The Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE), operator of the NNPC/NAE Production Sharing Contract (PSC), has officially announced applications for its 2026/2027 Postgraduate Scholarship Award Scheme. The initiative forms part of the company’s long-standing commitment to manpower development and capacity building in Nigeria through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
This scholarship presents a significant opportunity for qualified Nigerian graduates to pursue advanced studies either within the country or at reputable international institutions, particularly in fields critical to the energy sector and national development.
Scholarship Categories
The NAE Postgraduate Scholarship Award is divided into two distinct categories:
Overseas Category
This category is designed for candidates who have secured admission into recognised universities abroad. It offers beneficiaries the opportunity to gain global academic exposure and advanced technical knowledge.
Local Category
This category supports candidates admitted into accredited Nigerian universities for postgraduate studies, enabling them to further their education within the country while contributing to local capacity development.
Applicants are permitted to apply for both categories. However, multiple applications within the same category will lead to disqualification.
Scholarship Benefits
The NAE scholarship is fully funded and covers all essential academic and living expenses for the duration of a one-year Master’s programme. The benefits include:
- Tuition fees
- Cost of books and study materials
- Field trips where applicable
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Return economy airfare ticket (for overseas beneficiaries)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026/2027 scholarship scheme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a minimum of Second-Class Upper (2:1) Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Nigerian university
- Have secured admission into a Nigerian or overseas university for a one-year Master’s programme
- Be no older than 28 years by 31st December 2026
- Have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme
- Possess a valid international passport (for overseas applicants), with at least one-year validity from September 2026
Employees of NAE, its affiliates, and their dependents are not eligible. Additionally, current or past beneficiaries of similar scholarships from NAE or related organisations are disqualified.
Eligible Courses of Study
Applications are restricted to candidates admitted into programmes related to the following disciplines:
- Geosciences
- Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil, Subsea, Electrical/Electronics, Marine, Chemical, Offshore, Environmental, Renewable)
- Petroleum Economics
- Law (Oil and Gas/Petroleum)
Only candidates with admission in these specified fields will be considered.
Application Deadline and Test Date
- Application Deadline: 7th May 2026
- Aptitude Test Date: 30th May 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a Computer-Based Test conducted through a Remote Online Proctoring System.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online via the official SCHOLASTICA platform. Email applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are required to:
- Visit the application portal: https://candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/thennpcltdnaescholarships2026
- Register and activate an account via email
- Complete personal, undergraduate, and postgraduate sections
- Upload all required documents
- Review all entries carefully before submission
Applicants will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission.
Required Documents
Before starting the application, candidates must prepare the following clearly scanned documents:
- Recent passport photograph (white background, not older than 6 months)
- Admission letter for postgraduate studies (2025/2026 session)
- First degree certificate
- NYSC discharge certificate
- Valid identification (Driver’s licence, Voter’s card, or National ID)
- Birth certificate
- NAE Compliance Declaration Form (signed)
- International passport (for overseas applicants only)
All documents must be properly labelled and uploaded in the correct sections to avoid disqualification.
Important Application Guidelines
- Ensure that names match across all submitted documents
- Upload only relevant and accurate information
- Review all uploads before submission to avoid errors
- Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered
- Submission does not guarantee selection
Strict adherence to all instructions is mandatory.
Key Notes for Applicants
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via SMS and email
- The scholarship award does not constitute a contractual obligation by NAE
- The entire process is merit-based, and applicants are strongly advised not to pay any individual or organisation
Frequently Asked Questions (Highlights)
Applicants must apply strictly through the SCHOLASTICA portal, as open or email applications are not accepted. Once submitted, applications are stored and reviewed after the deadline, and only qualified candidates are shortlisted.
Candidates can edit their applications before the deadline but cannot make changes once the deadline has passed. Document uploads must not exceed 200KB and must be in JPEG format.
Applicants are also required to complete and upload the NAE Compliance Declaration Form as part of the application process.
Final Note
The NAE Postgraduate Scholarship Award Scheme remains one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarship opportunities available to Nigerian graduates in the oil and gas sector. Interested candidates are strongly advised to submit their applications well before the deadline and ensure strict compliance with all stated requirements.
For enquiries, applicants may contact: scholastica@dragnet-solutions.com or call 0700 123 7880 (9am–5pm, weekdays).
Read also: Apply for Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) 2026/2027 Fellowship Programme

