Study in USA from Nigeria
The United States of America, or the USA, is a land of opportunities where thousands of people worldwide make the country their home as the reasons are many. Starting from its sophisticated education policies, home to popular world-class brands like Nike, Clavin-Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, etc., their generous health care policies, robust economic growth, higher employment rate, scenic places, beautiful falls like Niagara, fabulous climate, variety of cuisines and much more, the USA has a lot to offer. When talking about the US education system, it has an impressive record of degree holders and a prevailing employment rate that results in the country's strong economic growth. The government also accepts thousands of international students to study in their states to have a better quality of life.
In fact, the US stands first among the countries that provide equal importance to international students in terms of education and employment. The proof is that the government spends or invests most of its revenue in the education stream to provide quality education to its citizens and international students. That is why more than thousands of students flock to America to do their UG, PG or doctorate programs.
Why Study in USA from Nigeria?
For Nigerian students, the USA is the best place to study and explore the vast opportunities present in the country. Let us now see the compelling reasons that help Nigerian students to choose the USA as their top education destination.
- Excellent Academic System
- Flexible Education System
- Internships and Career Progress
- Vibrant Culture
- Get Specialised Services
- Technology-based Study
These factors are some of the top reasons that will help Nigerian students to choose and study in USA from Nigeria. Many other factors such as campus experience, diverse culture, work opportunities, a better quality of life, etc., highlight the solid reasons for students to study in the USA from Nigeria.
How to Study in USA as an International Student?
Before learning about the life of international students in America or how is the study in USA for International students, let us know about the interesting educational facts of the USA.
- The USA spends most of its revenue on giving quality education to better the students.
- The country ranks 5th in holding a large number of college degree holders. In other words, we can also say America has vast resources to provide education to millions of students.
- America has the most significant number of Asian international students apart from European or Southern American students.
- More than one million international students study in the US.
- It stands number one in hosting international students for providing their education.
- It ranks 14th in the students completing their “college education”, which means the US supports education for all.
How is the Education System
Intakes in USA for International Students
The Intake in USA generally happens in three seasons - Fall, Spring and Summer. During these times, applications are accepted, processed and streamlined. Students can apply for numerous courses in any season to study in USA.
The major intakes happen in;
- Fall - August to December
- Spring - January to April
- Summer - May to August
The Education System in USA consists of 12 years of school education starting from Grade 1 to Grade 12. After Grade 12, students advance to post-secondary education.
The academic year begins in August and continues till June in the US. The year is composed of three terms, also called Semesters. The first semester starts in August/September and goes till December. After the first semester, the US schools provide students with a short holiday break. The second semester begins in January and continues till May. The last semester is the holiday break. Generally, the school education system in the US is divided into primary and secondary education that starts in Kindergarten and ends in grade 12.
The elementary and secondary education system is the same across Northern America.
| Age | Type of School | Grade |
| 6 - 7 years | Elementary School | Kindergarten |
| 7 - 12 years | Elementary School | Grade 1 to 5 |
| 12 - 14 years | Middle School | Grade 6 to 8 |
| 14 to 18 years | High School | - |
Students after completing their high school, are eligible to receive their high school diploma. The secondary education is a must for students to enrol for post-secondary education. Public education in the US is generally free, but some fees may be collected for field trips, uniforms, books, etc.
Exams for USA
|
Exam
|
Exam Duration
|
Exam Fees
|
Number of Sections
|
Qualifying Score
|
|
American College Test (ACT)
|
3 hours 35 minutes
|
USD 162
|
Math, English, Reading, Science, Writing
|
22
|
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
|
3 hours 50 minutes
|
USD 103
|
Reading, Writing, Math
|
400 - 1600
|
|
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
|
General - 3 hours 45 minutes, Subject - 2 hours 50 minutes
|
USD 199
|
Analytical Writing,
|
160
|
|
Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for Law students
|
2 hours 20 minutes
|
USD 50
|
Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
|
150 to 160
|
|
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for Medical students
|
7 hours 30 minutes
|
USD 340
|
Biology, Physical Science, Psychology
|
500 -650
|
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
|
2 hours 30 minutes
|
USD 181
|
Speaking, Reading, Writing, Listening
|
600 to 900
|
|
Pearson English Test (PTE)
|
3 hours
|
USD 174 |
Speaking, Reading, Writing, Listening
|
600 to 900
|
What are the List of Universities in USA?
Below is a list of universities in USA which ranks among the top according to the QS ranking.
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Yale University
- Columbia University
- Princeton University
- Newyork University
- Pennsylvania University
Universities In USA
The US provides students with more than two intakes which allow students to enrol in august/ September known as the fall semester, January/February intake usually known as spring intake and Summer intake during May/august. The top universities in USA are 58 out of 100 and have some of the most prestigious universities like Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Cambridge and Massachusetts Institute of technology.
This is a list of universities in usa where students can pursue various degrees:
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Atlantis University
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California State University
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Colorado State University
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Concord University
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La Sierra University
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Lincoln University
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Manhattan College
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Manhattan Institute of Management
-
New York Film Academy
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University of California, San Diego
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Western New England University
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Wichita State University
What is the Average Cost to Study in USA?
