The NNPC – TotalEnergies International Master’s Degree Scholarship is among the most competitive postgraduate awards offered to Nigerian graduates. It is administered jointly by NNPC Limited and TotalEnergies as part of their long-standing commitment to developing high-quality talent for Nigeria’s critical sectors, particularly the energy and engineering industries. Each year, the programme selects exceptional candidates to pursue Master’s degrees in reputable international institutions, with many of the placements located in France. The initiative is designed not only to sponsor advanced academic training but also to equip young professionals with global exposure, technical competence, and leadership capacity that will ultimately contribute to Nigeria’s development.
For applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies within the last five years and are seeking opportunities for funded postgraduate education, the 2026/2027 edition presents a rare chance. The scholarship is fully funded, highly structured, and focused on producing graduates who demonstrate excellence, discipline, and a commitment to national growth. This guide provides detailed and practical information on eligibility requirements, benefits, selection expectations, fields of study, application procedures, and insider strategies for strengthening your application.
Scholarship Benefits
The NNPC Limited–TotalEnergies scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to successful applicants. Although minor adjustments are made each year, the award typically covers the following:
Full Tuition Support
All academic costs associated with the Master’s programme are fully funded. This includes tuition, administrative fees, and in some cases, laboratory or academic materials required by the host institution.
Living Expenses and Stipends
Scholars receive monthly financial support for accommodation, meals, transportation, and other living costs. This ensures that beneficiaries can focus fully on their academic work without financial strain.
Travel and Visa Support
The programme generally covers international travel to and from the host country as well as necessary visa fees. Additional travel related to academic activities may be funded depending on programme requirements.
Health Insurance
Beneficiaries are covered by comprehensive health insurance in accordance with the policies of the host institution and regulations of the host country.
Academic and Professional Exposure
Scholars gain access to advanced research facilities, professional networks, and training environments that are globally recognised for excellence. In certain cases, there may also be opportunities for internships or industrial attachments with TotalEnergies or partner organisations.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme is open exclusively to Nigerian citizens who meet strict academic, professional, and documentation requirements. The eligibility criteria for the 2026/2027 cycle generally include the following:
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1) classification. The degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to the available fields of study supported by the scholarship. Qualifications older than five years from the date of application are typically not accepted.
Relevant Fields of Study
Eligible fields often include engineering, geosciences, management sciences, environmental sciences, and other disciplines connected to the broader energy industry. This focus reflects the technical orientation of the companies sponsoring the programme and the national workforce needs the scholarship aims to address.
Completion of NYSC
Candidates must have successfully completed the National Youth Service Corps programme and hold an official NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
Citizenship and Residency
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens residing in Nigeria at the time of application. The programme is particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate a strong connection to national development.
Personal Competence and Conduct
Applicants must be able to present a record of academic integrity, professional conduct, and personal responsibility. Any falsification of documents or inconsistencies in the application can lead to immediate disqualification.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship typically supports study in postgraduate programmes that advance the technical and managerial capacity of the Nigerian energy sector. While the list may vary each year, the following disciplines are commonly eligible:
Petroleum engineering
Mechanical engineering
Chemical engineering
Civil engineering
Geoscience fields such as geology and geophysics
Environmental sciences
Energy management
Finance, economics, or business-related fields with relevance to the energy industry
Prospective applicants are encouraged to choose fields that align not only with their undergraduate background but also with strategic national needs and the operational focus areas of TotalEnergies.
Application Timeline
Applications for the scholarship typically open towards the end of the calendar year preceding the academic intake. The deadline for the 2026/2027 application cycle is expected to fall around January 31, 2026, though applicants should regularly check for official announcements to ensure accuracy. Late applications are not considered under any circumstances. Early preparation allows adequate time to gather documents, review application materials, and produce strong personal statements.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
To assist applicants in navigating the process, the application procedure can be broken into clear, structured stages:
1. Document Preparation
Candidates are expected to gather all required documents before beginning the online application. These documents usually include degree certificates, academic transcripts, NYSC certificate, identification documents such as a Nigerian passport or national identity card, a curriculum vitae, and recent passport photographs. Ensuring that these documents are clear, legible, and properly scanned is essential for a successful application.
2. Registration on the Application Portal
Applicants must create an account on the official scholarship application portal. It is important to use a valid and frequently monitored email address, as all communication regarding the application, shortlisting, and selection stages will be sent to that email.
3. Completion of the Application Form
The online form will request information on the applicant’s personal data, academic history, preferred field of study, and professional background. All information must be accurate and consistent with uploaded documents. Misreporting may lead to automatic disqualification.
4. Uploading Supporting Documents
All required documents must be uploaded in the specified formats. Applicants should ensure that files are not corrupted, blurry, or improperly named. Each document plays a crucial role in the evaluation process, especially academic transcripts and identification documents.
5. Submission of Personal Statement
One of the most important components of the application is the personal statement. This written piece should clearly articulate the candidate’s motivation for pursuing postgraduate study, their career goals, and how the scholarship aligns with their professional development plans. The statement should also demonstrate how the applicant intends to contribute to Nigeria upon completion of the programme.
6. Final Review and Submission
Before submitting, candidates should carefully review their entries for accuracy, completeness, and coherence. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. Applicants should keep a record of their application reference number and confirmation of submission.
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted after the initial review. Shortlisting is based on academic merit, clarity of purpose, relevance of the proposed field of study, and the applicant’s overall presentation. The next stage may include a written test, oral interview, or both. Candidates should remain reachable and maintain access to their email throughout the selection period. Successful applicants will receive formal communication regarding their placement, travel arrangements, and orientation procedures.
Pro Tip
Many applicants meet the basic eligibility criteria, but only a small percentage are selected. To distinguish yourself, adopt a deliberate and strategic approach:
Do not draft your personal statement as a generic narrative about wanting to study abroad. Instead, demonstrate a clear understanding of Nigeria’s energy challenges, the technical skills required to address them, and how your chosen programme will prepare you to contribute meaningfully upon your return. Provide specific examples of past projects, academic work, or professional experiences that align with the sector’s needs. The selection committee is particularly interested in applicants who show maturity, discipline, long-term orientation, and a strong sense of purpose.
The NNPC Limited–TotalEnergies International Master’s Scholarship remains one of Nigeria’s most impactful postgraduate development programmes. Beyond funding, it offers beneficiaries the opportunity to engage with world-class academic institutions, build global networks, and develop competencies that are essential for national progress. For ambitious graduates who are determined to expand their expertise and contribute meaningfully to the country’s energy landscape, this scholarship represents an important stepping stone. Click Here to Start Your Application.
