NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship 2026: UK MSc

The NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 supports qualified Nigerian applicants who want to study selected one-year MSc courses in the United Kingdom. The award is open to applicants from all 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), operator of Oil Mining Lease 118 on behalf of itself and its co-venturers, runs the scholarship under a Production Sharing Contract with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The co-venturers listed are Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria and Nigerian Agip Exploration Company Limited.

What Is the NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship?

The NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship gives postgraduate study support to qualifying Nigerian students. It focuses on courses relevant to the oil and gas industry.

For the academic year starting September 2026, the scholarship will support one-year postgraduate MSc studies at two UK universities. The listed universities are the University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship covers tuition, one economy return flight ticket from Nigeria to the UK, and a contribution to living expenses only. The living expense support follows Association of Commonwealth Universities published living rates and stays limited to that purpose.

SNEPCo will also provide medical insurance in line with UK Student Visa requirements. The scholarship does not cover every possible student cost.

Which Universities Take Part?

Two UK universities are listed for the 2026 award. Applicants should check course admission details on each university’s website.

Applicants need a formal offer of admission before they can complete the scholarship process. The course must also appear on the approved course list.

Which Courses Qualify for the Scholarship?

The scholarship applies only to selected MSc courses at the listed universities. Applicants should choose from the eligible course list before applying for admission.

Which University of Aberdeen Courses Qualify?

Which Newcastle University Courses Qualify?

Who Can Apply for the NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship?

Applicants must meet academic, age, nationality, English language, passport, and admission requirements. They must also have completed the National Youth Service by September 2026.

The applicant must not already hold the chance to study in the UK or other developed countries. This rule affects candidates who already have such study access.

Who Cannot Apply?

Some applicants are not eligible because of their link to SNEPCo, Shell, or the college. This restriction also covers recent former employees.

Employees, employees’ relatives, and former employees who left less than five years before cannot apply if they are linked to any of these bodies:

• SNEPCo
• Royal Dutch Shell Group of Companies
• The college

Applicants should check this rule before starting the process. It forms part of the scholarship eligibility terms.

How Can Applicants Apply?

Applicants must first apply for admission to a participating university and eligible course. The scholarship form comes after the university gives a formal offer of admission.

1. Choose one of the eligible MSc courses.
2. Apply for admission through the normal admission process of the participating university.
3. Wait for a formal offer of admission from the university.
4. Complete the scholarship form through the relevant university website after the offer.
5. Submit the completed scholarship application before 30 June 2026.
6. If selected by the university, attend an interview with SNEPCo.
7. Await final selection after the interview stage.

The notice states that scholarship application forms will only become available through the websites of Imperial College London, University of Aberdeen, and Newcastle University after a formal offer of admission by the university. The participating university links provided are University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University.

When Is the Application Deadline?

Completed scholarship application forms must reach the participating universities not later than 30 June 2026. Applicants should not wait until the final days because they must first secure admission into an eligible course.

The academic year starts in September 2026. That date also matters for applicants who must complete NYSC by September 2026.

What Happens After Submission?

The universities will process applications and select candidates for interview with SNEPCo. After the interview stage, candidates will be considered for final selection.

A formal offer of admission does not mean automatic scholarship selection. It only allows the applicant to move into the scholarship application stage.

What Should Applicants Check Before Applying?

Applicants should check the key rules before spending time on admission and scholarship forms. A mismatch with one requirement can stop the process.

• The applicant is Nigerian and lives in Nigeria.
• The applicant will be 21 to 28 by 30 September 2026.
• The applicant has, or expects to have, a degree equal to UK Upper Second-Class Honours.
• The applicant has completed NYSC, or will complete it by September 2026.
• The applicant has IELTS of at least 6.5 and meets the college language rule.
• The chosen MSc course appears on the approved course list.
• The applicant has a Nigerian international passport valid until December 2026.
• The applicant does not already hold the chance to study in the UK or other developed countries.

What Should Applicants Know About Data Use?

Personal data collected by SNEPCo on behalf of itself, NNPC, and the co-venture partners will be used only for selecting scholarship candidates. The data will not be used for an incompatible purpose.

NNPC-SNEPCo controls the processing of personal data and will not use it for direct marketing. If a third party needs to process, receive, or exchange the data, contractual safeguards will be used to protect privacy.

Applicants have the right to object to personal data processing on legitimate compelling grounds, except where processing is needed to obey a legal duty or to use the data for a purpose for which they have given implied consent. SNEPCo will keep the data only as long as needed for the purpose of collection, or as needed by law or to protect the rights of NNPC, SNEPCo, the co-venture partners, or the data subject.

Does the Scholarship Lead to Employment?

No. The scholarship is non-committal.

SNEPCo, NNPC, and their co-venture partners are not bound to offer employment to any scholar after graduation. Successful candidates are also not bonded to SNEPCo, NNPC, or the co-venture partners because of the scholarship.

Quick Questions About NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship 2026

Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?

Nigerians living in Nigeria, aged 21 to 28 by 30 September 2026, can apply if they meet the academic, English language, passport, admission, and NYSC requirements.

Which MSc Courses Are Eligible?

Eligible courses are listed at the University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University. They include Geophysics, Safety and Reliability Engineering for Oil and Gas, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and AI, and other listed MSc courses.

Does the Applicant Need Admission First?

Yes. The applicant must first receive an offer to study one of the eligible courses through the normal university admission process.

What IELTS Score Is Required?

Applicants need at least 6.5 in IELTS. They must also meet the college’s language requirement.

What Is the Age Limit?

Applicants must be aged between 21 and 28 years by 30 September 2026.

What Is the Deadline?

Completed scholarship application forms must reach the participating universities not later than 30 June 2026.

Does the Scholarship Cover Living Expenses?

Yes, but as a contribution only. The stipend is based on Association of Commonwealth Universities published living rates and is limited to that support.

Does the Scholarship Guarantee a Job?

No. SNEPCo, NNPC, and the co-venture partners do not have to offer employment after graduation, and scholars are not bonded to them.

Key Takeaway for Applicants

The NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 supports eligible Nigerians for one-year MSc study in selected UK courses relevant to the oil and gas industry. Applicants should secure admission into an approved course, meet the IELTS, age, NYSC, passport, and degree rules, then submit the scholarship form to the participating university by 30 June 2026.

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