If you are planning to study in the USA as a Nigerian student, you must understand that while it is a great idea, it may be off-putting at some point. This could make some students give up on their dream of obtaining a US degree.
However, you can make your dream a reality with the right strategy. The United States of America is a land of endless opportunities, which is why thousands of international students find their way into the country yearly. Aside from education, the country is a hub for popular brands, has strong economic development, picturesque views, a welcoming environment, and an affordable healthcare system.
The educational system of the USA has a lot to offer to Nigerian students. You stand a better chance of landing your dream job with a degree from a US university.
This is why the country experiences an influx of students from all over the country each year. Besides, all of them seek to have a better quality of life. Read further as we unveil some helpful tips to study in the USA as a Nigerian student.
Table of Contents
- 1 Nigerian Students Population in the USA
- 2 Why Study in the USA from Nigeria?
- 3 Can You Afford to Study in the USA?
- 4 How can You fund Your Study in the USA?
- 5 Top Scholarships for Nigerian Students who study in the USA
- 6 What are some of the Popular Universities in the USA?
Nigerian Students Population in the USA
According to a recent report, the number of Nigerian students in the United States has risen dramatically in recent years.
There are numerous reasons why Nigerian students choose to study in the USA. The educational system is of very high quality, and there are numerous opportunities for research and development. Furthermore, when compared to other developed countries, the cost of living and tuition fees are relatively low.
The United States is also a popular destination for Nigerian students due to its diverse cultural and social offerings. Some numerous clubs and organizations cater to the needs of international students, making it simple to adjust to life in the US.
Overall, studying in the USA is an excellent experience for Nigerian students. They have access to top-tier education and facilities, as well as thriving social life.
Why Study in the USA from Nigeria?
The USA is a popular study destination for Nigerian students. It offers the option of exploring diverse opportunities in the country. If you choose to study in the USA, you will enjoy the following benefits:
- Outstanding Academic System
- Internships and Career Progress
- Better quality of life
- Exciting Culture
- Flexible Education System
- Technology-based Study
These factors, like endless career opportunities, standard healthcare, and others, are some reasons Nigerian students study in the USA.
Can You Afford to Study in the USA?
Anyone can study in the USA, regardless of their financial status. However, whatever your reason for studying in the country, you must remember that it requires some financial investment.
You will have diverse financial needs as a Nigerian student in the US, from tuition fees to room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses. Therefore, if you are studying on a budget, it is wise to choose a less expensive college to attend instead of an Ivy League school.
In addition, the USA boasts 2,900 colleges and universities offering four-year programs. These schools have reputations for their leading academic standards, specialized programs, and state-of-the-art learning facilities. This is regardless of how celebrated the school is. Nevertheless, keep cost in mind before applying to study in the USA.
How can You fund Your Study in the USA?
There are various avenues to fund your US education, including scholarships and financial aid. We normally advise our students to begin researching their school’s application deadlines and options for scholarships and other financial aid early.
Basically, here are the ways to fund your study in the USA:
#1. Your Personal savings
As a Nigerian student, you should be able to save a decent amount of money on your own to fund your studies in the United States. You can also get help from family and friends who feel obligated to support your education. Over 50% of Nigerian students studying in the USA use this method to clear their debts.
Before enrolling in any school in the USA, you must show proof of adequate financial resources. Engaging in crowd-funding or fundraising can significantly help if you do not have sufficient funds for your education.
#2. Scholarships
Another clear avenue to fund your study in the US is through a scholarship application. There are numerous annual scholarship options to explore as a Nigerian student. But you must meet their requirements to be successful.
Some are merit-based and competitive, primarily based on academic achievement or extracurricular involvement. Other scholarships are need-based and can only be considered if you can prove that your financial status cannot afford a US education.
You can also find scholarships based on your field of study, nationality, heritage, etc. As long as you meet their requirements, there is no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for.
#3. Apply for Financial Aid
Around 21% of international students receive financial aid from their American schools, 7% from the government, and 5% from their employers. This figure can vary yearly.
Financial aid is awarded based on needs and can be used to offset some expenses. It can be in the form of money, fee waiver, or loans. To qualify, you should be able to prove your family’s income status and provide some documents like tax payments, bank statements, and other financial records.
Another essential factor is that most US financial aid is awarded to only US citizens, legal residents, and green card holders. However, you can still qualify as a Nigerian student without these conditions. This is why you must research early enough on schools that offer these benefits so you can find out their conditions.
#4. Apply for a Loan
Private student loans are available to Nigerian students studying in the USA. However, this is not the best because you will pay back the money at some interest rates, accumulating if you stretch the repayment longer. Hence, it will be great if you can avoid the option of loans (especially those with high repayments).
