A major fully funded international scholarship opportunity has officially opened for the 2026 academic session, offering ambitious postgraduate candidates the chance to study in some of the world’s leading universities across the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme 2026 is now accepting applications for MSc and PhD programmes in strategic fields connected to the oil, gas, and energy sector. This is a highly competitive and prestigious government-funded scholarship designed to build global expertise and advanced technical skills through world-class education and research exposure.
For candidates aiming to gain international qualifications with full financial backing and strong industry relevance, this is a timely and powerful opportunity.
What this opportunity is all about?
The PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme is a flagship international study programme created to develop highly skilled professionals and researchers in the petroleum and energy sector. Selected scholars will pursue specialized postgraduate programmes at PTDF partner universities in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
The scheme is structured to provide access to top-tier academic institutions, advanced research facilities, and global industry knowledge. It also ensures that scholars acquire practical expertise aligned with the evolving needs of the energy sector and national development priorities.
For 2026, applications are strictly limited to approved courses at PTDF partner institutions. This ensures that scholars receive training in high-impact areas where technical expertise is most needed and where long-term career opportunities remain strong.
An important feature of the 2026 programme is the continuation of the split-site PhD model for the United Kingdom. Selected doctoral candidates will undertake research partly at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), and partly at designated UK partner universities including Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde, and University of Portsmouth. This model strengthens local research capacity while maintaining international academic standards.
What the scholarship is offering?
The PTDF Overseas Scholarship 2026 is fully funded and designed to remove financial barriers so that selected scholars can focus entirely on their studies and research.
Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- Full tuition coverage and bench fees where applicable
- Return international flight tickets
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Monthly allowances for accommodation and living expenses
- Access to advanced research and academic facilities at partner universities
- Exposure to global expertise and international academic networks
This package ensures scholars can pursue postgraduate education abroad without financial stress while gaining internationally recognized qualifications and research experience.
Who this scholarship is for?
This opportunity is designed for academically strong and career-driven candidates seeking advanced postgraduate training in fields related to petroleum, energy, and allied sectors.
MSc applicants should:
- Hold a minimum Second Class Upper (2.1) degree or Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
- Have completed mandatory national service requirements
- Possess strong academic records and basic computer literacy
- Demonstrate clear interest in oil, gas, and energy sector development
- Submit a focused statement of purpose explaining the relevance of the proposed study.
PhD applicants should:
- Hold at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) in first degree and a strong postgraduate degree
- Submit a well-structured research proposal aligned with oil and gas industry priorities
- Show academic excellence, research potential, and professional relevance
- Provide evidence of relevant academic or professional experience
- Secure a research supervisor in Germany for DAAD partnership PhD routes before final selection interviews.
All candidates must ensure that their proposed programme aligns with their previous academic background and the strategic focus of the scholarship. Applications are highly competitive and only the most qualified and relevant candidates will progress to the interview stage.
Apply: https://scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng/guidelines
When to apply?
The last date to apply for the PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme for the 2026 academic session is 27 February 2026.