Nigeria LNG Post-graduate Scholarship Scheme 2014

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Applications are now being accepted into the Nigeria LNG Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme for entry into Masters Programmes in the United Kingdom in September 2014.

Criteria for Award

Potential beneficiaries must:
•   Be entering into a Master's programme in Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences,  Management Sciences, Information Technology, Law and Medicine
•   Possess a 2nd Class Upper degree in a relevant field of study
•   Have completed the NYSC programme
•   Be no more than 30 years of age
•   Be Nigerian nationals resident in Nigeria
•   Provide identification documents from their L.G.A.s
•   Provide evidence that they are available to travel in September 2014 if selected

Application form for the scholarships can be downloaded here. 

Completed application form, along with an attached coloured passport photograph of the applicant should be submitted via email to nlngpgscholarship@ng.britishcouncil.org.

The Application Process:
The application form is to be completed and submitted along with a coloured recent passport photo of the applicant. Documents are not to be attached to the form as these will not be accepted. Applications into the NLNG Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme will be received only via email at nlngpgscholarship@ng.britishcouncil.org. Exceptions will be given only to applicants with 'special needs'.

Please note that due to the large number of applications, we are unable to enter into correspondence with applicants and will contact only those who are successfully shortlisted.

Application deadline is midnight on Friday, 15th November 2013. Applications received after this time will not be accepted.

More information about the Nigeria LNG Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme can be found in the FAQ document here.

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NLNG Post-graduate Scholarship Scheme 2014 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What is the Nigeria LNG Scholarship Scheme about?

The Nigeria LNG Scholarship Scheme aims to build capacity in areas where NLNG's host communities and the rest of Nigeria experience significant skills gaps, especially, but not exclusively, within the oil and gas industry. The Scheme is part of NLNG's Community Development Programme which aims to contribute to long-term socio-economic development in communities where we operate and Nigeria at large.

2.   Why is Nigeria LNG giving out these scholarships?

We want to ensure that the success of the oil and gas industry brings real, lasting benefits to the people and economies of the communities/country in which we operate. Our Community Development Programme is focused on investing in education and capacity building so that members of our host communities can participate in our industry and other industries to support economic diversification. The scholarship scheme will support this agenda by helping to increase the number of people with expertise in relevant fields of study in our host communities and Nigeria at large.

The Scholarship scheme will commence in September 2013 and will support students with scholarships to pursue various studies at Masters Level with leading universities in the United Kingdom in an effort to develop local capacity in Nigeria.

3.   For how long will the Nigeria LNG Scholarship scheme run?

The Nigeria LNG Scholarship Scheme was launched in October 2012 and will be reviewed regularly.

4.   If I participate in this scholarship, does it mean I will be employed by Nigeria LNG upon graduation?

The Nigeria LNG Scholarship Scheme is designed to build capacity in key areas required for the oil and gas industry as well as in other fields. While one of the results will be to increase the local talent pool of people with oil and gas industry skills, it does not guarantee automatic employment by Nigeria LNG. 

5.   Does the scholarship sponsor only oil and gas courses?

No. The scholarship sponsors a wide range of courses within the fields of Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Management Sciences, Information Technology, Medicine and Law which we believe are relevant for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

6.   What courses will be sponsored under the scholarship scheme?

A wide range of courses will be covered, including those listed below.
•   Geosciences (Geophysics, Geology)
•   Engineering (Petroleum Engineering, Oil and Gas Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Subsea Engineering, Chemical Engineering)
•   Law (the various specialist areas)
•   Medicine (the various specialist areas)
•   Environmental Studies
•   Management Sciences  (Economics, Accountancy, Banking & Finance
•   Information Technology

7.   Why is the scholarship sponsoring only post-graduate education, why not tertiary, secondary or primary?

NLNG is not sponsoring only post graduate education; there are other scholarship schemes which include -
-   Post Primary scholarship exclusive for its host communities,
-    Cadets scholarship for River State indigenes
-    Undergraduate Scholarship for all Nigerians. These other levels of scholarships are all aimed at sponsoring beneficiaries in the institutions in Nigeria, while the postgraduate scheme sponsors students in outside Nigeria. 
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8.   What is the role of the British Council?

NLNG is partnering with the British Council - an internationally recognised service provider in the area of scholarship management and partnership brokerage in higher education around the world. The British Council is the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations; with a strong profile in Africa the British Council has a great deal of experience in running educational programmes to support development goals and priorities. The British Council works in over 100 countries in the Arts, Education and English language. They exist as an independent and non-political organisation, with a global mission to connect people world-wide with learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK.

The choice of a third party to administer the scholarships is to ensure independence and fairness, and the British Council has a track record of effective management of similar schemes. The British Council has over 40 years experience in scholarship management within the sub Saharan Africa region and globally, having administered schemes such as the Ford Foundation, the Commonwealth Plan and the prestigious Chevening Programme.

