The Federal Government has officially opened applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarship Scheme, offering Nigerian postgraduate students the opportunity to pursue advanced studies abroad in key oil and gas–related disciplines.

The announcement was confirmed on Monday in a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun. According to the post, the scheme covers overseas study opportunities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.

Further details published on the PTDF scholarship board website explained that the programme is open to both MSc and PhD candidates in fields relevant to the oil and gas industry. The scholarship package is comprehensive, covering tuition fees, return flight tickets, accommodation, living allowances, health insurance, and bench fees where applicable.

The PTDF said the initiative is designed to expose Nigerian scholars to world-class education and cutting-edge research environments while strengthening local expertise in the energy sector. “The 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships provide access to world-class training, research facilities, and global expertise, while developing indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” the statement read.

For PhD candidates applying to universities in the United Kingdom, the fund disclosed that the scholarship would operate under a split-site arrangement. Under this model, beneficiaries will conduct part of their research at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, and the remainder at selected partner universities in the UK. These partner institutions include Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Portsmouth.

The PTDF stressed that the scholarship scheme is highly competitive and merit-based. Applicants will be assessed on several criteria, including academic qualifications, the quality and relevance of their research proposals, membership of professional bodies, and how closely their proposed course of study aligns with Nigeria’s oil and gas industry needs. Only candidates who demonstrate exceptional merit and suitability, the fund said, will be selected.

Eligibility requirements for MSc applicants include a minimum of a Second Class Lower (2.2) degree or higher, completion of the National Youth Service Corps programme, computer literacy and at least five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics. PhD applicants are also required to submit a detailed research proposal of no more than five pages, clearly outlining research objectives, methodology and data collection strategies.

The fund further warned applicants against multiple submissions or the presentation of falsified documents, stating that such actions would lead to automatic disqualification. It also noted that all applicants must ensure their National Identity Number is properly verified before completing the application process.

Interested candidates are required to apply online through the official PTDF portal at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng, selecting from approved programmes at PTDF partner institutions. Applications will close on February 27, marking the deadline for all submissions.

The Federal Government said the scheme remains a critical part of its long-term strategy to build skilled manpower and reduce reliance on foreign expertise in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.