This post is dedicated to PTDF Scholarship (Msc/PhD). Everything about the scholarship will be posted here, before and after the test, including helpful guides and resources.
About the PTDF Scholarship
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a Federal Government agency responsible for developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, invites applications for its 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships.
This scheme offers opportunities to study specific programmes at selected partner universities abroad, providing access to world-class training, research facilities, and global expertise.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Return flight tickets
- Health insurance
- Tuition and bench fees (where applicable)
- Allowances for accommodation and living expenses
Overview of the PTDF Scholarship Scheme 2026
The PTDF scholarship scheme supports MSc and PhD programmes in disciplines relevant to the oil and gas industry. The Fund focuses on academic excellence, industry relevance, and national development impact.
📌 Key Focus Areas
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Human capital development
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Oil, gas, and energy-related disciplines
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Research aligned with Nigeria’s national priorities
PTDF Approved Countries & Universities
For the 2026 PTDF Scholarship, applications are restricted to PTDF partner universities in the following countries:
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United Kingdom
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Germany
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France
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Malaysia
PTDF has limited applications to these institutions to ensure quality education, sustained standards, and alignment with the Scheme’s objectives.
PTDF Sponsored Courses 2026
Only PTDF-approved courses are eligible for sponsorship.
✅ Applicants must select courses strictly relevant to the oil and gas industry
❌ Non-relevant programmes will result in disqualification
📍 Full list of approved courses and application forms can be accessed via the official PTDF portal
UK PhD Scholarships: Mandatory Split-Site Programme at CPESK
For the 2026 academic year, all UK PhD scholarships will be conducted strictly as split-site programmes.
What Is the Split-Site PhD Programme?
The Split-Site PhD Programme is a structured doctoral training model where a PhD candidate conducts their research by dividing their study period between two institutions in different locations.
Under the PTDF Split-Site PhD arrangement, scholars will:
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Spend part of their PhD research period at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) in Nigeria
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Complete the remaining portion at an approved international partner university, particularly in the United Kingdom
How the PTDF Split-Site PhD Works
Instead of being based entirely abroad, candidates will:
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Undertake coursework, research activities, and local capacity development at CPESK
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Access advanced laboratories, specialist supervision, and international research exposure at the partner UK university
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Be jointly supervised by local and international experts
Purpose of the Split-Site PhD Programme
The programme was introduced by PTDF to:
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Strengthen local postgraduate education and research capacity
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Reduce overdependence on full overseas training
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Align doctoral research with Nigeria’s oil and gas development priorities
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Promote knowledge transfer and sustainable human capital development
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Position CPESK as a world-class centre for energy studies
Key Benefits to Scholars
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International-standard PhD training with strong local relevance
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Dual academic exposure and supervision
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Improved research impact on Nigeria’s oil, gas, and energy sector
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Reduced cost while maintaining global academic quality
Important Note for 2026 Applicants
For the 2026 PTDF Scholarship, all UK PhD awards are strictly limited to the Split-Site PhD Programme and will only be hosted through approved partner universities.
Approved UK Partner Universities for Split-Site PhD
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Robert Gordon University
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University of Strathclyde
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University of Portsmouth
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
PTDF scholarships are extremely competitive.
Selection Stages
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Initial screening based on submitted qualifications
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Shortlisting of top candidates from each State
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Interview by a selection committee
Assessment Criteria Include:
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Academic merit and quality of transcripts
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Relevant professional qualifications
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Research publications (PhD applicants only)
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Membership of professional bodies
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Viability and relevance of study plan or research proposal
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Alignment with the oil and gas industry
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Consistency between prior studies and proposed programme
PTDF Scholarship Requirements 2026
A) Requirements for MSc Applicants
MSc applicants must:
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Possess at least a Second Class Upper (2.1) OR
Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience -
Have completed NYSC
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Be computer literate
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Possess five (5) O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
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Submit a Statement of Purpose (max. 500 words) covering:
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Rationale for the proposed study
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Relevance to the oil and gas industry
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Expected contribution to national development
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Have a National Identity Number (NIN) fully verified
(NIMC verification charges apply)
B) Requirements for PhD Applicants
PhD applicants must:
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Have completed NYSC
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Be computer literate
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Possess five (5) O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
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Hold at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) in the first degree
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Possess a good postgraduate (Master’s) degree
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Submit a research proposal (max. 5 pages) relevant to oil and gas, covering:
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Topic
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Background/Introduction
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Objectives
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Methodology
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Data collection approach
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Have a verified NIN
(NIMC verification charges apply)
📌 Additional Requirement for Lecturers
All academic staff must submit a letter from their Vice-Chancellor confirming they are not currently benefiting from another scholarship.
Mandatory Documents for PTDF Scholarship Application
Applicants must upload clear and legible scanned copies of the following documents:
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First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
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NYSC Discharge Certificate
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WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results with relevant PIN(s) for online verification
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Recent passport photograph
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Local Government Identification Letter
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Master’s Degree Certificate (PhD applicants only)
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Evidence of membership of relevant professional bodies
⚠️ Any illegible or falsified document will result in automatic disqualification
Important Notes for Applicants
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The scholarship is for the 2026 academic session
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Applications are limited to PTDF-approved courses and institutions
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Courses must be relevant to PTDF’s oil and gas mandate
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The proposed course must align with the applicant’s academic background
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PhD applicants under the PTDF/DAAD Germany partnership must secure a research supervisor before final interviews
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Multiple applications = automatic disqualification
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Candidates previously sponsored by PTDF cannot apply for the same or lower category
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Shortlisted candidates must present original academic transcripts during interviews
Advice for Applicants
The PTDF Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity, but only well-prepared and qualified candidates succeed. Applicants are strongly advised to:
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Apply early
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Carefully review course relevance
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Prepare strong statements and research proposals
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Ensure all documents are accurate and verifiable
🔔 Apply only through the official portal
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The closing date for applications is 27th February 2026
(six weeks from the date of this publication)
Will There Be PTDF Scholarship Test?
In previous years, the PTDF Scholarship Aptitude Test was an important part of the selection process.
What to Know About PTDF Scholarship Test:
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Before 2019, the test had two sections, similar to the NDDC scholarship test,
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General Knowledge – covering current affairs, logical reasoning, and English
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Technical Questions – based on your course of study (Engineering, Geosciences, etc.)
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From 2019 onwards, PTDF moved to oral interviews only, skipping the written test entirely.
However, for the 2026 application cycle, there’s a strong chance the aptitude test will be brought back due to the high number of applicants expected under the reorganized scheme.
If the test is reintroduced, candidates will need to be well-prepared.
Prepare Early with Practice Materials
To help you get ready, you can find up-to-date PTDF test prep materials—including sample questions and full practice packs—on Teststreams
Browse PTDF Scholarship Practice Packs here
Getting familiar with the test format and practicing in advance gives you a big edge. It’s never too early to start!
