PTDF Scholarship in Nigeria (2025 Guide): How to Apply and Requirements

If you’re looking for a fully funded scholarship in Nigeria that can take you abroad or support your postgraduate studies at home, then the PTDF Scholarship is one of the best opportunities available.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the PTDF scholarship, including eligibility, application process, benefits, and tips to help you succeed.

What is the PTDF Scholarship?

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is a government agency created by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Its main goal is to build local capacity and human expertise for the oil, gas, and energy sectors.

The PTDF Scholarship Program was established to help Nigerian students study relevant courses both locally and internationally. Through this program, many Nigerians have studied in top universities in the UK, Germany, France, Malaysia, and other countries.

The scholarship focuses mainly on fields related to engineering, geology, environmental sciences, renewable energy, and management in the oil and gas industry.

Types of PTDF Scholarships

The PTDF offers two main types of scholarships every year:

1. PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS)

This program allows selected Nigerian students to study in foreign universities that have agreements with PTDF.
Beneficiaries get full funding to pursue Master’s (MSc) and Doctorate (PhD) degrees in top universities abroad.

Partner countries include:

• The United Kingdom (UK)

• Germany

• France

• Malaysia

The aim is to expose students to world-class education and research in petroleum and energy-related fields.

2. PTDF Local Scholarship Scheme (LSS)

This program is for students who prefer to study in Nigerian universities. It supports postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD) in selected federal and state universities that have strong oil and gas programs.

This local option helps strengthen Nigeria’s institutions and encourages students to develop solutions within the country’s context.

Who Can Apply for the PTDF Scholarship?

Before applying, you must make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Below are the major PTDF Scholarship eligibility criteria:

1. You must be a Nigerian citizen.

2. You must have a relevant degree in fields such as engineering, geology, environmental science, management, or related areas.

3. For Master’s (MSc) applicants:

   • You must have a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1) in your first degree.

   • If you have a Second Class Lower (2:2), you must have relevant work experience.

4. For PhD applicants:

   • You must have a good Master’s degree in a related field.

   • You must submit a research proposal relevant to the oil and gas industry.

5. You must have completed NYSC (National Youth Service Corps).

6. You must have your transcripts, admission letter, and identification documents ready.

Required Documents

When applying for the PTDF scholarship, make sure to prepare these documents before registration:

• First-degree certificate or statement of result

• NYSC discharge or exemption certificate

• Passport photograph

• Local Government identification letter

• Admission letter (for those already admitted)

• WAEC/NECO certificate

• Personal statement (for MSc applicants)

• Research proposal (for PhD applicants)

• National ID card or International Passport

How to Apply for PTDF Scholarship (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these steps carefully to apply for the PTDF Scholarship:

Step 1: Visit the Official PTDF Scholarship Portal

Go to https://scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng.
Make sure you are on the official website to avoid scams.

Step 2: Create an Account

Click on “Apply Now” and create an account using your valid email address.

Step 3: Choose Your Scholarship Type

Select whether you want to apply for the Overseas or Local scholarship scheme.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Provide accurate information about your education, employment, and personal details.
Upload all the required documents in the right format.

Step 5: Submit and Print the Confirmation Slip

After submission, print your confirmation slip or acknowledgment page.
You’ll need this for verification or during the interview stage.

PTDF Scholarship Application Timeline (2026)

Although dates may vary each year, the PTDF scholarship usually follows this timeline:

Always check the official PTDF website and verified social media pages for the latest updates.

Selection Process

After the application closes, the PTDF selection team shortlists qualified candidates.
The process usually includes:

1. Screening of documents to confirm eligibility.

2. Computer-Based Test (CBT) or written exams for MSc candidates.

3. Interview or oral defense for PhD applicants.

4. Final selection based on academic merit, professional relevance, and regional balance.

The process is transparent, and results are published on the PTDF portal once approved.

Benefits of the PTDF Scholarship

Winning a PTDF scholarship comes with many amazing benefits. The program is fully funded, covering almost every educational expense.

For Overseas Scholars:

• Full tuition fees

• Living allowance

• Book allowance

• Accommodation cost

• Health insurance

• Flight tickets (to and from the study country)

• Research and thesis support

For Local Scholars:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipends

• Research grant (for PhD)

• Laptop allowance

The scholarship takes away financial worries, allowing scholars to focus fully on their studies.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning the PTDF Scholarship

Getting the PTDF scholarship is very competitive, but these tips can help:

1. Maintain a strong CGPA.
   PTDF gives priority to students with excellent academic results.

2. Write a compelling personal statement.
   Explain your motivation, career goals, and how your studies will benefit Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

3. Choose a relevant course.
   Apply for fields that align with PTDF’s mission (energy, petroleum, environment, engineering).

