NNPC/Agip Postgraduate Scholarship in Nigeria 2026 | Fully Funded

Dreaming of advancing your education and career through postgraduate studies abroad? Securing funding for such ambitious goals can be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, opportunities exist to help aspiring Nigerian students achieve their academic dreams.

The Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) Postgraduate Scholarship Award is one such program designed to support bright minds. This scholarship aims to foster skilled manpower development within Nigeria by providing financial assistance for postgraduate studies.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the NNPC/NAE Postgraduate Scholarship Award, from its benefits and eligibility to the application process and important deadlines. Understanding these details is the first step toward a successful application.

What is the NNPC/Agip Postgraduate Scholarship Award?

The NNPC/Agip Postgraduate Scholarship Award Scheme is an initiative by Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) Limited, in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to support Nigerian graduates. This scholarship is part of NAE’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. It aims to develop highly skilled professionals by funding postgraduate studies for Nigerian students.

The scholarship is available for Master’s programs and can be pursued either within Nigeria or at reputable international universities. It covers a range of disciplines crucial for national development.

Eligible Fields of Study

The scholarship is open to candidates pursuing postgraduate studies in specific fields. These include:

• Engineering
• Geosciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Management Sciences
• Law
• Social Sciences (specific disciplines as determined by NAE)

This broad scope ensures that a diverse group of talented individuals can benefit from the program.

Benefits of the NNPC/Agip Scholarship

This scholarship offers comprehensive support to ease the financial burden of postgraduate education. Successful applicants can expect the following benefits:

• Full Tuition Fees: All academic fees for the Master’s program will be covered.
• Accommodation: Support for living expenses, including housing.
• Monthly Stipend: A regular allowance to cover personal expenses.
• Flight and Visa Costs: For those studying overseas, travel expenses and visa fees are included.
• Other Study-Related Expenses: Additional costs associated with academic pursuits.

The scholarship is designed to be fully funded for one academic year, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be considered for the NNPC/Agip Postgraduate Scholarship Award, candidates must meet several key requirements. These criteria ensure that the scholarship reaches deserving Nigerian students with strong academic backgrounds.

Applicants must:

• Be Nigerian citizens.
• Hold a minimum of a Second-Class Upper Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Nigerian university.
• Have secured admission into a one-year Master’s program at a Nigerian or overseas university.
• Be 28 years old or younger by December 31, 2026.
• Have completed the NYSC programme.
• Possess a valid international passport if applying for the overseas category.

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful application.

Required Documents for Application

A complete application requires careful preparation of several documents. Ensure all items are accurate and meet the specified formats to avoid disqualification.

The essential documents include:

• Passport Photograph: A recent passport-sized photo (450 x 450 pixels) with a white background.
• Provisional Admission Letter: A copy of your admission letter from the Nigerian or overseas university.
• First Degree Certificate: Your Bachelor’s degree certificate.
• NYSC Discharge Certificate: Proof of completion of the National Youth Service Corps program.
• Valid ID Card: A government-issued identification card such as a Driver’s License, Voter’s Card, or National ID.
• International Passport Data Page: Required only for applicants seeking to study overseas.
• Birth Certificate: An official birth certificate issued by a local government.
• NAE Compliance Declaration Form: This form must be downloaded, completed, and submitted as part of your application.

Gathering these documents in advance will streamline the application process.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applying for the NNPC/Agip Postgraduate Scholarship involves several distinct steps. Following these instructions carefully will help you navigate the process smoothly. The application is managed through the SCHOLASTICA platform.

1. Visit the Application Portal: Go to the official SCHOLASTICA platform dedicated to NNPC/Agip scholarships. You can find the direct link for the 2026/2027 awards.
2. Download Compliance Form: Obtain the NAE compliance declaration form from the portal. Fill it out completely and accurately.
3. Register and Create Account: Click on the ‘Register Now’ button on the SCHOLASTICA platform. Follow the prompts to create and verify your account.
4. Fill in Details and Upload Documents: Log in to your newly created account. Complete your profile with all necessary personal and academic information. Upload all the required documents as specified.
5. Submit Application: Review all the information you have entered and uploaded. Ensure everything is accurate before clicking ‘Apply Now’ to finalize your submission.
6. Prepare for CBT: If your application is shortlisted, you will be notified to prepare for a Computer-Based Test (CBT). This test will be conducted remotely on May 30, 2026, using online proctoring.

The selection process is based on academic merit, the quality of your submitted documents, and your performance in the CBT.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Adhering to the specified deadlines is critical for your scholarship application. Missing a deadline can result in automatic disqualification.

• Application Deadline: May 7, 2026. All applications must be submitted by this date.
• Computer-Based Test (CBT): May 30, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will take the test on this day.

It is advisable to submit your application well before the final deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Tips for a Strong Application

To increase your chances of being selected for the NNPC/Agip Postgraduate Scholarship, consider these helpful tips. A well-prepared application stands out among the many submissions.

• Meet All Eligibility Criteria: Double-check that you meet every single requirement before applying. Incomplete or ineligible applications are immediately rejected.
• Prepare Documents Early: Gather all required documents well in advance. Ensure they are clear, legible, and in the correct format. For example, your passport photo must meet the pixel dimensions.
• Complete the Compliance Form Carefully: This form is a crucial part of your application. Ensure all details are accurate and that you understand its implications.
• Write a Clear and Concise Application: Fill out all sections of the online form accurately. Avoid errors in personal details, academic history, and contact information.
• Research Your Chosen Program: Understand why you want to pursue your specific Master’s program and how it aligns with the scholarship’s goals of developing skilled manpower.
• Practice for the CBT: If you are shortlisted, prepare thoroughly for the Computer-Based Test. Familiarize yourself with the format and common question types for your field. You can find resources for Google Career Certificate Scholarships which might offer similar testing formats.
• Proofread Everything: Before submitting, carefully proofread your entire application, including any essays or statements, for grammatical errors and typos.

By following these guidelines, you can present a compelling case for why you deserve the NNPC/Agip Postgraduate Scholarship. This opportunity, similar to the Mastercard Foundation GATEWAY Program for Young Nigerians, can significantly shape your academic and professional future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NNPC/Agip Postgraduate Scholarship Award?

It’s a scholarship program by Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to fund postgraduate studies for Nigerian graduates.

What fields of study are covered by the scholarship?

The scholarship covers Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences, Law, and specific Social Sciences.

What are the main benefits of this scholarship?

Benefits include full tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, flight and visa costs (for overseas study), and other study-related expenses for one academic year.

What are the key eligibility requirements?

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens, hold a Second-Class Upper Bachelor’s degree, be admitted to a one-year Master’s program, be 28 or younger, have completed NYSC, and possess a valid international passport if studying abroad.