Shell SPDC Joint Venture Scholarship: Everything You Need to Know

Have you hear of the Shell SPDC Joint Venture Scholarship? or you can just call it the Shell Scholarship. Well, i’ll be showing you how to apply for it here on this blog.

As you already know, being a Nigerian student right now in this economy is not easy. Between the rising cost of textbooks, “urgent 2k” requests that never seem to end, and the fear of ASUU extending your stay on campus, the financial pressure is real.

Sapa is not a respecter of persons and it can do you strong things if you know what i mean. But fear not, you have come to the right place.

Landing a major university scholarship is the ultimate goal for thousands of Nigerian undergraduates today.

Among the available options, the Shell scholarship nigeria (officially known as the SPDC Joint Venture University Scholarship Award) stands as one of the most prestigious and reliable sources of funding.

Imagine navigating your university days without calling home every week for allowance or worrying about school fees.

That is the freedom this oil company grant offers. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know, from the application process to passing the dreaded Shell aptitude test, so you can secure that bag.

READ ALSO: NNPC/Chevron Scholarship 2026: Application Guide & Past Questions

What is the SPDC Scholarship?

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), in a Joint Venture with the NNPC and other partners, runs this scheme to support academic excellence. It is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Unlike some smaller grants that pay you once and vanish, the SPDC scholarship is a recurrent grant.

This means if you win it in your first year, Shell pays you every single year until you graduate, provided you maintain a specific grade point average.

There are two categories:

1. National Merit Award (NM): Open to all Nigerian undergraduates, regardless of state of origin.
2. Areas of Operation Merit Award (OM): Specifically for students who are indigenes of SPDC’s operational areas (mostly in the Niger Delta: Abia, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States).

READ ALSO: MTN Foundation Scholarship: Requirements for 200 Level Students

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Before you rush to a cyber café or start scanning documents on your phone, you need to be sure you qualify. Shell is very strict with criteria.

To apply for this Shell scholarship nigeria opportunity, you typically must:

• Be a Citizen of Nigeria.
• Be a Registered Undergraduate: You must be currently enrolled in an NUC-accredited university in Nigeria.
• Level Requirement: Usually, the application is open to students in 100 Level (or 200 Level for Direct Entry students).
• Academic Strength: You usually need a minimum of 5 O’ Level credits (including Math and English) and a strong JAMB score. While they don’t always specify a CGPA for the initial application (since you are a fresher), having a strong start in your first semester is crucial.

Note on Courses: While they prioritize STEM courses (Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, Computer Science, etc.), students from other disciplines often apply and succeed, especially for the Areas of Operation (OM) category.

What Are The Benefits? Is it Worth the Hype?

Short answer: Yes.

The financial value of the grant has evolved over the years due to the Naira’s fluctuation, but it remains one of the highest-paying university scholarship schemes in Nigeria.

• Financial Relief: The money covers tuition, books, and upkeep. It allows you to focus on your books rather than worrying about finances.
• Prestige: Having “Shell Scholar” on your CV is a massive flex. It signals to future employers that you are a top-tier student.
• Networking: You join an elite community of scholars.

READ ALSO: Federal Scholarship Board (FSB): Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA)

How to Apply for the Shell Scholarship

Applying for the SPDC scholarship requires attention to detail. One small mistake (like misspelling your JAMB registration number) can disqualify you.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Do not wait until the portal opens. Scan these documents now and save them on your Google Drive:

• Passport photograph (White background, professional look).
• WAEC/NECO Result.
• JAMB Result.
• University Admission Letter.
• Letter of Identification from your Local Government (L.G.A).
• For OM Category: You might need a letter from your traditional ruler or community development committee (CDC).

Step 2: The Portal Application

When the application window opens (usually announced in major newspapers and on the Shell website):

1. Visit the official application portal (usually managed by Scholastica or a dedicated Shell vendor).
2. Create an account using a valid email address (use a Gmail address that looks professional, not sweetboy123@gmail.com).
3. Fill in your personal and academic details accurately.
4. Upload your documents. Ensure the scans are clear!
5. Review and hit submit.

Warning: Shell does NOT demand money for applications. If anyone asks you to pay to “process” your form, it is a scam. SEE Ongoing Undergraduate Scholarships

How to Pass the Shell Aptitude Test

This is the hurdle where many students fall. Thousands apply, but only a few get invited to the test, and fewer still pass.

The Shell aptitude test is usually conducted by proctoring bodies like Dragnet. It’s not just about how much Calculus you know; it is about speed and accuracy.

What to expect:

• Numerical Reasoning: Interpreting graphs, data tables, and percentages.
• Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension and logic.
• Abstract Reasoning: Pattern recognition (shapes and sequences).

Tips to Ace It:

1. Practice Past Questions: Look for “Dragnet past questions.” They often repeat the style, if not the exact questions.
2. Time Management: You have seconds per question. If you don’t know it, skip it and move on.
3. Stable Internet: If the test is virtual, ensure you have a backup network. You don’t want MTN or Glo to “mess up” your future in the middle of the exam.

The “Award Letter” and Scholarship Acceptance

After the test, the waiting game begins. This can take months. If you are successful, you will receive an email prompting you to accept the offer. This is the award letter.

• Bank Account: You will need a personal bank account (Savings) in your name. Do not use your uncle’s or friend’s account.
• Verification: There may be a physical or virtual verification stage where you present your original documents.

Once verified, the waiting for the alert begins. When that alert enters, the feeling is unmatched, trust me, I know.

In Summary

Securing the Shell scholarship nigeria award is not just about luck; it requires preparation, smart application, and the ability to smash the Shell aptitude test.

This opportunity can change the trajectory of your university education, moving you from “managing” to comfortable.

Don’t screen yourself out. If you meet the criteria, apply. The worst that can happen is a “No,” but the best that can happen is financial freedom for the next 4 or 5 years.

Have you applied for any scholarships this year? Or do you have questions about the aptitude test? Drop a comment below, and let’s discuss!

Disclaimer: Campus Hustle NG is an informational blog. We are not affiliated with SPDC. For the official application, always verify the URL on the Shell Nigeria official website.

READ ALSO: Jim Ovia Scholarship (MustE) for Nigerian Undergraduates

FAQs About Shell Scholarship

How much is the Shell scholarship worth?

The amount varies, but it is typically a significant sum paid annually (often over N150,000 – N200,000 per session, subject to review). It is designed to cover substantial educational costs.

Can I apply for the Shell scholarship if I am in 200 Level?

Generally, the scholarship is for 100 Level students. However, if you gained admission via Direct Entry, you are effectively in your first year at the university, so you may be eligible. Always check the specific year’s guidelines.

Is the Shell scholarship only for Science students?

While Engineering and Geosciences are prioritized for the National Merit, the “Areas of Operation” category often accepts students from Arts, Social Sciences, and Law, provided they are from the host communities.

Does Shell allow me to hold other scholarships?

Strictly speaking, most corporate bodies, including Shell, discourage holding multiple oil company grant awards simultaneously (e.g., holding Shell and Chevron together).

It is ethically safer to stick to one major grant to allow others to benefit.