Are you a foreign student looking to study in Nigeria in 2025/2026? Nigeria, with its vibrant academic community and affordable education, is a popular destination for international students. This guide will walk you through the admission process, document requirements, available entry pathways (including Direct Entry, IJMB, and JUPEB), and provide detailed information on top federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria, including their courses and school fees.

Why Study in Nigeria?

Nigeria offers a unique opportunity for international students seeking affordable, quality education. Some of the key reasons to study in Nigeria include:

• Affordable Education: Compared to many Western universities, Nigerian universities offer competitive tuition fees.
• Diverse Programs: Nigerian universities offer a wide range of courses, from engineering and law to medicine, social sciences, arts, and more.
• Cultural Immersion: Students are immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, gaining exposure to African traditions and practices.
• Growing Reputation: Nigerian universities are gaining global recognition for their academic excellence and research contributions.
• Top Best Universities In Africa: Nigeria is home to some of the top best and first set of schools in Africa

Who Qualifies as a “Foreign Student”?

You are considered a foreign or international student if:

• You are not a Nigerian citizen.
• You hold a non-Nigerian passport.
• You are applying from outside Nigeria and wish to study at a Nigerian institution.

Admission Requirements for International Students

As a foreign student, you need to meet certain requirements to gain admission into Nigerian universities. These include academic qualifications, language proficiency, and visa requirements.

1. Academic Qualifications

International students need to meet the following academic qualifications:

• High School Certificate Equivalent to Nigerian SSCE/WAEC: International students must provide proof of secondary education (such as A-Levels, IB, or a high school diploma) that is equivalent to Nigeria’s Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
• Minimum of Five Credits: Including English Language and Mathematics. Other subjects depend on the course of study.

2. Language Proficiency

If you are from a non-English-speaking country, you must provide proof of English proficiency. Some Nigerian universities may accept English proficiency from your previous education or require specific tests, such as:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

NOTE: These are for non-English speaking countries.

3. Direct Entry Pathways: IJMB and JUPEB

International students can take advantage of the IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) or JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board) programs to gain direct entry into the second year (200-level) of their chosen courses. These programs are recognized by many Nigerian universities and allow students to bypass the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination).

Visa & Immigration Requirements

Once you have been admitted to a Nigerian university, you will need a R7A Student Visa to study in the country. Here are the documents and steps involved in obtaining the visa:

Required Documents for Student Visa:

• Official Admission Letter: From the Nigerian university where you have been admitted.
• Valid Passport: With at least 2 blank pages for the visa stamp.
• Proof of Financial Support: You will need to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in Nigeria.
• Proof of Accommodation: If the university does not provide on-campus accommodation, you may need to show evidence of off-campus housing arrangements.

Applying for a Student Visa:

1. Complete the Visa Application Form: Available on the Nigerian Immigration website.
2. Pay Visa Fee: Proof of payment must be submitted with your application.
3. Schedule Appointment: After submitting the application form, schedule an appointment at the Nigerian Embassy or consulate for an interview.
4. Submit Documents: Submit your documents for review and approval.

Step-by-Step Admission Process for International Students

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to apply and gain admission to a Nigerian university:

Step 1: Research Universities

• Start by researching Nigerian universities that offer the course(s) you are interested in. Visit their official websites and check their admission requirements for foreign students.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

• Gather your academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), passport, recommendation letters, and any other supporting documents required by the university.

Step 3: Apply Online

• Most Nigerian universities have an online portal for international student applications. Submit your completed application along with all required documents.

Step 4: Entry via UTME/Direct Entry

• If you have international qualifications like A-Levels or IB, you can apply through Direct Entry. Alternatively, take the IJMB or JUPEB programs for entry into 200-level.

Step 5: Receive Admission Offer

• If you are successful, the university will send you an official admission letter, which you will use to apply for your student visa.

Step 6: Apply for a Student Visa (R7A)

• With your admission letter and other required documents, apply for a student visa at the Nigerian embassy or consulate.

