2024/2025 Fully Funded Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Postgraduate (Masters & PhD) Scholarship Scheme for Study in France, Germany, China & Malaysia.

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a Federal Government agency responsible for building indigenous human capacity and advancing petroleum technology, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the 2024/2025 PTDF Overseas Postgraduate (MSc and PhD) Scholarship Scheme. This prestigious scholarship aims to support Nigerian students in pursuing advanced studies in petroleum-related fields at select world-class universities. The primary objective of the PTDF scholarship is to develop highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the sustainable growth and development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

About the PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme

The PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme is designed to offer Nigerian graduates the opportunity to acquire a Master’s or PhD degree in various fields relevant to the petroleum industry. It is structured to enable recipients to gain exposure to international standards of education, access state-of-the-art facilities, and build a strong professional network. Scholars are placed in top-ranked institutions that have partnerships with PTDF, ensuring they benefit from high-quality academic training and research resources.

By offering this scholarship, PTDF aims to achieve the following:

• Develop a Pool of Expertise: Train a cadre of professionals who possess the technical and managerial skills required to drive innovation in the oil and gas sector.
• Enhance National Capacity: Equip recipients with specialized knowledge to help meet Nigeria’s demand for technical and research expertise in the energy sector.
• Promote Sustainable Development: Ensure that scholars can contribute to sustainable practices and strategic advancements in the industry upon returning to Nigeria.

Scholarship Benefits

The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme is a fully funded program that provides comprehensive financial support to successful candidates. The benefits include:

1. Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the program.
2. Accommodation and Living Expenses: A monthly stipend to cover living expenses and accommodation.
3. Health Insurance: Coverage for medical and health-related expenses.
4. Books and Research Materials: Allowances for academic resources such as books, software, and research materials.
5. Travel Expenses: Provision of round-trip flight tickets to and from the host country.
6. Additional Support: Where applicable, scholars may receive allowances for research fieldwork, conference attendance, and other academic-related expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

The PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme has specific eligibility requirements for Master’s and PhD applicants. These requirements ensure that only the most qualified candidates are selected.

For Master’s Degree (MSc) Applicants:

1. Academic Qualification:
   • Minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1) in a relevant discipline.
   • Candidates with a Second Class Lower (2:2) may apply if they have at least 5 years of relevant industry experience.
2. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC):
   • Must have completed the mandatory NYSC program and possess the discharge certificate.
3. Computer Literacy:
   • Proficiency in computer usage is required.
4. O-Level Requirements:
   • Possession of 5 O/Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
5. Statement of Purpose:
   • A 500-word statement outlining the reason for the proposed study, its relevance to the oil and gas industry, and its expected impact on Nigeria’s development.
6. National Identity Number (NIN):
   • Applicants must have a valid National Identity Number and complete the NIMC verification process before applying.

For PhD Applicants:

1. Academic Qualification:
   • A Second Class Lower (2:2) in the first degree, along with a relevant Master’s degree.
2. Research Proposal:
   • A research proposal of no more than 5 pages, which should include:
     • Topic
     • Introduction
     • Objectives
     • Methodology
     • Mode of Data Collection
3. Professional Experience:
   • At least two years of relevant industry or research experience is recommended.
4. Lecturer Endorsement (for Academic Staff):
   • Lecturers must provide a letter from their Vice Chancellor confirming that they are not receiving any other scholarships.
5. National Identity Number (NIN):
   • All applicants must have a valid NIN and complete the verification process.

Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

The selection process for the PTDF scholarship is rigorous and competitive. Candidates are assessed based on academic merit, professional experience, and relevance to the oil and gas industry. The selection stages include:

1. Shortlisting:
   • Initial evaluation based on academic qualifications, professional experience, and alignment with PTDF’s mandate.
2. Interview:
   • Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview where a selection panel evaluates their suitability using the following criteria:
     • Academic Merit: Quality of degrees and academic achievements.
     • Publications: For PhD applicants, relevant publications and research work are assessed.
     • Professional Membership: Membership in professional bodies related to the petroleum industry.
     • Research Proposal Viability: Evaluation of the feasibility and relevance of the proposed research topic.
     • Alignment with Previous Studies: Relevance of previous academic studies to the proposed course or research.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to upload scanned copies of the following documents during the online application process:

1. First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result.
2. NYSC Discharge Certificate.
3. WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO Results (including PINs for online verification).
4. Recent Passport Photograph.
5. Local Government Identification Letter.
6. Master’s Degree Certificate (for PhD applicants only).
7. Evidence of Membership in Professional Associations.
8. Proof of Employment (for candidates with relevant work experience).
9. Research Proposal (for PhD applicants).

Important Notes for Applicants

• Scholarship Focus: The scholarship is only available for programs relevant to PTDF’s mandate and must align with the candidate’s previous academic background.
• Partner Institutions: Candidates can only apply to specific PTDF-approved institutions.
• Single Application: Submitting multiple applications will lead to automatic disqualification.
• Previous Beneficiaries: Candidates who have previously received funding from PTDF for a particular category (e.g., MSc or PhD) are ineligible to apply for the same category again.
• Interview Requirements: Shortlisted candidates must present official academic transcripts at the interview stage.

Application Deadline

• Application Closing Date: February 18th, 2025

How to Apply

Candidates should submit their applications online through the official PTDF application portal. For more information and detailed application instructions, visit the PTDF Official Website.

Final Thoughts

The PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme is a unique opportunity for Nigerian graduates to gain advanced qualifications at prestigious international institutions. By investing in the development of skilled professionals, PTDF aims to ensure that Nigeria’s oil and gas industry remains competitive and capable of meeting the challenges of the future. This initiative not only supports individual scholars but also contributes to the broader goals of national capacity building and sustainable development.

For more information on the application process and to begin your application, please visit the PTDF Official Website.