PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship for Nigerian Students: How to Apply

Are you looking to apply for the PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship? you are in the right place. Surviving in a Nigerian university right now is not for the weak.

Between the skyrocketing cost of handouts, hostel fees that keep increasing, and the general “Sapa” that threatens to humble everyone, getting funding for your education is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.

If you are a science or engineering student looking for a way to navigate these financial hurdles without calling home every week for “urgent 2k,” you need to pay attention to the PTDF undergraduate scholarship.

This isn’t just any small allowance; this is one of the most prestigious federal government scholarship schemes available. It comes with a brand-new laptop, serious cash for tuition, and a living allowance that can make your campus life soft.

In this guide, we will break down exactly how to apply via the PTDF portal, the documents you need, and the “street-smart” tips to help you scale the selection test.

Note: Competition for this scholarship is high. Read every line of this guide to give yourself the best advantage.

What is the PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship?

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is a breakdown of the Federal Government’s effort to build capacity in the Oil and Gas industry.

While they are famous for sending people abroad for Masters and PhDs, they also have a massive budget for study in nigeria funding.

The Local Scholarship Scheme (LSS) focuses on undergraduates studying in accredited Federal Universities in Nigeria.

The goal? To ensure that smart Nigerian students don’t drop out because of money.

If you are studying a course that can contribute to the Oil and Gas sector (like Chemical Engineering, Geology, or Computer Science), the government wants to invest in you.

How Much is the PTDF Scholarship Worth?

Let’s talk about the money, because that’s why we are here. While the specific amount can change slightly depending on the economic situation (and the Naira’s mood), the package usually includes:

1. Annual Cash Grant: Typically ranges from ₦500,000 to ₦700,000 per session (covering tuition and upkeep).
2. A Brand New Laptop: Usually given during the first disbursement.
3. Payment of Ancillary Charges: departmental fees, etc.

Imagine receiving that credit alert while your coursemates are complaining about the price of foodstuffs. It changes your entire trajectory in school.

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

Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?

Before you rush to the cyber café, you need to be sure you qualify. The PTDF is strict. They are looking for academic excellence, not just anyone.

To qualify for the PTDF undergraduate scholarship, you must:

• Be a Nigerian: You must possess a National Identity Number (NIN) or valid ID.
• Be a University Student: You must be a full-time student in a Federal University in Nigeria. (State universities and private unis are usually excluded, check the current year’s guidelines to be sure).
• Level: You must be in 200 Level at the time of application. 100-level students cannot apply because they don’t have a CGPA yet.
• Academic Strength: You must have 5 Credits in WAEC/NECO (including English and Math) and a strong CGPA (usually a minimum of 3.0 on a 5.0 scale, or 3.5 to be safe).
• Course of Study: You must be studying an Oil and Gas related course.

Eligible Courses

If you are studying History or Sociology, this one might not be for you. The focus is strictly STEM. Common eligible departments include:

• Chemical, Civil, Petroleum, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
• Geology and Geophysics.
• Computer Science and Information Technology.
• Chemistry and Physics.
• Mathematics.

Required Documents for Scholarship Application

When the portal opens, you don’t want to be running around looking for your papers. Scan these documents and keep them ready on your phone or Google Drive now.

1. Passport Photograph: Recent one with a white background.
2. Birth Certificate: Or a Declaration of Age.
3. LGA Identification Letter: You need to prove you are from your state. Go to your local government secretariat if you don’t have this.
4. WAEC/NECO Result: Original scratch card details may be required.
5. JAMB Admission Letter: Both the school and JAMB copies.
6. First Year Result: Signed by your HOD or Exams Officer showing your CGPA.

Pro Tip: Ensure all your scans are clear (JPEG or PDF) and under the file size limit specified on the portal (usually 200kb). Blurry documents = automatic disqualification.

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

How to Apply for PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship

Applying for a federal government scholarship can be technical. Follow these steps carefully to avoid “stories that touch.”

