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NNPC/NAE Scholarship - The Insider Reality Check

NNPC / Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) (Government)  ·  Updated June 14, 2026

This is a massive joint venture scholarship funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE). It is aimed strictly at producing highly specialized indigenous talent for the deep offshore oil sector. They offer two categories: National (studying within Nigeria) and Overseas (studying in Europe).

Quick Overview

Scholarship Name
NNPC/NAE Scholarship
Host Country
Nigeria
Eligible Countries
Nigeria
Degree Level
Masters
Financial Coverage
Full
Application Window
May - June (Variable)

Full Requirements & Details

Academic Requirements

Min. CGPA
3.5
Offer Degrees
Masters
Subjects
Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Law, Mathematics, Physics
Seats Available
Hundreds annually
Study Gap Allowed
No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
Research Publication
No
Work Experience
No
Age Range
No Min - 28

Language Requirements

IELTS
No
TOEFL
No
GRE
Not Required
Local Language
English
Local Lang Test
No
Study Languages
English

Financial Details

Type
Full
Fund Details
See Description
Monthly Stipend
NGN / USD 0/mo
Tuition
Full
Living Costs
Full
Travel & Health
Yes / Yes
Application Fee
Free (No Application Fee)
Spouse Allowed
No

What Matters Most

Statement of Purpose 8/10

Motivation Letter 8/10

Recommendation Letter 7/10

Interview 10/10

Required Documents

CV Passport Transcript Certificate

Why You Should Apply

For a Nigerian engineering graduate, an NAE Overseas Scholarship is a golden ticket. It pays full tuition to elite foreign universities, a massive living allowance, and essentially places you on a fast-track for recruitment into the notoriously lucrative Nigerian oil and gas industry upon your return.

Application Process

You apply online, submitting your NYSC discharge certificate and a minimum of a Second Class Upper (2:1). You must have provisional admission into a relevant Master's program before applying. Shortlisted candidates are invited for a brutal computer-based aptitude test (CBT) covering spatial reasoning, quantitative logic, and core engineering principles.

How to Win This Scholarship

The CBT is everything. If you do not score in the top percentile of this test, your application is dead, regardless of your undergraduate university or connections. Prepare for the aptitude test as if you are studying for the GMAT.

For the overseas category, they heavily favor candidates applying for specialized geosciences or subsea engineering over generic mechanical engineering.

Benefits After Completing Study

It virtually guarantees a high-paying career within the Nigerian petroleum sector.

There is a strict age limit (usually 28 years). Furthermore, if you secure the overseas category, you are legally bonded to return to Nigeria and work in the country for a stipulated number of years after graduation.

Official Source

For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.

Visit Official Source