NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship for Nigerians 2025/2026

NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship for Nigerians 2025/2026

Introduction

For many Nigerian graduates, the dream of pursuing a master’s degree, especially abroad, often collides with the reality of high tuition, cost of living, and limited access to loans. Scholarships are one of the few gateways to bridging this gap. Among them, the NNPC / Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) Postgraduate Scholarship Award Scheme stands out as one of the most competitive and prestigious.

The scholarship is fully funded and specifically designed to support Nigerian graduates in technical and professional fields. Through this programme, young Nigerians gain access to world-class training in universities both at home and abroad, strengthening the pool of skilled professionals the country needs in the energy, engineering, and environmental sectors.

In this guide, we will cover everything about the NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship 2025/2026: from its background, eligibility, required documents, how to apply, what to expect, benefits, common mistakes, success tips, frequently asked questions, and even testimonials from past experiences. This is a one-stop detailed resource for any graduate considering applying.

Background of the Scholarship

The NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship Award Scheme is part of NAE’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and human capacity development. NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited), in partnership with Agip (an affiliate of ENI), has consistently invested in education, research, and training for Nigerians.

The scholarship focuses on postgraduate training (mainly master’s programmes) in fields that directly support Nigeria’s energy sector and emerging sustainability needs. By investing in advanced education for young Nigerians, the scheme ensures a continuous pipeline of engineers, geoscientists, environmental experts, energy economists, and legal professionals for Nigeria’s future.

The programme has been running for years, with hundreds of beneficiaries spread across local and foreign universities. It is structured to support both local postgraduate studies (in Nigerian universities) and overseas studies (in top universities abroad).

Why the Scholarship Matters

Education is one of the most reliable drivers of upward mobility, especially in Nigeria where unemployment is high and postgraduate opportunities are limited by finances. The scholarship provides:

1. Access to world-class education – allowing Nigerians to study in global universities and return with skills that can transform the energy industry.

2. Financial relief – full coverage of tuition, living allowance, and sometimes accommodation and travel.

3. Networking opportunities – scholars often connect with other professionals globally.

4. Capacity building for Nigeria – graduates of this scheme strengthen Nigeria’s technical workforce.

NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship for Nigerians 2025/2026

Fields of Study Supported

The scholarship is not open to all courses but targets disciplines that align with oil, gas, and sustainable development. Some of the fields covered include:

1. Petroleum Engineering

2. Mechanical Engineering

3. Civil / Structural Engineering

4. Electrical / Electronics Engineering

5. Subsea or Offshore Engineering

6. Geosciences (Geology, Geophysics)

7. Energy / Petroleum Economics

8. Environmental Technology and Sustainability Studies

9. Renewable Energy

10. Oil & Gas Law / Petroleum Law

These courses ensure that graduates directly contribute to Nigeria’s industrial, energy, and environmental growth.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship 2025/2026, applicants must meet strict requirements.

1. Nationality: Must be a Nigerian citizen.

2. Degree: Must have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum of Second Class Upper).

3. NYSC: Completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is mandatory.

4. Age: Applicants must not exceed 28 years of age by 31st December 2025.

5. Admission: Must have secured admission into a one-year master’s programme either locally or overseas in a relevant discipline.

6. ID: Must have valid identification (National ID, Voter’s card, or International Passport).

7. Exclusions: Employees of NAE, NNPC, and their affiliates (and their dependents) are not eligible. Previous beneficiaries of the scholarship are also excluded.

