The requirements to study in the USA for Nigerian students are the same for other international students.
Students from Nigerian applying to school in the USA are known as international students.
Meeting the required requirements and documentation will guarantee admission to study in the USA.
The United States of America is the top study destination for international students. It is the best place to get tertiary education globally, housing prestigious colleges.
Schools in the USA dominate the world university rankings. These ivy leagues offer world-class tutorship to students. You will get the opportunity to work with the best minds in the world.
Though, studying in the USA is an expensive option for Nigerian students. You need to check out the cheapest and best universities in the USA.
It is necessary to get complete knowledge about the USA admission process to avoid common mistakes by other applicants.
This post will show the requirements for admission and study in the USA from Nigeria.
Let me know in the comment box below if you have any questions or need assistance.
Table of contents
Studying in the U.S.A
The following are the five (5) basic steps to study in the United States of America;
- Research Your Options
- Finance Your Studies
- Complete Your Application
- Apply For Your Student Visa
- Prepare For Your Departure
1. Research Your Options
The first step to take to study in the US is to research the universities in the country.
You would find out a university that meets your budget and academic standard.
Colleges in the US have slightly different admission requirements for international students. Your research will help you find out the schools that you can apply to study.
2. Finance Your Studies
Studying in the United States of America is expensive for Nigerian students.
It is necessary to evaluate that you have the finance to sponsor your study in the US. You would not want to end up midway into your schooling at the University.
You would submit proof of financial support during your student visa interview at the Consulate office in Nigeria. It is for assurance that you have enough money to sponsor your education in the US.
Also, you can apply for financial student aid or scholarship during your admission application.
You can get a job on campus to support your student finance. But, you cannot work off-campus in your first year.
3. Complete Your Application
Completing your admission application is compulsory to get a US F1 or M1 student visa.
At this stage, you would submit the following documents;
- Admission Essay
- Results of Required Standard Examinations
- Secondary Transcript
- Letter of Recommendation
- Proof of Financial Support
This stage is critical for your admission to the school of your choice in the USA.
The University that you want to apply to study will review your admission application. Your admission request will be successful if you meet the admission requirements.
4. Apply For Your Student Visa
US student visa interview is at the US Embassy & Consulate office in Abuja and Lagos.
The USA student visa for Nigerian students is the F1 or M1 visa.
An F1 student visa is for academic program study like Medicine, Engineering, etc.
The M1 student visa is for vocational study programs like Creative Arts and Design, Computer Science and IT, etc.
There will be an interview for you before you get approval for your visa application.
During the interview, you must convince the consulate officer
- Why do you want to study in the United States
- How do you plan to support yourself while in school
- Your plans after you finish your study in the US
5. Prepare For Your Departure
Preparing for your departure is the next step after your student visa approval.
You need to know what to take to the US at this stage. You would also get information on the travel regulations and health status certification.
Universities in the USA offer pre-departure student orientation with all relevant knowledge for Nigerian students.
Check your College website to see information about health insurance, average local temperatures throughout the year, local transportation options, housing, and more.
US Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria
The United States of America embassy and consulate office is in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. It is where you will apply for a student visa to study in the USA.
There are two types of students visa applications for Nigerian students;
- New student visa application
- Returning student visa application
Contact
US Embassy Abuja
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive
Central District Area, Abuja, Nigeria
Phone: (234)-9-461-4000
Fax: (234)-9-461-4036
U.S Embassy Lagos
2 Walter Carrington Crescent,
Victoria Island, Lagos
Phone: (234)-1- 460-3400
Fax: (234)-9-461-4036
Requirements to Study in the USA for Nigerian Students
Here are the requirements to study in the USA for Nigerian students;
- English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS & TOEFL)
- Senior Secondary School Certificate
- Bank Statement (Evidence of Financial Support)
- Essay
- Letter of Recommendation
- Copy of your Valid Passport
- Negative COVID19 Test Result
- A completed DS-160
- An approved I-20
- A receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee
- A GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee
- A scan of the bio page of your current valid passport
- A scan of your passport photograph meeting these requirements
US Visa for Nigerian Students
Nonimmigrant visas are used by students studying in the United States for their university education.
