The NNPC scholarship is one of the scholarship opportunities Nigerian students regularly search for when looking for financial support for their education. However, it is important to understand that there is not just one scholarship programme commonly referred to as the NNPC scholarship. Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) participates in several scholarship schemes with joint-venture partners, including Seplat Energy, Chevron and other oil and gas companies.

For the 2026 scholarship cycle, one of the confirmed undergraduate opportunities is the NNPC/SEPLAT JV National Undergraduate Scholarship, while another confirmed programme is the NNPC Limited/Chevron JV National University Scholarship Awards. There is also the NNPC/NAE postgraduate scholarship for Nigerian graduates.

This guide explains the available 2026 opportunities, eligibility requirements, participating courses, application procedures, important documents, selection process and common mistakes applicants should avoid.

Important: Scholarship deadlines can change from one programme to another. Applicants should always verify information on the official scholarship platform before submitting personal documents or making decisions based on third-party posts.

NNPC Scholarship 2026 at a Glance

The term NNPC scholarship can refer to different scholarship schemes operated through NNPC Ltd. and its joint-venture partners. Therefore, applicants should identify the exact programme for which they qualify rather than assuming that every NNPC-related scholarship has the same requirements.

Item	2026 Information
Country	Nigeria
Main beneficiaries	Nigerian undergraduate students and, under separate schemes, postgraduate students
Major undergraduate scheme	NNPC/SEPLAT JV National Undergraduate Scholarship
Another undergraduate scheme	NNPC Limited/Chevron JV National University Scholarship
Postgraduate opportunity	NNPC/NAE Postgraduate Scholarship
Application method	Online
Application fee	Free for the confirmed Seplat undergraduate scheme
Selection	Varies by programme; may include academic screening and CBT
Official sources	Sponsor websites and designated scholarship portals

The NNPC/SEPLAT JV scholarship was officially announced on 23 February 2026, with applications scheduled from 23 February to 13 March 2026. The programme is open to deserving undergraduates in Federal and State Universities in Nigeria.

What Is the NNPC Scholarship?

The NNPC scholarship is commonly used to describe scholarship programmes involving NNPC Ltd. and its joint-venture partners. These programmes are designed to support education and develop human capacity among Nigerians.

It is important not to treat every scholarship carrying the NNPC name as a single nationwide scholarship with identical conditions. For example, the 2026 NNPC/SEPLAT JV National Undergraduate Scholarship has specific academic and course requirements, while the NNPC Limited/Chevron JV National University Scholarship has its own eligibility conditions and selection process.

Similarly, the NNPC/NAE postgraduate scholarship is targeted at Nigerian graduates pursuing qualifying master’s programmes and has different requirements from undergraduate awards.

This distinction is important because applicants who rely on generic scholarship information may mistakenly apply for a programme for which they are not eligible.

NNPC Scholarship 2026 Undergraduate Opportunities

For students currently studying for a first degree, two major 2026 programmes worth knowing about are the NNPC/SEPLAT JV National Undergraduate Scholarship and the NNPC Limited/Chevron JV National University Scholarship.

1. NNPC/SEPLAT JV National Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

The NNPC/SEPLAT JV announced its 2026 National Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for students of Federal and State Universities in Nigeria.

According to Seplat Energy’s official announcement, applicants must:

Be in their second year of study or above.
Have a minimum CGPA of 3.5.
Have at least five O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained at one sitting.
Be studying one of the approved courses.

The application was free, and eligible applicants were required to submit an online application through the designated scholarship portal. The official 2026 application period ran from 23 February to 13 March 2026.

Approved Courses

The NNPC/SEPLAT JV scholarship covers selected disciplines rather than every course offered by Nigerian universities.

Approved course
Accountancy
Agriculture
Architecture
Business Administration
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering/Science
Economics
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Environmental Studies
Geology
Geophysics
Law
Mass Communication
Mechanical Engineering
Medicine
Metallurgical Engineering
Ophthalmology/Optometry
Petroleum Engineering

These courses are listed in Seplat Energy’s official 2026 scholarship announcement.

