Are you a Nigerian student aspiring to study in the USA? That’s a fantastic idea. Studying in the United States is a dream for many Nigerian students because of access to world-class education, advanced research facilities, etc. It’s a great idea, but the journey can be daunting both financially and procedurally.One of the biggest challenges students face is the high cost of applications, tuition, and the complex visa process.
Fortunately, several universities in the United States waive application fees and offer low tuition deposits. In this post, we’ll guide you through the path to achieving your dreams by identifying U.S. universities with no application fees, as well as providing a step-by-step guide to securing a U.S. study visa as a Nigerian student.
U.S. Universities with No Application fees and Minimal Deposits
Before diving into specific universities , it’s important to know what these fees entail:
Application Fees : Most U.S universities application fees range between $45-$100. For students applying to multiple schools that can be quite a lot especially with the current exchange rate challenging facing the Naira.
Tuition Deposits : After acceptance,most universities would require a deposit to secure your spot in the incoming class. These deposits generally range from $100 to as far as $1500 and are usually credited toward your first semester’s tuition.
Below is a list of universities in the US with no application fee.
- University of Vermont : Vermont’s is a public research university based in Burlington ,Vermont that offers an opportunity for its undergraduate studies student to waive their application fee by applying during Early Action or Early Decision application.
- Loyola university New Orleans : This Jesuit institution located in Chicago, Illinois offers application fees waiver for international students demonstrating financial need.
- Bryn Mawr College : This renowned private women’s liberal art college located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania allows students to apply directly through their website without application fee.
- Colby College: This maine-based liberal arts college has eliminated application fees for all applicants.
- Thomas Aquinas College : a liberal arts college in Santa Paula, California allows you to apply without paying application fees.
- Ursinus College : a private college located in College ville, Pennsylvania application fee is free if done online.
- Carleton College : is a private liberal arts college located in Minnesota. Carleton offers fee waivers upon request for international applicants with financial constraints.
- Wellesley College : Another prestigious women’s college that provides fee waivers for applicants with financial needs.
- De Anza College : Located in California’s Silicon valley with no application fee
- DePauw University : is a private liberal arts college in Greencastle, Indiana with no application fee
- Denison University: A private liberal arts university located in Granville, Ohio. No application fee required.
- Reed College : a private college located in Denver, Colorado. No application fee required
- University of St. Thomas Minnesota : a public university located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Application fee is free if done online.
- Michigan Technological University : is a top public research university known for its strong STEM programs. Located in Houghton,Michigan,does not require application fee
- Saint Louis University : a private Jesuit research university in Missouri, offers a strong academic foundation in healthcare, research and business. No application fee required.
- Grinnell College : is a private liberal arts college based in Grinnell, Lowa. No application fee is required.
- Trinity University : is a private university in San Antonio, Texas that does not require you to pay an application fee.
- University of Dayton : is a private Roman catholic university and the second-largest private university in Ohio.
- Gustavus Adolphus College : is a private liberal arts university located in St. Petre, Minnesota. It is totally free to apply.
How to Get a USA Study Visa as a Nigerian
It’s the dream of most Nigerian students to study in the United States, but getting a visa can be quite challenging. In this section, we’ll walk you through all the necessary things you need to know about getting a U.S student visa.
The first step in turning your dream to reality is picking the ideal student visa based on your educational goals. The US offers different visa types with each designed to address specific educational goals, whether for a short course or undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Understanding these visa types is critical because this will tell you what to do and prepare you for a successful application.
Let’s take a look at the various options available.
F Visa
The F visa is a type of visa designed for non-immigrant students that allows foreigners to pursue full time academic studies programs like Medicine, Engineering etc at colleges, universities, seminaries and conservatories.There are three types of F Visas.
- F-1 visas for full-time students
- F-2 visas are for dependents (i.e spouses and children of F-1 visa holder)
- F-3 visas are for border commuters, who stay in their home country while studying part-time or full-time in the US. They are granted only to Mexicans or Canadians.
The duration of stay is for the length of your academic program plus 60 days. Students with F-1 visas can only work for 20 hrs per week on-campus during their first year and potentially off-campus through Optional practical training (OPT).
M Visa
The M Visa is the second type of US student visa for international students who desire to pursue vocational and non academic studies. This visa is for vocational study programs like creative arts & Design , culinary arts, cosmetology etc in a US institution. Just like the F Visa, there are 3 types of M visa.
- M-1 visa for students pursuing a vocational or non-academic studies
- M-2 visa for dependents of M-1 visa holders
- M-3 for border commuters
The duration of stay is for the length of your vocational program plus 30 days. M-1 visa holders can’t work on or off-campus while studying and can’t change their visa status to F-1.
J visa
The J visa is the third type of US student visa. It is a non-immigrant visa that allows temporary entry for exchange students under a sponsorship program. This visa is for exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange. The J Visa is usually for short-term cultural exchange programs that are often sponsored by governments or international organizations. There are 2 types of J visa.
