If you have already checked that you qualify and you are ready to move forward, this guide walks you through the BP internship application process exactly as it works. No guesswork, no recycled advice. Everything here is drawn directly from the BP careers portal and verified application information.
If you have not yet confirmed your eligibility, read the British Petroleum Internship for Nigerians 2026 Requirements
guide first. Applying before checking whether you qualify is wasted time.
Where to Apply: British Petroleum Careers Portal Explained
All British Petroleuminternship applications go through one place: careers.bp.com
This is BP's official careers platform. It is where you find active internship listings, complete the candidate matching tool, and submit your application. Applications sent through email, third-party job boards, or any other channel are not part of BP's official process.
Once you are on the portal, BP uses the Workday application system, hosted at bpinternational.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com. You will need to create a candidate account before you can apply. Do this before you start building your application so you are not rushing at the deadline.
When Do BP Internship Applications Open and Close
British Petroleum does not run a single global application window that opens and closes at the same time everywhere. Different internship programs in different countries have their own timelines.
For Nigeria specifically, the 2026 Supply, Trading and Shipping internship in Ikoyi had a deadline of 15 April 2026.
The key thing to understand is that BP fills roles on a rolling basis. This means that even when an application window is open, positions can fill before the official deadline. Waiting until the last week to apply is a genuine disadvantage. As soon as a listing goes live and you confirm you are eligible, apply.
To stay updated on future Nigeria openings and other early careers opportunities, sign up for BP's talent community on careers.bp.com. You will receive notifications when new roles matching your profile become available.
Step by Step BP Internship Application Process
Step 1: Go to careers.bp.com and use the candidate matching tool Before any internship role becomes visible to you, BP requires you to complete a short candidate matching questionnaire. This tool asks about your location, degree, field of study, graduation year, and academic grade. Based on your answers, it checks your eligibility and shows you the live roles you qualify for. You cannot skip this step. It is mandatory for all graduate and internship applicants.
Step 2: Review the roles shown to you Once the tool returns your matches, read each job description carefully. Understand the responsibilities, the location, the duration, and what BP is looking for. For the Nigeria role, confirm the CGPA requirement, graduation window, and citizenship requirement before proceeding.
Step 3: Create your candidate account Click to apply for your chosen role. You will be directed to create an account on BP's Workday portal if you do not already have one. Use a professional email address and enter your details accurately. Your name must match what appears on your academic documents.
Step 4: Complete your online application Fill in your educational background, work history if any, and personal details. BP's portal also optionally allows you to upload your CV for AI-assisted matching, which can surface additional roles aligned with your experience. This is optional but worth doing if you are open to other positions.
Step 5: Submit your CV and supporting profile Your CV is a central part of the application. Upload it as part of your submission. Ensure it is up to date, clearly formatted, and tailored to the role you are applying for.
Step 6: Complete any assessments or pre-screening steps After submitting, you may be invited to complete online aptitude tests or a HireVue on-demand video interview. These steps are part of BP's standard screening process. You will receive instructions by email.
Step 7: Await screening and interview invitation BP's recruitment team reviews applications and contacts shortlisted candidates for further evaluation, which may include a telephone or video interview depending on the role and region.
Documents Required for BP Internship Application
CV. Your CV should be clean, concise, and relevant to the role. For recent graduates, one to two pages is appropriate. Highlight your degree, academic performance, any relevant projects, and skills that connect to the role you are applying for.
Academic transcript or grade record. BP asks about your CGPA during the matching tool stage and may verify it during the process. For the Nigeria internship, the minimum is 3.2. Have your transcript ready to reference or upload if requested.
Proof of graduation or expected graduation. You need to have graduated between January 2023 and December 2025 for the 2026 Nigeria internship. Be prepared to confirm this with your degree certificate or a letter from your institution.
Identification. As a Nigerian citizen applying to the Nigeria-based role, you may need to confirm your citizenship. Have your national ID or passport details accessible.
You do not need a cover letter as a separate document for the initial online application, but the profile fields in the portal serve a similar purpose. Fill them out thoughtfully.
How to Create a Strong British Petroleum Internship Application
Your CV needs to do two things clearly: show that you meet the minimum requirements and show that you are the kind of person BP wants on their team.
Lead with your degree and CGPA. For a role in Supply, Trading and Shipping, highlight any coursework, projects, or experience related to commercial analysis, market research, logistics, or finance. Even academic projects count if they demonstrate analytical thinking.
BP looks for digital fluency and adaptability in its candidates. If you have used data tools, worked on quantitative assignments, or demonstrated any form of commercial awareness, mention it specifically.
When filling in your motivation or profile section, be precise about why this role interests you and how it connects to where you want to go professionally. Generic statements about wanting to work in energy do not stand out. Specific reasoning does.
For a deeper look at what BP evaluates and how to position yourself for selection, see [How to Get BP Internship 2026].
Common Mistakes That Get Applicants Rejected
Not completing the candidate matching tool first. BP is explicit: you must complete the tool before internship roles become visible. Trying to go around this step is not possible.
Applying with a CGPA below the minimum. The 3.2 threshold for the Nigeria role is a hard filter. If you do not meet it, your application will not progress regardless of everything else.
Submitting a generic CV not tailored to the role. BP recruiters review many applications. A CV that could belong to anyone applying for any job signals a lack of genuine interest.
Missing the application window. BP fills roles on a rolling basis. Even if the official deadline has not passed, a role can close early. Apply as soon as you confirm eligibility.
Incomplete profile sections. Leaving fields blank or providing vague answers in the application form weakens your submission. Fill every section with intention.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application
Once submitted, BP's specialist talent acquisition team screens your application. This initial review checks that you meet the minimum requirements and that your profile aligns with the role.
Candidates who pass the initial screen may be invited to complete online aptitude tests. These assess numerical, verbal, and analytical reasoning. BP uses these to filter the applicant pool before moving candidates to the interview stage.
Shortlisted candidates are then contacted for a HireVue on-demand video interview or a live telephone or video interview, depending on the role and location. The interview assesses your motivations, how your background fits the role, and whether you demonstrate BP's core values around curiosity, collaboration, and commercial thinking.
Final offers are made to candidates who successfully complete all stages. For the Nigeria internship, the entire process from application to decision typically runs within a few weeks of the deadline.
For full details on what BP assesses for the Nigeria role and how to meet those requirements, see BP Internship 2026 Requirements