Students studying courses outside the approved list should not submit an application simply because they are interested in the award.

2. NNPC Limited/Chevron JV National University Scholarship 2026

Another major 2026 opportunity is the NNPC Limited/Chevron JV National University Scholarship Awards.

The programme is designed to support academic excellence and educational development among Nigerian undergraduates in accredited universities nationwide. Applications were handled through Scholastica, which the programme identifies as its official application platform.

For the 2026 cycle, the stated deadline was 30 June 2026, and shortlisted applicants were expected to participate in a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Selection was based on academic performance and CBT results.

The official programme information states that eligible applicants include full-time 200-level students who gained admission during the specified academic sessions and are studying approved courses.

Applicants should therefore check the official requirements carefully because being a Nigerian undergraduate alone does not automatically make someone eligible.

NNPC Scholarship 2026 Postgraduate Opportunity

Graduates should also be aware of the NNPC/NAE Postgraduate Scholarship Award Scheme.

The 2026/2027 NAE Postgraduate Scholarship is operated by Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited on behalf of the NNPC/NAE Production Sharing Contract. It has two categories:

Overseas
Local

The programme is intended for Nigerian graduates pursuing eligible one-year master’s degree programmes.

The published requirements include a minimum of a Second-Class Upper bachelor’s degree from a recognised Nigerian university and admission into an eligible master’s programme. Applicants must also meet the stated age and other programme-specific conditions.

The 2026/2027 application deadline was 7 May 2026, while shortlisted candidates were scheduled to participate in a Computer-Based Test.

This means a graduate should not apply using the undergraduate scholarship requirements. The two programmes are different.

Who Can Apply for NNPC Scholarship 2026?

Eligibility depends on the particular NNPC scholarship programme.

For the NNPC/SEPLAT undergraduate scheme, applicants must satisfy the academic requirements set by the programme. These include being at least in the second year, having a CGPA of 3.5 or above and possessing five relevant O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, at one sitting. (Seplat Energy)

For the Chevron JV scheme, the requirements are different. The official scholarship page specifies full-time 200-level students in Nigerian tertiary institutions studying approved courses, alongside other programme conditions.

Consequently, applicants should always read the eligibility section of the particular scholarship before beginning the application.

Documents Required for NNPC Scholarship 2026

The exact documents depend on the programme, but scholarship applicants should generally prepare clear copies of relevant academic and identification documents.

Commonly requested information may include:

Recent passport photograph
University admission details
Student identification
O’Level results
Current academic result or transcript
Valid email address
Telephone number
State or local government information where required
Other documents specified by the scholarship administrator

For postgraduate applicants, additional documents may include a bachelor’s degree certificate or statement of result and postgraduate admission letter.

For example, the NAE postgraduate programme specifically requires applicants to prepare documents such as a passport photograph and postgraduate admission documentation.

Do not upload documents simply because someone on social media says they are required. Follow the document checklist displayed on the official application portal.

How to Apply for NNPC Scholarship 2026

The application process depends on the particular programme.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Scholarship

First determine whether you are applying for:

NNPC/SEPLAT JV National Undergraduate Scholarship;
NNPC Limited/Chevron JV National University Scholarship; or
NNPC/NAE Postgraduate Scholarship.

Do not assume that one application automatically covers all NNPC-related scholarships.

Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility

Read the academic, level, course, institution and other requirements carefully.

For instance, the NNPC/SEPLAT JV programme requires applicants to be in their second year or above and have a CGPA of at least 3.5.

Step 3: Visit the Official Application Platform

Use the official sponsor’s website or the designated scholarship portal.

The NNPC/SEPLAT announcement directs applicants to its online scholarship application platform, while the Chevron JV programme identifies Scholastica as its official platform.

Step 4: Create or Access Your Account

Where required, provide a working email address and create your account.

Make sure the email belongs to you and is accessible because scholarship administrators may use it for communication.

