NNPC TotalEnergies Scholarship 2026 | How to Apply

If you have been searching for information about the TotalEnergies scholarship, chances are you already know that this is one of the most impactful corporate scholarship programs available to Nigerian and African students. But what many people do not realize is that TotalEnergies does not run a single scholarship. It runs several distinct scholarship programs, each designed for a different group of students and covering different levels of study, from undergraduate students in Nigerian universities all the way to postgraduate scholars pursuing Master’s degrees at some of France’s most prestigious universities.

In this article, we are going to walk you through every TotalEnergies scholarship program available in 2025 and 2026. We will cover what each program is, who is eligible, what the financial benefits are, how to apply, and what important deadlines to keep in mind. Whether you are a first-year undergraduate student looking for financial support to continue your studies, a recent graduate with strong academic credentials hoping to study abroad, or a student from a TotalEnergies host community in Rivers State, there is likely a program here that applies to your situation.

About TotalEnergies and Its Commitment to Education in Nigeria

Before getting into the individual scholarship programs, it is worth understanding the organization behind them. TotalEnergies is a French multinational integrated energy company that was founded in 1924 under the name Compagnie francaise des petroles. It has operated under the TotalEnergies brand since 2021 following a rebranding exercise that reflected its strategic shift toward renewable and low-carbon energy alongside its traditional oil and gas operations. As of 2025, the company operates in more than 130 countries worldwide and is one of the seven largest oil and gas companies in the world.

TotalEnergies has been present in Nigeria for more than 60 years and has deep operational roots in the country. Nigeria is one of the main contributing countries to TotalEnergies’ hydrocarbon production globally, with 219,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day produced in 2023. In Nigeria, the company operates through TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, which manages its exploration and production activities, and TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, which handles downstream operations including an extensive network of about 540 fuel service stations across the country. TotalEnergies employs more than 1,800 people across its various business segments in Nigeria.

Beyond its business operations, TotalEnergies Nigeria runs one of the most active corporate social responsibility programs in the country’s private sector. Education is a central pillar of this CSR commitment, and the company’s scholarship programs represent decades of investment in the academic development of young Nigerians. Since the National Merit Scholarship Scheme launched in 2003, over 39,000 students have benefited from this investment. The International Scholarship program has been running since 2004, and together these programs have created a legacy of educational support that continues to grow each year.

TotalEnergies Scholarship Programs: A Complete Overview

TotalEnergies in Nigeria currently operates three main scholarship programs. Each serves a different purpose and targets a different group of beneficiaries. Here is a clear breakdown of all three.

1. TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMSS)

The TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship Scheme, widely known as the NMSS, is the company’s flagship domestic scholarship program. It was established in 2003 as part of TotalEnergies’ corporate social responsibility commitment to supporting educational development in Nigeria, and it has been running continuously ever since. The TotalEnergies National Scholarship is an annual financial grant of up to 200,000 Nigerian Naira awarded to undergraduate Nigerian students enrolled in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The NMSS exists because TotalEnergies recognizes that financial hardship is one of the leading reasons Nigerian students drop out of university before completing their degrees. About 18 percent of students in Nigerian tertiary institutions drop out of school for financial reasons, and the NMSS was designed specifically to address this problem by providing a direct financial lifeline to academically promising students in their first and second years of university, when financial pressure is often at its most acute.

Who is Eligible for the NMSS?

The eligibility requirements for the TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship are clear and straightforward. You must be a Nigerian citizen. You must be a registered full-time undergraduate student at a NUC-accredited Nigerian university. You must be in your first year of study, which is 100 Level, or your second year of study, which is 200 Level, at the time of application. Students in 300 Level or above are not eligible.

For 100 Level applicants, you must have scored a minimum of 200 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which is administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). For 200 Level applicants, you must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5 on a 5.0 grade scale at the time of your application. Students who scored less than 200 in the UTME, 200 Level students with a CGPA below 2.5 on a 5.0 grade system, and 300 Level students or higher are all ineligible and should not apply.

