Dreaming of a free master’s degree in France? This scholarship could make it happen. The NNPC Limited/TotalEnergies International Scholarship, often shortened to TIS, sends young Nigerian graduates to French universities with the bills covered.
The 2027/2028 call opened on 3 November 2026, and you have until 31 January 2027 to apply. That leaves about 11 weeks from today. If you are not Nigerian, keep reading, because I have included options for you too.
Scholarship at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | NNPC Limited/TotalEnergies International Masters Scholarship |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Host country | France |
| Fields | Engineering, Management Science, Geosciences |
| Funding | Full-board scholarship |
| Eligible nationality | Nigerian citizens |
| Minimum grade | Second Class Upper |
| Degree age limit | Obtained within the last five years |
| NYSC | Must be completed |
| Application opens | 3 November 2026 |
| Deadline | 31 January 2027 |
| Application fee | Free |
What Is the TotalEnergies International Scholarship?
The TIS is a fully funded postgraduate programme that TotalEnergies runs each year with NNPC Limited and corporate partners. It supports outstanding young Nigerians who want to study for a master’s degree in France. Think of it as a package deal: a place at a French university, plus money for most of what you will need to live there.
The scheme has run for years. The previous cycle was advertised as the 2026/2027 edition, and the one before it as 2025/2026. So this is not a one-off. It is a steady opportunity, which also means you can learn from past rounds.
Key Dates and Deadline
Here is the timeline you need to remember:
- 3 November 2026: the application window opened.
- 31 January 2027: the deadline. Plan to submit at least a week early.
- After the deadline: shortlisted candidates get contacted. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Past cycles all closed on 31 January, so the pattern is steady. Still, portals sometimes slow down when thousands of people log in on the last day. Do not gamble on it.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
TotalEnergies describes the award as “full board.” It does not publish a single fixed euro figure, so be wary of any website quoting an exact amount. Based on published summaries, the benefits include:
- Tuition fees at your French university
- Accommodation
- Living stipend for monthly expenses
- Visa and travel costs, including flight tickets and visa fees
- Medical insurance
Successful scholars receive full funding for one to two years of study in France. The length depends on your programme. The exact stipend and which items are covered can change between cycles, so confirm the final details on the official portal before you plan your budget.
Who Can Apply?
The rules are strict but simple. You must hold a university degree with at least a Second Class Upper division, and the degree must be no older than five years. You must also have completed the mandatory NYSC programme.
Here is the checklist:
- You are a Nigerian citizen.
- Your first degree is Second Class Upper or better.
- You graduated within the last five years.
- You have finished NYSC.
- Your target master’s fits one of the three approved fields.
That five-year rule trips up many people. Count carefully. If your graduation falls close to the cutoff, check the portal’s exact wording before you spend time on an application.
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship accepts three areas:
- Engineering, such as petroleum, chemical, mechanical, electrical, and related programmes
- Management Science, such as finance, economics, and energy management
- Geosciences, which are oil and gas related
Pick your programme with care. A master’s in a field outside these three will not qualify, no matter how strong your grades are.
Documents to Prepare
The portal lists the exact requirements, so read them in full. In general, scholarship applications like this one expect documents such as:
- A completed online application form
- Your degree certificate and academic transcripts
- Your NYSC discharge certificate
- A valid means of identification
- A CV and any personal details the form asks for
Scan everything clearly and keep the files small enough to upload. Start gathering these now. Your NYSC certificate alone can take time to find if it is sitting in a drawer back home. If a future application asks for a written essay, it helps to know what a statement of purpose is and how to write one.
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Visit the official portal: https://csr-ngscholarship.totalenergies.com/scholarships/tis
- Read the application requirements carefully.
- Click to start your application.
- Fill in your personal profile and upload your documents.
- Review everything. Check your name, dates, and grades.
- Submit before 31 January 2027.
Only applications submitted through the scholarship website will be considered. Emails, social media messages, and third-party agents will not help you. Applying costs nothing, so never pay anyone who promises to “secure” a slot for you.
What Happens After You Apply?
The organisers screen the applications first. Then, shortlisted candidates sit a computer-based aptitude test. Those who pass move forward, and final scholars are matched to French master’s programmes.
Because the exact stages can shift each year, watch your email inbox, including the spam folder, from February onward. A missed message could cost you your place. If you also face an interview on other scholarships, our guide on how to prepare for a scholarship interview will help.
Smart Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Apply early. You will have time to fix errors and avoid portal crashes.
- Research programmes now. Campus France Nigeria lists master’s programmes in France, and applying to a public university can be an added advantage.
- Practise aptitude tests. Logic, numeracy, and verbal reasoning practice will help you stay calm on test day.
- Keep your documents consistent. Names and dates should match across every file.
- Use one email address. Pick one you check daily, and keep it professional.
Not Nigerian? Here Is Your Plan B
I know many of you reading this are from other countries. The hard truth is that the TIS is only for Nigerian citizens. You cannot apply for it from anywhere else.
You still have good options, though. If you are open to other destinations, consider the Chevening Scholarship in the UK, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, or the Imperial College London scholarships. Students who want to skip the English test can also read about scholarships in Norway without IELTS and the best scholarships in Austria without IELTS. For France specifically, try these:
- IFP School scholarships. TotalEnergies runs separate schemes for international students through IFP School in France, open to other nationalities. Check the school’s website for current offers.
- Campus France. The official French agency lists scholarships for international students at campusfrance.org.
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. The French government funds this master’s and PhD scholarship for international students, and it is worth a look.
Start your search early. French scholarship deadlines often fall between October and January.
Important Links
Disclaimer: Always check the official portal for the final word. Programme terms, benefits and dates can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying for the scholarship is completely free. If anyone asks you for money to submit your application or improve your chances, walk away. It is a scam, and only the official portal accepts applications.
Can non-Nigerians apply for this scholarship?
No. The TIS is only open to Nigerian citizens. International students from other countries should look at TotalEnergies scholarships through IFP School, or French government awards listed on the Campus France website.
Do I need to finish NYSC before applying?
Yes. You must have completed the National Youth Service Corps programme before you apply. Graduates who are still serving or have not started NYSC do not meet the requirements, so wait until you have your certificate.
What grade do I need to qualify?
You need at least a Second Class Upper degree. Your degree must also have been obtained within the last five years. A Second Class Lower or Third Class degree does not meet the eligibility requirement for this scholarship.
Which courses does the scholarship accept?
The scholarship covers master’s programmes in Engineering, Management Science, and Geosciences related to oil and gas. Programmes outside these areas will not qualify, so check your chosen course carefully before you start the application.
Good luck. If you meet the requirements, do not wait until the last week of January. Start your documents today, and submit early.
About the Author
Damilare Abogunrin
Content Writer | FundedAbroad.com
Damilare Abogunrin writes about international career opportunities, scholarships, internships and visa-related jobs. Through his work at FundedAbroad.com, he helps readers discover opportunities abroad, understand application requirements and find official application channels.
He focuses on making opportunity listings clear, practical and easy to understand, so readers can assess eligibility and prepare stronger applications. He encourages applicants to verify job details and immigration requirements directly with employers and official sources.