Step 7: Travel and Enroll

• Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Nigeria, finalize your enrollment at the university, and begin your studies.

Tip: To enter Nigeria, you must have a signed and authorized letter of appointment or admission specifying the purpose of your visit, with your full name as it appears on your travel documents. If you are arriving as a student or employee of a university, ensure that you bring valid travel documents and a visa or entry permit (for foreign nationals and Commonwealth citizens). The visa or permit should be endorsed with an STR VISA/ENTRY PERMIT (i.e., Subject to Regulation), allowing you to update your immigration status once granted entry.

For ECOWAS citizens, you need to present valid travel documents and an offer of employment or admission letter from the University of Ilorin. At the point of entry, you will receive a visitor’s pass valid for up to 90 days. During this period, you must report to immigration authorities to upgrade your status as either a university employee or student.

If you are participating in an Exchange Programme, you will need an invitation letter from the University Authorities to assist with your visa/permit application at the Nigerian Embassy. Additionally, ensure you have a valid travel document before your visa approval is granted by the embassy abroad.

Top 15 Most Expensive Private University In Nigeria

Top Federal, State & Private Universities Welcoming Foreigners

Below are some of the leading Nigerian universities in peaceful and safe states that admit international students, along with their courses, website/contact details, and anticipated tuition fees.

Federal Universities

1. University of Lagos (UniLag), Lagos: One of Nigeria’s largest and most prestigious universities. Offers diverse programs across agriculture, sciences, engineering, humanities, and law. Requires WAEC-equivalent, five credits, and minimum UTME-equivalent scores. https://unilag.edu.ng

2. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State: University of Ilorin is a federal government-owned public research university in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The university’s main campus sits on an expansive area of land, about 5,000 hectares in the ancient city of Ilorin; making it the largest university in Nigeria and one of the largest in Africa by landmass. Public research university with more than 100 programs. Noted for high foreign student enrollment. Offers professional, science, arts, and education programs. https://www.unilorin.edu.ng

3. University Of Ibadan ( UI ) Oyo State: The University of Ibadan (UI) is a public university situated in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Originally established as the University College Ibadan in 1948, it operated as an affiliate of the University of London. In 1962, it gained independence and became a fully autonomous institution, making it the oldest degree-awarding university in Nigeria. https://www.ui.edu.ng/

4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Osun State: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is one of Nigeria’s earliest and most impactful universities. The University is situated on a vast expanse of land totaling 11,861 hectares in Ile-Ife, Osun State. https://oauife.edu.ng

5. Federal University Oye Ekiti ( Fuoye ) Ekiti State: Federal University Oye Ekiti is a government-owned and operated Nigerian university. The university has two campuses located in the ancient cities of Oye-Ekiti and Ikole-Ekiti respectively. https://fuoye.edu.ng

6. Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Ondo State: The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is an internationally recognized Nigerian university and is located in Akure, Ondo State. https://www.futa.edu.ng

7. Federal University of Agriculture ( FUNNAB ) Abeokuta: The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, or FUNAAB, was established on January 1, 1988, by the Federal Government . The university has 351 academic programmes made up of 30 undergraduate programmes, 321 graduate programmes which include 31 Postgraduate diploma programmes. https://funaab.edu.ng

State Universities

1. Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos State
Lagos State University is a state-owned university established by the Lagos State government in 1983. Its main campus is situated at Ojo, with sub-campuses at Ikeja and Epe. The university was set up “for the advancement of learning and establishment of academic excellence. Lauded for academic excellence and ranked among top emerging universities. Offers degree programs across management, sciences, law, and arts. https://lasu.edu.ng/home

2. Kwara State University ( Kwasu ) Kwara State: Kwara State University, is a public state research university located in Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria. It is the 77th university to be registered by the NUC, and the 95th university to be recognized in Nigeria. The university has about 60 academic departments spread across 11 faculties. https://kwasu.edu.ng