Application and interview for a USA student visa are at the consulate office in Lagos or Abuja. Here, you will convince the consulate officer why you want to study in the US.
Also, you would have to prove that you are a patriotic citizen of Nigeria.
Students in Nigeria are issued the F1 and M1 visa types to study in the USA.
Visa Fee
The US visa application fee for students (academic & vocational) is one hundred and sixty dollars ($160).
US Universities that Accept Nigerian Students
The following is a list of universities in the USA that accept students from Nigeria for undergraduate and postgraduate studies;
- Columbia University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Califonia State University
- Harvard University
- Minot State University
- Arizona State University
- University f the People
- South Texas College
- Boston University
- Alcorn State University
- Leyman College
- Standford University
- The City College of New York
- Southeast Missouri University
- Arkansas State University
- Binghamton University
- Purdue University
- The University of Iowa
- Truman State University
- Delta State University
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Northeastern University
- New York University
- University of Washington
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Purdue University
- The Ohio State University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Illinois Institute of Technology
Other universities in the United States of America accept students from Nigeria for admission.
I would love to hear from you in the comment box. What questions do you have about studying in the United States of America?
Good evening sir,sir please I wanted to ask as a Nigerian, because the university of Miami accepts IELTS if your native language is not English language but if is English language they will provide the ACT or TOFEL….. And I want to study gynecologist /obstetrician in the USA… now which is better because I’m planning on writing ACT, so is it better and will this result be okay for me to gain admission into the university of Miami?
Mathematics-C5
English language-C5
Physics-B3
Chemistry-B3
Biology-B3
Computer-cancelled
Marketing-C5
Economics-B3
Civic education -C4
Hello Princess,
Your O’level results are okay to study in the United States.
But you will have to, first of all, apply to pre-med school.
Good day,I want to study law which university can accept me with just my olevel result
And what are the requirements
Thank you
Nmesomachi,
You cannot study Law in the United States with your O’level results.
Before proceeding to the Law programme, you must study for a bachelor’s degree.
I wanna study Computer Science mainly Cyber security @MIT university pls what are the requirements and and what other qualifications do I need ?
Somtee,
Do you have finance settled to study at MIT?
I wish to apply for my postgraduate in USA. I intend to run MSc in Accounting. Which school can you recommend Sir
Secondly, is IELTS compulsory?
Thanks
Hello Vincent,
IELTS is not compulsory for admission to some schools in the USA.
What State in the United States do you have in mind to study?
I am guessing finance is not a limitation.
Hello sir can I study in USA with 2.72 & which University is it possible for me to gain admission into
Kenny,
What course do you want to study in the USA?
Hello Good afternoon ma.
Please I have GCE result and wants to go for undergraduate… Do USA accept GCE for undergraduate.
Yes, Samson
You can study in the United States with a WAEC GCE result.
What about NECO GCE sir?
It is accepted abroad.
Good afternoon ma
Please ma I have GCE Result, does USA university accept GCE … I am going for Undergraduate
Yes.
Pls, does Columbia University NY accept neco for undergraduate studies?
Hello Okoye,
Are you applying for undergraduate or postgraduate studies?
Good day sir,
Pls ,I’ve got some questions about undergraduate studies in US .
Does Columbia University accept neco result ?
Does the result affect your chances of admission or not ,as in, if you ssce is not that good ,does it affect your chances of being accepted ?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Hello Mr. Okoye
I hope you are having a great day.
The answer to your question is yes.
Universities in the United States accept NECO result.
Please can I use only my transcript without waec since its 2 sittings
Bisola,
Do you mean your secondary transcript in place of your WAEC result?
Good afternoon Blessing and happy Sunday.
University of Georgia
Georgia State university
Columbus state university
Any of the three.
I’m a graduate of Bsc in economics.
But now….i am still searching and thinking of which course to study. Cos i don’t want to do Economics as Master.
Hello Elizabeth,
I hope you are having a great day.
Do you have a list of courses in mind alternative to Economics?
Good morning Blessing,
Trust you are keeping well
Public health
Business analyst
Public policy
HR
Business administration
Management
But i don’t know if i can… or i should go for Economics.
