• The Federal Government, through NDDC, has opened applications for the 2026/2027 foreign master’s scholarship
• The application window runs from March 23 to April 19, 2026
• The programme targets capacity building for Niger Delta youths in global academic and professional spaces

The Federal Government, through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has announced the commencement of applications for its 2026/2027 Foreign Master’s Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.

The NDDC made this known in a flyer shared on its official X handle on Monday, March 23, outlining key details of the programme timeline and requirements.

It stated, “Applications open on March 23, 2026, and close on April 19, 2026.”

According to the commission, the scholarship aims to empower young Nigerians from the Niger Delta region with advanced academic training and practical skills.

The initiative is also designed to position beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to local content development and remain competitive on a global scale.

Eligibility and application process

Applicants must possess a First-Class or Second-Class Upper Division degree and must not be older than 40 years.

Interested candidates are required to submit their applications online via the official NDDC portal at www.nddc.gov.ng.

As part of the application requirements, candidates must upload a recent passport photograph, a Local Government Identification letter, a postgraduate admission letter from a recognised foreign university, relevant academic certificates, and either an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.

After completing the application, candidates will receive a registration number and are advised to print their acknowledgment slip for reference.

Selection procedure

The selection process will be conducted in stages. The first phase involves preliminary screening based on academic qualifications, including WASSCE/NECO results, undergraduate degree classification, and proof of Local Government origin.

Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to a computer-based test scheduled to take place in Rivers State. Only candidates who score at least 70 per cent will advance to the next stage.

Successful applicants will undergo further screening and verification through their respective Local Government Areas and Community Development Committees before final selection.

The scholarship is fully funded and will cover studies in foreign universities, with funding calculated based on the prevailing naira exchange rate.

Priority will be given to applicants from oil-producing states in the Niger Delta, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

The commission noted that changes to institution or course, as well as deferment, will not be allowed under the programme.

It also emphasised that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the computer-based test or subsequent interviews, adding that it retains the final authority on all selections.