How To Study Abroad From Nigeria (Practical Guide)

The Nigerian tertiary education system is been plagued with incessant strike actions, exploitation, cultism, sexual violence and a myriad of other problems. You might think this is enough already but no it isn’t, the process of gaining admission into these institutions are a herculean task. This chaotic state of the system has forced many to consider the option of migrating to the west for studies and for a hitch free quality education. If you’re in this category, simply follow this guide to learn how to study abroad and get that admission in any foreign university of your choice.

Note: Asides the first bullet, the rest are not listed in any other of priority. Reason being that, all of them are paramount in the process of gaining foreign admission. You can’t forgo any for the sake of the other.

• Get Your Relevant Credentials In Place

Whether you are a high school leaver or a degree holder, be sure to have your necessary school credentials intact. For secondary school graduates, ensure to obtain the original copy of your WAEC certificate. For University graduates going in for post graduate studies get your university transcripts from your school as you prepare.

Most times there are bottlenecks associated with getting these transcripts. That’s why you have to get it on time before it poses as a hurdle against your dreams to study abroad.

• Obtain An International Passport

This should have been the first, but if you don’t own any credentials, no foreign school will listen to you. Now that you are rest assured your certificates are in order, proceed to get an International Passport. You can get one in any Nigeria Immigration Office in your state. You’ll be required to give them details about yourself, two passports and a fee that ranges from about N15,000 to N30,000.

The need for this International passport cannot be overemphasized. It’s your first identity card as a foreign student Without it, you can’t be granted any visa whatsoever and it’ll limit your access to international doors.

• Search For Your Choice School On The Web

Google should be your best friend in this. By now you should have decided on the country and university you want to study in but in case you’ve not, take out the liberty to browse through foreign universities and make a pick out of the lot. When doing this, pay rapt details to the cost of living in that country which includes; accommodation, feeding, transportation, bills et al. Also weigh the tuition fees and know the ones you can afford.

Countries like Finland, Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, Greece, Cyprus, Poland offer education at relatively affordable rates compared to their American and Asian counter parts.  You should also put into cognizance the reputation of the universities as well as their reception to Nigerian and African students.

• Get Acquainted With Their Admission Requirements

After your search and considerations are complete, take the time to familiarize yourselves with the admission requirements and procedures of the school. Admission requirements vary in various foreign ivory towers, some will require you to get a TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) even though they are aware you are from Nigeria, an Anglophone (English Speaking) country while some won’t bother. Generally most of their requirements will include internationally recognized exam scores like;

• GMAT (varies, majorly for management students)
• TOEFL (Varies, required majorly in the US & Canada)
• SAT (varies)
• WAEC results (Very necessary)
• University transcript (necessary)
• Recommendation letter (necessary)
• IELTS (varies, required in the UK)
• GRE (For post graduates studies)

The requirements are not limited to the aforementioned alone. They could ask of other certificates from you, but the above mentioned are the most vital ones. If you have a high score in the GRE you stand a chance to gain a scholarship and health insurance. The GRE is limited to graduate studies only. Your CGPA also counts.

It’s pertinent you check their requirements in that area. For most schools, it’s either a 2.1 for post graduate studies or nothing. While some can condone a 2.2 but then, your GMAT or GRE should be higher if you’re deficient in CGPA.

• You Can Now Apply

This is the point where you are free to submit your application via the schools website. There are applications charges which you’ll be expected to pay. There are application deadlines too, so you have to be on the know and apply early before the window runs out.

If your application is accepted, you’ll get an admission letter or invitation letter from the school which you’ll use to process your Visa. This letter can be renewed in a scenario where you couldn’t get your Visa on time.

• Process Your Visa

You can now proceed to the embassy or consulate as the case maybe and apply for a student visa. This also has a cost price. You’ll be invited for a visa interview after the application has been forwarded to the embassy. If you really want to fast track this and every other process, you can involve a “Study Abroad” agency to help you out.

Finally, if you know you’re clever, you can apply for a state or federal government’s scholarship abroad. This case, you don’t have to spend more or fret your nerves out. The only trouble you’ll go through is just about writing the scholarship test and scaling through, and like I said, if you’re pretty clever it will just be like a walk in the park. Your tuition, admission, accommodation and lots of other needs are covered by the government during your time in any country you are to school in. wish you all the best

Acronyms used and their meanings

GMAT –   Graduate Management Admission Test

GRE –      General Records Examination

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

SAT –       Scholastic Aptitude Test

IELTS –  International English Language Testing Service.