Economics is too hard for niggar,but i don’t know about there tho.
Elizabeth,
It is nice to hear from you again.
Things are splendid at my end.
The courses you have listed are good.
Now, you need to do further research on each of them to know which you would prefer.
Then, you can now narrow it down to your application at Colleges in the United States.
Good day,
Can u apply with my 2.89 cgpa to any university in USA
Yes, Elizabeth
What school do you have in mind?
Hello sir, can I use this neco results? and pls which course can I study with this neco results with 7 credits in USA
* I have C6 inEnglish
* C6 in maths
* C6 in civic education
* C5 in government
* Economics C6
* Literature in English C6
*Yoruba C6
*Animal husbandry E8
*Crs F9
Hello Gbbolahan,
You use your NECO results to gain admission to Universities in the United States of America.
Hello sir,I want to know the type of subject to pass in either waec or waec gce before gaining admission to study in USA for engineering course sir
Hello Michael,
You do not exactly need an O’level result to study abroad. But make sure you have good grades in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Please sir I have an ND Certificate in business administration can I use that to further my education in the US
Hello Tobi,
Do you intend to further as an undergraduate or a postgraduate?
Hi Good day
I’m a graduate of mass communication and I would like to further my study in the United States,with specialized in investigative journalism or media law. please what are the requirements for application and i want to know the good and affordable universities to attend.
Thank you.
Hi Good day
I’m a graduate of mass communication and I would like to further my study in the United States in the following areas1. Investigative journalismand media law, please what are the requirements for application and i want to know the good and affordable universities to attend.
Thank you.
Hello Amar, I couldn’t find a school in the US for Media Law but as for Investigative Journalism, you can look at Toronto State University. The requirements are listed in this post https://degrees.apps.asu.edu/masters-phd/major/ASU00/CSINVJOUMA/investigative-journalism-ma
Am an economics student of mouau and am in 300 level, because of the strike issue my in-law wants me to look for a cheap University in the US were he based so that I can transfer over there to finish off.. how can I go about it plss🙏🙏
Dear Victor,
The first step is to look for a good school that meets all these requirements and apply to get admitted.
You can check out this site for that https://affordableschools.net/15-affordable-bachelors-degrees-economics/
After your admission is acceptable, you can start gathering the necessary documents to get your visa approved.
Browse schools in the region your uncle resides. For example, if he is based in Ohio, browse for universities in Ohio State, and search results will show different universities in that state. Go to each of their websites check the requirements, then choose the school that is most suitable for you.
Look into their application fees and cost of attendance you can also check out YouTubers like Kingsford Onyina and Gracie Abby for more information on the University application in the US and tips on how to go about it
Hello sir,
Can i use both CGPA of 3.3 and SAT of 1010 to gain admission into University in USA
Dear Meenah,
It all depends on the school you intend to apply to. Different schools have different admission requirements.
Can i get admission with 3.3 cgpa over 5 for masters in the us
Dear Tolu,
You can.
Greetings sir,
I’m Francis Young from Nigeria, My WAEC result is not good.
Can I still study in United States University if I get Scholarship?.
And when can I apply for the scholarship?
Looking forward to hear your feedback sir
Dear Ugwu,
The WAEC result is not compulsory for all schools in the USA and most scholarship programs in the USA only offer Partial scholarships.
The scholarship application is dependent on the school or organisation sponsoring it.
You can search online for available scholarships in USA.
Is there test to be written before getting admission to Harvard university?
Can I study in USA without scholarship
Hello Ola,
You definitely can.
Good day sir please I want to know the cheapest university for nursing in the USA and when is admission starting sir
Dear Omolade,
I suggest you try Firelands Regional Medical Centre.
You can find out more about the school from their website https://www.firelands.com/education-training/school-of-nursing/
Hi Good day
I’m a graduate of microbiology and I would like to further my study in the United States, please what are the requirements for application and how much does my grade matter.
Hello Daymmy,
What school in the United States do you intend to apply for admission to?
Your grades matter if you want to study in any of the top schools in the U.S.A.
