The NNPC SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for Nigerian students to pursue master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. This scholarship aims to support individuals interested in fields relevant to the oil and gas industry. It is a collaborative effort between the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration Company (SNEPCo), offering a chance for academic advancement and professional development.
Scholarship Overview
The NNPC SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship is an annual program designed to provide Nigerian students with the chance to study in the UK. The scholarship covers essential expenses, including tuition fees, travel, and living costs. This initiative focuses on specific postgraduate courses at two partner universities, the University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University, for the academic year beginning in September 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this scholarship, candidates must meet several criteria. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic ability and leadership potential. A good command of English is necessary, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, and applicants must also meet the specific language requirements of the chosen university.
Furthermore, candidates must have already secured or expect to secure a degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours degree. They must have completed their National Youth Service by September 2026 and be Nigerian citizens residing in Nigeria. A key requirement is that applicants should not have previously had the opportunity to study in the UK or other developed countries. The age range for applicants is between 21 and 28 years old by September 30, 2026. Finally, applicants must possess a valid Nigerian international passport that remains valid until December 2026.
Scholarship Benefits
The NNPC SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship is fully funded, meaning it covers a comprehensive range of expenses for the duration of the one-year master’s program. This includes full tuition fees for the chosen course. Additionally, the scholarship provides one economy return flight ticket from Nigeria to the United Kingdom. A contribution towards living expenses is also included to help support the scholar during their studies abroad.
Eligible Programmes and Institutions
The scholarship is available for specific Master of Science (M.Sc.) programs at two distinguished UK universities. At the University of Aberdeen, eligible courses include MSc Geophysics, MSc Safety & Reliability Engineering for Oil & Gas, MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering, and MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience.
At Newcastle University, the qualifying programs are MSc Data Science and AI, MSc Engineering Management, MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering, MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Robotics and AI, and MSc Marine and Ocean Engineering. Prospective applicants should ensure their chosen course aligns with these offerings.
Application Process
The application process for the NNPC SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship involves several steps. First, interested candidates must apply for admission to one of the participating universities for an eligible course. Once an offer of admission is received, the respective university will provide details on how to apply for the scholarship.
Scholarship application forms will be exclusively available through the websites of the University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University, but only after a formal offer of admission has been made. The universities will then process these applications and select candidates for interviews with SNEPCo. Final selection will be made after these interviews. All completed scholarship application forms must be submitted to the participating institutions no later than June 8, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NNPC SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship?
It’s a fully funded scholarship for Nigerian students to pursue master’s degrees in the UK, focusing on oil and gas related fields.
Who is eligible for this scholarship?
Eligible candidates are Nigerian citizens aged 21-28, with a degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours, a minimum IELTS of 6.5, and who haven’t studied in developed countries before.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship fully covers tuition fees, a return economy flight ticket to the UK, and a contribution towards living expenses for a one-year master’s program.
How do I apply for the NNPC SNEPCo Scholarship?
First, apply for admission to an eligible course at the University of Aberdeen or Newcastle University. Once you receive an offer, you can apply for the scholarship through the university’s website.
