PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2025 – Fully Funded Study Abroad Opportunity for Nigerians
2025 PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme for Universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Malaysia, and the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), Nigeria
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a Federal Government agency dedicated to enhancing indigenous capacity, research, and technology for the oil and gas industry, is inviting applications from qualified candidates for its Overseas MSc and PhD scholarships for the 2025 academic session.
The PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme provides candidates with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at world-class institutions across the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Malaysia, and Nigeria. This scholarship includes coverage for flight tickets, health insurance, tuition fees, bench fees (where applicable), as well as allowances for accommodation and living expenses.
Key Information for Applicants:
- The scholarship is for the 2025 academic session.
- Applicants must apply for PTDF-approved courses at PTDF partner institutions.
- Only studies relevant to the PTDF mandate (oil and gas industry) will be considered. Candidates applying for unrelated programs will be disqualified.
- The proposed course of study must be related to the candidate’s prior education.
- Multiple applications by the same candidate will result in automatic disqualification.
- Candidates who have previously been sponsored by PTDF for a specific category (MSc/PhD) are not eligible to apply for the same or a lower category.
- Those who are already beneficiaries of another scholarship from a similar organization are not eligible. Lecturers must also submit a letter from their Vice Chancellor confirming they are not receiving any other scholarship.
PTDF 2025 Scholarship Programs:
- Strategic Partnerships:
The 2025 scholarships will be available for study at selected partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. These institutions have been chosen for their ability to maintain high academic standards and meet the objectives of the PTDF scheme. - Split-Site UK PhD Program:
Starting in 2025, all PhD programs in the United Kingdom will be offered exclusively as Split-site programs. This means scholars will divide their time between Nigeria and the UK. They will conduct part of their research at the PTDF’s College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), and the rest at one of the UK partner universities. Partner Universities in the UK:- Robert Gordon University
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Portsmouth
- College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK):
Established to provide world-class education focused on the energy industry, CPESK aims to offer postgraduate programs that cater to the evolving needs of Nigeria’s energy sector. - MSc Programs in the UK:
PTDF partners with 18 prestigious UK universities to offer Master’s degrees in oil and gas-related fields. These programs align with PTDF’s mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. - PhD/MSc Programs in Germany, France, and Malaysia:
PTDF offers fully funded PhD and MSc programs in public institutions in these countries. All public universities in Germany are eligible for sponsorship.
Selection Process and Criteria:
PTDF scholarships are highly competitive. Selection is based on merit, and applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Academic qualifications, including degrees and professional certifications.
- Relevant publications (PhD applicants only).
- Membership in professional bodies.
- Relevance of the study/research plan to the oil and gas industry.
- Quality and relevance of the candidate’s previous studies and proposed course/research.
Requirements for PhD Applicants:
- Completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
- Proficiency in computer skills.
- A minimum of 5 O/level credits, including English and Mathematics.
- A minimum of Second-Class Lower (2.2) in the first degree and a good post-graduate degree.
- A research proposal (maximum five pages) relevant to the oil and gas industry.
- A valid National Identity Number (NIN) fully verified by NIMC.
Requirements for MSc Applicants:
- A minimum of Second-Class Upper (2.1) in the first degree or Second-Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience.
- Completion of the NYSC program.
- Proficiency in computer skills.
- A minimum of 5 O/level credits, including English and Mathematics.
- A statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) explaining the relevance of the proposed study to the industry and its potential impact on national development.
- A valid National Identity Number (NIN) fully verified by NIMC.
Mandatory Documents:
Applicants must scan and upload the following documents:
- First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
- NYSC Discharge Certificate
- WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results with PINs for verification
- Recent passport photograph
- Local Government Identification Letter
- Master’s Degree Certificate (for PhD applicants)
- Evidence of membership in professional bodies
Interview:
Candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited for an interview. They should bring their academic transcripts to the interview.
Application Deadline:
All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, May 28, 2025 (six weeks from the date of publication).