Step 5: Complete the Form

Enter your:

Full name
Contact details
University
Course of study
Current level
Academic results
O’Level information
Other requested details

Review every entry before submitting.

Step 6: Upload Required Documents

Upload documents in the required format and size.

Blurry documents, incorrect files and incomplete applications can create problems during verification.

Step 7: Submit the Application

After confirming that everything is correct, submit your application.

Where the programme provides an application confirmation or reference number, keep it safely.

Step 8: Monitor Your Email and Portal

Shortlisted candidates may receive information about the next stage through the registered contact details.

For example, the Seplat scheme states that only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

Is NNPC Scholarship 2026 Free?

Yes, the confirmed NNPC/SEPLAT JV National Undergraduate Scholarship application was free. The official Seplat announcement specifically states that applicants should not pay an application fee.

Applicants should therefore be careful when dealing with individuals who claim they can “secure” a scholarship placement in exchange for money.

A genuine scholarship does not require an applicant to pay someone privately to guarantee selection.

NNPC Scholarship 2026 Selection Process

Selection varies according to the particular scheme.

A typical scholarship selection process may involve:

Online application.
Eligibility screening.
Verification of submitted information.
Shortlisting.
Computer-Based Test where applicable.
Final selection.
Notification of successful candidates.
Scholarship award or payment.

The Chevron JV programme explicitly states that shortlisted candidates will participate in a CBT and that selection will consider academic performance and CBT results.

Applicants should understand that completing an application does not mean that they have automatically won the scholarship.

How to Prepare for the Scholarship Test

Where the scholarship includes a CBT, preparation should begin before receiving an invitation.

Revise Mathematics

Work on:

Percentages
Ratios
Fractions
Basic algebra
Data interpretation
Word problems
Logical reasoning

Improve English Language Skills

Practise:

Vocabulary
Grammar
Reading comprehension
Sentence completion
Synonyms and antonyms

Practise Logical Reasoning

You may encounter questions involving:

Number patterns
Letter patterns
Analogies
Sequences
Critical reasoning

Improve Time Management

Scholarship tests often contain many questions within a limited period. Practising with timed questions can help you become more comfortable with the format.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Many scholarship applications fail because of preventable mistakes.

1. Entering Incorrect Information

Your name, date of birth, university details and academic information should match your official documents.

2. Applying for an Unapproved Course

If the scholarship publishes a course list, confirm that your programme appears on it.

3. Using Someone Else’s Email

Use an email address that you regularly check.

4. Waiting Until the Last Day

Technical problems can occur when many applicants attempt to submit applications close to the deadline.

5. Paying Unofficial Agents

Avoid anyone claiming that payment guarantees selection.

6. Uploading Fake Documents

False information or forged documents can lead to disqualification. The Chevron JV scholarship specifically warns that inaccurate or forged information may result in disqualification or withdrawal of an award.

7. Relying Only on Social Media

Social media can be useful for discovering opportunities, but applicants should verify important information through the official sponsor or scholarship portal.

How to Identify Fake NNPC Scholarship Information

The popularity of the NNPC scholarship has also made it a target for misleading posts and unofficial application links.

Before submitting information, check the following:

Check	What to do
Sponsor	Confirm the sponsoring company
Website	Use an official or designated scholarship portal
Application fee	Confirm whether the official announcement says the application is free
Deadline	Verify the exact closing date
Requirements	Compare them with the official announcement
Contact details	Use published official contact channels
Payment request	Treat unexpected payment demands as a warning sign
Personal information	Do not send sensitive information to random social media accounts

For the Seplat programme, the official announcement clearly states that the application is free and provides the designated online application route.

Benefits of NNPC-Related Scholarships

A scholarship can reduce some of the financial pressure associated with university education.

Depending on the programme and award terms, scholarship support may help beneficiaries with educational expenses throughout the relevant award period.

The NNPC/SEPLAT programme is designed to provide yearly grants to successful applicants to support completion of their degree programmes.

