Purdue University for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Direct entry available. Apply via Common Application. College of Engineering is the flagship. WAEC accepted as secondary qualification. Purdue has one of the largest international student populations in the US.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $28,794–$45,450. 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. Purdue is world-renowned for Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, and Pharmacy. Research Assistantships (GRA) are widely available and provide tuition + stipend. STEM OPT eligible for nearly all technical degrees.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $28,794–$45,450. 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 via GRA/GTA positions. Stipends $18,000–$28,000/year. Purdue's graduate engineering programmes rank in the top 10 nationally.
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
Purdue Graduate Research Assistantship
by Purdue University Departments · 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 Purdue University accept WAEC/NECO for undergraduate admission?
Yes — WAEC/NECO is accepted as the secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission to Purdue University. WES credential evaluation is recommended for graduate applications. No foundation year is required.
What GPA is required for a Masters degree at Purdue University?
The minimum GPA for Masters admission at Purdue 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 Purdue University?
The main scholarships for Nigerian students at Purdue are: the Purdue Graduate Research Assistantship (full tuition waiver + $18,000–$24,000/year stipend), 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 Purdue
Purdue University is a world-class engineering and technology university ranking #88 globally, with one of the largest international student populations in the United States. West Lafayette's very low cost of living ($980–$1,650/month total) makes Purdue one of the most affordable top-100 universities for Nigerian students. Graduate Research Assistantships cover full tuition plus $18,000–$24,000/year stipend, and STEM graduates access 36-month OPT work authorization.
Official source: Purdue 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 West Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette is a small college town with very affordable housing. On-campus and off-campus options available.
Cook at home for savings. Campus dining available. Grocery costs are low in Indiana.
Campus is walkable and cyclable. Free campus bus system (CityBus) covers most areas. No car needed.