University of South Florida for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Direct entry available. WAEC/NECO accepted as secondary school qualification. USF is a designated Preeminent State Research University in Florida. Strong STEM programmes. Apply via USF Admissions portal.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $17,324. Application deadline: November 1 (Priority); March 1 (Regular).
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Lowest graduate tuition among R1 research universities on this list. Strong Masters programmes in Engineering, Public Health, Computer Science, and Business. Graduate Research Assistantships available. STEM OPT eligible.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: $15,864–$21,000. Application deadline: February 15 – April 1 (varies by programme). Decision time: 6–12 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. PhD programmes available across Engineering, Health Sciences, and Natural Sciences. Many positions funded through research assistantships.
Specific Requirements
Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.
Deadline
January 1 – February 15
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
by US Government (Department of State) · Masters, Phd
Learn more →USF Graduate Research Assistantship
by University of South Florida · Masters, Phd
Learn more →USF Provost's Fellowship
by University of South Florida · Phd
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of South Florida accept WAEC for undergraduate admission?
Yes — WAEC/NECO is accepted as the secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission to USF. WES credential evaluation is recommended for graduate applications. No foundation year is required for direct entry.
What GPA is required for a Masters degree at the University of South Florida?
The minimum GPA for Masters admission at USF is 3.0/4.0. Your undergraduate transcript from a recognised Nigerian university is the primary academic credential. USF is accessible and welcomes strong international applicants.
Are there scholarships for Nigerian students at the University of South Florida?
Yes — USF Graduate Research Assistantships provide tuition waivers and stipends, and are available across Engineering, Public Health, and Science departments. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is the premier external scholarship. The USF Provost's Fellowship provides enhanced funding for the top incoming PhD applicants.
Tips for Applying to USF
The University of South Florida offers the lowest graduate tuition of any R1 research university on this list — starting at just $15,864 per year for international students — making it the most financially accessible US research university for Nigerian students. USF is a designated Preeminent State Research University with strong programs in Engineering, Public Health, and Computer Science, all qualifying for the 36-month STEM OPT extension. Graduate assistantships provide additional tuition waivers and stipends for competitive applicants.
Official source: University of South Florida ↗Plan Your United States Student Visa
Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Nigerian passport holders applying to United States.
Cost of Living in Tampa, FL
Tampa is growing rapidly but remains more affordable than Miami. On-campus and off-campus housing available.
Affordable dining options in Tampa. Cook at home for savings. Campus dining plans available.
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus service. USF provides campus shuttles. Many students cycle or use rideshare.