Postgraduate schemes can provide broader support. For example, the NAE postgraduate scholarship states that its award covers areas including tuition, books, field trips, accommodation and living expenses, together with a return economy ticket for the selected one-year course, subject to the scheme’s terms.

Applicants should always read the specific award terms rather than assuming that every scholarship covers all university expenses.

NNPC Scholarship 2026 and Academic Performance

Academic performance is an important factor in several NNPC-related scholarship schemes.

The NNPC/SEPLAT undergraduate programme, for example, requires a minimum CGPA of 3.5.

This means students interested in future scholarship opportunities should not wait until applications open before taking their academics seriously.

Maintaining good grades, keeping academic documents organised and developing strong examination skills can improve your readiness for future scholarship opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About NNPC Scholarship 2026

1. Is NNPC scholarship 2026 currently available?

The 2026 cycle contains different NNPC-related scholarship programmes with different opening and closing dates. Some confirmed 2026 application windows have already closed. Applicants should check the relevant official programme page for the current status.

2. Is the NNPC/SEPLAT scholarship free?

Yes. The official 2026 NNPC/SEPLAT JV National Undergraduate Scholarship announcement states that the application is free.

3. Who is eligible for the NNPC/SEPLAT undergraduate scholarship?

Applicants must be in their second year or above, have a CGPA of at least 3.5 and have five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, at one sitting. They must also study one of the approved courses.

4. What courses are accepted?

The approved courses include Engineering, Medicine, Accountancy, Agriculture, Architecture, Business Administration, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geophysics, Law, Mass Communication and other listed disciplines.

5. Can a 100-level student apply for the NNPC/SEPLAT scholarship?

No. The 2026 NNPC/SEPLAT undergraduate requirements specify students in their second year or above.

6. Does NNPC scholarship cover every university course?

No. Some NNPC-related scholarship schemes have specific lists of eligible courses. Applicants should check the exact programme requirements before applying.

7. Is there an NNPC postgraduate scholarship?

Yes. The NNPC/NAE Postgraduate Scholarship Award Scheme provides opportunities for qualifying Nigerian graduates pursuing eligible master’s programmes locally or overseas.

8. What CGPA is required for the NNPC/SEPLAT scholarship?

The 2026 NNPC/SEPLAT undergraduate programme requires a minimum CGPA of 3.5.

9. Do applicants need to write an examination?

It depends on the programme. The Chevron JV scholarship requires shortlisted applicants to participate in a CBT, while applicants should check the terms of other programmes for their specific selection process.

10. Can I apply if I am already receiving another oil and gas scholarship?

Not necessarily. Some programmes restrict applicants who are already beneficiaries of other oil and gas scholarships. For example, the Chevron JV programme states that current beneficiaries of international oil and gas scholarship schemes are not eligible.

11. Can I use a fake result to apply?

No. Applicants should provide truthful and verifiable information. The Chevron JV programme warns that false information and forged documents can result in disqualification.

12. How will successful applicants be contacted?

Communication methods depend on the scholarship. Applicants should use a valid email address and monitor their registered contact details. The NNPC/SEPLAT programme states that only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

Conclusion

The NNPC scholarship remains an important search term for Nigerian students looking for education funding, but applicants should understand that several different programmes operate under NNPC-related joint ventures.

For undergraduate students, the 2026 NNPC/SEPLAT JV programme required a minimum CGPA of 3.5, five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics, second-year status or above, and enrolment in an approved course.

The NNPC Limited/Chevron JV National University Scholarship was another 2026 opportunity, with its own eligibility requirements and CBT-based selection process.

For graduates, the NNPC/NAE postgraduate scholarship provides a separate pathway for eligible master’s students.

The most important lesson is to verify every scholarship announcement before applying. Use official sponsor websites and designated application portals, avoid unofficial payment requests, provide accurate information and keep copies of documents submitted.

For future scholarship cycles, students should also prepare early by maintaining good academic performance, keeping their academic records organised and regularly checking official scholarship announcements.