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 the OSS is
The Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS) sponsors Nigerian graduates for fully-funded MSc and PhD study abroad in oil & gas related fields, at PTDF partner institutions.
Countries & partners
Awards are offered at partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Malaysia. In the UK, PTDF partners with numerous top-ranking universities for oil & gas related Master's degrees. Confirm the current partner list and courses on the portal.
MSc & PhD
Both MSc and PhD are supported. PhD full funding has been offered in Germany, France and Malaysia, while the UK PhD is now delivered as a Split-Site programme.
UK PhD: Split-Site
With the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) established, UK PhDs now run split-site — part in Nigeria (CPESK) and part at the UK partner — to build local capacity.
Fully funded
The OSS is fully funded — tuition and bench fees, monthly living allowance, research allowance, return flights and health insurance.
Tips
- Confirm the current partners & courses.
- Match your degree to an eligible field.
- Expect UK PhDs to be split-site.
Where you can study
The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) sponsors fully-funded MSc and PhD study at partner institutions in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Malaysia. In the UK, PTDF partners with a set of top-ranking universities for oil-and-gas-related Master's degrees; in Germany all public universities are generally acceptable, while France and Malaysia offer sponsored places at selected public institutions. You apply through PTDF to specific approved programmes at these partners — not independently — so your course choice must sit within the approved list.
What the award covers
This is a fully-funded scholarship, which is a big part of its appeal. It typically covers your tuition in full, plus accommodation, return airfare/travel, and a monthly living stipend to cover day-to-day expenses — often with health insurance and, for research degrees, a research allowance. In practice that removes the financial barrier to a world-class postgraduate degree, letting you focus on your studies. See what it covers for the full breakdown.
Who can apply
The OSS is competitive, and the core requirements are firm. For MSc, you generally need a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in your first degree — or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience — to have completed NYSC, to be computer literate, and to hold five O'Level credits including English and Mathematics. You'll also submit a Statement of Purpose and must have a verified NIN. PhD applicants need a relevant Master's and a strong research proposal. Crucially, your field must be relevant to the oil and gas industry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme?
The OSS sponsors Nigerians for fully-funded MSc and PhD study abroad in oil & gas related fields, at PTDF partner universities.
Which countries does the PTDF overseas scholarship cover?
Partner universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Malaysia — confirm the current partner list and courses on the portal.
Does PTDF fund PhDs abroad?
Yes — PhD full funding has been offered in Germany, France and Malaysia, while the UK PhD is now delivered as a Split-Site programme with CPESK.
Is the overseas scholarship fully funded?
Yes — it covers tuition and bench fees, a monthly living allowance, a research allowance, return flights and health insurance.
What is the UK Split-Site PhD?
A PhD run partly in Nigeria (at CPESK, Kaduna) and partly at the UK partner university, to build local capacity.
What is the PTDF overseas scholarship?
The Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) is a fully-funded PTDF award for Nigerians to study approved oil-and-gas-related MSc and PhD programmes at partner universities in the UK, Germany, France and Malaysia. You apply through PTDF to specific approved programmes.
Which countries does the PTDF overseas scholarship cover?
The United Kingdom, Germany, France and Malaysia. In the UK, PTDF partners with top-ranking universities for oil-and-gas Master's degrees; in Germany all public universities are generally acceptable; France and Malaysia offer sponsored places at selected public institutions.
What does the PTDF overseas scholarship cover?
It's fully funded — typically full tuition, accommodation, return airfare, and a monthly living stipend, often with health insurance and (for research degrees) a research allowance. It removes the financial barrier to a world-class postgraduate degree.
What class of degree do I need for the PTDF overseas scholarship?
For MSc, a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1), or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience. PhD applicants need a relevant Master's with a strong academic record and research proposal.
Do I need to have completed NYSC to apply?
Yes, for the overseas MSc/PhD scheme you must have completed the mandatory NYSC (and have your discharge certificate), alongside being computer literate, holding five O'Level credits including English and Maths, and having a verified NIN.