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme for the 2022/2023.
The scheme was developed to offer candidates the opportunity to benefit from a diversified pool of knowledge and the facilities offered by world-class institutions across the globe. Under it, candidates are invited to apply through PTDF to specific programmes at the partner institutions.
The award includes the provision of flight tickets, payment of health insurance, payment of tuition and bench fees (where applicable), and the provision of allowances to meet the costs of accommodation and living expenses.
Academic Excellence and Global Partnerships
The selection of partner universities under the PTDF scheme represents a careful curation of institutions renowned for their expertise in petroleum engineering, geology, geophysics, chemical engineering, and related disciplines. These partnerships typically span prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and other developed nations with strong energy sectors and advanced research facilities.
The academic focus extends beyond traditional petroleum engineering to encompass emerging areas such as renewable energy integration, environmental sustainability, digital oil field technologies, and energy economics.
Similarly, this broad scope ensures that scholarship recipients are prepared for the industry’s future challenges and opportunities, including the global transition toward more sustainable energy systems.
Professional Development and Industry Relevance
The PTDF scholarship program is explicitly designed to address skill gaps and emerging needs within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
This industry-focused approach is evident in the eligibility requirements, which favor candidates with relevant professional experience, and in the emphasis on research proposals that address real-world industry challenges.
The requirement for membership in professional associations demonstrates PTDF’s recognition that effective professionals must be part of broader professional communities.
The criterion also ensures that scholarship recipients are already engaged with industry standards and practices, making them more likely to contribute effectively upon their return to Nigeria.
Also, the program’s emphasis on practical relevance extends to the selection of study programs and research topics.
Scholars are encouraged to pursue studies that will have direct applications in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, ensuring that the investment in their education yields tangible benefits for the country’s energy industry.
PTDF Overseas Scholarship Eligibility for M.Sc and PhD Applicants
M.Sc Applicants
- A minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) qualification in their first degree or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
- Must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC)
- Must be computer literate
- Possession of 5 O/level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
- Statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) stating the reason(s) for the proposed study, its relevance to the industry and its expected impact on national development.
- Applicants must have a National Identity Number (NIN) before applying for the scholarship. Applicants are to note that they will be required to verify their NIN before proceeding with the application (NIMC verification charges apply).
Doctorate Degree (PhD) Applicants
- Must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC)
- Must be computer literate
- A minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) in their first degree and a good second-degree certificate
- A research proposal relevant to the oil and gas industry (of not more than five pages) to include: Topic, introduction, objective, methodology and mode of data collection
- All lecturers must produce a letter from their Vice Chancellor confirming that they are not in receipt of any other scholarships
- Applicants must have a National Identity Number (NIN) before applying for the scholarship.
Required Documents
- Applicants are advised to scan copies of the following documents and attach to their online application forms:
- First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
- NYSC discharge certificate
- WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results as well as the PIN numbers on the application forms to enable PTDF view the O’level results on the relevant website).
- Recent Passport Photograph
- Local Government Identification Letter
- Master’s Degree Certificate
- Evidence of membership of professional associations.
PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Selection Criteria
PTDF scholarships are highly competitive, and only candidates who are outstanding across the board are selected.
Based on the submitted qualifications, the top applicants for each category from each state will be invited for an interview where a selection committee will be constituted to assess applications using the following criteria:
- Academic merit as evidenced by the quality of degrees, full academic transcripts and other professional qualifications acquired
- Relevant publications to be referenced by applicant (PhD applicants only)
- Membership of professional bodies
- The viability of the study/research plan.
How to Apply for PTDF Scholarship
For more details, click here to apply online and learn more about the programme.
Important Notice
Candidates who applied multiple times will automatically be disqualified during the application process. You are therefore advised to apply just once.
Application Dates
The application portal remains open till January, 2026.
You are required to apply timely in order to meet up with the deadline as no application will be accepted again after the D- day.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What fields of study are eligible for the PTDF Overseas Scholarship?
The scholarship focuses on petroleum-related disciplines including petroleum engineering, geology, geophysics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and other fields relevant to the oil and gas industry.
2. Can I apply if I’m currently employed in the private sector?
Yes, employed candidates can apply. However, you’ll need to provide evidence of relevant industry experience, especially if you have a Second Class Lower degree, and may need employer consent for study leave.
3. Is there an age limit for PTDF scholarship applicants? While the content doesn’t specify age limits, PTDF typically considers candidates under 40 years for MSc programs and under 45 years for PhD programs, though this may vary by specific program requirements.
4. What happens if I don’t complete my studies or fail to meet academic requirements? Scholarship recipients are typically required to maintain good academic standing. Failure to meet requirements may result in scholarship termination and potential repayment of funds received.
5. Can I change my course or university after being awarded the scholarship? Course or university changes are generally not permitted without prior approval from PTDF. Any changes must be justified and aligned with the scholarship’s objectives.
6. Do I need to have work experience in the oil and gas industry to apply? Work experience in the oil and gas industry is not mandatory but is advantageous, especially for applicants with Second Class Lower degrees who need relevant industry experience to qualify.
7. How much monthly allowance does the scholarship provide? The content mentions allowances for accommodation and living expenses but doesn’t specify amounts. The allowance typically varies by country and is designed to cover basic living costs in the host country.
8. Can I bring my family members while studying abroad on this scholarship? The content doesn’t mention family provisions. Typically, PTDF scholarships are for individual recipients, and family accompaniment would be at personal expense and subject to visa regulations.
9. What is the selection success rate for PTDF scholarships? The content mentions the scholarships are “highly competitive” but doesn’t provide specific statistics. Generally, success rates are low due to high competition and limited slots available.
10. Is there a bond period after completing my studies? While not mentioned in the content, PTDF scholarship recipients typically have a bond period requiring them to work in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for a specified number of years (usually equivalent to the study period) after graduation.
