Requirements to Study in the USA for Nigerian Students 2023

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.

Studying in the U.S.A

Group of students staring at a laptop

The following are the five (5) basic steps to study in the United States of America;

  1. Research Your Options
  2. Finance Your Studies
  3. Complete Your Application
  4. Apply For Your Student Visa
  5. 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

Picture of University campus building

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

Foreign students at the University

Here are the requirements to study in the USA for Nigerian students;

  1. English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS & TOEFL)
  2. Senior Secondary School Certificate
  3. Bank Statement (Evidence of Financial Support)
  4. Essay
  5. Letter of Recommendation
  6. Copy of your Valid Passport
  7. Negative COVID19 Test Result
  8. A completed DS-160
  9. An approved I-20
  10. A receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee
  11. A GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee
  12. A scan of the bio page of your current valid passport
  13. A scan of your passport photograph meeting these requirements

US Visa for Nigerian Students

Passport visa

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

brown concrete building

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?

Share on:

I am an Enthusiastic SEO Writer engineering helpful skyscraping content on the internet. A lifelong learner who loves to read, learn and write.

147 thoughts on “Requirements to Study in the USA for Nigerian Students 2023”

  1. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  2. Good day,I want to study law which university can accept me with just my olevel result
    And what are the requirements
    Thank you

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  3. I wanna study Computer Science mainly Cyber security @MIT university pls what are the requirements and and what other qualifications do I need ?

    Reply
  4. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  5. Hello Good afternoon ma.
    Please I have GCE result and wants to go for undergraduate… Do USA accept GCE for undergraduate.

    Reply
  6. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  7. 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.

    Reply
    • Hello Elizabeth,

      I hope you are having a great day.

      Do you have a list of courses in mind alternative to Economics?

      Reply
      • 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.

        Reply
        • 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.

          Reply
  8. 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

    Reply
  9. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  10. 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.

    Reply
  11. 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.

    Reply
  12. 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🙏🙏

    Reply
    • 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

      Reply
  13. 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

    Reply
  14. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
    • 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

      Reply
  15. Respect sir/ma
    Please sir, can I get admission in the USA to study bachelor of nursing with NECO result and without ielts/TOEFL

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  16. 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.

    Reply
  17. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  18. 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

    Reply
  19. 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

    Reply
    • 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

      Reply
  20. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
      • 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

        Reply
  21. 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

    Reply
  22. 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?

    Reply
    • Hello Emmanuel,

      It is nice to hear from you. Hope you are having a great day.

      Are you an undergraduate or postgraduate student?

      Reply
    • Blessing,

      That’s not a problem.

      You can get admission to an American university with your WAEC GCE result.

      Reply
  23. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  24. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  25. 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.

    Reply
    • Yes, Samuel

      You would need to contact the U.S. Defense Attaché Office at the American Embassy in Lagos.

      Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  26. 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?

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  27. Good day pls concerning the transcript I only have my waec can I apply for undergraduate studies without other transcripts

    Reply
  28. 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

    Reply
  29. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  30. Do Some Private Universities In The USA Require For IELTS/TOEFL English Certificate? Because I Personally Don’t Have It…

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
      • 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

        Reply
        • 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?

          Reply
    • Yes, Blessing.

      The University of Maryland, USA accept Nigerian students for admission.

      Are you seeking undergraduate or postgraduate admission?

      Reply
  31. 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

    Reply

Leave a Comment