FG opens applications for 2026 PTDF overseas scholarship scheme

The Federal Government has opened the application portal for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Programme.

A post shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, on Monday, confirmed that the initiative provides opportunities for Nigerian postgraduate students to pursue studies in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.

The post read:“FG has announced the commencement of applications for 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas.”

Details released on the PTDF scholarship board website indicate that the scheme is designed for MSc and PhD students in fields connected to the oil and gas industry. It covers tuition, return flights, accommodation, living stipends, health insurance, and bench fees where required.

According to the PTDF, “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.”

Prospective MSc applicants must hold at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) or a 2.1 first degree, complete their NYSC, possess basic computer skills, and have five O-Level credits, including English and Mathematics. PhD applicants are additionally required to submit a research proposal of no more than five pages detailing their objectives, methodologies, and data collection plans.

For UK-based PhD candidates, the award will be a split-site programme, enabling research between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), and partnered universities such as Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Portsmouth.

The Fund stressed that the selection process is rigorous. “Only candidates who demonstrate outstanding merit and suitability will be considered,” the agency said.

It added that assessment will be based on academic records, research strength, professional affiliations, and how relevant the proposed course is to the oil and gas sector.

Furthermore, applicants must have their National Identity Number (NIN) verified before applying. Any attempt to submit multiple applications or forged documents will lead to instant disqualification, the PTDF warned.

Eligible candidates are expected to submit their applications online via scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng, choosing from approved courses across the PTDF partner institutions.

The application window closes on 27th February.