This post should provide you with all the essential requirements to study in the United States.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Please some schools are asking for Gpa how do I get my gpa?
I just finished writing waec
Hello Yoma,
Use the link below to see how to get your Secondary School transcript;
How to Get Secondary or High School Transcript in Nigeria
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Sir I want to know which university can I go to to study architecture in the USA and the cheapest that accept Nigeria student
Hello Bayonle,
Check the post below to see the list of the cheapest Universities in the United States for Nigerian students;
Cheapest Universities in the USA for Nigerian Students
Here is a list of some of the universities in the U.S.A offering Architecture programs;
Rice University
Cornell University
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Southern California
Yale University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of California, Berkeley
Southern California Institute of Architecture
Columbia University
University of Notre Dame
Respect sir/ma
Please sir, can I get admission in the USA to study bachelor of nursing with NECO result and without ielts/TOEFL
Yes, Rosemary
You can get admission to study Nursing in most universities in the United States with a NECOu result and without IELTS/TOEFL certificates.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Hello sir
I wish to study Medicine in the US, I have my waec certificate and I just finish a National Diploma program as a Science Laboratory Technician,
Pls sir I want you to pls help me out with the neccessary things I must do to secure an admission in the US.
Hello Emerald,
Let me know the assistance you need with studying Medicine in the United States.
Hello sir
I wish to study Medicine in the US, I have my waec certificate and I just finish a National Diploma program as a Science Laboratory Technician,
Pls sir I want you to pls help me out with the neccessary things I must do to secure an admission in the US.
Hello Emerald,
Let me know the assistance you need with studying Medicine in the United States.
Please sir, your contact info please
You can scroll to the end of this page to see my contact details.
Please which is Secondary School Transcript and English Language Proficiency Certificate?
Miriam,
Use the link below to learn about Secondary School transcripts in Nigeria.
How to Get Secondary or High School Transcript in Nigeria
IELTS and TOEFL are English language proficiency tests.
You will get the proficiency certificate when you pass the test.
But note that most schools abroad no longer require Nigerian students to take the proficiency test.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Good day sir/ma, how can I write my CV for undergraduate program in US with little or no working experience? I’m a Nigerian. Thanks
Hello Mariam,
See if the link below would be helpful to you.
How to Write a Cover Letter for Student Visa Application
https://careers.ucsc.edu/student/resources/handouts/curriculum-vitae-undergrad-guide.pdf
I wish you good luck with your application.
Hi pls only have a few waec result I don’t have sat nor ielts pls I need the list of schools in USA that I can attend with my waec result
Hello Taiwo,
I hope you are having a great day.
Here is a list of schools in the United States that do not require IELTS for admission;
University of New Orleans
Rice University
University of Dayton
Drexel University
California State University, Los Angeles
University of North Alabama
Northwood University
National Louis University
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Arkansas
State University of New York
University of Delaware
Sir I’m a O level drop out a long and I’m aspiring to study aboard. Please I need your advice
Hello Abel,
Do you intend to sit for the WAEC exam?
Good Day Sir Please Can I Study In Usa Without A Waec Or Neco Result?
Eval,
Do you have any A-level certificate?
The answer to your question is yes.
Hello sir, can i study in the us without ielts? if my school doesn’t require ielts, can i still get visa without ielts? also if i have an anty/uncle in the us can they sponsor my visa? looking forward to hearing from you
Yes, Miracle
I hope you are having a great day.
Yes, you can study in the US without IELTS.
Some universities in the United States do not require IELTS for admission.
Your uncle or aunty can stand as your sponsor.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Good day sir,
How much in Naira will it cost to posue a master degree in USA.
And how much will be consider consider enough in my statement of account
Abdulwali,
What school are you applying to study for your master’s?
Have you checked their school fee structure?
sir blessing, i have just finished my IGCSE exam, and I’m going into college in nigeria to write one year of A levels, SAT, and IELTS. by this time next year i will have all of those certificates. What i want to ask is, if those certificates are enough to get me into a university in the USA even though i have no waec nor neco results? Although i have a junior checkpoint result and IGCSE result. Remember by next year as i am applying for universities i will have: IGCSE, IELTS, SAT, and A levels results. i am writing this because i want to see if i should go through with writing the A levels, SAT and IELTS without it hindering my plans in the future
Hello Tyrone,
I hope you are having a wonderful day.
