How To Study Abroad As A Nigerian In 2024 | Requirements, Schools

Studying abroad is a dream for many Nigerian students, offering the opportunity to experience new cultures, expand their horizons, and receive a world-class education. However, the process of studying abroad can be daunting, with many requirements and considerations to take into account. By understanding the requirements and steps involved in the study abroad process, as well as researching and choosing the right school for your goals, you can make your dreams of studying abroad a reality.

In this blog post, we will explore the steps and requirements for Nigerian students looking to study abroad in 2024, as well as highlight some of the top schools that are popular among Nigerian students.

Why Should I Consider Studying Abroad As A Nigerian Student?

Studying abroad doesn’t just confer an international degree on you, it gives you a lifetime of experience that adds to your overall knowledge base and career growth. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider studying internationally:

1. Diverse course options to choose from

Studying abroad as a Nigerian gives you access to various world-class courses, some of which also include research options and skill-based training for students. This increases your thinking ability and opens up a world of new educational opportunities. Not only that, but certain programs abroad also allow you to take different courses at the same time. So you can pursue your interest in literature while studying mathematics as your major.

2. Makes you more employable

Studying outside Nigeria automatically gives you an edge in terms of international exposure. It gives employers the impression that you are courageous, flexible, and taught by the best hands; therefore, an opportunity will be best suited for you.

3. From learning a language to living a language

Studies have shown that immersion is the best way to become fluent in another language and understand a new culture. Since you’ll be interacting with English-language speakers every day, it would be easier to grasp the language in a relevant cultural context.

Living, studying, and working in a country with a language different from your native language might seem challenging at first, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly it becomes second nature.

4. Brings you international exposure

For Nigerian students looking for an adventure off the shores of Nigeria, here’s one key thing you should know. Studying abroad helps you learn new approaches to handling different situations, manage time between your studies and part-time jobs, experience international methods of instruction, and deal with a cosmopolitan crowd. This also helps to increase your understanding of the subject and life, in general.

READ ALSO: Top 23 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Study Abroad | All You Should Know

5. You gain a global perspective

Students who study abroad develop a well-informed mindset and a wider perspective on other cultures and people. Whether you’re studying science, politics, or finance, being able to think from a multinational perspective will help you face modern challenges and come up with innovative solutions in the future. You will graduate with a richer set of experiences that will allow you to think more openly and creatively. As you learn to view the world through different lenses, you’ll also learn new things about your own country and culture.

6. Create international connections

Studying abroad helps students to build a global network of friends, classmates, professors, and professionals. These connections can be invaluable in both personal and professional life, providing opportunities for collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and potential career prospects in different parts of the world.

Are you about to take the IELTS? Check out How To Get Updated IELTS Sample Questions & Answers | PDF Download

7. Earn a prestigious degree

As an aspiring international student, one of your biggest strengths or motivations should be the prestige that comes with earning a degree from a foreign university. Many countries host prestigious universities known for their academic excellence and world-class faculty. By studying abroad, you gain access to these institutions, which can significantly enhance the quality and reputation of your degree.

Some universities abroad offer specialized programs that may not be available in your home country. These programs often have a strong reputation in their respective fields, attracting students seeking top-notch education and expertise.

How To Prepare To Study Abroad As A Nigerian

If you want to study abroad as a Nigerian student, you will need to begin your research and preparations early! You will need to first choose a destination.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to ensure you are a good fit for any decision you make:

1. What language do you want to study in?
2. Which climate do you want to study in–warm all year, or with a cold winter?
3. Which country do you want to study in?
4. What is your budget to study abroad?
5. Do you want to study in a country with a large African/Nigerian population or immerse yourself in a different culture?
6. What course do you want to study?

READ ALSO: 13 Important Documents Needed To Study Abroad For Nigerians | Must Read

Are There Exams I Need To Take To Study Abroad?

Certainly. All aspiring Nigerian students seeking to study abroad must meet the language requirements of the study destination and also their program requirements. Most universities will not accept students with less than a 70% average score. If you want to study an advanced subject like medicine, chemistry, or engineering, you will need high grades in mathematics and science courses.

Additionally, you will need to take a language proficiency test either in English or French. We recommend you choose one of the following and meet the basic score requirements:

1. TOEFL (minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test)
2. IELTS (minimum score of 6)
3. Cambridge C1/C2 exam (minimum score 170)
4. CELPIP (7 Points)
5. Duolingo English Test (minimum score 100)
6. TEF

If you want to study in another language, such as Chinese, you need to get an HSK 5 score. To study in Spanish in South America, you need to take the university’s Spanish entrance exam.

To get advice on your eligibility to study abroad, you can book a free call with us here:

Documents Nigerians Need to Study Abroad

Here’s a list of the common documents needed to study abroad for Nigerians:

1. International Passport
2. Transcripts from previous degrees
3. Diplomas from previous degrees
4. Personal statement essay
5. Statement of purpose
6. Application form for the university
7. Language proficiency certification (TOEFL or IELTS for English, or your target country’s language exam)
8. Resume/CV
9. National Test scores (SAT, AP, ACT, GRE, A-Levels, IB diploma, etc)
10. Letters of Recommendation
11. Entrance exams for your university

You may also need to submit the following documents:

1. A bank statement showing you have enough funds to study
2. Certificate of scholarship receipt and funding
3. Vaccination certificate
4. Any other essays required by the university
5. An art portfolio for art and design courses

Click to find out more information on the documents needed to study abroad for Nigerians.

