PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme (Nigeria)

The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme is Nigeria’s flagship government scholarship for postgraduate study abroad, funded by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund. It fully funds MSc study in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Malaysia and PhD study in Germany, France and Malaysia (with a UK split-site doctoral track), covering tuition, living allowances, flights and health insurance.

Fields span petroleum, chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering, geosciences, computer science and cyber security, renewables and energy management. Applicants need a strong first degree, an NYSC certificate and a verified NIN, and selection balances candidates across all 36 states and the FCT. The annual advert opens on the PTDF portal early each year; the 2026 round closed February 27.

• Nigerian citizens with strong academic records applying for postgraduate study relevant to the oil, gas and energy sector.
• MSc track: study at partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Malaysia, normally requiring a Second Class Upper degree (a Second Class Lower with solid industry experience can be considered).
• PhD track: Germany, France and Malaysia, while the UK PhD now runs as a split-site programme anchored at the PTDF College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna with UK partner universities.
• Relevant fields are broad: petroleum, chemical, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, geosciences, computer science and cyber security, renewable energy and environment, plus management fields such as law, accounting and economics.
• NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, a verified National Identity Number, and a course of study consistent with your academic background.
• PhD applicants submit a research proposal of up to six pages, and those targeting the PTDF/DAAD Germany route must secure a supervisor before final interviews.
• One application only; previous PTDF scholars cannot reapply for the same or a lower level, and current beneficiaries of other scholarships are excluded.

• Full tuition and bench fees at partner universities abroad, paid by the Fund.
• Allowances covering accommodation and living expenses for the duration of the programme.
• Return flight tickets and health insurance.
• Placement within structured partnerships, including the PTDF/DAAD track in Germany and named UK, French and Malaysian partner institutions.
• Selection balanced across Nigeria's 36 states and the FCT, giving strong candidates from every state a fair path.
• One of Nigeria's most established government scholarship pipelines for the energy sector, with thousands of alumni.

• Online application through the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal (scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng) after NIN verification.
• First degree certificate or statement of results and full transcripts.
• NYSC certificate or exemption letter.
• WAEC, GCE, SSCE or NECO results and your admission letter where already obtained.
• Statement of purpose (undergraduate and MSc applicants) explaining the industry relevance and national impact of your study.
• PhD applicants add the second degree certificate and the six-page research proposal on a listed research area, plus certificate of state of origin matching your other documents.

• Watch the PTDF portal and its verified social channels for the annual overseas advert, typically published early in the year with about a six-week window (the 2026 round closed February 27, 2026).
• Verify your National Identity Number on the portal first, since the application cannot start without NIMC verification.
• Create your account, select the overseas scheme and complete the form with legible PDF uploads; multiple or falsified applications mean automatic disqualification.
• Prepare your transcripts in advance, because shortlisted candidates must present them at interview.
• Pass the computer-based assessment and oral interview stages used for postgraduate shortlisting.
• Never pay anyone for forms or slots; the application is free and agents claiming guaranteed selection are scams.