Studying abroad is an ultimate goal for nearly every Nigerian, and studying in Asia is among the easiest ways to achieve this ambition. So, we will be discussing the best Asian countries to study abroad for Nigerians who wish to live in an Asian country.
Contrary to the traditional pattern in which most international students used to travel to Europe and America for undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, some are beginning to consider Asian countries for the same purpose.
This article will focus on the cheapest countries in Asia to travel to for study purposes, considering the cost, course variety, etc.
The 4 Best Asian Countries for Nigerians to Study Abroad
The Asian region, as far as study destinations are concerned, offers a wide range of options for Nigerian students whose academic needs and aspirations are well taken care of. Following is the list of the top 4
Asian countries for studying abroad.
1. Singapore
Singapore, which is renowned for its excellent education system, is often rated among the best Asian countries to live in.
With its great universities and advanced infrastructural facilities, Singapore provides a wide variety of master’s programs in different fields.
In addition, the country offers a considerable number of scholarship and financial support programs for international students, of which Nigerians are eligible.
Nigerian students will have no problem communicating in English and adapting to the new environment, as English is spoken in Singapore.
Top universities in Singapore
Established in 1905, the National University of Singapore is the oldest and most highly-ranked institution of higher education in the country. The university has many undergraduate and graduate courses to choose from.
Applicants looking to study at the National University of Singapore can do that effortlessly. There is a centralized application portal for prospective students with respective dates depending on the course they are applying for.
Regarding tuition fees, undergraduate programs for international students can range from SGD 28,200 to SGD 38,400 a year. However, master programs range from SGD 32,900 to SGD 72,900 per year.
Since its birth in 1981, Nanyang Technological University has been growing with exceptional speed to rank as one of the world’s top young universities.
Being credited for its science, engineering, and business programs, NTU attracts students from every part of the world.
Candidates can easily submit their applications through the university’s official website. The bachelor’s fees at NTU generally range from SGD 24,920 to SGD 33,240 for international students. A bachelor’s program at NTU is expected to cost between SGD18,750 and SGD35,120 per year on average.
Singapore Management University (SMU) is one of the leading educational centers that specializes in business and management education. SMU is highly competitive; they evaluate students’ academic achievements, leadership qualities, and personal accomplishments as part of the application process.
Tuition fee: For international undergraduates, SMU offers bachelor’s program tuition ranging from SGD 36,170 to SGD 39,180 per year and master’s program tuition ranging from SGD 37,050 to SGD 40,450 per year.
In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Singapore University of Technology and Design began its operation in 2009. The university provides thought-provoking and interdisciplinary programs in engineering, architecture, and design.
The admission decision is quick. Once you meet the requirements, head straight to the application process. Foreign students can apply using SUTD’s online application system, and they are assessed based on their academic records, portfolios, and interviews.
Tuition fee: The tuition fees for SUTD international students studying bachelor’s programs range from SGD 24,270 to SGD 26,150 a year. A master’s degree at SUTD has an annual tuition of between SGD 29,406 and SGD 45,610.
SIT offers various specialist bachelor’s degrees in areas such as engineering, hospitality, and health sciences.
The Singapore Institute of Technology is among the best institutes of higher education, with its graduates sought after by employers. To apply for admission, visit the school to submit your application through SIT’s admissions portal.
Tuition fee: The tuition fees for bachelor’s students at SIT vary between SGD27,100 and SGD33,220 per year for international students. SIT’s graduate programs have an average cost of between SGD 31,180 and SGD 32,020 per annum.
2. Malaysia
Nigerian students seeking to further their education abroad in Asia will find Malaysia to be one of the least expensive countries they can study in. Students can afford Malaysian living expenses more easily compared to other Asian countries; besides, it is a good destination for those who have a limited budget.
Top universities in Malaysia
The University of Malaya (UM) is the oldest in Malaysia. UM is a globally reputed public institution with a large portfolio of programs and a dynamic campus life.
Students who want to study at UM can start by going to the university website to apply and uploading their application online. The average bachelor’s tuition fee is about $9,000 per year, and the master’s tuition fee can cost $10,500 on average.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is now one of the top-class universities in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and other sciences related to them.
Applicants interested in studying any of the above fields should consider these universities. Apart from being a good university, students have the opportunity to be taught by industry experts.
