Applications open for PTDF Overseas Postgraduate (Masters & PhD) Scholarship Programme

Applications are currently being accepted for the PTDF Overseas Postgraduate (Masters & PhD) Scholarship Scheme for the 2024/2025 academic session. The PTDF, a government agency focused on developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology, is offering scholarships to qualified candidates for specific programs at selected institutions. This scheme provides an opportunity for candidates to gain knowledge from renowned institutions worldwide. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through PTDF to their desired programs at partner institutions.

The scholarship award covers various expenses such as flight tickets, health insurance, tuition and bench fees (if applicable), as well as allowances for accommodation and living expenses.

The selection process for these scholarships is highly competitive, with only exceptional candidates being chosen. A selection committee will assess applications based on criteria such as academic merit, professional qualifications, relevant publications (for PhD applicants), membership of professional bodies, and the viability and relevance of the study/research plan. Previous studies in the oil and gas industry and their alignment with the proposed course/research will also be considered.

Benefits

The benefits provided by the award include flight tickets, health insurance coverage, tuition and bench fees (if applicable), and allowances to cover accommodation and living expenses.

Selection Process, Criteria & Requirements

The PTDF scholarships are highly competitive, and only exceptional candidates who excel in all areas are chosen.

Based on the qualifications submitted, the top candidates in each category from each state will be invited for an interview. During the interview, a selection committee will be formed to evaluate applications using the following criteria:

1. Academic merit, demonstrated by the quality of degrees, complete academic transcripts, and other professional qualifications obtained.
2. Relevant publications (for PhD applicants only) that can be referenced by the applicant.
3. Membership in professional organizations.
4. The feasibility and relevance of the study or research plan.
5. The relevance of previous studies to the oil and gas industry, as well as the proposed course or research.

Requirements

MSc

1. A minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) qualification in their first degree or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
2. Must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC)
3. Must be computer literate
4. Possession of 5 O/level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
5. Statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) stating the reason(s) for the proposed study, its relevance to the industry and its expected impact on national development.
6. Applicants must have a National Identity Number (NIN) and will be required to have verified it (NIMC verification charges apply) before applying for the scholarship.

PhD

1. Must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC)
2. Must be computer literate
3. Possession of 5 O/level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
4. A minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) in their first degree and a good post-graduate degree
5. A research proposal relevant to the oil and gas industry (of not more than five pages) to include: Topic, introduction, objective, methodology and mode of data collection.
6. All lecturers must produce a letter from their Vice Chancellors confirming that they are not in receipt of any other scholarships
7. Applicants must have a National Identity Number (NIN) and will be required to have verified it (NIMC verification charges apply) before applying for the scholarship.

Required Documents

Applicants are instructed to scan and attach copies of the following documents to the online application forms:

1. First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
2. NYSC discharge certificate
3. WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results and the PINs on the application forms to enable PTDF to view the O’level results on the relevant website.
4. Recent Passport Photograph
5. Local Government Identification Letter
6. Master’s Degree Certificate (PhD Applicants only)
7. Evidence of membership in professional associations

Please take note of the following as well:

1. The scholarship is applicable for the 2024/2025 academic session.
2. The scholarship is limited to PTDF approved courses in PTDF partner institutions.
3. Scholarships will only be awarded for studies relevant to PTDF’s mandate. Candidates may be disqualified if they apply for programs not related to the oil and gas industry.
4. The proposed course of study must be related to the candidate’s previous studies.
5. Candidates with multiple applications will be disqualified.
6. Candidates who have already been sponsored by the Fund for a scholarship category (MSc/PhD) are not eligible to apply for the same category again.
7. Candidates who pass the first round of screening will be required to attend an interview with their transcripts. Therefore, all applicants are advised to prepare their transcripts in advance.

For more information, please visit the Official Webpage of the PTDF Overseas Postgraduate (Masters & PhD) Scholarship. Deadline:  March 18^th, 2024