Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with PTDF or the Federal Government. This is general information, not official scholarship advice — apply only via the official portal (scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng). Deadlines and details change every cycle, and PTDF won’t ask you to pay an agent — always confirm on the official portal.
Overseas (MSc/PhD) criteria
For the overseas scheme, typical academic requirements are:
- MSc: a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1), or a Second Class Lower (2:2) with relevant industry experience.
- PhD: a 2:2 plus a strong postgraduate (Master's) degree.
O'Level & NYSC
You generally need five O'Level credits including English and Mathematics, and to have completed NYSC. Basic computer literacy is expected.
Verified NIN
A verified NIN is required before you can apply — see the NIN verification step (NIMC verification charges may apply).
Other conditions
You typically must not be a beneficiary of another similar scholarship at the same time. Applicants may also need a statement of purpose or research proposal.
In-Country criteria
The In-Country scheme has its own criteria per level (undergraduate/postgraduate) — check the current guidelines on the portal for the exact requirements.
Tips
- Meet the degree class (or 2:2 + experience).
- Have English & Maths O'Level credits + NYSC.
- Verify your NIN first.
Degree class and NYSC
The academic bar is clear. For an MSc, you generally need a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in your first degree — or a Second Class Lower (2.2) backed by relevant industry experience. For a PhD, you need a relevant Master's degree with a strong record. You must also have completed NYSC (with your discharge certificate) and be computer literate. These aren't soft targets — PTDF is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum is the floor, not a guarantee.
Who can't apply
Several conditions rule people out, and they catch applicants every year:
- Multiple applications → automatic disqualification.
- Already sponsored by PTDF in a category (MSc/PhD) → can't reapply for the same or a lower category.
- Holding another organisation's scholarship → not eligible.
- Employed by PTDF, NNPC or their subsidiaries → not eligible.
- Applying for a course unrelated to the oil and gas mandate or your prior study → disqualification.
NIN and O'Level basics
Two baseline requirements underpin everything: a valid, verified NIN (verification is done before you apply, and NIMC charges apply), and five O'Level credits including English Language and Mathematics. You'll enter your O'Level exam PINs so PTDF can verify your results online. Get both sorted early — an unverified NIN or a missing credit will stop your application before it starts. See the full requirements for the document set.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the PTDF overseas scholarship?
Typically Nigerians with a 2:1 (or 2:2 with relevant industry experience) for MSc, or a 2:2 plus a strong Master's for PhD, who have completed NYSC, have five O'Level credits including English and Maths, and a verified NIN.
Do I need to have completed NYSC?
Yes — completed NYSC is a standard requirement for the overseas scheme.
What O'Level results do I need?
Generally five credits including English and Mathematics.
Do I need a NIN for PTDF?
Yes — a verified NIN is required before you can apply (NIMC verification charges may apply).
Can I hold another scholarship at the same time?
Typically no — you must not be a beneficiary of another similar scholarship at the same time.
What degree class do I need for the PTDF scholarship?
For MSc, a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) — or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience. For PhD, a relevant Master's degree with a strong academic record. You must also have completed NYSC and be computer literate.
Do I need NYSC to apply for PTDF?
Yes. You must have completed the mandatory NYSC and have your discharge certificate, alongside the degree, O'Level and NIN requirements.
Can I apply for PTDF if I already have another scholarship?
No. Beneficiaries of another organisation's scholarship are not eligible. The same applies if you've already been sponsored by PTDF in a category (you can't reapply for the same or a lower one).
Can PTDF or NNPC staff apply for the scholarship?
No. Employees of PTDF, NNPC or their subsidiaries are not eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Can I reapply if PTDF sponsored me before?
Not for the same or a lower category. If you were sponsored for an MSc, for example, you can't reapply for another MSc or a lower category — though progression paths may differ, so check the current advert.