The 2026 NNPC / SNEPCo Scholarship is officially OPEN. This 1,500-word guide covers the application link, hidden eligibility rules, Scholastica portal secrets, and how to pass the Dragnet aptitude test. Apply for the ₦200,000 yearly grant now.
The wait is officially over. The NNPC / SNEPCo National University Scholarship—widely regarded as the “Holy Grail” of undergraduate funding in Nigeria—is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Academic Session.
If you are a Nigerian student currently in 200 Level in any Federal or State University, this is likely the most important blog post you will read this year.
Why? Because this isn’t just a one-time cash handout. Winning this scholarship guarantees you a yearly grant of ₦200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) from your second year until you graduate. For a 5-year Engineering course, that is a total value of ₦800,000 to ₦1,000,000.
However, securing this funding is not easy. Thousands of students apply every year, but less than 10% make it through the screening process. Most fail not because they lack intelligence, but because they make avoidable mistakes during the application on the Scholastica Portal.
In this massive, detailed guide, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know to secure your name on the award list. We will cover the hidden eligibility rules, the exact document specifications to avoid disqualification, and even how to prepare for the rigorous Aptitude Test that follows.
Status Update: The Application Portal is currently ACTIVE.
Closing Date: The window is short (usually 2-3 weeks). Do not procrastinate.
About the Scholarship: Who is Paying You?
Before you apply, it is important to understand the body behind this grant. The scholarship is funded by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
This initiative is part of their “Cradle-to-Career” educational programme. Unlike other scholarships that are purely for public relations, SNEPCo takes this very seriously. They are looking for the brightest minds in Nigeria to support.
The goal is to promote academic excellence and improve the skills of young Nigerians in critical fields like Engineering, Geosciences, and Medicine.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified?
Many students waste time applying when they are not eligible. The screening software on Scholastica is programmed to automatically reject applications that do not meet specific criteria.
Read this section carefully to confirm your eligibility for the 2026 cycle.
1. The “200 Level” Rule
You MUST be a full-time undergraduate student in 200 Level.
- 100 Level Students: You are NOT eligible. You must wait until next year.
- 300-500 Level Students: You are NOT eligible. You missed your chance.
- Direct Entry (DE) Students: If you were admitted via Direct Entry and are currently in 200 Level, you are eligible.
2. Public Universities Only
This scholarship is strictly for students in Federal or State Universities in Nigeria.
- If you attend a Private University (e.g., Covenant, Babcock, Afe Babalola), you are NOT eligible.
- If you attend a Polytechnic or College of Education, you are NOT eligible.
3. The CGPA Benchmark
You must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.50 on a 5.0 scale.
- If your school uses a 4.0 scale, you typically need a minimum of 3.0.
- Important: This CGPA is based on your 100 Level results. If your 100 Level CGPA was 3.49, do not bother applying. The system will reject it.
4. Course of Study
While the scholarship is open to “all” courses in theory, preference is heavily weighted towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The most favored courses include:
- Engineering: Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Systems, Metallurgical.
- Medical Sciences: Medicine & Surgery, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science.
- Physical Sciences: Geology, Geophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics.
- Computer Science and Information Technology.
- Agriculture (Select disciplines).
5. The “No Double Dipping” Policy
You cannot be a beneficiary of another scholarship from an Oil & Gas company.
- If you are currently receiving funds from TotalEnergies, Agbami (Chevron), NLNG, or ExxonMobil, you are disqualified from applying for SNEPCo.
- However, if you hold a Federal Government scholarship (like FSB) or a State Bursary, you generally CAN still apply (though it’s a grey area, many students get away with it).
The Documents Checklist (How to Prepare)
The Scholastica portal is notoriously strict about file formats. If your passport is too large or your result is blurry, your application will hang.
Scan the following documents immediately. Ensure they are in JPEG or PDF format and under 200KB in size.
1. Recent Passport Photograph
- Format: JPEG only.
- Requirements: White background. Professional look. No selfies. No glasses or caps.
- Size: Not more than 450px by 450px.
2. JAMB Admission Letter
- This must be the Original Admission Letter printed directly from the JAMB CAPS portal.
- Do not upload the “Notification of Admission” slip. You need the full letter that has your passport photo on it.
3. University Admission Letter
- This is the letter given to you by your school’s registrar when you were admitted.
4. SSCE Result (O’Level)
- WAEC, NECO, or GCE.
- You can upload your Certificate or your Statement of Result.
- If you combined results (two sittings), scan both certificates into a single PDF file.
5. Letter of Identification
- This must come from your Local Government Area (LGA) of origin.
- It must be signed by the Chairman or Secretary of the LGA.
- Alternative: Some years, they accept a letter from your Traditional Ruler, but the LGA letter is safer.
6. 100 Level Result (The Most Critical Document)
- This document proves your CGPA.
- Best Option: An official transcript stamped by your HOD or Exams Officer.
- Alternative: A computer printout of your result, but it MUST be signed and stamped by your Head of Department (HOD) or Course Adviser to verify its authenticity.
Step-by-Step Application Guide (Scholastica Portal)
Follow this walkthrough exactly to avoid errors.
Step 1: Create an Account
- Visit candidate.scholastica.ng.
- Click “Register” and use a valid email address (preferably Gmail).
