Ohio State University for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Direct entry available. Apply via Common Application. Fisher College of Business and College of Engineering are most popular for international students. WAEC accepted as secondary qualification.
English Language
IELTS: 7+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $42,740–$44,000. Application deadline: November 1–15 (Early Action/Decision); January 1–15 (Regular Decision).
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Strong graduate programmes across Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Public Policy. Graduate College University Fellowships are highly competitive. STEM OPT eligible.
English Language
IELTS: 7+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $42,740–$44,000. Application deadline: December 1 – February 1 (varies by programme). Decision time: 8–16 weeks.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available. Most PhD programmes fully funded. University Fellowship and departmental GTA/GRA positions available. Stipends $18,000–$30,000/year.
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
University Fellowship
by Ohio State University Graduate School · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Fulbright Foreign Student Program
by US Government (Department of State) · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Graduate Assistantship (Teaching/Research)
by University Department · Masters, Phd
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ohio State University accept WAEC/NECO for undergraduate admission?
Yes — WAEC/NECO is accepted as the secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission to Ohio State University. WES credential evaluation is recommended for graduate applications. No foundation year is required.
What GPA is required for a Masters degree at Ohio State University?
The minimum GPA for Masters admission at Ohio State University is 3.0/4.0. Competitive programmes may require 3.5+. Your undergraduate transcript from a recognised Nigerian university is the primary academic credential.
What scholarships are available for Nigerian students at Ohio State University?
The main scholarships for Nigerian students at Ohio State University are: the University Fellowship (full tuition + stipend, highly competitive), the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (US government, full funding for Masters/PhD — apply through the US Embassy in Nigeria), and departmental Graduate Assistantships (tuition waiver + $15,000–$34,000/year stipend).
Tips for Applying to Ohio State
Ohio State University is one of the largest and most respected public universities in the United States, offering world-class programmes in Engineering, Computer Science, Business (Fisher College), and Agriculture. Columbus has a rapidly growing tech ecosystem, and OSU STEM graduates benefit from 36-month STEM OPT eligibility for post-graduation work authorization. The University Fellowship is highly competitive but provides full funding for exceptional graduate applicants from Nigeria and across Africa.
Official source: Ohio State 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 Columbus, OH
Columbus is one of the more affordable major US university cities. On-campus and off-campus options available.
Cook at home for savings. Campus meal plans available.
COTA bus system covers campus and city. Many students cycle or use university shuttles.