Get funded in the USA, then work up to three years with STEM OPT.
American universities fund strong graduate students through assistantships that waive tuition and pay a stipend. STEM graduates can then work for up to three years on OPT. LEAPSAIL targets funded programmes, builds your application and prepares you for the F-1 interview.
What you pay to travel, and what you only show
Costs in the USA are counted in USD. We separate the money you actually spend to travel from the proof of funds you show for the visa, which stays your own.
Your spouse and children can join you on F-2 visas. F-2 spouses cannot work, but children can attend public school.
US schools bill tuition by semester. Pay the first semester to travel. Schools may also ask for a small enrolment deposit of about $200–$1,000.
Your I-20 lists the first-year cost of attendance. Show this in savings, a loan or sponsor funds, minus anything already paid.
About $32,000 a year, before any scholarship.
Living costs: Typical I-20 living estimate. Each school sets its own figure.
Health: Schools require health insurance, usually billed per year with tuition. You pay the first year to travel.
Figures are indicative for 2026 and vary by school and city. We confirm your exact numbers during your assessment.
Shortlist up to three courses
Tap the courses that interest you, with how long each one usually runs, then send your shortlist to us on WhatsApp.
Pick up to three courses.
What the USA gives you
The reasons Nigerian students and families choose this route.
Funding that pays you
Graduate assistantships can waive your tuition and pay a monthly stipend in exchange for teaching or research work.
Up to three years of work
OPT gives you 12 months of work after graduation, and STEM graduates can extend it by 24 months.
The widest choice of schools
Thousands of accredited universities, from global names to affordable state schools.
Family can come too
Spouses and children can travel on F-2 visas, and children attend public school free.
Bring your family on F-2 visas.
Your spouse and children can come with you to the US. Children attend public school free, and a funded assistantship can help support the family while you study.
- Spouse and children travel on F-2 visas
- Free public schooling for children
- F-2 spouses can study part-time but not work
Paid while you study
Assistantships pay a monthly stipend, and on-campus jobs allow up to 20 hours a week.
OPT and STEM OPT
Work for up to three years after a STEM degree to gain US experience.
Free public school
Children on F-2 visas attend public school at no cost.
Two ways to pay far less
We position your application for both routes, so you do not leave funding on the table.
Graduate assistantships
Up to full tuition + stipend
Teaching and research assistantships waive tuition and pay you to work in your department. They are the main way Nigerians study in the US for less.
- Strongest in STEM and research programmes
- Often includes health insurance
- We target departments that fund internationals
University & Fulbright awards
$5,000 – full funding
Universities offer merit scholarships at admission, and the Fulbright Foreign Student Program fully funds selected Nigerian graduates.
- Merit awards are often automatic with admission
- Fulbright covers tuition, living and flights
- Early, complete applications win more
When to start
Scholarships and the best places go to early, complete applications. The right time to begin is now.
Start your process
We shortlist funded programmes and plan your tests, statement and recommendations.
Apply for Fall
Most funding deadlines fall between December and February.
Offers & funding
Compare admissions and assistantships, accept one and receive your I-20.
SEVIS, interview & travel
Pay SEVIS, attend your F-1 interview and arrive for August classes.
Where you could study
A selection of American universities that admit Nigerian students and offer scholarships to international applicants.
University of Texas at Dallas
STEM · assistantships
Arizona State University
Innovation · large Nigerian network
University of Houston
Engineering & energy
Northeastern University
Co-op work placements
University of Illinois Chicago
Health & computing
Georgia State University
Affordable · diverse city
Texas A&M University
Engineering powerhouse
University of Cincinnati
Co-op · lower living costs
Purdue University
Top engineering & data
What families ask us
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Do I need the full cost in my account?
You must show the first-year cost listed on your I-20. It can be savings, an education loan, a sponsor or your assistantship award.
Can my spouse work in the US?
No. F-2 spouses cannot work, but they can study part-time. Plan the family budget around your funding.
Your future in the USA starts with one message.
Book a free assessment on WhatsApp. A LEAPSAIL expert will map your course, your scholarship chances and your visa plan, then confirm our fee for your route.
LEAPSAIL is an independent educational and travel advisory consultancy and is not an embassy, consulate or government entity. Fees and thresholds are indicative and change; admission and visa decisions rest with the institutions and authorities.