The Federal Government has officially opened applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme, giving Nigerian postgraduate students another opportunity to study in top universities abroad.
The scholarship scheme is open to qualified Nigerians seeking to pursue Master’s (MSc) and Doctorate (PhD) degrees in oil, gas, and energy-related fields. Successful applicants will study in selected universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
The announcement was made public through a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media. The Special Adviser, Dada Olusegun, confirmed that the application process has commenced and encouraged eligible Nigerians to apply.
“FG has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) overseas scholarships,” the post stated.
The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme is one of the Federal Government’s key educational support programmes aimed at developing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The fund was established to train Nigerians in critical areas of petroleum technology and related disciplines, both within and outside the country.
According to PTDF, the overseas scholarship programme is designed to give beneficiaries access to world-class education, modern research facilities, and global best practices. The long-term goal is to strengthen local capacity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign expertise in the energy sector.
The scholarship covers a wide range of oil and gas–related courses, including petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, geosciences, energy economics, environmental studies, and other relevant fields linked to Nigeria’s energy needs.
Successful candidates under the 2026 scheme will enjoy full financial support throughout their period of study. The benefits include payment of full tuition fees, return flight tickets, accommodation costs, living allowances, health insurance, and bench fees where applicable. This comprehensive support is meant to allow students focus fully on their studies without financial pressure.
For PhD candidates admitted into universities in the United Kingdom, PTDF explained that a split-site programme will be adopted. Under this arrangement, students will carry out part of their research at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies (CPES) in Kaduna, while also conducting research at partner universities in the UK.
The UK partner institutions listed by PTDF include Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Portsmouth. This approach is aimed at strengthening local institutions while still providing international exposure and access to global research standards.
PTDF stated that the split-site arrangement also allows for better supervision, collaboration, and transfer of knowledge between Nigerian and foreign institutions. It is part of ongoing efforts to build strong research capacity within the country.
The fund noted that the scholarship is highly competitive and that only the best candidates will be selected. Applicants will be assessed based on several criteria, including academic performance, quality of research proposals, professional qualifications, and relevance of their chosen field to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
For MSc applicants, PTDF stated that candidates must have a minimum of a Second Class Lower (2:2) degree from a recognised institution. Applicants must also have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and possess a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
PhD applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic and research ability. In addition to meeting educational requirements, they must submit a detailed research proposal. The proposal must be relevant to PTDF’s strategic focus and aligned with Nigeria’s energy development goals.
The fund also considers professional memberships, industry experience, and previous research work as part of the selection process. PTDF said these factors help to ensure that selected candidates will make meaningful contributions to the sector after completing their studies.
Over the years, the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme has produced thousands of Nigerian graduates who are now working in various sectors of the oil and gas industry, both locally and internationally. Many beneficiaries have gone on to occupy key positions in government agencies, oil companies, research institutions, and universities.
The Federal Government has repeatedly highlighted the importance of investing in education and skills development, particularly in critical sectors such as energy. The PTDF scholarship is seen as part of broader efforts to prepare Nigeria for future challenges in the global energy space, including energy transition and sustainability.
Interested and qualified candidates are advised to apply online through the official PTDF scholarship portal at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng. Applicants are encouraged to read all guidelines carefully and ensure that they submit accurate and complete information.
PTDF warned that incomplete applications or applications that do not meet the stated requirements will not be considered. Applicants are also advised to beware of fraudsters, as the scholarship application process is free of charge.
The deadline for submission of applications for the 2026 PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme is February 27, 2026. PTDF urged prospective applicants to apply early and avoid waiting until the last minute.
As applications open, many Nigerian students and young professionals are expected to take advantage of the opportunity to further their education abroad. For many, the PTDF scholarship represents a rare chance to gain international exposure and advanced training that could shape their careers and contribute to national development.
With the launch of the 2026 application cycle, the Federal Government has again reaffirmed its commitment to human capital development and the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through education and skills transfer.