Although we advise against taking loans, if that is the only option, you can go for it. However, if possible, ensure to augment it with scholarships or personal savings. The loan option should be the last option for you. You should check out these study abroad education loans for Nigerian students for more details.
#5. Get a Part-Time Job
Working part-time in the US as a Nigerian student is another way of offsetting your financial needs. Remarkably, you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during your first year. You can work in the library, school cafeteria, bookstore, or gymnasium.
You can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week in your second year. Remember that the money you can make from these part-time jobs cannot be enough to offset your bulk tuition fees. But it can go a long way to cater to expenses like purchasing books, clothing, feeding, etc.
What are the Documents required to apply for admission to Study in the USA as a Nigerian Student?
Nigerian students who want to study in the USA must complete the admission application process. The following documents are required for Nigerian students to apply for admission to study in the USA:
- Transcripts
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letters of Recommendation
- Entrance Exam Scorecards. (Like GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS e.t.c)
- English Proficiency Test Scores
- Statement of Purpose
- Work Experience letters
- Passports
Must Read: Checkout 15 Requirements to Study in the USA as a Nigerian Student
Top Scholarships for Nigerian Students who study in the USA
Studying in the USA gives you numerous selections of scholarships to help you take care of your financial expenses. Some scholarships are merit and need-based, while others are based on the field of study, community service, nationality, and other conditions. You should research the various scholarships, their requirements, and their deadline.
In addition, starting the scholarship application process as early as possible will allow you to take your time to supply all the documents and complete them before the deadline. Then, if there are corrections, you can enforce them and still meet the deadline. Below are some top scholarships for Nigerian students studying in the USA.
Fulbright Scholarships
The Fulbright Scholarship Program allows international graduate students, artists, and young professionals to study and conduct research in the USA. Each year, it awards around 4,000 scholarships to international students, including Nigerian students.
AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) awards fellowships to international women who wish to study in the USA at a graduate or postgraduate level. A total of $18,000, $20,000, and $30,000 awards for master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral degrees, respectively, are awarded each year by this agency.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
This is another popular scholarship for Nigerian students to study in the USA. The Aga Khan Foundation, a private, non-profit international development body, provides it. In addition, the scholarships are awarded annually and provide 50% grants and 50% loan options. Hence, it is highly competitive.
Other Scholarships include:
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Fully Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships
- PEO International Peace Scholarships for Women
- Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)
- Knight Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowships in the USA for International Students
- ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and the Pacific
What are some of the Popular Universities in the USA?
There are numerous universities in the USA with diverse study systems. Here are some of the popular ones:
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- Pennsylvania University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Columbia University
- New York University
How much Study Gap is acceptable in the USA for Nigerian Students?
A study gap is the period of time between when a student graduates from high school and begins college. The average study gap in the United States is about two years. The study gap is usually much longer for Nigerian students.
Many Nigerian students take a break from their studies to work or travel before starting college. This can be a great experience, but it can also make it difficult to get back into the swing of things when it’s time to start college.
Therefore, Nigerian students applying to universities in the USA should have pieces of evidence to prove their break from studies.
- If the study gap is due to medical conditions, he or she must provide medical documentation.
- Students who have spent years enhancing their hobbies or activities in order to advance in life should produce relevant proof to demonstrate their involvement in the same.
- Students who have taken a job or internship should bring their experience letter or a letter from their employer stating that they were on an internship.
- Students who have done volunteer work must provide proof of participation to the university.
Read Also: Quick ways to pay for your WES from Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Average Cost of Study in the USA?
The US universities have benchmarks for tuition fees and other costs. Remember that the range for public schools is not the same for private ones. However, on average, you can plan with the following prices in mind:
- The tuition and other expenses for public colleges of two-year programs are $3,660, while the room and board are $8660.
- The tuition and other expenses for in-state public colleges of four-year programs are $10,230, while room and board are $11,140.
What is the Average Cost of Living in the USA?
The average cost of living in the USA is around $1000 per month, depending on location, lifestyle, etc. Here is a rough estimate of what you can spend in a month:
- Accommodation – $200
- Electricity – $20
- Groceries – $150
- Home internet and international call cards – $30
- Cell phone – $50
- Restaurant meals – $75
- Entertainment – $100
- Car insurance – $100
- Petrol for the car – $75
- Weekend activities – $100
- Shopping – $100
- Total – $1000
What are the Requirements for a Student Visa from the USA?
Here are the requirements to obtain a student visa to study in the USA:
- A passport with a validity date of at least six months
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Form I-20
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Non-Immigrant Application
- Payment receipt of SEVIS
Conclusion
It is a great decision to study in the USA from Nigeria. However, you need to follow specific guidelines to help you avoid some mistakes and speed up your application process. Here, we have provided the relevant tips to guide your decision.
To your success!