Spending your summer at a US university can be a truly transformative experience for Nigerian students. From developing your academic abilities to immersing yourself in American culture, summer abroad programs create lifelong impact.
The catch? Most of these incredible summer opportunities have hefty price tags. This can put them out of reach for many Nigerian students.
The good news is certain scholarships make these summer programs completely affordable – by covering your tuition, accommodation, stipend and even airfare.
In this guide, we highlight some of the best summer abroad scholarships in the US specifically available for Nigerian students.
Why Consider a US Summer Abroad Program?
Before we dive into the scholarships, here’s a quick look at the amazing benefits of spending your summer at a US university:
1. Gain New Skills: From leadership to tech skills, hone your talents through specialized summer courses and workshops.
2. Sample Campus Life: Get a taste of undergraduate student life by living on campus and using university facilities.
3. Build a US Network: Meet and befriend talented American peers as well as students from around the world.
4. Explore the USA: Immerse yourself in American culture through campus events, tours and weekend trips.
5. Strengthen Academics: Take classes to get ahead or make up credits in school.
6. Add to your Resume: Boost your profile with unique experiences abroad that make you stand out.
7. Have Fun: Make memories and embrace new adventures through a summer away from home.
Top US Summer Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Here are some excellent US summer abroad scholarship programs for Nigerian students:
1. Global UGRAD – US Department of State
Coverage: Round-trip airfare, tuition & fees, housing, meals, stipend
Eligibility: Nigerian undergraduates in STEM related fields
Competitiveness: Highly competitive
The US State Department’s Global UGRAD program brings Nigerian STEM undergraduates to US universities for a 7-10 week summer program focused on community service, cultural exchange and academics.
2. Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
Coverage: Round-trip airfare, lodging, meals, health insurance
Eligibility: Ages 18-35 professionals and entrepreneurs
Competitiveness: Competitive
The Mandela Washington Fellowship under YALI offers a 6-week academic and leadership institute at a top US university for young African leaders.
3. Atlas Corps Fellowship
Coverage: Roundtrip airfare, J-1 visa support, accident & sickness insurance, housing & commute costs
Eligibility: Ages 18-35 professionals with 2+ years experience
Competitiveness: Competitive
This program matches young professionals with summer internships at US NGOs and social enterprises. Nigerian applicants are encouraged to apply.
4. International Leaders in Education Program
Coverage: Program fees, housing, stipend
Eligibility: Undergraduate STEM students
Competitiveness: Competitive
This program provided by the Institute of International Education offers Nigerian STEM undergraduates a chance to take courses and participate in cultural exchange activities at a US university for 6-8 weeks.
5. Study of the US Institutes
Coverage: Program costs, airfare, housing, stipend
Eligibility: Undergraduate & graduate students
Competitiveness: Highly competitive
These 8-week academic and cultural immersion programs are offered on themes like journalism, women’s leadership, religious freedom and more. Nigerian students can apply.
6. IVLP – US Department of State
Coverage: Airfare, program fees
Eligibility: Students aged 15-17
Competitiveness: Competitive
This high school exchange program funded by the US government brings Nigerian students to experience American education and homestays for 1-3 months over summer.
7. University Summer Exchange Programs
Coverage: Varies by program
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
Competitiveness: Varies
Many US universities like Duke, MIT, Berkeley and more offer summer cultural exchange programs open to international students, sometimes with partial scholarships.
8. Summer Engineering Programs
Coverage: Varies by program
Eligibility: Engineering students
Competitiveness: Varies
Programs like those at Columbia University and Purdue University offer Nigerian engineering students the chance to take summer courses, conduct research or participate in project-based learning on-campus.
9. Africa-America Institute (AAI)
Coverage: Program fees
Eligibility: High school & college students
Competitiveness: Competitive
AAI’s Summer Enrichment Program offers Nigerian high school and undergraduate students aged 15-22 a chance to take credited courses at a US university over the summer.
10. EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (E-OPF)
Coverage: Need-based airfare & program costs
Eligibility: Undergraduates in any field
Competitiveness: Competitive
E-OPF provides financial assistance to allow talented Nigerian undergraduates to join summer schools and programs at accredited US colleges to gain new skills.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances for these great summer scholarships:
- Start early – Many programs are competitive so begin applications well in advance
- Meet all criteria – Carefully review eligibility and exactly match qualification requirements
- Get organized – Prepare needed tests, transcripts, documents and confirm letters of recommendation
- Make a strong case – Craft compelling essays and interview answers on your background, goals and strengths
- Apply broadly – Increase chances by submitting multiple applications. Can be a numbers game.
Conclusion
Spending your summer at a US university can truly accelerate your personal and professional growth. These scholarship programs make amazing summer opportunities accessible for Nigerian students by providing full or significant funding. Work hard on your applications and grab the chance to achieve a life-shaping summer abroad in the USA.