- J-1 Visa for exchange participating in programs that promote cultural exchange.
- J-2 visa for dependents of J-1 visa holders
The duration of stay is the length of the exchange program plus 30 days.
Nigerian students studying in the US on an F1 or academic J1 visa can renew their visa without an interview. For them to qualify for this process, they must be physically present in Nigeria, renewing a student visa that is still valid or that has expired within the past 24 months.
USA Student Visa Requirement
Nigerian students who want to study in the US need to know what it entails to have a successful visa application. The application process can be challenging but it becomes easier with adequate preparation. Knowledge of the requirements is the start of a successful application. Getting all the requirements and documents ready in advance can greatly increase the chances of getting a visa.
Here are the documents needed to get a US study visa:
- Valid Passport
- Completed DS-160 Form
- Payment of the visa application fee
- Recent passport-sized photographs as per specification
- I-20 Form issued by the US school
- Financial proof demonstrating ability to cover educational,living and travel costs.
- Ties to Nigeria – demonstrating intent to return post study
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Standardised test score required by the educational institution
- Interview appointment confirmation
How to apply for a USA student Visa from Nigeria
This is a step by step guide on how to apply for a US Student Visa from Nigeria :
- Get your admission documents from the SEVP institution.
- Apply online by completing the DS-160 form.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 application fee
- Schedule your visa interview
- Submit the file along with the relevant visa documents
- Attend the interview for a student visa
Visa Interview Tips
The visa interview is a critical component of the application process. It is important to prepare well so as not to be rejected. Here are a few preparation strategy :
- Research your program thoroughly. Be able to explain why you chose this specific institution. Know everything there is to know about the curriculum, faculty and program requirements and how this education fits your career path
- Practice common interview questions like Why did you choose this university and program? How will you finance your education? What are your plans after completing your studies? How will the degree benefit your career in your home country?
- Organize your documents well.
- During the Interview, speak clearly and confidently.
Cost of USA Student Visa
Each visa type has its set of fees and they vary. Below is an overview of the visa fees for Nigerian students.
| Types of Visa | Average Fee (in USD) |
|---|---|
| F1 Visa | $160 |
| M1 Visa | $160 |
| J1 Visa | $180 |
English Proficiency Test for US Student Visa
English proficiency is a requirement for individuals who wish to study in the US. The degree of English required varies by program. To study in the United States, you have to demonstrate your fluency in English. For Nigerian students, it is an essential requirement that enables them to understand and communicate effectively in an academic environment.
| Level of study | English skill level | Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Nigerian students are expected to pass standardized tests. English Language proficiency tests are TOEFL,IELTS, MELAB and PTE1. | TOEFL : 80 (minimum score required : 65), IELTS : 6.5 (minimum score required : 6.0) |
| Graduate / Masters | Nigerian students are expected to pass standardized tests. English Language proficiency tests are TOEFL,IELTS, MELAB and PTE. | TOEFL : 80 (minimum score required : 65), IELTS : 6.5 (minimum score required : 6.0) |
| Nigerian students are expected to pass standardized tests. English Language proficiency tests are TOEFL,IELTS, MELAB and PTE. | TOEFL : 90 -100 (minimum score required : 65), IELTS : 6.5 – 9 (minimum score required : 6.0) |
If you are accepted into an SEVP-certified USA university or college degree program, a separate Intensive English Program (IEP) may not be required.
Processing Time for the USA Student Visa
The processing time for a US student Visa for Nigerian students varies. However, it is advisable to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.
| Visa type | 50% Applications finalised within | 75% applications finalised within | 90% Application finalised within |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 3-5 days | 10 days | 15 days |
| M1 | 4-6 days | 11 days | 16 days |
| J1 | 5-7 days | 12 days | 17 days |
USA Student Visa Rejection
It is important to note that while your dream to study in the USA is strong, there are some reasons why your visa could be rejected. Some of these reasons are insufficient financial proof, insufficient proof of ties to Nigeria, inadequate academic performance and failure to indicate an intent to return home after completing your studies.
If for any reason your visa is denied, you can reapply or appeal the decision.
How to Avoid Visa Denial
Here are a few things to note to avoid your visa from being denied.
- Maintain a consistent back history for 6-8 months minimum
- Provide diverse financial documentation and include sponsor documentation with relationship proof
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country
- Review all documents for consistency before submission
- Research common visa interview questions and practice well
Conclusion
Studying in the United States as a Nigerian student comes with some challenges; however, it is possible to achieve this goal through careful planning and strategy. By targeting colleges that do not require application fees, selecting colleges that have low deposit expectations, and being well-informed about the visa procedures, you can greatly increase your chances of schooling abroad.
Remember that persistence is key,many successful Nigerian students already studying in the U.S. faced and overcame the same obstacles. With determination, careful planning, and utilization of available resources, you too can join them and gain access to the world-class education of American universities.
The process may be difficult; however, the possible rewards like improved education, international networking possibilities, and improved employment opportunities make it worthwhile.