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the ptdf portal. The official link is usually scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng.

• Warning: There are many fake sites. If they ask you to pay money to apply, run. The PTDF application is FREE.

Step 2: Create an Account

Click on “Create Account” or “Register.” You will need a valid email address.

• Advice: Use a professional email (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com), not sexyboy123@yahoo.com. This is a professional application.

Step 3: Purchase/Generate PIN (If applicable)

In some years, you simply verify your email. In other years, you may need to generate a remita code (though usually free for the form itself). Follow the on-screen prompts.

Step 4: Fill Your Bio-Data

Enter your name exactly as it appears on your NIN and School ID. Any mismatch can cause issues later during the scholarship list verification.

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload the files you prepared earlier. Double-check that you uploaded the WAEC result in the WAEC section and the Admission letter in the Admission section.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Go through your application twice. Once you hit submit, you often cannot edit it. Print your Application Slip. You will need this for the selection test.

View Other Available Undergraduate Scholarships in Nigeria

How to Pass the PTDF Selection Test

After applying, if your documents are valid, you will be invited for a selection test (CBT). This is where the men are separated from the boys.

The test usually happens in designated centers across the six geopolitical zones.

What to Expect in the Test

The questions are generally divided into:

1. Use of English: Synonyms, antonyms, and comprehension.
2. General Knowledge/Current Affairs: Know your Minister of Petroleum, PTDF history, and Nigerian geography.
3. Global Affairs: Basic international knowledge.
4. Logical Reasoning: Patterns and math puzzles.

Study Tip: You don’t need to be Einstein, but you need to be fast. The time allocated is usually short. Practice with GMAT past questions or general scholarship past questions.

How to Check the Scholarship List

After the test, the waiting game begins. This can take a few months.

1. Keep checking your email (including the Spam folder).
2. Visit the PTDF website regularly.
3. The final scholarship list is usually published in national newspapers and on the portal.

If your name is on the list, congratulations! You have successfully secured study in nigeria funding.

You will be invited for an award ceremony where you will be given your laptop and instructions on how to set up your bank account for the cash transfer.

Important Disclaimer

Campus Hustle NG provides this information for educational purposes. We are not agents of the PTDF.

• Do not pay anyone claiming they can “run” the scholarship for you.
• Always verify information on the official website: scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng.

In Summary

The PTDF undergraduate scholarship is one of the best opportunities to graduate debt-free and with a solid laptop for your project work.

It requires effort, getting the documents, applying correctly, and traveling for the test, but the reward is worth every bit of stress.

Don’t let “laziness” or the fear of “it’s only for people with connections” stop you. Thousands of regular Nigerian students win this every year. You could be next.

Next Step: Are you currently in 200 Level? Drop a comment below with your Course of Study, and we will tell you if you are eligible to apply.

READ ALSO: Full List of Ongoing Scholarships for All Nigerian Students

FAQs About PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship

Can Polytechnic students apply for the PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship?

Generally, the undergraduate scheme is strictly for University students in Federal institutions. However, Polytechnic students are often eligible for the PTDF OSS (Overseas Scholarship Scheme) for Top-up or Masters later in their careers.

Is the PTDF Scholarship for all levels?

No. The undergraduate scholarship is specifically for students currently in 200 Level. If you are in 100 level, wait for next year.

If you are in 300 level or above, you are no longer eligible.

Does PTDF allow you to hold other scholarships?

Technically, federal government rules usually state you cannot hold two federal scholarships at the same time (e.g., you can’t hold PTDF and FSBN simultaneously).

However, holding a private scholarship (like MTN or Chevron) alongside PTDF is a grey area, always check the current year’s terms and conditions.

When is the next PTDF application deadline?

The application window usually opens around April or May and stays open for six weeks. However, dates change annually. Subscribe to our newsletter to get an alert the moment the portal opens.