There is one important exclusion to note. Students who are already receiving a similar scholarship from another company in the oil and gas industry are not eligible for the NMSS. This means that if you are currently benefiting from an NNPC scholarship, a Shell scholarship, or any comparable oil sector scholarship, you cannot apply for the NMSS at the same time.

All courses offered at NUC-accredited Nigerian universities are eligible under the NMSS. This is a broad and inclusive scope, meaning students studying engineering, law, medicine, agriculture, arts, social sciences, or any other discipline can apply.

What Does the NMSS Cover?

Selected candidates under the NMSS receive an annual financial award of up to 200,000 Nigerian Naira to cover tuition fees and living expenses. This grant is renewable annually for the duration of the undergraduate program, provided the student maintains academic performance and continues to meet the required conditions. The scholarship is designed to help students who are struggling financially to stay enrolled in their programs and focus on their studies without the constant anxiety of financial instability.

Required Documents for the NMSS Application

When applying for the TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship, you will typically be required to submit the following documents through the online application portal: a recent passport-size photograph, your university admission letter, your JAMB result slip showing your UTME score of at least 200, your O’Level result, your current student identity card or matriculation letter, a letter of introduction from your institution, your bank account details, and your Bank Verification Number (BVN). All documents should be scanned clearly and uploaded as required by the portal. Blurry or illegible documents are a common reason for application rejection.

How to Apply for the NMSS

The application process for the TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship is conducted entirely online through the TotalEnergies Corporate Social Responsibility scholarship portal at csr-ngscholarship.totalenergies.com. Here is how to apply step by step:

Visit the official TotalEnergies CSR scholarship website. Click on the “APPLY for NMSS” button on the homepage. Proceed to create a new account using your active email address or log in if you already have an existing account. Verify your account through the email confirmation link sent to you. Fill out your complete personal profile including your name, date of birth, state of origin, university, department, and academic level. Upload all required documents as listed on the portal. Review your completed application carefully to make sure all information is accurate and all documents are properly uploaded. Submit your application before the deadline.

For the 2025 cycle, the application deadline was July 1, 2025. Future cycles typically follow a similar mid-year timeline. Always check the official CSR portal for confirmed dates, as deadlines are strict and no late submissions are accepted under any circumstances.

2. NNPC/TotalEnergies International Master’s Degree Scholarship (TIS)

The NNPC/TotalEnergies International Master’s Degree Scholarship, also referred to as the TIS or the TotalEnergies International Scholarship, is the most prestigious and internationally recognized scholarship program that TotalEnergies operates in Nigeria. It is a fully funded study abroad scholarship that enables high-achieving Nigerian graduates to pursue Master’s degree programs at some of the most prestigious universities in France.

The International Master’s Degree Scholarship was set up by TotalEnergies in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Embassy of France in Nigeria. Its objective is to provide outstanding young Nigerians with a unique opportunity abroad and to train highly qualified graduates. The program has been running since 2004, and at least 151 Nigerians have been sponsored to study Master’s programs in universities in France since its inception.

Since 2019, ten students have been awarded the scholarship each year, following a rigorous selection process. In 2020 alone, no fewer than 7,470 people applied for the 10 available spots. That figure gives you a clear and honest sense of how competitive this scholarship is and how seriously you need to approach your application preparation.

What Does the TotalEnergies International Master’s Degree Scholarship Cover?

The TotalEnergies International Scholarship is a fully funded award that takes care of every significant cost involved in studying in France. The covered expenses include full tuition fees, accommodation, return economy class flight ticket, visa fees, and sufficient monthly stipends for the duration of the program.

Since 2012, the program has fully covered tuition fees, accommodation, and other living expenses for all recipients. Beneficiaries can enroll in the one-to-two-year Master’s program of their choice at one of France’s most prestigious colleges, where they receive full financial support for the entire duration of their studies.

