Carnegie Mellon University for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Direct entry available. Highly selective undergraduate admission. WAEC/NECO accepted as secondary qualification. Strong emphasis on STEM, Computer Science, and Engineering. Apply via Common App.
English Language
IELTS: 7.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $62,656. Application deadline: November 1 (Early Decision); January 1 (Regular Decision).
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3.5/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. World-leading Masters programmes in CS, AI, Machine Learning, Robotics, and Software Engineering. No general financial aid for international Masters students — Fulbright is the primary funding route. STEM OPT eligible.
English Language
IELTS: 7.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $57,420. Application deadline: December 1 – January 15 (varies by programme). Decision time: 8–16 weeks.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3.5/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available. PhD programmes are fully funded via research and teaching assistantships. CS, Robotics, and Engineering PhD programmes are among the most prestigious in the world.
Specific Requirements
Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.
Deadline
December 1 – January 15
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
by US Government (Department of State) · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Graduate Departmental Fellowship
by Carnegie Mellon University Department · Masters, Phd
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
by World Bank / Government of Japan · Masters
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carnegie Mellon University accept WAEC for undergraduate admission?
Yes — WAEC/NECO is accepted as the secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission to Carnegie Mellon University. WES credential evaluation is recommended for graduate applications. No foundation year is required for direct entry.
What GPA is needed for a Masters degree at Carnegie Mellon?
Carnegie Mellon prefers a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 for Masters admission. Admission is highly competitive, particularly for CS, AI, and Machine Learning programmes. Your undergraduate transcript from a recognised Nigerian university is the primary academic credential.
Are there scholarships for Nigerian students at Carnegie Mellon?
There is no general financial aid for international Masters students at CMU. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program — administered via the US Embassy in Nigeria — is the most important funding route, covering full tuition, living allowance, flights, and health insurance. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship is an additional option for development-related programmes.
Tips for Applying to CMU
Carnegie Mellon is the world's top university for Computer Science, AI, and Robotics — an extraordinary destination for ambitious Nigerian STEM students. There is no general financial aid for international Masters students, making the Fulbright Foreign Student Program the most important funding route. Graduates qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension, providing three years of US work authorisation in the world's most competitive tech job market.
Official source: Carnegie Mellon University ↗Plan Your United States Student Visa
Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Nigerian passport holders applying to United States.
Cost of Living in Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh is more affordable than NYC or San Francisco. On-campus and off-campus housing available near campus.
Cook at home for savings. Campus dining plans available.
Port Authority bus and light rail. CMU students receive discounted transit passes.