- Tip: Do not use your school email (e.g., student@unilag.edu.ng) as you might lose access to it later. Use a personal email.
Step 2: Activate Your Account
- Check your email inbox (and Spam folder) for the verification link. Click it to activate your profile.
Step 3: Complete Your Profile (The NIN Step)
- Login to your dashboard.
- You will be asked to enter your National Identity Number (NIN).
- CRITICAL WARNING: The name and Date of Birth on your Scholastica profile MUST MATCH what is on your NIN database. If there is a mismatch, you will not be able to proceed.
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Navigate to the “Documents” tab.
- Upload your scanned files one by one. Ensure you select the correct category for each file.
Step 5: Apply for the Scheme
- Once your profile is 100% complete, click on the “Schemes” tab.
- Look for “2026 NNPC / SNEPCo National University Scholarship”.
- Click “Apply”.
Step 6: Referee Details
- You will be asked to provide the name and email of an Academic Referee.
- Use your HOD, Dean, or Course Adviser.
- Action: Contact them immediately and tell them to check their email, as Scholastica may send them a verification link.
Step 7: Success Message
- After submitting, a pop-up should appear saying “Application Successful.” You will also receive a confirmation email. Keep this email safe.
The Selection Process: What Happens After You Apply?
Applying is just the first step. Here is the timeline of what happens next:
Phase 1: The E-Screening
- The system filters applicants based on CGPA and document validity.
- If you uploaded a fake result or your CGPA is below 3.5, you are dropped here.
Phase 2: The Aptitude Test (CBT)
- Shortlisted candidates will receive an invite via email for a Computer Based Test.
- This test is usually organized by Dragnet Solutions.
- Location: In previous years, it was physical (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu). Recently, some tests have been remote (online proctored). Be prepared for either.
Phase 3: Verification
- The top scorers from the CBT are invited for document verification. You will need to present your original physical documents.
Phase 4: The Award
- Successful candidates are sent an Award Letter and an ATM card (usually via Zenith or GTBank) credited with the first payment.
How to Pass the Aptitude Test (Dragnet Format)
The SNEPCo exam is known for being tricky. It is not about how much Chemistry or Physics you know. It is an IQ Test.
The Format:
- Provider: Dragnet.
- Sections:
- Numerical Reasoning: Interpreting graphs, tables, and financial data. You need speed and accuracy.
- Verbal Reasoning: Reading dense paragraphs and answering “True, False, or Cannot Say.”
- Abstract Reasoning: Recognizing patterns in shapes and diagrams.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice Speed: You usually have less than 45 seconds per question.
- Use “GMAT” Study Materials: Dragnet questions are very similar to GMAT or SHL questions.
- Past Questions: Download “Dragnet Past Questions” and practice them religiously. Many questions are repeated or slightly tweaked.
5 Ways to Get Disqualified Instantly
Avoid these common traps that ruin 30% of applications every year:
- The “Blurry Scan” Mistake: If the admission officer cannot read your CGPA clearly on the uploaded image, they will not call you to ask. They will just reject you.
- NIN Mismatch: If your age on your birth certificate says “2004” but your NIN says “2003”, your application is flagged for fraud.
- Multiple Accounts: Do not think creating two accounts increases your chances. It triggers the anti-fraud system and bans both.
- Fake Results: SNEPCo verifies results directly with your school. If you photoshop your 2.5 CGPA to 3.5, you will be caught and possibly blacklisted from future opportunities.
- Wrong Referee Email: If your referee does not verify you (because you typed their email wrong), your application remains “Pending” forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (Detailed FAQs)
Q: Can 100 Level students apply?
A: No. The scholarship requires a visible track record of university performance. You must have completed 100 Level exams and be in 200 Level.
Q: I am in 300 Level, but I missed it last year. Can I apply?
A: Unfortunately, no. The criteria specifically states “currently in 200 Level.”
Q: Is the scholarship open to Law students?
A: Yes, Law students are eligible, though the intake number is lower compared to Engineering.
Q: How much is the scholarship worth exactly?
A: The current rate is ₦200,000 per session. However, SNEPCo sometimes gives additional perks like laptops or internship opportunities to top performers.
Q: When will the exam hold?
A: If the portal closes in August/September, the exam usually holds in October or November.
Q: Can I apply using my phone?
A: While possible, it is highly discouraged. The Scholastica portal is desktop-optimized. Mobile uploads often fail or appear corrupted. Go to a cyber café or use a laptop.
Q: What if I don’t have my LGA identification letter yet?
A: Go to your LGA headquarters immediately. It usually costs between ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 to process and takes 24 hours. Do not use a fake one.
Q: Does the scholarship cover accommodation?
A: The money is paid directly into your account. You can use it for school fees, accommodation, feeding, or textbooks. It is at your discretion.
Conclusion: Take Action Now
The NNPC / SNEPCo National University Scholarship 2026 is more than just money; it is a badge of honor. Being a “SNEPCo Scholar” looks incredible on your CV when you are looking for jobs after graduation.
The portal is open right now.
Do not wait for the deadline. Servers crash. Power goes out. Internet fails.
Gather your documents, scan them today, and submit your application.
Ready to start?
Click the link below to visit the official application page.
👉 APPLY HERE: NNPC / SNEPCo 2026 SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL
Good luck, and may the best candidates win!
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