Organization: Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigeria
Host country: France
Degree level: Masters, Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: February 27, 2026
Eligible countries: Nigeria
Fields of study: Petroleum Technology, Energy Studies, Oil and Gas Industry relevant disciplines
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme is a strategic initiative by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It aims to develop indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology by offering fully funded MSc and PhD scholarships to qualified Nigerians at world-class institutions abroad.
The restructured scheme provides fully funded MSc scholarships in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia, and PhD scholarships in Germany, France, and Malaysia. Notably, fully funded PhDs for the UK are now exclusively offered as a Split-Site Programme at the PTDF College of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) in collaboration with partner UK universities.
Benefits
Payment of full tuition and bench fees (where applicable)
Provision of flight tickets for international travel
Payment of health insurance
Allowances provided to cover accommodation costs
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Eligibility
Must be a Nigerian citizen
Must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
Must possess a verified National Identity Number (NIN)
Must be computer literate and possess 5 O/level credits including English and Mathematics
MSc applicants must have a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in their first degree, or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
PhD applicants must have a minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) in their first degree and a good post-graduate degree
Requirements
Submission of a strong Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) for MSc applicants detailing relevance to the oil and gas industry and national development
Submission of a detailed research proposal (maximum five pages) for PhD applicants relevant to the approved PTDF research areas
PhD applicants who are lecturers must provide a letter from their Vice Chancellors confirming they are not receiving any other scholarships
Required Documents
First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
NYSC Discharge Certificate
WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results (including PINs for online verification)
Evidence of membership in professional associations
Verified National Identity Number (NIN)
Programs of Study
Master's (MSc) Degree Programs
Doctoral (PhD) Degree Programs
Split-Site PhD Programme (UK/Nigeria)
Application Process
Ensure your National Identity Number (NIN) is verified before initiating the application (NIMC verification charges apply)
Gather and scan all required educational, identification, and professional documents
Access the official PTDF scholarship application portal online
Upload all scanned documents, including O'level PINs for direct result verification
Complete and submit the application form before the late February deadline
How to Apply
Pay close attention to your Statement of Purpose or Research Proposal, ensuring it directly links your intended study to the advancement of Nigeria's oil and gas industry
Ensure your NIN is linked and verified early, as failure to do so will block you from creating an application profile
PhD applicants aiming for the UK must be prepared for the Split-Site arrangement split between Kaduna and the UK partner university
Selection Process
Applications undergo an initial administrative screening to verify credentials, NYSC completion, and NIN validity
Shortlisted candidates are typically invited for a rigorous interview/aptitude test process
Final selections are based on academic merit, the quality of the research proposal/statement of purpose, and quota allocations per Nigerian state to ensure federal character