Insight

• Ikiodiete George
• 4 Min Read

Deadline Alert! Daad, Chevening & Ptdf Scholarship Application Tips (2025 Guide)

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students miss out on fully funded international scholarships simply because they didn’t apply on time or didn’t prepare well.

If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in the UK, Germany, or the USA without paying a kobo, then the DAAD (Germany), Chevening (UK), and PTDF (Nigeria’s own scholarship) should be on your radar. But these scholarships are very competitive—early planning and smart strategy are key.

This article will guide you through:

• The estimated 2025 deadlines for DAAD, Chevening, and PTDF
• Step-by-step application tips
• Common mistakes that can ruin your chances
• What to prepare NOW to avoid last-minute stress

Let’s begin with the deadlines.

Scholarship Deadlines at a Glance (2025)

1. DAAD Scholarship Application Tips (Germany)

DAAD offers over 100 funding programs, but for Nigerians, the most popular is the EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) scholarship.

Key Tips:

• Apply directly to the university and mark DAAD funding as your option.
• Many programs require 2 years of work experience, including NYSC.
• Start emailing German professors early—this can help with your chances.
• Some courses are taught in English, but if your course is in German, start learning the language now.

Documents to Prepare:

2. Chevening Scholarship Application Tips (UK)

Chevening is funded by the UK government and offers Nigerian students the chance to study any one-year Master’s program in the UK—100% free.

Key Tips:

• You don’t need a university admission before applying, but you must get one before July 2025.
• Your essays carry over 70% weight—focus on leadership, networking, goals, and studying in the UK.
• Don’t use generic responses—be personal and specific.
• If your undergraduate degree was taught in English, you don’t need IELTS—just get a letter from your university.

Chevening Essays You’ll Write:

3. PTDF Scholarship Application Tips (Nigeria)

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is Nigeria’s own full scholarship for Master’s and PhD students going abroad in oil & gas-related fields.

Key Tips:

• You must write a computer-based test (CBT) if shortlisted. Read STEM and general knowledge materials.
• Strong preference is given to STEM, engineering, ICT, energy policy, law, and environmental fields.
• Include your NYSC certificate and international passport in your documents.
• If you have already secured an offer from a PTDF-partner university, your chances are higher.

Required Documents:

Common Mistakes That Will Get You Rejected

1. Late application: Some people remember one day to deadline and start rushing. Don’t do this.
2. Plagiarized essays: Your application will be flagged by plagiarism-checking software.
3. Generic or copy-paste content: If your essay sounds like 1,000 others, you're not getting picked.
4. Wrong documents: Uploading NYSC certificate instead of degree transcript can ruin your chances.
5. No proof of leadership/work: These scholarships want people who can make impact, not just bookworms.

What You Should Be Doing Now (June – August 2025)

Final Thoughts

Winning a DAAD, Chevening, or PTDF scholarship can transform your life. But it takes planning, preparation, and persistence. With these tips and deadlines in mind, you have the upper hand. Start today, not tomorrow.

If you need help with writing your Chevening essays, preparing DAAD motivation letters, or practicing for PTDF exams, just let me know—I can guide you or create custom templates.

You’ve got what it takes. Now go get that scholarship.