Requirements to study in the USA for Nigerian students










Requirements to study in the USA for Nigerian students


For Nigerian students, the requirements to study in the USA are similar to those for other international students. That's because students from Nigeria who are applying to schools in the USA are known as international students.


Meeting the requirements and paperwork will ensure admission to study in the USA. For international students, the United States of America is the most popular study location. It is the greatest destination in the world for tertiary education, including prominent colleges.


The United States universities dominate global university rankings. These prestigious universities provide pupils with world-class tutoring. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the world's brightest minds.


The USA might not be the one of cheapest countries abroad to study for Nigerian students, but it's possible to find relatively cheap universities in the United States and fully funded scholarships to study abroad (USA) is available for Nigerian students. 


To prevent typical mistakes made by other applicants, it is vital to learn about the requirements to study in the USA there is to know about the US admissions process.


This page will outline the requirements for admission and study in the United States for Nigerians.


Studying Abroad

The five (5) fundamental steps of studying in the United States of America are as follows:

  1. Investigate Your Options.

  2. Fund Your Education.

  3. Finish Your Application.

  4. Submit an application for a student visa.

  5. Get Ready for Your Departure.


  1. Investigate Your Options.

The initial step in studying in the United States is to investigate the country's universities.

You would locate a university that fits your financial and intellectual needs. 

If you want to study abroad as a Nigerian student you are not disadvantaged because free and fully funded scholarships are available even in the USA. 

Admission standards for international students vary somewhat amongst colleges in the United States. Your research will assist you in determining which colleges you can apply to study at.



  1. Fund Your Education.

Studying in the United States of America is expensive for Nigerian students. That's why Nigerian students are constantly looking for fully funded or partially funded scholarships available to study abroad.

It is necessary to evaluate your finances. This will help you know whether to look for a fully funded or partial scholarship to sponsor your studies in the US. You would not want to end up midway into your schooling at the university.

During your student visa interview at the Nigerian Consulate, you will present evidence of your ability to support yourself financially. It is to confirm that you have the resources to pay for your American education. Along with applying for admission, you can also apply for scholarships available to Nigerian students to study abroad or financial aid. You can find employment on campus to help with your student finances. But during your first year, you can not work off campus.


  1. Finish Your Application.

To obtain a US F1 or M1 student visa, you must submit your admission application in its entirety. You would provide the following paperwork at this time:

  • Application Essay

  • Results of Required Standard Examinations

  • Secondary Transcript

  • Recommendation letter

  • Financial Support Documentation

This phase is crucial for your admission to the US school of your choice.

Your admission application will be evaluated by the university you wish to attend. If you meet the requirements, your admission request will be approved.

  1. Submit an application for a student visa.

The US Embassy & Consulate in Abuja and Lagos is where applicants for US student visas are interviewed. The F1 or M1 visa is the appropriate student visa for Nigerian nationals.

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.

Before your request for a visa is approved, you will have an interview. In the interview, you would need to convince the customs and immigration representative to

  • Why do you want to study in the United States?

  • Your plans after you finish your studies in the US.

  • How do you plan to support yourself while in school?


  1. Get Ready for Your Departure

Following the approval of your student visa, the next step is to get ready to leave. At this point, you need to know what to bring with you to the US. Additionally, you will learn about the health certification requirements and travel restrictions. Pre-departure student orientation with all necessary information is offered by universities in the USA to students from Nigeria. For information on health insurance, typical local temperatures throughout the year, local transportation options, housing, and other topics, visit your college's website.


US Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria 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:

  1. English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS & TOEFL)

  2. Senior Secondary School Certificate

  3. Bank Statement (Evidence of Financial Support)

  4. Essay

  5. Recommendation letter

  6. A duplicate of your passport

  7. Negative COVID-19 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


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