In addition to the financial coverage, scholarship beneficiaries gain an intercultural immersion experience, direct knowledge of the European academic environment and professional culture, access to a network of promising academic and professional contacts in France and internationally, and the potential for internship or career opportunities within the TotalEnergies global network after graduation. These non-financial benefits are often just as valuable as the direct funding, because they give Nigerian scholars the kind of international exposure and professional network that would otherwise take many years to build independently.

Who is Eligible for the TotalEnergies International Master’s Degree Scholarship?

The eligibility criteria for the NNPC/TotalEnergies International Scholarship are more specific and more demanding than those for the NMSS, which reflects the senior level and international scope of the program. Here is what you need to qualify:

You must be a Nigerian citizen residing in Nigeria. You must hold a university degree from a recognized Nigerian institution with a minimum classification of Second Class Upper Division, commonly written as 2:1. The degree must not have been obtained more than five years before the application deadline, which means your graduation date must fall within the five years immediately preceding the application closing date. You must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme and must be in possession of a valid NYSC discharge certificate at the time of application. You must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.5 on a 5.0 grade scale, which corresponds to Second Class Upper honors. Your field of study should ideally fall within STEM disciplines, particularly engineering, geosciences, petroleum engineering, management science, or energy-related courses, as these are the primary areas the scholarship targets. You must not have previously received a similar international scholarship from another organization. A valid Nigerian international passport is required.

Courses Available Under the TotalEnergies International Scholarship

The scholarship supports one-year and two-year Master’s programs at recognized universities in France. The disciplines typically covered include Management Science, Engineering, Geosciences, and other oil and gas-related fields. Applicants are required to research and identify a suitable Master’s program in France before applying. The Campus France Nigeria platform, accessible at nigeria.campusfrance.org, provides a comprehensive listing of available Master’s programs at French universities and grandes ecoles that are recognized under this scholarship. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review this platform carefully and identify programs that align with their academic background and career goals before completing the application form.

How to Apply for the TotalEnergies International Master’s Degree Scholarship

Applications for the TotalEnergies International Scholarship are submitted through the official TotalEnergies Nigeria corporate website. For the 2025 to 2026 cycle, the advert closed on January 31, 2025. For the 2026 to 2027 cycle, applicants should watch the TotalEnergies Nigeria corporate website and the Campus France Nigeria platform for the announcement of the new application window, which typically opens in the last quarter of the preceding year.

The application steps are as follows: Visit corporate.totalenergies.ng and navigate to the scholarship section to find the active application form. If the page defaults to French, look for an “English” option at the top to switch the language. Read the full application requirements carefully before starting. Create an account on the scholarship application portal if you do not have an existing one, as this step is mandatory. Complete your personal profile and upload all required documents. Review your completed application thoroughly before final submission. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the deadline.

Documents Required for the TotalEnergies International Scholarship

The documents required for the international scholarship application are more extensive than for the NMSS, reflecting the international and competitive nature of the award. You will typically need the following: a recent passport-size photograph, a scanned copy of your valid Nigerian international passport, your official university transcript showing your full academic record, your undergraduate degree certificate, your NYSC discharge certificate, a detailed curriculum vitae or resume, a personal statement or motivation letter explaining your goals and why you deserve the scholarship, and any other supporting documents specified in the current year’s application instructions. All documents should be scanned clearly and uploaded as PDF files under the file size limit specified on the portal.

3. TotalEnergies OML 58 Scholarship (Obagi HCDT Scholarship)

The TotalEnergies OML 58 Scholarship is a community-focused scholarship program that specifically targets students from the host communities surrounding TotalEnergies’ OML 58 operational area in Rivers State, Nigeria. This scholarship is distinct from the NMSS and the International Scholarship and operates under a separate framework as part of TotalEnergies’ Host Community Development Trust obligations under Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act.

