Are you tired of your education being disrupted by continuous ASUU strikes?
Do you want to continue your academic journey at high-ranking universities in the UK, Canada or any other country abroad?
There are lots of universities abroad that accept Nigerian transfer students to their universities.
However, you need to meet the requirements for your transfer to be successful.
It would help if you didn’t worry about this because this article unveils all you need to know about transferring from a Nigerian university to a foreign university.
Let me know in the comment box below if you have any questions or need further clarification. I will love to help you.
Table of contents
Studying Abroad
The following are reasons why you should continue your academic journey abroad rather than stay in Nigeria;
- High Standard of Education
- Better Career Opportunities
- New Cultural Perspective
- Make Lifelong Friendships
- Independence
High Standard of Education
Most universities abroad are highly reputable. They offer world-class education and are known for producing global leaders in various fields.
Some of the top universities in the world are found in the UK, Canada, Norway, Germany, Australia, United States (USA), among others.
Studying in these countries instead of Nigeria would get you the highest possible education.
Better Career Opportunities
No doubt studying abroad would give you a better chance of employment.
Generally, employers go for high-quality and well-seasoned individuals to add value to their companies.
Hence, you would be doing yourself a huge favour by getting a degree abroad as you would get foreign experience and a different perspective on real-life situations.
Even if you want to return to Nigeria to work, you’d undoubtedly be more attractive to your employers than your counterparts.
New Cultural Perspective
Studying abroad lets you experience a new culture, especially if you want to visit a country with a rich cultural heritage.
Even though you may encounter cultural shock since you are new in the country, as you get along with the natives there, you will be fine in no time!
Wouldn’t you like to taste new dishes, learn a new language and explore new places?
If yes, travelling abroad to continue your education would allow you to do so.
Make Lifelong Friendships
Studying abroad allows you to meet people of different cultures, races, backgrounds and experiences.
Most lifelong friendships start at the university so that you can be friends with people of the same age bracket.
With these friends, you could travel around the country together, try different meals, attend fun events and create unforgettable memories together!
Even if you decide to return to Nigeria in future, you will have made amazing friends in another part of the world.
Independence
Studying abroad gives you a hold over your life, especially if your family is not with you.
Most universities abroad allow international students, including Nigerians, to take up paid jobs, enabling them to work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during vacations.
Hence, you would become financially responsible for your life as you would fend for yourself.
You can also decide to do whatever you want, but you have to be cautious to avoid any future regrets.
Considering Transferring to a Foreign University
The following are factors you should consider when transferring to a foreign university from Nigeria:
- Decide on Your Study Destination
- Cost of Living
- The Level You Would Be Starting From
- Support for Foreign Students
- Immigration Policy
- Language Barrier
Decide on Your Study Destination
It is one of the most important things to do when deciding to study abroad.
Would you like to study in the UK, US or Canada?
If you don’t know which country to choose, you should list the top five (5) countries you’d like to travel for your study.
Research these countries and prospective universities there and weigh your odds.
Bear in mind that the best country or university is the one that meets your specific needs.
Consider your background, family, and other things vital to you when choosing a country or university.
For example, if you are allergic to icy weather conditions, you should not move to a country like Iceland or Norway.
Cost of Living
Not all countries have the same standard of living, and some areas can be more expensive than others, just like Nigeria.
Hence, consider your finances and whether you would be able to afford the lifestyle in a particular area. It is okay to feel expensive living in a costly place, but if you can’t afford that lifestyle, then there is no point trying to please others!
Look at the cost of transportation, feeding, accommodation etc. in these countries.
For example, the cost of living in Vancouver is much higher than in Montreal, Canada.
You should also research the prospective university’s tuition fees and see if you can afford them.
The Level You Would Be Starting From
It would help if you considered your current level and the level you would be starting from once you transfer to your new university abroad.
Some universities allow you to continue your education, while others may require you to withdraw from the first year.
