Did you know…
Your CGPA only contributes about 10% to your PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) application!
It is understandable that PTDF OSS scholarships are very competitive. Afterall, as a PTDF scholar, in addition to your tuition being paid, you get numerous benefits such as health insurance, flight tickets, accomodation and living allowances, etc.
In this article, you will learn how to maximize your chances of getting a PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship by capitalizing on the remaining 90%. This will be done by citing the PTDF OSS selection criteria and highlighting 5 key areas through which you can strengthen your PTDF application.
How are PTDF OSS Applications Graded?
So, you know the general eligibility requirements and the documents you need to upload for your PTDF OSS Application. But then, you or many others fulfilled those criteria but the applications still weren’t successful in previous years!
Wondering why?
One major reason is due to the competitiveness of the scholarship…Therefore, you need to make your application stand out enough to be selected among the thousands of applications.
You can do this by fulfilling the key PTDF Proposal Grading Criteria that many applicants don’t know about.
PTDF Proposal Assessment (Grading) Criteria
The Petroleum Technology Development Trust Fund (PTDF) assesses applications in a merit-based approach, with points awarded to certain achievements.
Applications are graded thus:
- MOTIVATION (Total: 20 points)
This refers to your zeal towards your academic and career studies and your chosen field. Your motivation will be graded as follows:
- Research Interest: How did you develop your Research Interest? (7 points)
- Further Studies: Why did you decide to pursue a Master’s Degree? (8 points)
- Field Choice: Why did you choose this field? (5 points)
- ASPIRATIONS (Total: 15 points)
These are related to the goals you wish to attain when given the scholarship. Therefore, you have to convince them that awarding you the scholarship will be a worthy investment. Below is a breakdown of how your aspirations will be graded:
- Expectations: What do you plan to gain from current research and career goals? (8 points)
- Future Plans: What do you hope to do immediately after completing your studies? (7 points)
- PERSPIRATION (Total: 20 points)
You should outline the efforts you have expended before reaching your current status.
- Experience: How have your previous academic, research and professional experiences prepared you for postgraduate studies? (7 points)
- Achievements: What exceptional achievements do you have? (8 points)
- Impact: What (selfless) contributions have you made to the society during the course of your studies or career journey? (5 points)
- QUALIFICATION (Maximum: 10 points)
You will be awarded points based on the class of your previous degree as outlined below:
- First Class: 10 points
- 2nd Class Upper: 8 points
- 2nd Class Lower: 5 points
- PUBLICATIONS (5 points each)
Never underestimate the power of publications, as they show your relevance to the body of knowledge. You could easily convert your research project or any relevant work into a standard publication.
- Include links to at least one paper publication in a reputable journal. Each paper: 5 points
- NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL AWARDS/PRIZES (10 points)
Recall all national and international awards that you have earned, especially during your undergraduate studies. You may include at most 4 awards.
- Each award: 2.5 points.
- INTERVIEW (20 points)
During the screening/interview process, you will be graded based on:
- Comportment: Your calmness and composure, how you answer questions, etc. (5 points)
- Relevance: You should portray the relevance of your studies to the Oil and Gas Industry and its applicability in Nigeria. (5 points)
- Knowledge: Exhibit knowledge and experience in your chosen field and the subject matter of your research. (10 points)
GRAND TOTAL: 100 Points
Therefore, your CGPA only contributes only 10/100 to your total grading, and that’s even if you have a First Class degree. Remember, Grades are Important, but they don’t Define who You Are!
So… are you ready to strengthen your PTDF application? Continue reading!
5 Key Areas to Strengthen Your OSS PTDF Application
As a prospective PTDF appllcant, you should be focused on maximizing your points in the 90% assessment areas. These are things that you can excel in even without a First Class CGPA.
Below are key strategies to follow in order to make your PTDF application competitive:
- Writing Skills: Write a Strong Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter
- Paper Publication: Strive to publish in reputable journals
- Extracurricular Activities and Awards
- Volunteering
- Interview Skills
Now You Know…
Make haste to revamp your PTDF application if you haven’t already submitted. The application deadline is 14th March, 2024.
If you’ve already submitted your application, however, don’t reapply. This is because multiple applications are disqualified. Instead, you can apply the insights learnt from this post to other scholarship applications. The grading points might not be exactly the same, but the key assessment areas are certainly similar!