The OML 58 is located onshore in Rivers State, approximately 85 kilometers northwest of Port Harcourt. The OML 58 area contains five fields: Erema, Olo, Ubeta, Obagi, which is the oldest field in the joint venture and one of the largest in Nigeria, and the Ibewa gas and condensate field. The upgrade projects in this area were designed to improve oil recovery, boost gas supply for industrial and domestic use, and increase deliveries to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) while meeting the Federal Government’s gas flare-out policy.

What Does the OML 58 Scholarship Cover?

The TotalEnergies OML 58 Scholarship covers all academic-related expenses for selected recipients, ensuring tuition and additional living allowances are fully taken care of. The scholarship is renewable each year for the full duration of the student’s program, provided they demonstrate academic excellence throughout their studies. This is a fully funded scholarship for the communities it serves, making it one of the most significant community development investments TotalEnergies makes in Rivers State.

Who is Eligible for the OML 58 Scholarship?

The OML 58 Scholarship has specific geographic eligibility conditions that set it apart from the other TotalEnergies scholarship programs. The scholarship is intended for students who reside within the OML 58 operational areas and are enrolled in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. The scholarship is geared toward students from communities that surround the operational zones, including Erema, Olo, Ubeta, Obagi, and Ibewa. Eligible applicants must be Nigerian citizens, enrolled in a public tertiary institution within Nigeria, and must originate from one of the designated host communities around the OML 58, such as Egi, Igburu, Ekeye, and Rumuekpe. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students from these communities can apply, provided they meet the academic and documentation requirements.

Documents Required for the OML 58 Scholarship

Candidates need to prepare specific documents to complete the application process. These include a completed application form, academic transcripts, passport photograph, birth or age declaration certificate, recommendation letter, and a certificate of indigeneship. The certificate of indigeneship is the most critical document as it serves as primary proof that you originate from one of the eligible host communities around the OML 58 operational area. Without this document, your application cannot proceed.

How to Apply for the OML 58 Scholarship

The OML 58 Scholarship application is announced through TotalEnergies Nigeria’s official channels and through local community development committees in the host communities. Applications are submitted through an online form that is published when the scholarship cycle opens. For the 2024 cycle, the application deadline was November 9, 2024. Watch the TotalEnergies Nigeria website and community notice boards for announcements of future cycles, as the exact opening date changes each year.

The TotalEnergies Foundation and Broader Educational Initiatives

Beyond the three main scholarship programs described above, TotalEnergies also contributes to educational development in Nigeria and across Africa through the TotalEnergies Foundation, which is the company’s global philanthropic arm. The TotalEnergies Foundation supports access to education through various programs in Africa, Asia, and other developing regions.

One important initiative worth knowing about is the MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) fellowship, which is a teaching-focused fellowship offered by the MIT Center for International Studies in collaboration with NNPC/TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited, also known as TUPNI. The MIT-ETT program strives to foster innovation in science and engineering education at Nigerian tertiary institutions. It offers selected Nigerian educators and academics the opportunity to engage directly with MIT’s world-class academic environment, which helps them return home better equipped to inspire the next generation of Nigerian scientists and engineers.

TotalEnergies also runs the Startupper of the Year Challenge, an entrepreneurship competition open to young people across 32 African countries. While this is not a traditional scholarship, it provides financial backing and business development support to promising young African entrepreneurs and complements the company’s broader commitment to empowering young people across the continent.

Why the TotalEnergies Scholarship is Worth Applying For

There are several strong reasons why the TotalEnergies scholarship programs stand out among corporate scholarship opportunities in Nigeria and across Africa. Understanding these reasons will help you appreciate the full value of what you are competing for.

First, the financial support is real and impactful. For Nigerian undergraduates, a grant of up to 200,000 Naira per year can genuinely mean the difference between staying in school and dropping out. For international scholarship recipients, a fully funded Master’s degree in France, complete with tuition, accommodation, flights, visa fees, and a monthly living stipend, is an extraordinary financial package that would cost a self-funding student tens of thousands of US dollars to replicate.

