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Studying in the USA can offer several benefits for Nigerian students. To start your journey, you must first begin with understanding the requirements to study in USA for Nigerian students. Generally, you’ll need a valid passport, a strong academic record, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), and a student visa (F-1). Standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, or SAT may be required, depending on your program. Additionally, financial proof to cover tuition and living expenses is essential. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. Here is everything you need to know about the requirements to study in USA for Nigerian students.
This Blog Includes:
- Types of US Student Visa for Nigerian Students
- USA Student Visa Documentation Requirements
- USA Student Visa Application Process
- Cost of a Student Visa in the USA
- USA Student Visa Interview for Nigerians
- BONUS: Studying in the USA without IELTS
- Cost of Study for Nigerian Students in the USA
- Cost of Living in the USA for Nigerians
- Post-study Work Opportunities in the USA for Nigerian Students
- FAQs
Types of US Student Visa for Nigerian Students
Before checking the requirements to study in the USA for Nigerian students, the applicant must be aware of the different types of US student visas. The 3 types of US student visas are as follows:
- F Student visa- This visa is given to a student to study at an accredited college or university or to enroll in an English class at an English language intuition
- M student visa- The M student visa is granted for vocational study or non-academic study or training in the country
- J Exchange visa- The J exchange visa is given for participation in a high school or a university’s exchange program.
Watch the video below to learn about getting a student visa for the USA
USA Student Visa Documentation Requirements
The following are the documentation requirements to study in USA for Nigerian students. Nigerian students are required to present these documents at the time of the US visa interview:
- Passport- A valid passport is needed to travel to the United States. The passport of the applicant must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of stay. Each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application form. This is true, even for the family members listed in the passport.
- Admission to a US university or college: Students must apply and must be accepted to a US institution that is SEVP-certified (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
- A student visa- Another important document that a Nigerian student must have is a student visa. The most common visa is the F1 visa. However, there are other types of student visas as well.
- Proof of funds- Another important requirement to study in USA for Nigerian students is having financial resources. A student must demonstrate having sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the US. Additionally, they must have the funds to pay for the tuition fees. The proof of funds can be demonstrated by showcasing the bank statements, scholarship or sponsorship letter.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: Another important documentation requirement for is proof of English proficiency. For this, the applicant can submit IELTS/TOEFL scores.
- Academic Documents: The Nigerian students must also submit their academic transcripts, diplomas or any certificates from the previous educational institutions. The documents that are not in English must be translated into English as well. Furthermore, the documents must be evaluated for US equivalency by organisations such as ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) or WES (World Education Services)
- Health Insurance: Requirements to study in USA for Nigerian students include having health insurance. Health insurance must be needed by the applicant at the time of applying for a student visa.
- SEVIS Fee: Before sending an application for a student visa, the applicant must pay the SEVIS fees or the student and Exchange Visitor Information System) that supports the. program administration
USA Student Visa Application Process
Once the requirements to study in USA for Nigerian students are clear, the student needs to be aware of the application process.
- The student must first apply to study in a SEVP-approved educational institution. After the enrollment, the student will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). At this stage, the student needs to pay the application fee. An I-20 form will be received by the student. After these steps, a student can start the student visa application process.
- The student visa application process includes filling out the online Non-immigrant Visa Application or the Form DS-160. Next, the applicant can schedule a visa interview for themselves.
Cost of a Student Visa in the USA
Before applying, the applicant must know about the total visa fees incurred. The average cost of a student visa in the USA is as follows.
| Particulars | Fees |
| Student Visa (USA) application fee cost | 160 USD |
| Total cost (including the SEVIS application fees) | 510 USD |
USA Student Visa Interview for Nigerians
The USA student vida interview is conducted by the consular officer. At this stage, the consular officer will determine whether the application form requires further processing. The qualifications of the applicant to receive the student visa are also considered. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are also taken. During the visa interview, the consular officer can ask questions to learn more about the applicant. For example, the reason behind the visa application. Once, the visa is approved the student will have to pay a visa issuance fee and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.