The following table clearly explains the cost of study in USA.
|
Expenses |
Public Colleges (Two years) | Public Colleges - In-State (Four years) |
| Tuition and other expenses | $3660 | $10,230 |
| Room and Accommodation | $8660 | $11,140 |
What is the Average Cost of Living in USA?
The average cost of living in USA is disclosed through the following table.
|
List of things |
Monthly Expense |
| Accommodation | $200 |
| Electricity | $20 |
| Groceries | $150 |
| International Calling Cards | $15 |
| Home Internet | $15 |
| Cell Phone | $50 |
| Restaurant Meals | $75 |
| Entertainment | $100 |
| Car Insurance | $100 |
| Petrol for Car | $75 |
| Weekend Activities | $100 |
| Shopping | $100 |
Average Cost Of Studying In USA
The US has public colleges and universities, private colleges and universities, community colleges, vocational and technical career colleges. These prices can fluctuate and depend on the course chosen by the student.
| S.No | Courses | Cost in per Year BDT | Cost in USD |
| 1 | Community Colleges | 5,00,000 to 16,00,000 | $6,000 to $20,000 |
| 2 | Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | 16,00,000 to 34,00,000 | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| 3 | Postgraduate Master’s degree | 15,00,000 to 22,00,000 | $20,000 to $45,000 |
| 4 | Doctoral degree | 24,00,000 to 46,00,000 | $28,000 to $55,000 |
How working Student Visa from USA?
Let us first discuss the requirements to get a student visa from USA.
- A passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your stay.
- Passport size photographs that are recently taken.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page.
- Form I-20.
- Payment receipt of SEVIS.
- Non-Immigrant Application
Steps to Apply for Student Visa
- 1. Apply to a US College/University and get accepted.
- You will get your Form I-20 or DS -2019
- Should pay the I901 SEVIS Fee.
- Find a US Embassy or Consulate in your area.
- Fill out the Online form DS-160
- Get an appointment for your Visa Interview
- Be present for your Visa Interview
- Finally, pay the visa issuance fee.
Student Visa USA
The USA has visas like J1, F1, or M1 visas. The student visa fee is BDT 13760.00 ($160). The USA visa requirements are documents that show strong social, financial ties towards their home country that urge them to return to their home country.
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Register with AECC Global and talk with an education counsellor.
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Financial and other documents to support the students’ application and credible evidence of funds.
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M1 applicants must show the potential to pay the academic fees and living costs during their stay.
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Photocopies of bank statements and if the student is financially assisted by other people, proof of relationship to the sponsor, and the sponsors’ documents.
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Academic documents like English exams (TOEFL) or standard tests (SAT) must be provided to demonstrate scholastic preparation.
Health Insurance USA
Health Insurance in the USA is practiced like normal health insurance in any other country. It helps you get medical aid in an emergency situation where you won't have a huge amount at hand. The first step to getting Health Insurance in the USA is,
-
Buy a coverage plan at your job or through your/partner's job.
-
Get through your parent’s insurance plan if you are under 26.
-
Buy your health insurance plan directly from a health insurance company or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Health Insurance USA
The students must have overseas health insurance during their intended stay. The U.S department-state needs exchange visitors on a J-1 visa and their dependents on a J-2 visa to be covered by health insurance. F1 visas don’t require any government-related health insurance requirements to fulfil. However, they are supposed to have adequate health insurance. The universities also tend to have guidelines set that must be followed. The average cost for health insurance is around BDT 2500 to 12,000 ($30-$140)per month.
What are the Scholarships to Study in USA?
Below, we have listed the scholarships to study in USA from Nigeria.
- Fully Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships
- Fullbright Foreign Student Program in USA
- American UNiveristy Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)
- PEO International Peace Scholarships for Women
- AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women
- Knight Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
- ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing countries in Asia and Pacific.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowships in USA for INternational students.
What are the Popular Courses in USA
Let us now see the Courses in USA for International students to study in USA.
- Engineering
- Business and Management
- Math and Computer Science
- Social Sciences
- Physical and Life Sciences
- Fine and Applied Arts
- Intensive English
- Health and Allied Sciences
- Communications/Journalism
- Education
- Humanities
- Legal Studies/Law
- Agriculture
Scholarships In USA
The U.S offers multiple scholarships and grants to support students through their entire journey. The scholarships for foreign students in usa include a Community college initiative program that provides up to one year at a U.S community college where students improve their technical skills through service learning, internships, and on-field learning. The Foreign Fulbright Student Program is a scholarship for masters in the USA or PhD programs.
The Microsoft Scholarships undergraduate scholarship in USA for Nigeria students applicable to computer science or STEM disciplines. The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation grants to Nigeria students applying for a master programme with high academic scores in the areas of science, humanities applied sciences, law, pure science, architecture, social science and management. There are other scholarships like Inlaks Scholarships awarded to individuals under 30 registering for graduate courses, Humphrey Fellowship Program, and Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship.