Second, the TotalEnergies brand and the professional network that comes with being a TotalEnergies scholar carry genuine weight in the Nigerian and global job markets. Many NMSS alumni have gone on to successful careers in both the private and public sectors. International scholarship recipients often return to Nigeria with French-language skills, internationally recognized academic credentials, and professional connections that open doors that would otherwise remain closed for years.

Third, TotalEnergies is not just a scholarship provider. It is a potential future employer. Many TotalEnergies international scholarship recipients have gone on to join TotalEnergies or NNPC in professional roles after completing their studies abroad. The scholarship is in many ways a talent development pipeline for Nigeria’s energy sector, which means winning it is not just about getting a degree. It can be the first step in a long and well-supported career in the global energy industry.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a TotalEnergies Scholarship

Whether you are applying for the NMSS, the International Master’s Degree Scholarship, or the OML 58 Scholarship, here are some practical steps that can make your application as strong as possible:

Apply as soon as the portal opens. Each scholarship program has a firm deadline, and the portal often experiences heavy traffic in the final days before closing. Submitting early gives you time to fix any document issues and reduces the risk of missing the deadline due to technical problems. For the NMSS, this means applying in June before the July 1 deadline. For the International Scholarship, this means applying in December or January before the January 31 deadline.

Make sure every document is clearly scanned and correctly named before uploading. Poorly scanned documents and incorrectly labelled files are among the most common reasons applications are rejected or flagged for review. Take the time to prepare clean, high-resolution scans of all your documents before you start the application process, not while you are in the middle of it.

For the NMSS, confirm your UTME score and CGPA before applying. If you are a 100 Level student, confirm that your UTME score meets the 200-point minimum. If you are a 200 Level student, confirm your current CGPA is at least 2.5 on a 5.0 scale before submitting. Applying with a score or GPA below the minimum will result in automatic disqualification, regardless of the strength of any other part of your application.

For the International Master’s Degree Scholarship, invest real time researching suitable Master’s programs in France through the Campus France Nigeria platform before completing your application. Knowing exactly which program you want to pursue, and being able to explain clearly why it aligns with your academic background and career goals, will strengthen both your application form and your performance if you are called for an interview or screening exercise.

Write a genuinely compelling personal statement for the International Scholarship. With over 7,000 applicants competing for 10 scholarship slots in recent cycles, your personal statement is one of the very few tools you have to distinguish yourself from thousands of other equally qualified graduates. Write about your specific academic and professional goals, your connection to the energy sector, and what you plan to do with your international education when you return to Nigeria. Be honest, be specific, and be clear. Generic statements do not stand out and will not make it past the initial review stage.

What is the deadline for the TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship?

For the 2025 cycle, the NMSS deadline was July 1, 2025. Future cycles typically follow a similar mid-year timeline with applications opening in late May or early June. Always check the official TotalEnergies CSR scholarship portal at csr-ngscholarship.totalenergies.com for the confirmed dates for each new cycle.

Final Thoughts

The TotalEnergies scholarship ecosystem in Nigeria is one of the most comprehensive corporate education investment programs in Africa. Whether you are a fresh university student looking for financial support to stay enrolled and complete your degree, or an ambitious young graduate dreaming of postgraduate study at a top French university, TotalEnergies has a program that was built with your stage of life in mind.

The National Merit Scholarship Scheme has supported over 39,000 Nigerian students since 2003. The International Master’s Degree Scholarship has given 151 Nigerian scholars the experience of studying in France and building international careers. The OML 58 Scholarship has provided educational pathways for students from host communities who might otherwise have faced significant barriers to higher education. Taken together, these programs represent a genuinely meaningful contribution to the future of Nigeria’s educated and skilled workforce.

If you are eligible for any of these scholarships, the smartest thing you can do is start preparing your application now. Visit the portal for the NMSS, and corporate.totalenergies.ng for the International Master’s Degree Scholarship. Check the respective portals for the latest deadlines, gather your documents early, and give yourself enough time to write and review your application properly. These opportunities are competitive, but they are entirely within reach for students who approach them with genuine preparation and commitment.