Education USA : Resources

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Funding Your Studies

About the Opportunity Funds Program

The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program assists highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs of obtaining admissions, such as testing, application fees, or airfare. Each Opportunity student undergoes a selective process of evaluation by an EducationUSA adviser, Regional Educational Advising Coordinator (REAC), and the Public Affairs Section of a U.S. embassy or Consulate. In addition to academic abilities, Opportunity Funds Scholars bring cultural and socio-economic diversity to U.S. campuses. More than 100 colleges and universities have enrolled Opportunity students since 2006.

Opportunity Funds Program Application Form

Apply here

Other websites to find scholarships from U.S. Colleges

Standardized tests

Where can I find info on registration, test centres and cost of standardized tests?

Test registration, Study Tips & Test preparation materials

FAQ

STEP 1: RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS

How can I go to the U.S. to study?

Start by visiting the EducationUSA website and an EducationUSA Advising Center in Nigeria or attend a FREE general orientation session.

When can I apply to study in the U.S.?

International students applying for undergraduate or graduate admissions in the U.S. should start the process 12-18 months in advance of their intended date of study.

Is it important for the college or university to be accredited?

Organizations and institutions do not recognize certificates from unaccredited institutions. To verify the accreditation for U.S. institutions, visit www.chea.org.

STEP 2: FINANCE YOUR STUDIES

Can I get financial aid/scholarships from a U.S. college or university?

Scholarships and financial aid funding are available for qualified international students applying to study at U.S. institutions. These funds are very limited and most competitive.

When can I apply for financial aid?

International students are advised to apply for financial assistance while applying for admission. Ensure that before you apply, you have an understanding of what scholarships are available from the institution and if you meet the criteria.

If I don't have a scholarship, how much money do I need to study in theU.S. for 1year?

Tuition and fees vary from institution to institution. The average cost of attending a U.S. school is usually between $25,000 and $40,000 per annum.

Can I get a job while I'm studying?

International students are only allowed to work on campus while studying in the U.S. On-campus work is for 20 hours a week only.

STEP 3: COMPLETE YOUR APPPLICATION

Can I gain admission without the Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL)?

Various institutions in the U.S. have different admissions requirements. Typically, most international students are required to write the TOEFL or IELTS. Some institutions may waive the TOEFL for international students, who can demonstrate their English proficiency in some other forms. This could be either through another standardized test, writing samples or demonstrable proof of English as a medium of instruction and communication.

Do I need TOEFL for graduate studies?

It depends on the institution and the program. For students applying for scholarships or any type of graduate assistantship, a TOEFL score is required.

What score do I need on the TOEFL to be admitted?

Different institutions have different scores for various standardized tests. For TOEFL, a minimum of 80 out of the total of 120 is generally accepted but for graduate admissions with funding, 100 out of 120 is the minimum accepted score.

What other examinations do I need to take?

For undergraduate applicants: SAT general test with essay and if you are applying to a highly selective school, they may require 2-3 SAT subject tests.
For Graduate Students applying for sciences, engineering, academia and PhD: Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Verbal, Quantitative & Analytical Writing
For Graduate Students applying for business or management programs: Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): Verbal, Quantitative & Analytical Writing

Are there other specific tests that I must pass for graduate admission, and what score do I need on these tests?

Some schools may require the GRE subject test. But the general GRE and GMAT are the most popular. There are also other graduate tests by the program. Law schools require the LSAT. There are no specific cut off marks for the tests. Students are generally required to score high in the tests to make their applications more competitive.

Where can I find info on registration, test centres and cost of standardized tests?

TOEFL– www.toefl.org
SAT–www.collegeboard.org
GRE–www.ets.org/gre.
GMAT–http://www.mba.com/us

STEP 4: APPLY FOR YOUR STUDENT VISA

How do I get a student visa?

Apply for a student visa either at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or U.S. Consulate Lagos. https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/

If I have a passport, an I-20, and funds for one year of study, will I get a visa?

All visas are adjudicated at the consular window during an interview.

STEP 5: PREPARE FOR DEPARTURE

Once a student has been admitted and gotten their visa, they are welcome to attend an EducationUSA Pre-departure Orientation. Alumni of U.S. Institutions will speak on making the best of their experience in the U.S. Contact us via any of our Facebook pages.
https://www.facebook.com/EducationUSALagos/
https://www.facebook.com/EducationUSA Abuja/