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.
What it is
The In-Country (Local) Scholarship Scheme sponsors study within Nigeria, in public universities, in oil & gas related fields — supporting Nigerians who study at home.
Levels covered
The scheme has covered Undergraduate, Master's and PhD study — broader in level than the overseas scheme, which is postgraduate-only.
Where you study
You study at Nigerian public universities (and, for some programmes, PTDF's own CPESK). Confirm eligible institutions and courses on the portal.
In-Country vs Overseas
- In-Country: study in Nigeria; undergraduate + postgraduate.
- Overseas: study abroad (UK/Germany/France/Malaysia); postgraduate (MSc/PhD) only, fully funded.
Eligible fields
As with the overseas scheme, courses must be in approved oil & gas related fields from PTDF's sponsored list.
Tips
- Great route if you study in Nigeria.
- Open to undergraduates too.
- Pick a sponsored course.
Levels covered
The PTDF Local Scholarship Scheme (LSS) funds study at Nigerian public universities, and it reaches further down the ladder than the overseas scheme: depending on the cycle it covers Undergraduate, Master's (MSc) and PhD study. This makes it a route for students who want PTDF support without leaving Nigeria — including first-degree students in relevant fields, not only postgraduates. Applications run through the same PTDF Scholarship Management Portal.
Local vs overseas: which to choose
The two schemes serve different needs. The Overseas Scheme sends postgraduates to partner universities in the UK, Germany, France and Malaysia; the Local Scheme keeps you in Nigerian public institutions, and covers undergraduate study too. Overseas offers international exposure and a global network; local is accessible to more students (including undergraduates), keeps you closer to home and the domestic industry, and supports PTDF's push to domesticate capacity development. Choose based on your level, field availability and circumstances — both are fully-funded within their terms.
Fields and mandate fit
As with everything PTDF, the Local Scheme is tied to the oil and gas mandate: sponsored courses are those relevant to the petroleum and energy sector and to Nigeria's development. Your programme should be a recognised, relevant field and, for postgraduates, consistent with your prior studies. Applying for an unrelated course is a common reason for disqualification, so match your choice to the mandate. Check the current cycle's approved courses on the portal before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PTDF In-Country scholarship?
The Local Scheme sponsors study within Nigeria at public universities in oil & gas related fields, supporting Nigerians who study at home.
What levels does the In-Country scheme cover?
It has covered Undergraduate, Master's and PhD study — broader than the overseas scheme, which is postgraduate-only.
Where do In-Country scholars study?
At Nigerian public universities (and, for some programmes, PTDF's CPESK) — confirm eligible institutions and courses on the portal.
How is In-Country different from Overseas?
In-Country is study in Nigeria and open to undergraduates and postgraduates; Overseas is fully-funded postgraduate study abroad (UK/Germany/France/Malaysia).
Do In-Country courses have to be oil & gas related?
Yes — courses must be in approved oil & gas related fields from PTDF's sponsored list.
What is the PTDF local scholarship?
The Local Scholarship Scheme (LSS) is a PTDF award funding study at Nigerian public universities — covering, depending on the cycle, Undergraduate, Master's and PhD programmes in fields relevant to the oil and gas sector. It's applied for through the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal.
What levels does the PTDF local scholarship cover?
Depending on the cycle, Undergraduate, Master's (MSc) and PhD study at Nigerian public universities — so it reaches undergraduates, not only postgraduates like the overseas scheme.
Is the PTDF local scholarship only for Nigerian universities?
Yes — the Local Scheme funds study at Nigerian public universities, supporting PTDF's goal of domesticating capacity development. For study abroad, the Overseas Scholarship Scheme covers the UK, Germany, France and Malaysia.
Should I choose the PTDF local or overseas scholarship?
It depends on your level and goals. Overseas offers international exposure and covers postgraduate study abroad; local is open to more students (including undergraduates), keeps you in Nigeria, and supports the domestic industry. Both are fully funded within their terms.
What fields does the PTDF local scholarship cover?
Fields relevant to the oil and gas and energy sector and to national development. Your programme should be a recognised relevant field and, for postgraduates, consistent with your prior studies — applying for an unrelated course risks disqualification.