NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 in the UK — Fully Funded
The NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 is open now, and the deadline is 8 June 2026. If you are a Nigerian graduate between 21 and 28 years old with a strong academic record, this scholarship covers your full one-year MSc degree at either the University of Aberdeen or Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, including tuition, a return economy flight, living expenses, and medical insurance. Eleven eligible courses are available across both universities, spanning geophysics, data science, AI, engineering, and sustainability. You must have a university offer letter in hand before you can submit your scholarship application.
Explore: University of Otago Scholarships in New Zealand | Fully Funded
NNPC-SNEPCo Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree Level | Master’s — one year |
| Benefits | Fully Funded — Full tuition, economy return flight (Nigeria–UK), living expenses allowance, medical insurance |
| Funded by | Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), on behalf of co-venture partners under a Production Sharing Contract with NNPC Limited |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria only (all 36 states and the FCT) |
| Deadline | 8 June 2026 |
Scholarship Categories to Explore on ScholarWaka— Here are some key scholarship opportunities you should check out on ScholarWaka:
- Study Abroad: Study in USA | Study in Canada | Study in UK | Study in Europe | Study in Asia | Study in Australia | Study in Africa
- Scholarship Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships | Diploma Scholarships | Competitions | High School Scholarships | Internships Scholarships | Training | Fellowships
About the NNPC-SNEPCo Scholarship
The NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship is sponsored by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), operator of OML 118, on behalf of its co-venture partners under a Production Sharing Contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The programme funds one-year MSc degrees at selected UK universities for Nigerian graduates in fields that support the energy sector and technical workforce development. It is open to Nigerians from all 36 states and the FCT.
For the 2026 academic session, two universities are participating:
University of Aberdeen
- MSc Geophysics
- MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering for Oil and Gas
- MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering
- MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience
Newcastle University
- MSc Data Science and AI
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Engineering Management
- MSc Sustainable Chemical Engineering
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Robotics and AI
- MSc Marine and Ocean Engineering
You may apply to one university only. Your scholarship application is submitted through the portal of the university where you have an offer, not directly to SNEPCo or NNPC.
Check: University of Liverpool Leverhulme Masters Scholarship in UK | How to Apply
What the NNPC-SNEPCo Scholarship Covers
The NNPC-SNEPCo Scholarship covers the following for the full duration of the one-year programme:
- Full tuition fees — paid on your behalf to the university
- One economy-class return flight from Nigeria to the UK at the start and end of your programme
- Living expenses allowance — based on rates published by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
- Medical insurance in line with UK Student Visa requirements
The scholarship does not come with a bond or employment obligation. Completing the programme does not guarantee, and does not commit you to, any employment with SNEPCo, NNPC, Shell, or any of their partners.
Explore: Sheffield Hallam University Transform Together Scholarships in UK | How to Apply
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following to be considered:
- You are a Nigerian citizen currently residing in Nigeria
- You are between 21 and 28 years old by 30 September 2026
- You hold a valid Nigerian international passport valid until at least December 2026
- You have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme by September 2026, or have a confirmed end date before then
- You have obtained, or expect to obtain, a degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) degree
- You meet the English language requirements of your chosen university — a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required, where applicable
- You have secured, or are in the process of securing, an admission offer into one of the eligible courses at the University of Aberdeen or Newcastle University
You are not eligible if any of the following apply:
- You have previously studied in the UK or another developed country
- You are a current employee of SNEPCo, any Shell Group company, the University of Aberdeen, Newcastle University, or a close relative of such an employee
- You left employment with any of those organisations less than five years before the application date
Must Check: USTB International Student Dingxin Scholarship | Fully Funded
Required Documents
Prepare the following before you submit:
- Admission offer letter from the University of Aberdeen or Newcastle University
- Academic degree certificate
- Full academic transcripts
- Valid Nigerian international passport
- IELTS result (where the university requires it)
- NYSC discharge certificate or proof that service will be completed before September 2026
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Any additional documents specified by your chosen university
Practical note: Your scholarship application form is only released after you have an admission offer from one of the two participating universities. Do not wait until late May to begin your university admission process. Offers from Aberdeen and Newcastle can take several weeks, and the scholarship deadline is 8 June 2026. Start your university application now if you have not already.
Also Check: Chinese Government Scholarships in China | How to Apply
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Review the eligible courses at the University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University and identify which programme fits your academic background
- Apply for admission to your chosen MSc programme directly through the university’s admissions portal
- Receive a formal admission offer letter from the university
- Once you have your offer, access the scholarship application portal through the participating university’s scholarship page
- Complete the scholarship application form in full
- Upload all required supporting documents as listed above
- Submit your application before 8 June 2026
- If shortlisted, attend the SNEPCo interview. Details will be communicated to the shortlisted candidates directly
- Await the final selection decision from the scholarship panel
Note that scholarship application forms are only made available to applicants who already hold an admission offer. Submit your university application as early as possible to leave time for the scholarship process.
Read also: Tips on How to Win a Scholarship
Application Deadline
8 June 2026
This is the deadline for submitting your completed scholarship application to the participating university. Nigerian applicants should note that this falls on a Monday. University admission offers must be in place before the scholarship form is accessible, so begin your university application immediately if you have not yet done so.
Must check: How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship | Tips and Free Template
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NNPC-SNEPCo Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers full tuition, a return economy flight between Nigeria and the UK, a monthly living allowance based on ACU rates, and medical insurance that meets UK Student Visa requirements. There is no partial funding option — all costs listed are covered in full.
Can I apply for the NNPC-SNEPCo Scholarship without a university offer?
No. The scholarship application form is only released after you hold a formal admission offer from either the University of Aberdeen or Newcastle University. You must apply for university admission first, receive your offer, and then complete the scholarship application through the university portal before 8 June 2026.
What is the age limit for the NNPC-SNEPCo Scholarship 2026?
You must be between 21 and 28 years old by 30 September 2026. Applicants who turn 29 before that date are not eligible, regardless of academic qualification.
Will I have to work for Shell or NNPC after the scholarship?
No. The scholarship does not include a bond or employment commitment of any kind. Completing your degree does not guarantee, and does not obligate you to accept, employment with SNEPCo, NNPC, Shell, or any of their co-venture partners.
Can Nigerians who have studied abroad before apply?
No. Applicants who have previously studied in the UK or any other developed country are not eligible for this scholarship. It is intended for Nigerians who have not yet had postgraduate study abroad.
Which universities are part of the NNPC-SNEPCo Scholarship 2026?
For the 2026 intake, the two participating universities are the University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University. Aberdeen offers four courses in geophysics and petroleum engineering fields; Newcastle offers seven courses covering data science, AI, robotics, engineering management, and marine engineering.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, requirements, and eligibility criteria were verified from the official scholarship website. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application.
Official Application Portal
Join ScholarWaka Community
Get the latest scholarship updates and study abroad opportunities before anyone else.
