The NNPC/SNEPCo Scholarship has become one of the most sought-after undergraduate funding opportunities for Nigerian students. Jointly supported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), the programme provides practical financial support to high-performing students from their second year of study through to graduation. With rising costs of university education, this annual grant offers a meaningful way for eligible undergraduates to reduce financial pressure while focusing on academic excellence.
Since its launch in 2016, the scholarship has supported hundreds of students across Nigeria. Reports from Shell Nigeria indicate that more than 600 undergraduates have benefited from the NNPC-SNEPCo National University Scholarship Award over the years. The programme forms part of broader social investment efforts in education by NNPC, SNEPCo, and their co-venture partners.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Nigeria
- Host University: NUC-accredited Nigerian universities (studies take place in Nigerian institutions)
- Scholarship Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Nigeria (Nigerian citizens only)
- Scholarship Benefits: Annual cash grant of ₦250,000 (usable toward tuition, accommodation, study materials, or living expenses); renewable each year until completion of the undergraduate degree, subject to academic performance
- Deadline: November 30, 2026
What Is the NNPC/SNEPCo Scholarship?
The NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship is a merit-based undergraduate award designed to promote academic excellence and strengthen the skills of young Nigerians. Successful applicants receive ₦250,000 each academic session. The funding continues annually from the point of award (typically 200-level) until the student completes their degree, provided they maintain the required academic standards.
Unlike some fully funded international scholarships, this is a partial grant. Recipients can use the money for tuition fees, hostel accommodation, textbooks, or other living costs. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting efforts to increase gender balance in higher education and related industries.
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There is also a separate NNPC-SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship that supports one-year MSc studies at the University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University in the United Kingdom for courses relevant to the oil and gas industry. That programme covers tuition, a return flight, and a contribution toward living expenses. The current undergraduate call, however, is the one most actively promoted for Nigerian students studying at home.
See Also:
- NNPC/SNEPCo Scholarship 2026: How Nigerian Undergraduates Can Get ₦250,000 Every Year Until Graduation
- Canadian University Dubai Scholarship 2026: How to Secure Tuition Waiver for World-Class Education in Dubai
- How to Win the BOC Sciences Chemistry Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for Undergraduates and Postgraduates
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Be enrolled full-time in the second year (200-level) of study at a Nigerian university accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
- Have completed at least two academic semesters with official results.
- Possess a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale, or the equivalent in other grading systems, based on first-year performance.
- Not be a current beneficiary of any other scholarship from an entity in the oil and gas industry, whether national or international.
Many sources indicate that the scholarship is open to students in public universities, while others refer more broadly to NUC-accredited institutions. Eligible fields of study generally cover a wide range of accredited programmes, including engineering and technology, natural sciences, medical and clinical sciences, social sciences, agriculture, law, and others. Preference is often given to courses relevant to the energy sector, but the call is not strictly limited to STEM disciplines.
Applicants must also be prepared to participate in any subsequent selection stages, which typically include a computer-based aptitude test covering numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and abstract logic.
Scholarship Benefits in Detail
The core benefit is the annual grant of ₦250,000. Key features include:
- Direct disbursement of funds to successful awardees.
- Multi-year support from the second year through to graduation, subject to continued eligibility.
- Flexibility in how the money is used (tuition support, living expenses, or academic materials).
- Recognition that can strengthen a student’s academic and professional profile.
Recipients are usually required to maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 per session and remain in good standing with their university. Failure to meet these conditions can result in suspension or withdrawal of the award.
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How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Applications are submitted exclusively online through the official Scholastica portal. Email or physical submissions are not accepted. The process is free; candidates should ignore any request for payment.
- Visit the official portal at https://candidate.scholastica.ng/ and locate the NNPC-SNEPCo National University Scholarship scheme.
- Create an account using a valid personal email address and phone number, then activate it via the confirmation email.
- Complete your profile with accurate personal details, National Identification Number (where required), educational information, and referee details (such as your Head of Department).
- Upload clear scanned copies of required documents. These typically include a recent passport photograph (JPEG, under 200 KB), university or JAMB admission letter, UTME result, O’Level results, first-year CGPA statement, letter of identification from your state of origin, and a signed Government Official Declaration Form.
- Review every entry carefully so that names, matriculation numbers, and academic details match official records exactly. Resolve any discrepancies with a sworn affidavit if necessary.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline of November 30, 2026.
After submission, shortlisted candidates are usually contacted for a computer-based test. From those who perform well, a limited number (often the top performers from each state and the FCT) proceed to academic verification before final awards are made.
For the most current official information, also check the scholarships section on the Shell Nigeria website: https://www.shell.com.ng/sustainability/communities/education-programmes/scholarships.html.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues on the portal.
- Prepare thoroughly for the aptitude test by practising numerical, verbal, and abstract reasoning questions.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, correctly named, and within any size limits.
- Do not submit multiple applications; this can lead to disqualification.
- Beware of scams. The application is free, and SNEPCo does not authorize agents to collect fees.
- Keep copies of your submission confirmation and monitor your email and phone for further communication.
Why This Scholarship Matters
University education in Nigeria has become increasingly expensive for many families. An annual grant of ₦250,000, while not covering every cost, can significantly reduce the burden of fees, accommodation, and books. For students who maintain strong academic records, the multi-year nature of the award provides stability through the later years of their degree.
The programme also aligns with broader efforts by NNPC and SNEPCo to invest in human capital development. By supporting undergraduates across the country, the partners contribute to building a skilled workforce capable of contributing to Nigeria’s energy sector and the wider economy.
Final Advice and Next Steps
If you are a Nigerian citizen currently in 200-level at an NUC-accredited university with a CGPA of at least 3.5, and you are not receiving another oil and gas industry scholarship, you should strongly consider applying. Female students are particularly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Always verify the latest details directly on the official Scholastica portal and any announcements from NNPC or Shell Nigeria, as application windows and specific requirements can be updated. Submit your application well before November 30, 2026, and prepare carefully for the subsequent selection stages.
The NNPC/SNEPCo Scholarship 2026 represents a practical pathway for academically strong undergraduates to ease financial pressure and continue their studies with greater confidence. For eligible students, the time to act is now.