In recent years, the number of Nigerian students seeking quality higher education abroad has significantly increased. This trend is driven by factors such as limited admission capacity in Nigerian universities, a poor perception of the education system, and the desire to acquire internationally recognized degrees. In this article, we present the top 20 best countries to study abroad for Nigerian students based on factors like affordability, quality of education, and cultural experiences.
1. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has long been a popular destination for Nigerian students due to its prestigious universities, rich cultural history, and the use of the English language. In 2016, there were 17,973 Nigerian students studying in UK universities. By 2020, this number is expected to increase significantly. The UK offers a wide range of scholarships for Nigerian students, making it an attractive option for those seeking financial assistance.
Top Universities in the UK
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
2. United States
The United States is another top choice for Nigerian students due to its world-renowned universities and diverse cultural experiences. In 2014, the United States Embassy noted that 7,318 Nigerian students were studying in more than 700 universities and colleges across the country. Many Nigerian students receive partial or full scholarships, making the US an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in the US
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Scholarships for Nigerians
3. Canada
Canada is known for its high-quality education, friendly environment, and relatively affordable tuition fees. In 2016, UNESCO reported that 3,257 Nigerian students were studying in Canada. The Canadian government and various universities offer numerous scholarships for international students, making it an attractive option for Nigerian students.
Top Universities in Canada
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
- University-specific scholarships
4. Australia
Australia is an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian students due to its high-quality education, multicultural society, and beautiful landscapes. In 2016, there were 949 Nigerian students studying in Australia. The Australian government offers various scholarships for international students, making it an affordable option for those seeking quality education.
Top Universities in Australia
- Australian National University
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Endeavour Leadership Program
- University-specific scholarships
5. Germany
Germany is a top choice for Nigerian students due to its excellent education system, low or no tuition fees, and numerous scholarship opportunities. In 2016, there were 845 Nigerian students studying in Germany. Many German universities offer courses taught in English, making it an accessible option for Nigerian students.
Top Universities in Germany
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Heidelberg University
Scholarships for Nigerians
- DAAD Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
6. France
France is an attractive destination for Nigerian students due to its prestigious universities, rich culture, and relatively affordable tuition fees. Many French universities offer courses taught in English, making it an accessible option for Nigerian students. Scholarships are also available for international students.
Top Universities in France
- PSL Research University Paris
- École Polytechnique
- Sorbonne University
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
7. Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its innovative education system, high-quality universities, and multicultural society. Many Dutch universities offer courses taught in English, making it an attractive option for Nigerian students. Scholarships are available for international students, making the Netherlands an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in the Netherlands
- Delft University of Technology
- University of Amsterdam
- Eindhoven University of Technology
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Holland Scholarship
- Orange Knowledge Programme
- University-specific scholarships
8. Sweden
Sweden is an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian students due to its high-quality education, innovative society, and English-taught programs. Swedish universities offer numerous scholarships for international students, making it an affordable option for those seeking quality education.
Top Universities in Sweden
- Karolinska Institute
- Lund University
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Swedish Institute Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
9. Ireland
Ireland is known for its high-quality education system, friendly locals, and English-speaking population. Many Irish universities offer scholarships for international students, making it an attractive option for Nigerian students seeking quality education.
Top Universities in Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- National University of Ireland, Galway
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Government of Ireland International Scholarships
- Irish Aid Fellowship Programme
- University-specific scholarships
10. Spain
Spain offers a high-quality education system, affordable tuition fees, and a rich cultural experience for Nigerian students. Many Spanish universities offer courses taught in English. Scholarships are available for international students, making Spain an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in Spain
- University of Barcelona
- Autonomous University of Madrid
- University of Navarra
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- Spanish Government Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
11. South Africa
South Africa is a popular destination for Nigerian students due to its high-quality universities, diverse culture, and relatively affordable tuition fees. In 2016, there were 2,525 Nigerian students studying in South Africa. Scholarships are available for international students, making South Africa an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in South Africa
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Stellenbosch University
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology Scholarship
- South African Government Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
12. Ghana
Ghana is an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian students due to its affordable tuition fees, English-speaking population, and cultural similarities. In 2016, there were 13,919 Nigerian students studying in Ghana. Many Ghanaian universities offer scholarships for international students, making Ghana an attractive option for Nigerian students.
Top Universities in Ghana
- University of Ghana
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
- Ashesi University
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Ghanaian Government Scholarships
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi University
- University-specific scholarships
13. Malaysia
Malaysia is an attractive destination for Nigerian students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and low cost of living. In 2016, there were 13,000 Nigerian students studying in Malaysia. Scholarships are available for international students, making Malaysia an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in Malaysia
- University of Malaya
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Malaysian Government Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
14. Singapore
Singapore is an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian students due to its high-quality education, multicultural society, and global recognition of academic qualifications. Scholarships are available for international students, making Singapore an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in Singapore
- National University of Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore Management University
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Singapore Government Scholarships
- ASEAN Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
15. China
China is an attractive destination for Nigerian students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and growing global influence. Many Chinese universities offer courses taught in English, making it an accessible option for Nigerian students. Scholarships are available for international students, making China an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in China
- Peking University
- Tsinghua University
- Fudan University
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Chinese Government Scholarships
- Confucius Institute Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
16. India
India is an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and diverse culture. In 2016, there were 1,260 Nigerian students studying in India. Scholarships are available for international students, making India an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in India
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
- Indian Institute of Science Bangalore
- University of Delhi
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Indian Government Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
17. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates offers high-quality education, world-class universities, and a multicultural society for Nigerian students. In 2016, there were 1,755 Nigerian students studying in the UAE. Scholarships are available for international students, making the UAE an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in the UAE
- United Arab Emirates University
- American University of Sharjah
- Khalifa University
Scholarships for Nigerians
- UAE Government Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
- Branch Campus Scholarships
18. Russia
Russia offers high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and numerous scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students. In 2016, there were 777 Nigerian students studying in Russia. Many Russian universities offer courses taught in English, making it an accessible option for Nigerian students.
Top Universities in Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University
- St. Petersburg State University
- Novosibirsk State University
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Russian Government Scholarships
- Bilateral Education Agreement between Nigeria and Russia
- University-specific scholarships
19. Hungary
Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and sophisticated medical programs. In 2016, there were more than 1,000 Nigerian students studying in Hungary. Scholarships are available for international students, making Hungary an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in Hungary
- University of Szeged
- University of Debrecen
- Eötvös Loránd University
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
20. Poland
Poland offers high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and a rich cultural experience for Nigerian students. Many Polish universities offer courses taught in English, making it an accessible option for Nigerian students. Scholarships are available for international students, making Poland an affordable option for quality education.
Top Universities in Poland
- University of Warsaw
- Jagiellonian University
- Warsaw University of Technology
Scholarships for Nigerians
- Polish Government Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
In conclusion, the top 20 best countries to study abroad for Nigerian students offer a wide range of opportunities for quality education and cultural experiences. These countries provide various scholarships and financial aid options, making it easier for Nigerian students to pursue their academic dreams. It is essential to research and apply for scholarships, as well as consider factors like tuition fees, cost of living, and language requirements when choosing a study destination.