The British Council is the main point of contact for the Nigeria LNG Post Graduate Scholarship scheme. They will receive all applications, screen and interview candidates, place successful scholars on the appropriate courses and take care of all pre-departure issues  including visas, flights etc. The British Council will also pay the approved living expense support and arrange return flights at the end of the Scholarship.

9.   Why are all scholars taken to the UK to study? Why not other European countries, the Americas or Asia?

The Scheme is still in the early stages and will focus on institutions of excellence in the UK in this initial phase. The Scheme will be reviewed at the end of its second year and institutions in other countries may be considered depending on outcome of the evaluation.

10.   Is the scholarship for degree holders only?

Yes. The scholarship is for second class upper degree holders.

11.   What are the requirements for the scholarship?

Recipients of the scholarship must:
- be Nigerian nationals resident in Nigeria
- be entering into a Masters degree programme in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Medicine, Law, Management Sciences and Information Technology.
- possess a 2nd Class Upper degree in a relevant field of study
- have completed the National Youth Service Corp programme
- not be more than 30 years of age
- provide identification documents from their Local Govern Area.

12.   What does the scholarship package entail?

The scholarship will cover among others;
•   full tuition fees;
•   a monthly stipend towards living expenses;
•   one return ticket from Nigeria to the United kingdom;

13.   Do Scholars get to work during their studies?

No. Scholars will be required to concentrate on completing their studies during the specified time duration and return home. However, engaging in course related internships are encouraged during the course of study where appropriate.

14.   Which communities are NLNG host communities?

A link to the list of Nigeria LNG's host communities can be found on the British Council website.

15.   Can students outside the country benefit from the scholarship?

No. The scholarship is limited to citizens who are resident in Nigeria only. The aim is for the scholars to return to their home country and contribute to its development by applying the increased skills and knowledge they have acquired.

16.   Will applicants be required to write tests?

Yes, short listed applicants will be expected to write an aptitude test which they will have to pass to move on to the next stage of the application process. Candidates may also have to write and pass the compulsory IELTS test before awards will be confirmed to successful candidates. The mark required is a minimum score of 6.0 in each sub section and a minimum overall score of 6.5

17.   Should I be successful, is it possible for me to defer an academic year or semester at a point if the need arises?

No. The scholarship once given is only for the up coming academic year. You cannot defer the scholarship. If your personal circumstances change to the extent that you consider deferring, please contact the British Council for the next step.

18.   When does the scholarship application process open?

The Nigeria LNG Post graduate Scholarship Scheme launched on 31st October 2012 and will be open to receive applications from qualified candidates immediately thereafter. Updated information on the application process and timelines is available on the British Council website.

19.    How do I apply for the Scholarship?

Application forms can be downloaded from the British Council website British Council Africa - Welcome

The document on the website explains the application process, the information you need to complete the forms, how long the application process takes, and the eligibility criteria.

The British Council will review all applications and will shortlist successful candidates that meet the selection criteria.  Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo an aptitude test and following that, successful candidates will be required to complete final interviews and pass IELTS testing before the awards are confirmed.

22. What happens after I have applied?

After completing the online application, eligible candidates will be shortlisted and invited for a series of assessments and interviews. Successful candidates will be recommended for the scholarships should they meet all the requirements and conditions. Consider your application unsuccessful if you do not hear from the British Council within 4 weeks of application deadline.

Scholarship Online Application

1. What will I need to complete the form?

•   full details of all previous studies
•   full details of all previous and current employment 
•   contact details
•   bio data
•   Full names and contact details of 2 academic referees (First name(s) and Family name). You must have known both of your referees for at least 3 years.

2. How long will the form take to fill in?

The form should not take longer than 45 minutes to complete. Information can be copied and pasted from other documents. Also you can download the form onto your personal computer and after you have completed it, submit it by email to nlngpgscholarship@ng.britishcouncil.org

3. I do not have regular access to the internet, can I apply by other means?

Applications into the Nigeria LNG Post graduate Scholarship will be received only via email; if you do not have regular access to the internet, you can download the form onto your personal computer and email it back after you have completed it. Only applications sent to nlngpgscholarship@ng.britishcouncil.org will be considered. Exceptions will only be given to applicants with 'special needs'.

4. How long will the scholarship process take?

The scholarship process will take approximately 6 months.   You will be sent an initial email acknowledging your application and a further email, within 6 weeks, with information regarding your application.

If you have not received a response within 4 weeks of your application being submitted, then you have been unsuccessful with your application. To confirm this, please check your inbox is not full (and therefore rejecting our message). Please also check your 'Spam' folder or 'Junk Email' to make sure that our message has not been filtered out.

5. What happens if I am refused the scholarship?

You will receive notification of the decision. The British Council will be able to give feedback on the reason for this only if applicant reaches the interview stage.

6. Can my application be fast-tracked?

There is no facility to fast-track your application.  You should ensure you apply as soon as possible before the stated deadline.

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