How to Study in Abuja for International Students
Abuja, one of the beautiful cities in Nigeria, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Abuja currently has 5 universities, from which 2 universities are a part of the public sector and 3 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Abuja you should definitely check out are University of Abuja, African University of Science and Technology, and Nile University of Nigeria.
Being able to study in Abuja as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Abuja, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Abuja
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Abuja, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 380,000 NGN to 3,327,400 NGN, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 605,000 NGN and 3,019,300 NGN.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Abuja
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Abuja, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Veritas University | 380,000 NGN - 930,000 NGN | 605,000 NGN - 850,000 NGN |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Abuja
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Baze University | 2,994,600 NGN - 3,327,400 NGN | 2,300,000 NGN |
| African University of Science and Technology | 1,500,000 NGN | 3,019,300 NGN |
| Nile University of Nigeria | 2,400,000 NGN - 2,800,000 NGN | 1,200,000 NGN - 1,600,000 NGN |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Abuja, check out the Cheap Universities in Abuja!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Abuja for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Abuja might require you to complete an online application and submit your academic records, such as a transcript or diploma from your previous school.
On top of the general paperwork you need to complete, specific program levels might require you to prepare additional documents. For example, some master’s programs require applicants to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Other specialized programs, such as medicine and the MBA, might require you to pass an admission test before you can apply.
Finally, you’ll need to get your travel documents ready, like your passport and visa, in order to travel to Abuja.
Application Procedure to Study in Abuja
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Abuja have online applications available on their websites, like University of Abuja and African University of Science and Technology. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Abuja.
University of Abuja
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
African University of Science and Technology
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Nile University of Nigeria
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Abuja differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Abuja.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Abuja
If you’re going to study in Abuja, you will need to apply for a student visa in Nigeria
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Nigeria. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a R7A Visa. R7A Visa.
To start your student visa application in Abuja, you will need to present the following:
- A copy of your valid passport with at least 2 blank visa pages for endorsement
- Admission Letter from an accredited institution
- Formal application for the R7A Student Visa
- Proof of payment of the required minimum tuition fee from your chosen institution
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Nigeria is 160 USD. 160 USD.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Visit Nigeria’s Immigration official website.
- Complete the online application form found on their official website
- Submit and upload the necessary requirements
- Make sure to pay the application fee and submit the payment slip online.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Abuja. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!