The answer to your question is yes.
Universities in the United States of America (USA) accept IGCSE for admission.
You can check the link below to see the list of Universities in the USA that accept IGCSE;
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/images/122955-cambridge-recognition-brochure-us.pdf
Let me know if you have further questions.
can i get into a university in USA with SAT, IELTS, ALEVEL but never had waec result
Hello Tyrone,
Not exactly.
You need a sort of certification to get admission to the USA.
For example, with an IGCE certificate, you can get admission to study in the United States.
Let me know if you have further questions.
what about Alevels and IELTS and SAT combined?
That would not be possible.
You need a high school certificate to get admission to the university.
Sir
Will I still take any school exam after submitting my waec results.
It depends on the application timeline.
Is there an issue with your WAEC certificate?
Is there anything like university of central Missouri in USA .
Yes, ThankGod
The University of Central Missouri is a public university in Warrensburg, Missouri.
i want to do my master in usa,how can i go about it pls let me now thans
Hello Olayina,
Do you have a university you want to study at in the USA?
See the list of cheapest universities in the United States of America here.
Hello Sir,
I’ve been checking out on how to study abroad but I don’t know where to start. How can I achieve my dreams?
Hello Emmanuel,
It is nice to hear from you. Hope you are having a great day.
Are you an undergraduate or postgraduate student?
What if you have Waec gce and not waec result can you still apply for America by writing SAT exam
Blessing,
That’s not a problem.
You can get admission to an American university with your WAEC GCE result.
Hi Sir
I really love your blog
one question I want to know the answer is that how can I become or join the US Navy
Hello Mr Ayomide,
You cannot join the US Army from Nigeria.
The first step is to obtain a permanent resident alien status (a Green Card) and live in the USA.
Let me know if you have further questions.
I have alot of question if u don’t mind
Where can I get IELTS/TOEFL or any procedure
Have finish my secondary school and I want to further in us how am I going to applying for admin you know in nigeria you have to do jamb and write for post utme before u can gain admission what is the procedure for us
And also what is the meaning of all this and where can I get it
A completed DS-160
An approved I-20
A receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee
A GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee
And lastly can 32page international passport enough for study in us or I have to get 64page international passport
Hello Qozeem
I hope you are having a great day.
What a number of questions you have got here.
1. Visit https://ielts.ng/take-ielts/how-to-apply/ to register for the IELTS exam.
2. You will have to first of all search for institutions in the United States that you want to apply for admission to.
Go through their academic and financial requirements to make your choice.
3. A 32-page international passport is enough for your travel to the USA.
4. DS-160, I-20, the receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee and GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee are application form receipts for USA visa application.
The first step to take is searching for and applying to a school in the USA.
Let me know if you have further questions or need further clarifications.
Sir, can I apply for university in USA just after finishing my secondary school
Yes, Okoye
You can apply for admission after secondary school.
Of course, you must have passed your WAEC exams.
Good day sir,Pls can I study in USA with neco results?
Yes, Florence
You can study in the United States with a NECO result.
What if you have Waec gce result and not waec can you still apply for America
Blessing,
That’s not a problem.
You can get admission to an American university with your WAEC GCE result.
Good day, Sir.
I am aspiring to study medicine in the U. S.
From my research, I’ll have to go through a pre-med course in the U. S.
Can I apply for scholarship in any of the colleges in U. S without having a degree in Nigeria?
…and what exams I’ll have to take to apply for the scholarship?
I’ll be glad to get your reply, Sir.
Hello Victory,
I hope you are having a great day!
There are only a few scholarship opportunities available in the USA for Nigerian students to study Medicine.
You would need to find out if your parents can sponsor you in Medical school in the US.
Another option is to check out other countries with cheaper costs of study.
Nigerian private universities are also a good option.
Please sir, can I study in “USMA”
United States military academy West point?
Yes, Samuel
You would need to contact the U.S. Defense Attaché Office at the American Embassy in Lagos.