Are There Scholarships for Nigerians to Study Abroad

YES, there are thousands of scholarships available for Nigerians to study abroad! There are three basic types:

1. University Scholarships

University scholarships are offered by the institution. They will review your application information and determine which students will get scholarships. These scholarships are typically awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, exceptional extracurricular accomplishments, or severe financial need.

2. Government Scholarships

These scholarships are offered by the governments of the country where you will study. You can find the information on the government’s website or the Ministry of Education. You usually will need to fill out a separate application form and send it to the government institution.

Check out Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) 2024 | APPLY NOW

3. Private Scholarships

Private scholarships are usually offered by nonprofit organizations, individuals, government agencies, foundations (including university foundations), and several other sources. 

Here are a few websites where you can find private scholarships:

• fastweb.com
• finaid.org
• collegeboard.org
• unitedwedream.org
• scholarships.com
• goldendoorscholars.org

Learn more: How To Apply For Erasmus Mundus Scholarship | Easy Steps

Top 5 International Study Destinations for Nigerian Students

Below are the countries where top-ranked universities receive the most applications from Nigerian students:

1. United States of America

With over 12,000 Nigerian students currently enrolled at American universities, the country is a popular choice for most Nigerian students.

Nigerian students are currently permitted to work 20 hours per week throughout the semester and full-time during breaks in education. This enables Nigerian students to defray a significant portion of their living expenses in the United States, including housing expenses in major cities like New York City and San Francisco, which frequently total between 1,600 and 1,800 US dollars a month.

As for tuition fees, public and state universities charge an annual tuition fee ranging from $8,000 to $35,000. Private universities in the USA charge between $25,000 and $55,000, based on the program and duration. New York University, Boston University, and UCLA are some of the popular choices for Nigerians studying abroad in the United States.

2. China

Next on our list of the top 5 international study destinations for Nigerian students is China. With 38 Chinese universities ranked in the latest QS World Rankings, it is no surprise that the East Asian country is quickly becoming a favorite destination for Nigerian students. As of today, there are over 7,000 Nigerian students at China’s universities.

According to numbeo, a family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,025.7$ (14,627.8¥) without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are $559.2 (4,038.0¥) without rent. The cost of living in China is, on average, 54.2% lower than in the United States. Rent in China is, on average, 71.8% lower than in the United States.

Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Zhejiang University are a few of the top-ranked universities in China you may want to check out.

READ ALSO: 15 Best Universities In Arkansas For International Students | Apply Now

3. Canada

According to cicnews, nearly 18,000 Canadian study permits were issued to Nigerians in the first six months of 2023, more than for any other country but India. Nigerians were Canada’s fastest-growing international student population from January to June 2023, with 44% more study permits issued during that period than in all of 2022.

Canada’s excellent public facilities, multicultural cities, and affordable living costs are a few of the reasons for an increase in Nigerian students. But the main reason is undoubtedly Canada’s welcoming job market. For Nigerian students who graduate, the nation guarantees a one-year work visa, and there are several prospects to land the best jobs at top global corporations in Canada.

EduCanada suggests international students should budget between $7,000 and 20,000 Canadian dollars (CAD) per year to cover the costs of accommodation, food, and compulsory health insurance, but you will also need to account for your tuition fees, plus any relevant student, administration, application or permit fees.

You may want to check out 12 Fully Funded MBA Scholarships in Canada 2024 | Updated

4. United Kingdom

Despite rising living costs and tuition fees, the United Kingdom remains a very popular destination for Nigerians studying abroad. In the UK, Nigerian students were issued 51,071 sponsored study visas in the year ending September 2023, similar to the previous year but around 8 times the number in the year ending September 2019.

The United Kingdom’s high-quality educational infrastructure and a large and welcoming Nigerian community in many British cities are some of the reasons why Nigerians look at the UK as an ideal study destination.

Tuition fees in UK universities usually range between 15,000-25,000 US Dollars per year. Living costs, meanwhile, can be expensive in London, at around 1,400-1,600 US Dollars per month. But in most other British cities and small towns, a budget of 800-1,100 US Dollars per month will be more than enough to cover living expenses.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Grammar Schools In The UK | Full Review

The Student Visa Process for Nigerian Students

There are significant variations in the student visa process for Nigerian students, depending on where they plan to study.

For instance, studying in the United States requires an F1 student visa obtained from the US Embassy in Nigeria. On the other hand, studying in the UK necessitates a Tier 4 (general) student visa.

It’s important to start your student visa application as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from a foreign university. This is because student visa processing can sometimes experience delays. For example, Canada is currently experiencing backlogs, and some Nigerian students have had to wait for months to get their visas.

FAQs On How To Study Abroad As A Nigerian

Conclusion

Studying abroad as a Nigerian in 2024 presents a multitude of opportunities for personal and academic growth. By understanding the requirements and steps involved in the process, as well as researching and choosing the right school for their goals, Nigerian students can make their dreams of studying abroad a reality. Good luck with your venture!!!

References

• cicnews.com – Nigerian students critical to ongoing success of Canada’s international education sector
• mastersportal.com – Top 5 Destinations for Nigerian Students Who Plan to Study Abroad
• idp.com – Step by Step Guide to Study Abroad with IDP Education
• numbeo.com – Cost of Living in China

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