4. Prepare well for the interview or test.
   Review past CBT questions, general knowledge, and your field of study.

5. Submit accurate and complete documents.
   Any wrong or missing information can disqualify you.

Approved Universities

Nigeria

1. Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State

2. AbdulKadir Kure University, Minna, Niger State

3. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University

4. Adamawa State University

5. Adawawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State

6. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State

7. Ahmadu Bello University

8. Airforce Institute of Technology Kaduna

9. Airforce Institute of Technology, Kaduna

10. Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom

11. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State

12. Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology Ikere, Ekiti State

13. Bauchi State University, Gadau, Bauchi State

14. Bayero University, Kano

15. Bayelsa Medical University, Bayelsa State

16. Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State

17. Borno State University

18. Bornu State University, Maiduguri, Bornu State

19. Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State

20. Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi State

21. Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River State

22. David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences

23. Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State

24. Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Delta State

25. Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba, Delta State

26. Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

27. Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State

28. Ekiti State University, Ekiti State

29. Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State

30. Federal University Birnin Kebbi

31. Federal University Dutsin-Ma

32. Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State

33. Federal University Gashua, Yobe State

34. Federal University Gusau

35. Federal University Gusau, Zamfara

36. Federal University Kashere, Gombe State

37. Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State

38. Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State

39. Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State

40. Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa

41. Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State

42. Federal University Petroleum Resources Effurun

43. Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta

44. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

45. Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi

46. Federal University of Health Services Azare

47. Federal University of Kashere Gombe State

48. Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun

49. Federal University of Technology Akure

50. Federal University of Technology, Babura

51. Federal University of Technology, Minna

52. Federal University of Technology, Owerri

53. Federal University Wukari

54. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi

55. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma

56. Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State

57. Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State

58. Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State

59. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State

60. Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State

61. Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa

62. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State

63. Federal University, Wukari, Taraba

64. First Technical University, Ibadan, Oyo State

65. Gombe State University, Gombe State

66. Gombe State University of Science and Technology, Gombe State

67. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State

68. Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State

69. Kaduna State University, Kaduna State

70. Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil, Kano State

71. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Kebbi State

72. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Imo State

73. Kogi State University, Kabba, Kogi State

74. Kwara State University, Ilorin, Kwara State

75. Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State

76. Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State

77. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State

78. Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike

79. Modibbo Adama University Of Technology, Yola

80. Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta, Ogun State

81. Nasarawa State University

82. Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nassarawa State

83. Niger Delta University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

84. Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna

85. Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil

86. Nigerian Army University, Biu

87. Nigerian Maritme University

88. Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko

89. Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Delta

90. Nile University

91. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

92. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

93. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State

94. Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State

95. Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State

96. Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State

97. Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State

98. Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State

99. Rivers State University, Rivers State

100. Sokoto State University, Sokoto State

101. State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Enugu State

102. Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State

103. Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State

104. Umar Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina State

105. Univeristy Of Uyo

106. University Of Abuja, Gwagwalada

107. University Of Agriculture, Makurdi

108. University Of Benin

109. University Of Calabar

110. University Of Ibadan

111. University Of Ilorin

112. University Of Jos

113. University Of Lagos, Akoka

114. University Of Maiduguri

115. University Of Nigeria, Nsukka

116. University Of Port Harcourt

International

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the PTDF scholarship available every year?
Yes. PTDF opens its application portal once every year for new applicants.

2. Can undergraduates apply?
No. The scholarship is mainly for postgraduate (MSc and PhD) students.

3. What CGPA is required for PTDF Scholarship?
You need at least a Second Class Upper (2:1) for MSc or a good Master’s result for PhD.

4. Can I apply if I don’t have admission yet?
Yes, but you must later provide your admission letter before final selection.

5. How will I know if I’m shortlisted?
You will get an email or SMS from PTDF, and your name will appear on the PTDF website.

Conclusion

The PTDF Scholarship is one of Nigeria’s most respected scholarship programs for postgraduate students. It helps bright Nigerians study at home or abroad without worrying about money.

If you’re interested, start preparing your documents early, build a strong academic profile, and keep checking https://scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng for updates.

Getting this scholarship can open doors to global opportunities and help you contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s oil, gas, and energy development.