Dreaming of studying at a top global university but not sure where to start? This guide will help you!
For many Nigerians, studying at a top global university is more than a dream, it’s a goal tied to bigger hopes of quality education, global exposure, and better career opportunities. Many Nigerians understand that there are better opportunities out there, but they don’t just come on a platter.
Let’s be honest, the journey there isn’t always smooth. The rigours of navigating school search, admission requirements, possible rejections, finance, dealing with visa delays, and soon can feel overwhelming.
But Nigerians never give up; every year, thousands of Nigerians overcome the challenges, and they make it happen. According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, Nigeria Ranks 7th Globally for International Students in the United States and more than 20,000 Nigerian students enrolled in 2023/2024, up 13.5 percent from previous year. If these people can, so can you, too!
This guide was carefully written to break down the study-abroad process into simple, practical steps to help people like you looking for clarity and direction. From choosing the right course to selecting the right school to document preparation, this guide is here to help you.
You don’t need to know everything at once. You just need to know what to do next, and that’s exactly what this guide is here to help you with.
How To Gain Admission To Top Universities As A Nigerian Student
If you’re planning to travel abroad for your undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree, then the steps below will serve as a helpful guide for your journey.
Step 1: Know What You Want and Why
First things first, outline your goals. Why do you want to go abroad to study? What is your preferred course? What’s your motivation? Is this really what you want, or are you just jumping on popular trends? Before you start the whole study abroad process as a Nigerian student, it’s important you know what you want and why you’re choosing it.
If you’re are fresh graduate from the university, you can consider pursuing a master’s degree in a similar field related to the one you studied in school, which will align more with your academic and career goals if this is what to do full time.
On the other hand, if you’ve graduated for a while, ensure that the course you’re going for tallies with your work experience, as this is part of the things that will be looked at while you’re processing your admission. In addition to this, your course must also align with the in-demand skills of that country, especially if you plan to stay back, get a job, and settle there.
For instance, in Canada, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a federal immigration program under Canada’s Express Entry system designed for skilled workers with experience in eligible occupations. Depending on the country you’re looking to study, and your goals, ensure that your chosen course aligns with your long-term career goals.
When you’ve settled on the course choice, the next thing is to take it a step further by outlining a list of possible schools you’re looking at based on your location. If you’re looking forward to high-ranking schools, the QS world ranking can help streamline your search.
Step 2: Research the Requirements for Each School
Once you’ve chosen the school, the next step is to search for the requirements for each school. It’s important to understand what the school wants and research extra requirements. Schools have different admission requirements, and it’s mainly dependent on the courses, too. For master’s thesis courses, you need to have an approved supervisor from the school. However, course-based courses do not require this. As a study abroad counselor, I’d advise selecting a course-based course if you’re an international student, as getting a supervisor might not be easy. Typically, schools require the following documents:
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree, WAEC/NECO)
- Standardized tests (e.g., IELTS, SAT, GRE, TOEFL)
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement or Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- International passports
- Degree Certificate
- CV/Resume
Once you have made the necessary research and you have compiled a list of the requirements, the next step is to organize and prepare your documents. It’s important to have all these documents prepared beforehand so that the application will be seamless.
Step 3: Apply Through the Right Channels
Once you’ve prepared the necessary documents and listed the schools you want to apply to, the next step is to submit your applications through the right channels. While you can apply on your own, it’s often better to go through an experienced counselor who understands the process and can guide you through it.
When applying, double-check the deadlines and make sure to submit before the cut-off date. Some schools use a rolling admission system, meaning they review and decide on applications as they come in. Applying early increases your chances.
Also, pay attention to application fees. Some schools waive them for students from certain countries or have different fee structures. So take note of the deadlines, understand the fee requirements, and apply through the right channels.
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid
After submitting your application, the next step is to apply for scholarships or financial aid, especially if you’re not funding your studies yourself. Most schools offer different types of financial aid, and you can usually find the details on their websites. Keep in mind that you often need to submit your admission application before you can apply for any school-based scholarships.
You can also explore external scholarship options like DAAD, Chevening, Fulbright, and the Mastercard Foundation. These are usually fully funded and may cover tuition, airfare, accommodation, books, and even living expenses. However, they are highly competitive, so you’ll need a strong application and an excellent academic record.
While school-based scholarships are also competitive, they are usually less so than external ones. They might offer partial benefits like tuition discounts or accommodation support, depending on the specific scholarship.
Step 7: Prepare for Interviews if Required
Some schools may schedule interviews as part of the admission process, especially for competitive programs. These are usually held online and are often short and straightforward.
Take time to practice your responses to common questions about your academic background, career goals, and why you chose the school or program. Keep your answers clear and honest. Make sure your environment is quiet and distraction-free during the interview, and show up prepared, confident, and professional.
Step 8: Secure Your Admission and Begin the Visa Process
If your application is successful, the school will send you an offer letter. Once you accept the offer, you’ll receive official documents like a CAS or I-20, depending on the country you’re applying to.
As soon as you receive these documents, start your visa application process. Do not wait until the last minute. Make sure you understand the requirements and prepare everything you need, including your passport, financial proof, academic documents, and any forms specific to the country’s visa guidelines. Booking your visa interview and gathering your documents early can save you a lot of stress later.
Conclusion
Applying to study abroad takes time, planning, and patience. From preparing your documents to submitting applications and securing funding, each step matters. Stay organized, meet your deadlines, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Once your admission is secured and your visa approved, you’ll be one step closer to beginning a new chapter in your academic journey. Stay focused and take it one step at a time.