PTDF In-Country Scholarship 2026/27 – Fully Funded for Nigerian Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD Students

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a Federal Government agency with the mandate of developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology, invites applications from qualified Nigerians for the 2026/27 In-Country Scholarship Scheme (ISS).

This fully funded scholarship supports undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies in Nigerian public universities only. Applications open from 27 April 2026 to 5 June 2026. If you are looking for similar opportunities in Africa, explore fully funded scholarships in Nigeria for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: PTDF In-Country Scholarship Scheme (ISS) 2026/27

• Host Country: Nigeria

• Host Institutions: Nigerian public universities only

• Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

• Application Period: 27 April 2026 – 5 June 2026

• Application Portal: scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng

For students seeking other funded programs in Africa, check latest scholarships in South Africa for all nationalities.

General Requirements for All Applicants

Before applying, applicants must have a National Identity Number (NIN). NIN verification is required before proceeding with the application (NIMC verification charges apply). Applicants who have benefited from any PTDF scholarship in the past cannot apply for the same or lower category of degree.

Current beneficiaries of any other scholarship need not apply. Application is restricted to public universities and for specific courses only. Admission for part‑time studies will not be considered.

Undergraduate Scholarship – Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must be full‑time students in any public university and presently in 200 level in their field of study. The course of study must be related to the oil and gas industry and management as advertised. Applicants must possess 5 credits in WAEC/SSCE/NECO, including English Language and Mathematics (not more than 2 sittings, and the first sitting result must be uploaded).

A minimum CGPA of 2.4 on a scale of 5.0 (Second Class Lower) is required. Applicants must provide transcripts for the first year of study, duly signed and stamped by the HOD, Exams Officer, or any authorized personnel.

Documents to Upload (Undergraduate)

• Evidence of WAEC/SSCE/NECO results (5 credits including English and Mathematics)

• Letter of admission into the university

• First‑year academic transcript (signed and stamped)

• Certificate of indigeneship (evidence of state of origin and local government)

• Personal statement of at least 300 words stating reasons for undertaking the course

Master’s Scholarship – Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must possess a full‑time admission letter into any public university. A minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) in an oil and gas‑related field is required. The course of study must be related to the oil and gas/management industry.

Applicants must possess at least 5 credits in WAEC/SSCE/NECO results (not more than 2 sittings, and the two results must precede the first degree). NYSC certificate or letter of exemption is required, along with a certificate of indigeneship. A personal statement of at least 1,000 words stating reasons for undertaking the course is also required.

PhD Scholarship – Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must possess a full‑time admission letter into any public university. A minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) in an oil and gas/management‑related field is required, along with a minimum of Merit in a second‑degree certificate in an oil and gas‑related discipline. Applicants must possess at least 5 credits in WAEC/SSCE/NECO results (not more than 2 sittings, and the two results must precede the first degree).

NYSC certificate or letter of exemption and certificate of indigeneship are required. The research area must be relevant to the oil and gas industry. A PhD research proposal of not more than 6 pages is required (template available on the PTDF portal).

Additional Documents for PhD Applicants

• Second‑degree certificate or statement of results

• PhD research proposal (template available on the portal)

For applicants interested in other Nigerian government scholarships, see Nigeria's latest scholarships in 2026.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Ensure you have a valid National Identity Number (NIN). Verify your NIN on the PTDF portal (NIMC verification charges apply).

Step 2: Visit the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng.

Step 3: Read the instructions and requirements carefully before applying.

Step 4: Create an account or log in to your existing account.

Step 5: Complete the online application form. Upload all required documents in PDF format (except passport photograph). Ensure all documents are legible and within the specified file sizes.

Step 6: For undergraduate applicants, upload first‑year transcript (signed and stamped). For master’s applicants, upload personal statement (1,000 words minimum). For PhD applicants, upload research proposal (max 6 pages).

Step 7: Submit your application before the deadline.

Step 8: Postgraduate applicants who meet the requirements will be shortlisted and invited for oral interviews before final selection.

Selection Process

A selection panel will assess applications using the following criteria:

• Academic merit – quality of degrees, transcripts, professional qualifications, and publications

• Membership of professional bodies

• Viability of the study/research plan (PhD applicants only)

• Statement of purpose – undergraduate and master’s applicants must state reasons for the study, relevance to the industry, and expected impact on national development

• Equitable representation – selection will be based on representation of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory

Important Notes

• Undergraduate applicants must have completed their first‑year examinations and be in their second year of studies.

• Postgraduate applicants who are in their final year of studies need not apply.

• Only undergraduate applicants in oil and gas, energy, and management‑related fields will be considered.

• PhD research areas are provided on the PTDF Scholarship Portal – applicants must choose relevant research areas.

Final Thoughts

The PTDF In-Country Scholarship Scheme is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degrees in public universities. With a focus on oil and gas, energy, and management fields, this scholarship supports the development of indigenous human capacity for the industry.

The application period is 27 April to 5 June 2026. Apply online through the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal.

For a complete list of open scholarships in Africa, visit list of all open scholarships in Africa.

Apply Now for PTDF In-Country Scholarship 2026/27