Can I study At USA with two results (weac and Neco)
Hello Faith,
There are no straight answers to your question.
You will have to contact the admission office of the school you are applying to study at in the USA.
Good day sir, how can you gain admission in Canada as a Nigerian
Hello Opeyemi,
I hope you are doing great!
Go through my post on gaining admission to universities in Canada here.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Goodday please can i use my waec GCE in place of waec SSCE during application to a university in the US
Yes, Victor
You can use your WAEC GCE result to apply for admission to Universities in the USA.
My wife want to study in USA, which university or college test score waiver for Nigeria student?
Can my wife travel to USA on a student visa with her 7 years old daughter?
Hello Mr Olanrewaju,
Concerning your first question, I guess you mean waiver for the TOEFL exams.
Most of the schools in the USA require TOEFL. But she should contact the school she is applying to for a waiver which is possible.
The answer to your second question is yes.
She can apply for the US F-2 visa which allows children to move with their parents on an F-1 visa in the US.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Good day pls concerning the transcript I only have my waec can I apply for undergraduate studies without other transcripts
Stephen,
You need your Secondary School transcript to apply for admission at the USA.
See the procedure to get your secondary school transcript here.
Sir Blessing, I honestly need guardian, I’m a bit confused, my friends are just getting admission to school outside but in my case I don’t know what to do.
I sincerely need your help
Favour,
Are you applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate study program?
Sir Blessing, I have gotten my SAT score, can’t I get any US University that doesn’t require IELTS for admission and Secondly I don’t know anything about secondary school transcript and how it is gotten, though I have a good Waec result
Hello Favour,
Below are some of the universities in the USA you can apply to study at without IELTS;
Rice University
California State University
Drexel UniversityState University of New York
University of Iowa
University of Arkansas
University of Dayton
University of Delaware
The secondary school transcript is a compilation of all your results in secondary school.
You can get this document from the school you attended.
I need help applying for a vocational school in the US so that i can go about an M1 visa, can you help me?
Cynthia,
Use this link to see the list of vocational schools in the USA.
Do Some Private Universities In The USA Require For IELTS/TOEFL English Certificate? Because I Personally Don’t Have It…
Yes, Emmah
There are Private Universities in the USA that do require IELTS/TOEFL English certificates.
Examples of these schools are;
Rice University
California State University
Drexel University
State University of New York
University of Iowa
University of Arkansas
University of Dayton
University of Delaware
Let me know if you have further questions.
I want to apply to newyork University or university of California Los Angeles
What assistance do you need with your application?
Thanks for the information
Please how can I get a sponsor?
I did waec 2017 and I did not do well
Please can I go ahead to write another Waec ?
Should j tender the transcript of the school I finished from
Hello Sarah,
You can get a sponsor by approaching a family member or friend that meets the minimum financial requirement.
Concerning your WAEC result, do you have credit passes in the relevant subjects?
I wish to school in usa but know body help and i feel bad
What kind of assistance do you need?
Please is there any university in maryland that accept Waec results, without lELTS/TOEFl Certificate
Hello Bedeleander,
I apologise for the late reply. I’ve been researching to find a university as you requested but unfortunately, I have not come across any.
You can search through YouTube to see if you can find any.
Do University of Maryland accept Nigerian students ?
Yes, Blessing.
The University of Maryland, USA accept Nigerian students for admission.
Are you seeking undergraduate or postgraduate admission?
Thanks for this comprehensive, well-researched article. Please I will like to discuss with you in order to explore the options for me personally and the possibility of me getting such a visa. Thanks
Hello Sola,
It is nice to hear from you.
You can reach me by clicking on the Contact buttons at the end of this page.
Hello
Hi
Good day sir, I will like to know maybe there are some tests or exams to pass through before the admission can be granted into school of choice
Dear Prosper,
Depending on the school, you might need to write an entrance exam or do an online interview.
Good day sir. If I do apply for financial aid for would it still be necessary to for a bank statement?
Dear Martin,
You would have to provide evidence of the scholarship or the bank account of your sponsor.
please i have some private questions to ask you here
thank you.
You can scroll down to the bottom of this page to get my contact details.