How to Study in Nigeria for International Students
Situated in West Africa, Nigeria is widely regarded as a prominent center of education and is home to internationally recognized universities offering diverse academic and research fields. Studying in Nigeria will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich African culture while gaining a high-quality education. It will also expose you to real-world situations and challenges that will help develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Nigeria currently has 156 universities, from which 91 universities are a part of the public sector and 65 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 Nigeria you should definitely check out are University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and University of Port Harcourt.
Being able to study in Nigeria 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 Nigeria, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Nigeria
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Nigeria, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 30,000 NGN to 3,867,400 NGN, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 0 NGN and 8,400,000 NGN.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Nigeria
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Nigeria, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Plateau State University | 90,000 NGN | |
| Crown Hill University | 204,000 NGN - 235,500 NGN | |
| Modibbo Adama University, Yola | 200,000 NGN | 250,000 NGN - 400,000 NGN |
| Legacy University Okija | 138,000 NGN | |
| Yobe State University | 30,000 NGN - 35,000 NGN | 161,700 NGN - 254,100 NGN |
| Admiralty University Of Nigeria | 420,000 NGN - 700,000 NGN | |
| Adamawa State University | 30,000 NGN | |
| Edo State University Uzairue | 460,400 NGN - 1,864,700 NGN | 220,000 NGN - 250,000 NGN |
| Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike | 144,000 NGN - 216,000 NGN | 104,000 NGN - 154,000 NGN |
| University of Medical Sciences | 100,000 NGN - 2,245,000 NGN | |
| University of Africa | 60,000 NGN | |
| Benue State University | 14,100 NGN - 51,800 NGN | |
| Technical University | 400,000 NGN | |
| Ambrose Alli University | 132,300 NGN - 185,000 NGN | 132,300 NGN - 185,000 NGN |
| Bingham University | 250,000 NGN - 500,000 NGN | |
| Bayero University Kano | 100,000 NGN - 600,000 NGN | 190,000 NGN - 415,000 NGN |
| Veritas University | 380,000 NGN - 930,000 NGN | 605,000 NGN - 850,000 NGN |
| Skyline University Nigeria | 1,815,000 NGN - 2,145,000 NGN | |
| Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto | 120,000 NGN - 137,000 NGN | |
| University of Ibadan | 667,500 NGN - 1,104,800 NGN | 920,700 NGN - 2,301,800 NGN |
| University of Port Harcourt | 127,500 NGN - 162,500 NGN | |
| Osun State University | 130,000 NGN - 155,000 NGN |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Nigeria
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Oduduwa University | 390,000 NGN | 100,000 NGN |
| Mcpherson University | 70,000 NGN - 630,000 NGN | 70,000 NGN - 85,000 NGN |
| Wellspring University | 380,000 NGN - 1,000,000 NGN | 300,000 NGN - 350,000 NGN |
| Precious Cornerstone University | 250,000 NGN - 270,000 NGN | |
| Augustine University | 2,237,300 NGN - 2,678,800 NGN | |
| Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences | 2,200,000 NGN | |
| Christopher University | 200,000 NGN - 535,000 NGN | |
| Evangel University Akaeze | 140,000 NGN | |
| Obong University | 90,000 NGN - 200,000 NGN | |
| Paul University | 190,000 NGN | |
| Bowen University | 231,900 NGN - 970,000 NGN | |
| Kwararafa University | 170,000 NGN - 215,000 NGN | |
| Ritman University | 450,000 NGN | |
| Clifford University | 450,000 NGN - 855,000 NGN | |
| KolaDaisi University | 282,000 NGN - 700,000 NGN | |
| Al Qalam University Katsina | 157,400 NGN - 270,500 NGN | 332,000 NGN - 436,000 NGN |
| Arthur Jarvis University | 500,000 NGN - 1,200,000 NGN | |
| Atiba University | 200,000 NGN - 500,000 NGN | |
| Coal City University | 298,300 NGN | |
| Michael and Cecilia Ibru University | 250,000 NGN - 350,000 NGN | |
| Glorious Vision University | 260,000 NGN - 520,000 NGN | 250,000 NGN - 300,000 NGN |
| Summit University Offa | 350,000 NGN | |
| Crescent University Abeokuta | 280,000 NGN - 1,500,000 NGN | |
| Kings University | 225,000 NGN - 275,000 NGN | |
| Baze University | 2,994,600 NGN - 3,327,400 NGN | 2,300,000 NGN |
| Caleb University | 409,000 NGN | 470,000 NGN - 870,000 NGN |
| Southwestern University, Nigeria | 700,000 NGN | 400,000 NGN - 440,000 NGN |
| Igbinedion University Okada | 215,000 NGN - 1,315,000 NGN | |
| Achievers University, Owo | 500,000 NGN - 1,000,000 NGN | 500,000 NGN |
| Dominican University Ibadan | 470,000 NGN | |
| Caritas University | 220,000 NGN - 390,000 NGN | |
| Madonna University Nigeria | 229,000 NGN - 2,000,000 NGN | |
| African University of Science and Technology | 1,500,000 NGN | 3,019,300 NGN |
| Redeemer’s University | 582,000 NGN - 1,447,000 NGN | 0 NGN - 180,000 NGN |
| Ajayi Crowther University | 200,000 NGN - 1,500,000 NGN | 300,000 NGN - 650,000 NGN |
| Benson Idahosa University | 466,000 NGN - 1,864,500 NGN | 466,000 NGN - 1,864,500 NGN |
| Afe Babalola University | 258,000 NGN - 2,000,000 NGN | |
| Bells University of Technology, Ota | 412,500 NGN | 390,000 NGN - 585,000 NGN |
| Al-Hikmah University | 43,000 NGN - 56,000 NGN | 150,000 NGN - 250,000 NGN |
| Elizade University | 305,000 NGN - 1,125,000 NGN | |
| Lead City University, Ibadan | 200,000 NGN - 2,500,000 NGN | 300,000 NGN - 1,500,000 NGN |
| Rhema University | 138,000 NGN | |
| Nile University of Nigeria | 2,400,000 NGN - 2,800,000 NGN | 1,200,000 NGN - 1,600,000 NGN |
| Godfrey Okoye University | 291,200 NGN - 695,000 NGN | 291,200 NGN - 695,000 NGN |
| Babcock University | 375,500 NGN - 739,500 NGN | 600,000 NGN - 750,000 NGN |
| Pan-Atlantic University | 3,324,300 NGN - 3,867,400 NGN | 1,793,200 NGN - 8,400,000 NGN |
| Adeleke University | 885,800 NGN - 1,572,800 NGN | |
| American University of Nigeria | 2,220,000 NGN - 3,192,000 NGN | 990,000 NGN - 1,375,000 NGN |
| Covenant University | 225,800 NGN - 427,500 NGN |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Nigeria, check out the Cheap Universities in Nigeria!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Nigeria for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Nigeria 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 Nigeria.
Application Procedure to Study in Nigeria
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Nigeria have online applications available on their websites, like University of Ibadan and University of Lagos. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Nigeria.
University of Ibadan
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
University of Lagos
- Official Website
- Domestic Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic Master's Admissions Page
- International Master's Admissions Page
University of Port Harcourt
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 Nigeria 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 Nigeria.
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 Nigeria
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Nigeria. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Nigeria as an international student.
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 Nigeria, 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 Nigeria. 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!