Oil Company Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025/2026

Oil Company Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025/2026

Introduction

Oil and gas companies in Nigeria provide some of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students pursuing tertiary education. These scholarships offered by companies such as NNPC joint ventures, NLNG, PTDF, Agbami, Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and others are aimed at building human capacity in STEM and relevant fields while reducing financial barriers.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find detailed information on the top oil company scholarships available to Nigerian students for 2025/2026. It includes eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, application procedures, timelines, and practical tips. It also presents real-life testimonials and clear FAQ responses to help you craft a winning application.

Why Oil Company Scholarships Matter

1. Highly Funded: Many cover tuition, living stipends, travel, and books.

2. Career-Relevant: Prioritize STEM, engineering, geosciences, law, management, and agriculture.

3. Prestigious: Reflects excellence to employers and often leads to internship or bond placements.

4. Recurring & Renewable: Across multiple years when academic performance is maintained.

Top Oil Company Scholarship Programs in Nigeria (2025/2026)

1. PTDF Local and Overseas Scholarships

Overview: Offered by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund to support undergraduates and postgraduate students in oil/gas-related studies.

• Eligibility:

  • Local: 200L & above; CGPA ≥ 3.5

  • Overseas: Graduates with minimum 2:1 degree

• Benefits:

  • Local: ₦500,000/year + laptop (first year)

  • Overseas: Full funding (undergraduate/postgraduate), including travel, tuition, accommodation, visa, living expenses

Application Tips:
Prepare transcripts, admission letters (for postgraduate applicants), and a personal statement aligned with Nigeria’s oil and gas goals.

2. NLNG Scholarships (Undergraduate & Postgraduate)

Overview: Nigeria LNG Limited offers scholarships at different levels, with strong focus on host communities and academic excellence.

• Eligibility:

  • Undergraduate: 100L or 200L with excellent results

  • Postgraduate: Graduates with 2:1 degree

• Benefits:

  • Undergraduate: ₦300,000 per academic session (renewable)

  • Postgraduate overseas: ₦9–₦11 million package including tuition, living allowance, travel

Application Tips:
Submit WAEC/NECO, admission letter, and community endorsement if applicable.

3. NNPC Joint Venture Scholarship Schemes

Joint initiatives by NNPC with partners (Shell, TotalEnergies, Chevron, Seplat, NAOC, Agbami, Oando etc.).

• Eligibility:

  • Typically open to 200L undergraduates in STEM, management, law, accountancy

  • CGPA around 3.5 required

• Benefits:

  • ₦200,000 livelihood grant per year for multiple years

• Special variants:

  • NNPC/TotalEnergies International Scholarship for postgraduate study in France or UK (full overseas funding)

Application Tips:
Use NNPC-SNEPCo/NAPPS portal, avoid agents. Fill details accurately, follow prompts closely.

Oil Company Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2025/2026

4. Agbami Medical & Engineering Scholarship

Overview: Sponsored by companies operating in the Agbami oil field, targeting medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and geosciences students.

• Eligibility:

  • Medical and pharmacy students from 100L onward

  • CGPA often ≥ 3.0 or above

• Benefits:

  • Medical/pharmacy students: ₦200,000 per year; Engineers: ₦100,000

Application Tips:
Provide academic transcript, valid university ID, and ensure you’re in eligible departments.

5. Midwestern Oil and Gas Scholarship

Overview: Partnership-based scholarship scheme focused on students from Delta State.

• Eligibility:

  • 200L (and in some cases 100L) students with strong academic records

• Benefits:

  • ₦150,000–₦200,000 per year, renewable

Application Tips:
Include proof of Delta residency and relationship to host community if required.

6. MRS, WAPCO & Other Company Scholarships

Overview: Smaller oil sector companies offering scholarships to deserving undergraduates.

• Eligibility: Varies (often 100L or 200L, CGPA ~3.5)

• Benefits: ₦150,000–₦200,000 annually; some are full scholarships

Companies Include: MRS Oil & Gas, WAPCO, Eroton, Oando, NAOC, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, etc.

Application Tips:
Each company opens its own portal or uses NNPC joint-venture channel—apply early and prepare O‑level and transcript documents.

7. Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) Postgraduate Scholarship

Overview: NAE (operator of NNPC/Agip JV) supports postgraduate studies within Nigeria and abroad.

• Eligibility:

  • Second Class Upper degree, NYSC completed, under 28 years

  • Admission letter into one-year Master’s program (local or overseas)

• Benefits:

  • Tuition, field trips, living expenses, return ticket (if overseas), study materials

Application Tips:
Apply via official portal before advertised deadline; shortlisted candidates take a remote CBT.

Comparison Table

1. Start Early: Most portals open between April and June; apply before deadlines.

2. Maintain GPA: Most require minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0.

3. Adhere Strictly to Instructions: No email applications; use official platforms only.

4. Avoid Agents/Fraud: Official applications are free—beware of solicitations.

5. Prepare Documents: Passport photo, transcripts, admission letters, NYSC certificate (for PG), O‑level results, identity/residence proofs.

6. Apply Broadly: Apply to multiple programs to increase chances.

Testimonials from Beneficiaries

Ada N., PTDF Scholar
“I applied for PTDF local scholarship in 2024 when I was in 200L. I received ₦500,000 and a laptop. It helped me pay fees and cover texts without borrowing.”

Chukwu S., NLNG Postgraduate Scholar
“NLNG funded my Master’s in environmental engineering abroad. It covered tuition, living expenses, and travel. It has transformed my career.”

Bayo U., NNPC/SNEPCo Scholar
“I received the NNPC/Shell scholarship in 2023, ₦200,000 annually. It eased the burden and allowed me to focus on academics.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible to apply for oil company scholarships?
Most require Nigerian citizen, minimum 200L for undergraduates or 2:1 graduate for postgraduate, CGPA ≥ 3.5 in relevant courses.

Q2: Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes, usually renewable annually if academic standards are met.

Q3: Is IELTS required?
No. These are Nigerian national scholarships and do not require IELTS.

Q4: Can I get more than one scholarship?
Generally no—some schemes prohibit dual funding. Always read terms.

Q5: How competitive is the selection?
Highly. Thousands apply for limited slots; strong CGPA and active profile improve chances.

Q6: Are these scholarships full or partial?
Varies: PTDF overseas and NLNG PG scholarships are full; most joint ventures and PTDF local are partial.

Q7: Are bonds involved?
Some may require service obligation in the sponsoring company or its partner sector.

Conclusion

Oil and gas company scholarships remain excellent platforms for Nigerian students in STEM, humanities, law, and management courses to access well-funded tertiary education. Whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, these scholarships such as those from PTDF, NLNG, Agbami, NNPC joint ventures, and NAE offer financial support, prestige, and career relevance.

Interested applicants should begin preparation early: maintain strong CGPA, gather required documents, and apply across multiple schemes to boost chances. With diligence and clear purpose, securing one of these awards can pave the way to success in Nigeria’s energy sector and beyond.