How to Transfer from A Nigerian University to an American University

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students apply to study in the United States of America (USA).

The US is the top study destination for international students because of its high academic standards.

For many decades, Colleges in the US has dominated the World University Rankings like the Time Higher Education.

Studying in the US is the option for Nigerian students wanting access to a world-class quality education.

You get access to functional laboratories and other academic resources. Also, there are no ASUU strikes to disrupt learning or underfunding in Nigerian schools.

As a student in Nigerian, you can transfer to a US university by meeting the requirements.

In this article, you will learn the requirements to transfer to a University in the US.

Requirements to Study in the US

The transfer policies differ with schools in the United States. It is necessary to research the application process for the institution you want to transfer to from Nigeria.

Visit the US educational advising centres in Abuja or Lagos. Here, you will get accurate information regarding the transfer policies of the Universities in the USA.

Students without a study visa can apply to schools that accept students for an 18-month exchange program.

During this period, you can process your student visa in the US.

Also, it is necessary to research other requirements to transfer to a US College.

International university credit transfer policies help you understand the minimum amount of credits you need to have completed at your current alma mater to be eligible for transfer.

How to Transfer to an American University

Here are the procedures to transfer to an American University;

  • Get the Required Documents
  • Application Letter
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Credit Transfer

Get the Required Documents

Get the required documents to transfer to a US university. These documents would determine your eligibility to the school you want to attend.

Here is a list of documents required for the transfer application process;

  • College Admission Essay
  • Application fee receipt
  • Academic records from your current University (Transcript)
  • English proficiency test certificate

This application and supporting documents can be submitted online or via fax.

Your institution in Nigeria will send your transcript to your prospective school as a PDF attachment using the official school mail address.

Application Letter

In writing your application letter, ensure to include your full name as it appears on the machine-readable section of your passport at the bottom of your passport page.

It is necessary to include your date of birth, complete educational history, country of birth, citizenship, current mailing address and a permanent address outside of the United States. 

A student that has not completed a session in a Nigerian university would need to submit academic records of their secondary school certificate and credentials (transcripts for those last three years of secondary school).

You would be required to submit your university academic records if you have completed a session. You do not have to submit your secondary school transcripts for the transfer process.

Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation for transfer students is optional. This requirement depends on your prospective University and English proficiency test.

Certificate for English standardization tests such as the TOEFL and IELTS may be required. You will need to find out if the certification is compulsory.

Credit Transfer

To be eligible to transfer to an American University, you must meet a minimum credit unit load. The credit unit requirement differs from school to school.

Completed courses at your current school would undergo screening to determine which credits are transferable to the new school.

This process takes time and resources on the part of Nigerian institutions.

Thus, it is advisable to notify your current school early enough. Begin the compilation of your academic records to meet the application deadlines of the school you want to transfer to in the US.

The course credits of some courses may not be transferable. It implies that you will have to take additional classes in the US, which can also impact your graduation timeline.

Students are also encouraged to keep track of the application process not to miss out on any valuable information that will aid their admission status.

Let me know in the comment section if you have any questions or need further assistance.

Good luck with your application.

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7 thoughts on “How to Transfer from A Nigerian University to an American University”

  1. good afternoon, please i want to know if i require SAT to transfer from a Nigerian university to an American university

    Reply
    • Good afternoon! The requirements for transferring from a Nigerian university to an American university can vary depending on the specific institution and program you are interested in. While some universities may require SAT scores for transfer students, it is not a universal requirement.

      Typically, American universities consider several factors when reviewing transfer applications, including your academic performance at your current university, the courses you have taken, and your overall GPA. They may also evaluate your English language proficiency, which can be demonstrated through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.

      It is recommended to thoroughly research the admission requirements of the American universities you are considering for transfer. Visit their official websites, contact their admissions offices, or consult with academic advisors to get accurate and up-to-date information specific to your situation.

      Keep in mind that the evaluation of transfer credits can also play a significant role in the transfer process. American universities may assess your course credits to determine which courses are transferable and how they align with their own curriculum requirements.

      Overall, while SAT scores may not be mandatory for all transfer students, it is essential to review the specific requirements of the American universities you are interested in to determine if they require SAT scores or have any other specific criteria for transfer applicants.

      Good luck with your transfer process, and I hope you find success in pursuing your education in the United States!

      Reply
  2. hii my name is amanda I am currently in 300level. . I want to transfer from a Nigerian university to the U.S .
    how do i pick a school

    Reply
    • Amanda,

      What State in the USA do you want to study at?

      I guess you have settled with your parents on the finances.

      What course are you studying?

      Reply
  3. Hi Blessing,
    I applied for transfer and my resumption date is next year January, but I don’t have a Visa yet (my interview date is next year April).

    What should I do?

    Reply
    • Hi Ebenezer,

      Hope you are well. Please can you put me through the process of applying for this type of admission using your specific experience? My daughter is a third-year student at a Nigerian university with a current CGPA of 4.00/5.00.

      Please just give me some heads up I will work on any little information. Thanks

      Reply

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