3. Ekiti State University ( EKSU ): Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti is a state government owned and operated Nigerian university, located in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. It was established as Obafemi Awolowo University, Ado-Ekiti on 30 March 1982 by the administration of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the first civilian governor of Ondo State. https://eksu.edu.ng

4. Osun State University: Osun State University is a multi-campus university in Nigeria, established by Osun State Government under the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The University currently operates six campuses distributed across the six administrative zones of the state. https://www.uniosun.edu.ng

5. Ladoke Akintola University ( Lautech ): Ladoke Akintola University of Technology is a public research institution located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. The institution is owned by both Oyo and Osun state government. https://www.lautech.edu.ng

6.Olabisi Onabanjo University : Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye is a state-owned university located in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. https://oouagoiwoye.edu.ng

Private Universities

1. American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola
A leading private development university modeled after U.S. institutions. Offers programs across arts, sciences, IT, law, engineering, and health sciences. Known for a thriving international student community American University of Nigeria

2. Covenant University, Ota
Strong focus on quality, leadership, and ethical grounding. Welcomes international students with dedicated admissions, scholarships, and visa support covenantuniversity.edu.ng.

3. Nile University, Abuja
Innovative private institution offering multidisciplinary courses including engineering, IT, management, law, and health sciences nileuniversity.edu.ng.

4. Mountain Top University, Ogun State
Recognized for holistic education and strong research orientation across arts and sciences mtu.edu.ng.

5. Wigwe University: Wigwe University in Rivers State is currently the most expensive university in Nigeria, with tuition fees set at $8,000 (approximately N12 million). The accommodation fees range from $2,351 (about N3.5 million) to $2,583 (around N3.845 million). https://www.wigweuniversity.edu.ng

6. Al-Hikmah University Ilorin: Al-Hikmah University is an Islamic university located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. It was founded in 2005 by AbdulRaheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation based in Nigeria and World Assembly of Muslim Youths based in Jeddah. . Al–Hikmah Is Ranked as the 1st Private University in Kwara by KWACCIMA. Top 2nd in Kwara, 3rd in North-Central, Nigeria in the 2025. https://alhikmahuniversity.edu.ng/

7. Lead City University: The Lead City University of Ibadan, also known as LCU, is a private university located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The first private University in the city of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. https://www.lcu.edu.ng

8. Afe Babalola University: Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) is a private university located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. It was founded by Afe Babalola in 2009. The university is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in law and medicine, and for its focus on practical and entrepreneurial skills. https://www.abuad.edu.ng

9. Babcock University Ogun state: Babcock University is a faith based educational institution that integrates the totality of the Christian faith side by side with the academic programme. The university is located at Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria equidistant between Ibadan and Lagos. https://babcock.edu.ng

10. Bowen University Osun State: Bowen University is a private Baptist Christian university situated in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. Affiliated with the Nigerian Baptist Convention, it stands as Africa’s largest Baptist university, where excellence and godliness come together to shape outstanding individuals. https://bowen.edu.ng

11. Ajayi Crowder University Oyo State: The Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo was established by the Supra Diocesan Board (West) of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). https://acu.edu.ng

12. Kola-Daisi University Oyo State: KolaDaisi University is a private university in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It is associated with the KolaDaisi Foundation. KolaDaisi University, after approval by the Federal Executive Council, was licensed by the National Universities Commission to operate as a private university in November 2016. https://koladaisiuniversity.edu.ng

Tuition Fees for International Students

• Federal/State universities: International tuition typically ranges from US$350–$600 per session, varying by program and institution.
• Private universities: Usually between US$3,000–$8,000 per year, depending on prestige and program.

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Conclusion

Studying in Nigeria offers a rewarding educational experience, with its affordable tuition fees, diverse courses, and rich cultural immersion. With proper research, preparation, and understanding of the admission process, international students can gain admission into top Nigerian universities. Make sure you meet the academic qualifications, submit the required documents, and follow the correct visa process to start your educational journey in Nigeria.

In need of any assistance, do not fail to contact us. Best Of Luck