BONUS: Studying in the USA without IELTS
One of the main requirements to study in USA for Nigerian students is to provide proof of English language proficiency. The good news is that Nigerian students can skip the IELTS Exam and choose an alternative path. Below we have listed some of the alternative options available for Nigerian students to study in the USA without IELTS.
- Choose another English language proficiency test- IELTS is not a mandatory requirement to study in USA. Universities in America also accept results from other English language proficiency tests. For example the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo English Test, and Cambridge English Exams like CAE and CPE.
- Pathway programs– Students can also opt for the pathway programs or the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). The pathway programs act as a bridge for students to improve their English language skills before enrolling in a degree program.
- Present Previous Academic English Language Experience: Nigerian students who have previously studied in an English language education institution can have the IELTS requirements waived. For this, the US universities will consider the academic transcripts and language of instruction as proof of English language proficiency.
- Essay or Interview Evaluation: Under certain circumstances, the US university might conduct an interview or essay-writing test to assess the English language skills. The assessment provided direct skill assessment results to the institution.
Cost of Study for Nigerian Students in the USA
The requirements to study in USA for Nigerian students also include presenting proof of funds,. Hence, the applicant must be aware of the financial expenses incurred. The table below shows the average tuition fees for different programs in the USA
| Program Name | Study in USA Cost (Average Tuition Fees in NGN) |
| PhD | 5,000,000 – 15,000,000 |
| Masters | 4,500,000 – 12,000,000 |
| Undergraduate | 4,000,000 – 10,000,000 |
Cost of Living in the USA for Nigerians
Apart from tuition fees, Nigerian students must also budget for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, and personal expenses. The cost of living varies by city and lifestyle, so careful financial planning is essential. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in the USA for Nigerian students:
| Parameteres | Cost of living in the USA (in USD) |
| One-way Ticket | 2.50 |
| Normal tariff of Taxi for 1km | 1.74 |
| Basic utilities (water, cooling, heating, garbage) | 206.75 |
| 1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 1,738.07 |
| 1 bedroom apartment in outside of centre | 1,435.74 |
Post-study Work Opportunities in the USA for Nigerian Students
Nigerian students have several post-study work opportunities after completing their studies in the USA. These opportunities are provided below:
| Post-Study Work Option | Description |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Work in the USA for 12 months. Graduates in the STEM field can have an additional 24-month extension |
| H-1B Visa | Nigerian students with advanced degrees can work in specialised occupations. A job offer letter from an employer who is willing to sponsor the visa is mandatory |
| Employer Sponsorship | Secure a job offer in the US and access long-term employment prospects. |
| Entrepreneurship and Start-ups | Nigerian students who want to start their entrepreneurship journey can do so. Programs such as International Entrepreneur Rule, and Start-up Visa can assist in the same. |
FAQs
To study in the USA, a Nigerian student must apply to a SEVP-approved university, get accepted, and receive an I-20 form. Then, they must apply for an F-1 student visa, show proof of funds, pass a visa interview, and meet English proficiency requirements like TOEFL or IELTS.
Your sponsor can be parents, guardians, relatives, government agencies, private organizations, or scholarship providers. Sponsors must provide financial proof, such as bank statements or affidavits, showing they can cover your tuition and living expenses for at least one year in the USA.
A passport, visa application fee receipt, DS-160 Form, I-20 Form, and proof of finances are some of the documentation requirements to study in USA for Nigerian students.
To study in the USA as a Nigerian student, you need an acceptance letter from a SEVP-approved university, a valid passport, proof of funds, an F-1 student visa, and English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS). You’ll also need to pay the SEVIS fee and attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy.
To study in the USA, you must have completed high school (for undergraduate) or a bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate), meet English proficiency requirements, and get accepted by a U.S. institution. Some programs may require entrance exams like the SAT, GRE, or GMAT, depending on your course.
For a U.S. student visa, you must show proof of funds covering at least one year’s tuition and living expenses. This amount varies by university but generally ranges from USD 20,000 to USD 50,000.
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