If you’re a student from West Africa who wants to study in the US but is concerned about passing the TOEFL or IELTS, you may be scared.
The good news is that WAEC English scores, which typically require a minimum grade of C6, are accepted by many US universities as evidence of your English competence.
Students from nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, where English is the official language, will primarily benefit from this.
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What is WAEC?
WAEC (West African Examinations Council) is the organization that administers the WASSCE, or West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
In Anglophone West Africa, it is the last test taken by secondary school graduates. You can fulfill the English language requirements of American universities with a strong WAEC English grade!
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Here Are Some U.S. Universities That Accept WAEC English:
Here’s a clear and organized table summarizing U.S. universities that accept WAEC English as proof of English proficiency, along with their application fees:
| # | University | WAEC English Accepted | Application Fee (USD) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Howard University | Yes – 5 credits including English | $45 | SSCE/GCE, NECO/WAEC or NABTEB accepted |
| 2 | University of Toledo | Yes | $75 | WAEC processed with transcripts |
| 3 | University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) | Yes – high scores preferred | $90 (intl), $75 (U.S.) | Requirements vary by program |
| 4 | Miami University (Ohio) | Yes | $70 | SAT optional but helpful for scholarships |
| 5 | Truman State University | Yes | Free | Additional scores like TOEFL/SAT encouraged |
| 6 | Georgia State University (GSU) | Yes | $60 | Must submit WAEC scratch card info |
| 7 | Western Illinois University (WIU) | Yes – C6 or better | $50 | TOEFL/IELTS may still be required |
| 8 | University of Central Missouri (UCM) | Yes – B3 or B2 required | $75 | Waiver applies for English-speaking countries |
| 9 | Missouri State University | Yes | $40 | Accepted if English is official language |
| 10 | Kent State University (KSU) | Yes – B3 or B2 required | $70 | WAEC card info must be uploaded |