PTDF Overseas PhD Degree Scholarship Scheme 2026

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigeria’s foremost human capacity building institution dedicated to the development of indigenous manpower and technology in the oil and gas industry. Our mission is to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of sustaining and advancing Nigeria’s petroleum sector through strategic partnerships, innovative training programs, and scholarship initiatives. Join us as we empower the next generation of professionals and drive the nation's energy future.

Applications are invited for:

Title: 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas PhD Degree Scholarship Scheme for Universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia

Details

• This scheme offers opportunities to study specific programmes at selected partner universities abroad, providing access to world-class training, research facilities, and global expertise.

Key Information for Applicants
Strategic Partnerships:

• For the 2026 award, applications will be restricted to PTDF partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia, where the Fund is satisfied that scholarship standards will be sustained and the Scheme's objectives will be best achieved.

Courses:

• The full list of sponsored courses and application forms can be accessed via the scholarship portal

Selection Process, Criteria and Requirements

• PTDF scholarships are highly competitive. Only candidates who demonstrate outstanding merit and suitability will be considered.
• Following initial screening based on submitted qualifications, the top applicants in each category from each State will be invited for an interview.

A selection committee will assess candidates using (but not limited to) the following criteria:

• Academic merit (quality of degrees, complete academic transcripts, and relevant professional qualifications)
• Relevant publications (PhD applicants only)
• Membership of professional bodies
• Viability and relevance of the study plan / research proposal
• Relevance of prior studies to the oil and gas industry and the proposed programme/research.

UK PhD to be Conducted as Split-Site at CPESK

• With the establishment of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), PTDF continues to advance its strategic objective of strengthening local capacity and domesticating key aspects of its human capital development programmes in alignment with national priorities.
• CPESK is being positioned as a centre for world-class postgraduate education, high-impact research, and strong industry–academia partnerships.
• Accordingly, for the 2026 academic year, PhD scholarships in the United Kingdom will once again be limited to split-site programmes only, under which successful candidates will undertake research by splitting residency between CPESK and designated UK partner universities:
  • Robert Gordon University
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Portsmouth

Requirements

• Have completed the mandatory NYSC
• Be computer literate
• Possess five (5) O'Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
• Possess at least Second Class Lower (2.2) in the first degree and a good postgraduate degree
• Submit a research proposal relevant to the oil and gas industry (maximum five (5) pages) covering:
  • Topic;
  • Introduction/background;
  • Objectives;
  • Methodology; and
  • Data collection approach
• Have a NIN and ensure it is verified prior to application (NIMC verification charges apply).

In addition:

• All lecturers must also submit a letter from their Vice-Chancellors confirming that they are not currently benefiting from any other scholarship.

Scholarship Benefits

• Return flight tickets
• Health insurance
• Tuition and bench fees (where applicable)
• Allowances for accommodation and living expenses

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click Here to Start Application

Application Deadline  27th February, 2026.

Required Documents (Mandatory)
Applicants are required to scan and upload clear copies of the following documents during online application:

• First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
• NYSC Discharge Certificate
• WAEC / GCE / SSCE / NECO results and the relevant PIN(s) (to enable online verification)
• Recent passport photograph
• Local Government Identification Letter
• Master's Degree Certificate
• Evidence of membership of relevant professional associations

Important Note
Applicants are further advised to note the following:

• The scholarship is for the 2026 academic session.
• Applications are limited to PTDF-approved courses at PTDF partner institutions.
• Scholarships will only be awarded for studies relevant to PTDF's mandate; candidates may be disqualified for programmes deemed not relevant to the oil and gas industry.
• The proposed course of study must be consistent with the applicant's prior academic background.
• Applicants intending to pursue a PhD scholarship under the PTDF / DAAD partnership in Germany are required to secure a research supervisor prior to the final selection interviews.
• Multiple applications will result in automatic disqualification.
• Submission of any illegible or falsified documents as part of the application will result in automatic disqualification.
• Candidates previously sponsored by the Fund for a scholarship category (MSc /PhD) are ineligible to apply again for the same or lower category.
• Shortlisted candidates invited for interview will be required to present their transcripts; applicants are therefore advised to make transcripts available in advance.