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare the following documents before starting the online application:

1. Recent passport photograph (white background).

2. Admission letter into a postgraduate programme (local or overseas).

3. Bachelor’s degree certificate or statement of result.

4. NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.

5. Birth certificate or age declaration.

6. Valid national identity card (or equivalent).

7. International passport (for overseas applicants, must be valid for at least one year beyond the start date).

8. Compliance declaration form (usually available on the application portal).

NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship for Nigerians 2025/2026

Application Process: Step by Step

1. Get Admission – Secure a provisional admission into a one-year master’s programme in a relevant field.

2. Check Requirements – Ensure you meet all criteria, including age, NYSC, degree classification.

3. Prepare Documents – Scan all necessary documents clearly.

4. Create Account on Official Portal – The scholarship usually uses a secure online portal for applications.

5. Fill Application Form – Provide accurate personal, academic, and admission details.

6. Upload Documents – Upload scanned copies of required documents.

7. Submit Before Deadline – Applications submitted after the deadline are automatically rejected.

8. Shortlisting – Successful applicants are shortlisted and invited for a computer-based test.

9. Aptitude Test – Applicants take a CBT to assess reasoning and subject knowledge.

10. Final Selection – Winners are notified and awards are given.

Benefits of the Scholarship

Selected scholars enjoy comprehensive benefits:

1. Full tuition fees (local or overseas university).

2. Living allowance – covering feeding, accommodation, and daily expenses.

3. Books and study materials allowance.

4. Travel allowance – for overseas scholars, including a return economy ticket.

5. Health insurance (for overseas students in some universities).

6. Networking opportunities with industry experts and other scholars.

Number of Awards

The scholarship is extremely competitive. Recent cycles awarded around 30 scholarships annually (about 10 overseas and 20 local). For 2025/2026, a similar number is expected, although more slots may be available depending on NNPC / NAE budgets.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

1. Academic performance and class of degree.

2. Relevance of chosen field of study.

3. Performance in the aptitude test.

4. Correctness and completeness of documents.

5. Compliance with age and NYSC requirements.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Disqualification

1. Submitting after the deadline.

2. Failing to upload admission letter.

3. Using expired documents (e.g., expired passport).

4. Not meeting the age or degree requirement.

5. Providing inconsistent personal details.

6. Applying without securing admission.

NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship for Nigerians 2025/2026

Tips to Improve Your Chances

1. Apply early, not on the last day.

2. Double-check every document before upload.

3. Practice aptitude test questions beforehand.

4. Choose a field directly linked to oil, gas, or energy.

5. Maintain a strong CV highlighting academic excellence.

Living Costs vs Scholarship Benefits

For overseas scholars, the allowance usually covers rent, feeding, and transportation. For example:

1. UK average rent: £500–700 monthly (₦800,000–₦1.2m).

2. Food & transport: £200–400 monthly (₦350,000).

3. Scholarship allowance: Designed to cover this adequately.

For local scholars:

1. Tuition in Nigerian universities ranges ₦300,000–₦600,000 for postgraduate programmes.

2. Monthly stipends help cover accommodation and feeding.

Testimonials from Past Beneficiaries

Many past winners emphasize that:

1. Early preparation of documents is key.

2. Strong academic background matters most.

3. Overseas slots are the most competitive but also the most rewarding.

4. The programme is transparent if you meet the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply without NYSC?
No. NYSC completion is compulsory.

Q2: Is it renewable for a PhD?
No. It is strictly for one-year master’s programmes.

Q3: Can I apply if I already have a master’s?
No. It is only for those enrolling in their first master’s.

Q4: Can polytechnic graduates apply?
No. It is only for those with a recognized bachelor’s degree.

Q5: Can I defer the scholarship?
No. It must be used for the admission year granted.

NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship for Nigerians 2025/2026

Action Plan for Interested Applicants

1. Secure admission into a one-year master’s programme now.

2. Gather your NYSC certificate, degree certificate, and passport.

3. Monitor the official announcement of the scholarship.

4. Prepare for an aptitude test (verbal, quantitative, abstract reasoning).

5. Apply immediately once the portal opens.

Conclusion

The NNPC / NAE Postgraduate Scholarship 2025/2026 is more than just financial aid. It is an investment in Nigeria’s future workforce, giving young Nigerians the opportunity to gain knowledge, exposure, and professional capacity in critical industries.

If you meet the requirements, this is one opportunity you should not overlook. Proper preparation, early application, and attention to detail can significantly increase your chances of being among the successful few selected.

For Nigerian graduates dreaming of studying further, either in local institutions or world-class universities abroad, this scholarship could be your turning point.