University of Maryland for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Direct entry available. Apply via Common Application. Robert H. Smith School of Business, A. James Clark School of Engineering, and Computer Science are top programmes. WAEC accepted.
English Language
IELTS: 7+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $20,730–$28,170. 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 in CS, Engineering, Public Policy, and Business. Proximity to DC government agencies and federal research labs (NASA, NIH, NSA) is a major advantage. STEM OPT eligible.
English Language
IELTS: 7+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $20,730–$28,170. 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. Dean's Fellowship is the top merit award. Many departments have ties to federal agencies and national labs. Stipends $18,000–$32,000/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
Dean's Fellowship
by University of Maryland 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 University of Maryland accept WAEC/NECO for undergraduate admission?
Yes — WAEC/NECO is accepted as the secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission to University of Maryland. WES credential evaluation is recommended for graduate applications. No foundation year is required.
What GPA is required for a Masters degree at University of Maryland?
The minimum GPA for Masters admission at University of Maryland 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 University of Maryland?
The main scholarships for Nigerian students at University of Maryland are: the Dean's Fellowship (merit-based, 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 UMD
University of Maryland is a top-210 global university strategically located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, giving students access to government agencies (NASA, NIH, NSA, USAID), think tanks, and international organisations. Nigerian students in CS, Engineering, and Public Policy will find UMD's proximity to DC particularly valuable. STEM graduates qualify for 36-month OPT work authorization, and the Dean's Fellowship provides competitive merit-based graduate funding.
Official source: University of Maryland ↗Plan Your United States Student Visa
Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Nigerian passport holders applying to United States.
Cost of Living in College Park, MD
College Park is more affordable than DC itself. On-campus and off-campus options available near Metro station.
Cook at home for savings. Campus dining available. Many affordable options near campus.
DC Metro (Green Line) connects campus to Washington DC. SmarTrip card monthly pass. UMD shuttle also available.