The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has officially begun receiving applications for its 2025/2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS), a government-funded initiative aimed at grooming highly skilled Nigerian professionals for leadership roles in the oil and gas industry.

This latest call for applications was revealed through an announcement on PTDF’s official social media platforms, encouraging qualified candidates across the country to seize the opportunity to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies in leading global institutions.

Revamped Scholarship Targets Broader National Development

The OSS programme has undergone significant restructuring to align with the nation’s drive toward building homegrown expertise in the petroleum sector. According to PTDF, the updated scheme now emphasizes local capacity building while maintaining the global scope of academic exposure.

The Fund reiterated that the goal remains to nurture technical proficiency and specialized knowledge among Nigerian youth, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on foreign professionals in the oil and gas industry.

Available Study Locations and Institutions

Successful applicants will be offered fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships in select countries and institutions, with academic partnerships ensuring high-quality education and research opportunities.

• United Kingdom: PTDF will sponsor Master’s degree programmes in various petroleum-related fields. PhD sponsorships for the UK will now follow a Split-Site model, combining study periods in Nigeria and the UK. This arrangement will be executed through a collaboration between the PTDF College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna (CPESK) and three prestigious British universities:

  • Robert Gordon University

  • University of Strathclyde

  • University of Portsmouth

• Germany, France, and Malaysia: These countries will offer both MSc and PhD scholarships under the full sponsorship of PTDF, continuing the tradition of strategic partnerships with globally recognized academic institutions.

What the Scholarship Covers

PTDF’s overseas scholarship scheme provides comprehensive financial support to all successful candidates. The coverage includes:

• Return air travel from Nigeria to the country of study

• Health insurance for the duration of the programme

• Full payment of tuition fees and bench fees (if applicable)

• Monthly stipends and allowances to cover living costs throughout the course

• Research grants for PhD candidates to facilitate project fieldwork, especially in areas relevant to the Nigerian oil and gas industry

These benefits are aimed at creating a stress-free academic experience so that scholars can focus entirely on achieving academic excellence.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens and must meet a number of academic and professional criteria:

• For MSc Applicants:

  • A minimum of a Second Class Upper (2.1) in relevant disciplines

  • Candidates with a Second Class Lower (2.2) must have at least two years of relevant work experience in the oil and gas sector

• For PhD Applicants:

  • A Master’s degree in a relevant field with a good academic record

  • Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal relevant to Nigeria’s petroleum sector

Additional general requirements include:

• Valid National Identity Number (NIN)

• NYSC discharge certificate

• Competence in computer usage and Microsoft Office

• Not currently receiving another scholarship

• Not employed by PTDF, NNPC, or their subsidiaries

Application Process and Deadline

All applications must be submitted online through the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal. The application portal is live and will remain open until June 4, 2025.

Applicants are advised to carefully read the detailed instructions provided on the portal and ensure that all supporting documents — including academic transcripts, reference letters, and personal statements — are uploaded before the deadline.

For clarity and guidance on eligibility criteria, programme structure, and a list of eligible universities, candidates should visit the official PTDF website and scholarship portal.

Strategic Importance of the PTDF Scholarship Programme

Established under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the PTDF plays a crucial role in human capital development within Nigeria’s energy sector. Through the Overseas Scholarship Scheme and other capacity-building efforts, the Fund seeks to bridge the technical knowledge gap in the petroleum industry.

Over the past decades, thousands of Nigerians have benefited from PTDF’s sponsorship, earning postgraduate degrees in vital fields such as engineering, geosciences, renewable energy, environmental science, and petroleum law.

Beyond academic training, the PTDF also funds research initiatives, provides infrastructure grants to tertiary institutions, and supports specialized institutions such as the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna. These strategic investments underscore the Fund’s commitment to empowering Nigerians to take ownership of key aspects of the country’s oil and gas development.

Broader Impact on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry

The scholarship initiative is not just about education—it is a long-term national strategy. By cultivating homegrown expertise, Nigeria can increasingly manage its energy resources without excessive reliance on expatriates.

As the global energy landscape evolves—with a growing emphasis on cleaner fuels and environmental sustainability—Nigeria must equip its professionals to lead innovation, improve efficiency, and adopt modern technologies. The PTDF scholarship aims to fulfill this need by offering Nigerian scholars exposure to global best practices, while anchoring their research and learning in local challenges and priorities.

Conclusion: A Vital Opportunity for Future Leaders

The launch of the 2025/2026 PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme offers a critical pathway for young Nigerians to gain advanced knowledge and contribute to the transformation of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

The programme represents more than just a scholarship—it is an investment in the country’s future. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply before the June 4 deadline and take advantage of this unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the nation’s development.

For full details, visit the official PTDF Scholarship Portal.