All Information Needed for Nigerian Students Abroad

If you are a Nigerian student wishing to make your way abroad, then you have landed at the right place. The world has opened many opportunities for you to come and study in these countries. You only need to get your hands in the right direction. The average population of Nigeria, as of 2022, is 225.1 million; out of which, UNESCO says, a total of 71,753 Nigerian students study abroad. Scroll to learn everything about Nigerian students abroad.

Top Destinations for Nigerian Students

While almost all the countries have different programs for different courses opened for Nigerian students, you can always have better exposure in these countries. 

UK

The United Kingdom is yet another one of the leading study-abroad destinations for Nigerian students. Scroll more to learn why we say the UK is the best study-abroad nation. 

1. The UK is known for quality education and setting the standard of education. 
2. Once your course is over in the UK, you can choose to either continue your studies or set your career on the right foot. 
3. Beyond your curriculum, the K can give you exposure to a wide range of cultural festivals, and learning experiences. 

USA

The United States of America educational institutes offer an insane learning environment for international students along with excellent resources. This country is the sole leader in finance and commerce. Moreover, the political decisions of this nation have a major effect on the world. The following are the reasons you Nigerian students should study here. 

1. The USA has some of the consistently excelling universities which top the world ranking every year. 
2. Nigerian students get a flexible education system with an umbrella of courses from different fields and industries. 
3. Regular orientation programs, workshops, and trails make sure that international students are well taken care of. 
4. For Nigerian students studying abroad, America will prove to be a great choice to take Since it has diverse cultures and students from all over the world. 
5. Campus life is yet another add-on to go for the USA. 

Canada

Well! Canada has already won its place in the hearts of Nigerian students because of easy-to-navigate visa rules and gives major chances to study on scholarships.  

1. A good campus life, amazing staff, affordable living costs, and top-notch healthcare make up Canadian education.
2. University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and McGill University contribute collectively to Canadian education. 
3. Student life in Canada is not just limited to studying, the government of Canada makes sure to take care of work opportunities after graduation. 

Germany

This country needs no reason to be one of the top countries for Nigerian students to go and study because of course, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. 

1. Most of the universities in Germany require no tuition fees as it promotes education in the nation. 
2. Language is yet another addition to the portfolio of Nigerian students in Germany as they will get to learn the German language. 
3. People in Germany, have the right to privacy to boost the education environment. 
4. The education in Germany is affordable. 

New Zealand

Universities in New Zealand provide an expansive range of courses and the right kick to begin your career in your respective industry.  

1. The universities here are recognized globally, obviously, paving the way to international careers. 
2. Cultural exchange is a key reason for Nigerian students to come and study in New Zealand. 
3. New Zealand, is a nation which is known for zero came rates which ensures that you have come to the right place. 

Top Courses for Nigerian Students

Nigerian students apply from basic programs of graduation to specialized degree courses throughout the globe but mostly pursue the following courses. 

• Business
• Economics
• Engineering
• Management
• Computer Science
• Public administration
• International Relations

How Can Nigerian Students Study Abroad?

Along with the requirements mentioned above you will have to keep a check on other things as well which are as follows. 

1. TOEFL– It stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a standard exam to assess the skills of a non-native English speaker. A minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test is required for Nigerian students.
2. IELTS– It stands for International English Language Testing System which is also a test format to check the English skills of an individual. A minimum score of 6 is required. 
3. Duolingo English Test- This is an English test you can take any time, anywhere, where Nigerian students have to score 100. 
4. Moreover, for countries that use their own national languages, Nigerian students will have to learn them. For instance, Mandarin, German, French, etc.  

Documents to Keep Handy for Nigeran Students

All Nigerian Students, before even beginning to look for courses, should keep these things handy with them.

• Passport
• Resume/ CV
• Previous degrees
• Personal statement essay
• Letters of recommendation
• Certificate from prior diploma
• Application forms for universities
• Certificate of scholarship or funding
• Entrance examination of the university
• Healthcare Documents such as Insurance etc.
• National test scores (SAT, AP, ACT, GRE, etc.)
• Bank statements to ensure you have enough funds
• Language proficiency certification (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

Requirements For Nigerian Students Abroad

All Nigerian students willing to study abroad should see if they tick all the bullet points mentioned below. 

1. Grades should be above 70% or at least some of the universities would demand the same. 
2. The budget that you make should not only include education but your living expenses, tuition, and travel as well. 
3. Sometimes, the scholarships that you get might cover a lesser part of your living expenses. Don’t expect too much from it. 
4. Make sure you clear English proficiency tests for the university you will land in. 
5. Prepare great applications to increase your chances of getting into your dream university. 
6. Do not miss any deadlines for any assignment. 
7. Do not rely on just one option, make a list of multiple options to get into either of the universities just in case you do not make it into your dream university. 
8. Read the guidelines for student visas in the country and make a list accordingly.
9. Two recommendation letters at least- Professional or Academic 

Student Visa Process for Nigerian Students by Country

Nigerian students who wish to study abroad have to keep a close eye on the foreign education policy of the destination country. 

Country	Student Visa
United Kingdom	Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
USA	F1 Student Visa
Germany	Visa Type B
New Zealand	Student Visa
Canada	Temporary Resident Visa or Student Visa

Additional Tips

• Begin the application process as early as possible after receiving an admission offer.
• Student visa processing times can vary by country. Canada, for instance, is experiencing delays.
• Consider hiring a certified education agent to help manage the study abroad process.

Types of Scholarships For Nigerian Students

Along with being a part of no-tuition fee universities, some universities also provide scholarships that can give Nigerian students a big sigh of relief. 

University Scholarships

Certain universities provide scholarships to students on a basis like academics, sports, etc. Your application decides which scholarship you will get from the university. Often, students with good academic scores, with extracurricular activities end up getting it, or sometimes people with financial difficulties back scholarships. 

Government Scholarships

These types of scholarships are offered by the government of the destination study-abroad country. Students can either visit their official website or ask their colleges for a brief on the same. Many countries promote international students in their own countries, for instance, Germany, Italy, etc. 

Private Scholarships

These scholarships are usually provided by either cultural organizations or wealthy private firms to promote their name internationally. You can find them with much research online and end a separate application form that outlines their benefit. 

FAQ

Which country has the most Nigerian students?

The United Kingdom has the highest number of Nigerian students. 

Where do Nigerian students study abroad?

The main reasons why students study abroad are for exposure and better learning experience. 

Can a Nigerian student study abroad?

There are thousands of universities open worldwide for Nigerian students that promote education and access for them. 

Hopefully, you get a detailed insight into Nigerian students studying abroad. For more detailed information, you can book your free counselling session with our experts and follow us. Leverage Edu for the latest updates.