You should check out your university’s transfer program and specific requirements on its website to see if you can work with it.
Support for Foreign Students
Choosing a study destination where people are not receptive can be very tragic.
You don’t want to be in a place where you are not welcomed for years.
It would help if you considered whether the people over detest blacks, whether you can survive under the circumstances in the area and whether your university provides support for international students.
It is essential to make the most of your stay abroad.
Immigration Policy
It is crucial to choose the country you would like to study abroad.
Some countries have more rigid immigration policies than others.
For instance, travelling to the UK to study as a Nigerian may be easier than in other countries.
It would help if you also considered how easy it is to get a visa for that country.
You have a better chance of moving to a country where the immigration rules are lenient than one with a strict immigration policy.
Language Barrier
It would help to consider the language spoken in the country you wish to study.
Note that most of the courses would be taught in the country’s official language, and if you do not understand the language, you cannot excel in your academics.
For example, you may find it difficult to assimilate what you are taught in a South Korean university as your lecturers would communicate in Korean, and most of the books are written in the language.
It is advisable to go to an English-speaking or French-speaking country if you have a good mastery of French.
Transferring to a Foreign University From Nigeria
After deciding on the country or university you want to transfer to, you must meet certain requirements.
Some universities have specific transfer requirements, so you should visit your prospective university’s website to learn how the transfer program works.
The following are the procedures to apply and transfer to a University abroad from Nigeria;
A description of the processes to transfer from a Nigerian University to a Foreign University.
- Provide Your Grading System
Most universities in Nigeria operate a 5-point grading system, but this may not be the same in other universities worldwide.
Hence, you need to provide your school’s grading system to your prospective university to be transferred there.
You should also give the process of arriving at your grades.
For instance, if you obtained a CGPA of 4.59 after your first year, you should show how your university arrived at that grade. - Apply for Student Visa
You cannot transfer to a foreign university without getting a student visa for that country.
A student visa is a stamp or sticker on your passport that allows you to study legally in a country.
A visa is a primary requirement if you wish to transfer to a university abroad. - Inform Your Current University About the Transfer
Some students make the mistake of transferring to a university abroad without the knowledge of their previous university.
Little did they know that that step would cause many problems in the transfer process.
Therefore, you must inform your university that you would be transferring to a university abroad, as they would play a massive role in the transfer process.
Your school may give you a transfer form to fill out at a fee, or you may even receive a certificate affirming that you have completed your current year of study. - Get a Reference Letter
You need to provide a reference letter from your lecturers, dean, or sub-dean.
It is to certify that you are a person of good character and that you have not caused any trouble during your stay at the university.
Do not mistake getting a reference letter from your parents, a random person or someone who is not of high ranking in your school. - Write a Transfer Application Letter
You need to write an application letter showing your interest in transferring to your prospective university.
This application letter should indicate your full name, course, date of birth, country, address and educational background.
Including all this information in your letter would help your university know the kind of person you are. - Language Proficiency Result
If you are travelling to an English or French-speaking country, you need to prove that you can communicate fluently.
Hence, you need to take a language proficiency test such as IELTS, TOEFL, DELF etc. It should be submitted to the university we are applying to.
After you have met the requirements above, you can apply for transfer on your prospective university’s website.
Remember that if you are in your final year or third year in a Nigerian university, you cannot transfer to a foreign university as your application will be rejected.
Therefore, completing your studies in Nigeria is advisable and then going abroad for your second degree.
Also, make sure you are transferring to a foreign university to study the same or related course.
The process may become complicated if you plan to study a different course.
Conclusion
Studying abroad as a Nigerian is a way to acquire world-class education.
Most Nigerian students would jump at the opportunity to transfer to a foreign university.
However, there are certain things you must know to make your transfer process successful.
Hence, following the guidelines in this article would make your transfer process hitch-free.
Let me know in the comment box below if you have any questions or need further clarification. I will love to help you.