Want to study at Universiti Putra Malaysia? Click on the apply now through the UPM admissions portal. Once you create your account, complete the next steps by uploading your documents.
Tuition Fee: The bachelor’s degree program will cost around $7,500 per year on average, and the master’s degree program fees are normally around $8,500 per year.
Initially set up in 1970, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has expanded rapidly to become globally recognized for its research and innovation-based approach. To gain admission here, you must be ready to edge out other applicants through good grades.
How to apply: Interested students can apply directly online through UKM application portals. Do not miss any step; otherwise, the chances of getting admission may become impossible.
Tuition fee: For a bachelor’s program at UKM, the fee is between $6,500 and $7,500 a year, and $7,500 a year for a master’s program.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is known for its engineering programs as well as technology. It is ranked among the best universities in Malaysia for international students.
In addition, the admissions process is fast and easy. International students who want to study here can do so by going to the official website of the school to start the application process.
Tuition fee: The tuition fee for a bachelor’s program at UTM is about $8,000 per year, while for a master’s program, it approaches $9,500 per year.
This university is the oldest private university, renowned for its academic excellence in many fields. The university adopts an innovative learning model and has a variety of programs.
Studying here doesn’t come cheap; however, it has one of the best study facilities. Also, the admission process is so quick that within 2 weeks, applicants will know their fate.
Tuition fee: For a bachelor’s program, the tuition fee at Taylor’s University varies between $7,000 and $17,000 per year, depending on the program. The tuition fee for a master’s program is approximately $9,500 per year.
3. South Korea
While Korean is the primary language, South Korea, is among the best Asian countries to live. Interestingly, many universities offer English-taught programs and have extensive support systems for international students. Seoul National University and Korea University are rated among the top-ranked universities in South Korea.
Year of Establishment: 1946
Mode of Application: Online application
Tuition Fee (bachelor’s): Approximately KRW 1,374,000 per semester
Tuition Fee (Master’s): Approximately KRW 1,633,000 per semester
Seoul National University, established as the first national university in South Korea, has maintained its status over the years.
This school has strong emphasis on research and innovation. SNU offers a plethora of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
|
Year of Establishment |
1905 |
|
Mode of Application |
Online application |
|
Tuition Fee (bachelor’s): |
Roughly 1,228,000 Korean Won a semester. |
|
Tuition Fee (master’s): |
Tuition fee is KRW 1,334,000 for each semester |
As the first educational organization after modernization, Korea University contributed to the development of the academic environment to form what it is now.
This university is highly recognized for its complete degree programs and the fact that all faculties is world-renowned and the study environment is a classical whole.
|
Year of Establishment: 1971 |
1971 |
|
Mode of Application |
Online application |
|
Tuition Fee (bachelor’s): |
Approximately KRW 1,415,00 per semester |
|
Tuition Fee (master’s): |
Approximately KRW 1,828,000 per semester |
Famous for its qualities in science, technology, and engineering, KAIST, is one of the leading research-intensive institutions in the world. KAIST provides world-class resources and a stimulating environment for students in all study levels.
Year of Establishment: 1885
Mode of Application: Online applications tend to gain broad applications due to their convenience.
Tuition Fee (bachelor’s): About 2,330,000 won is the cost for a semester.
Tuition Fee (Master’s): In the case of KRW 1,510,000 per semester.
Yonsei University has, since its inception, been devoted to producing global leaders who have academic excellence and ethics as their core values.
While the main priority of Yonsei is education in the liberal arts, the university offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs that combine the interdisciplinary approach with globally significant research.
Year of Establishment: 1986
Mode of Application: The application form is online.
Tuition Fee (bachelor’s): Approximately KRW 1,529,000 per term
Tuition Fee (Master’s): Around a tuition fee of 1786 Korean won per semester.
POSTECH, which is well known for its excellent education and research in science and technology, is just one of the symbols of Korea’s determination to build an information society.
Distinguishing itself by its focus on the fostering of creative thinking and problem-solving skills, POSTECH distinguishes itself with its high-quality education experience.
4. China
Chinese universities are rapidly gaining global recognition for their academic excellence, particularly in fields such as engineering, medicine, and business.
Many Chinese universities offer scholarships and financial aid packages specifically for international students, including Nigerians.
While Mandarin is the primary language, several universities offer English-taught programs to cater to the needs of international students.
Top Universities in China
Year of Establishment: Founded in 1898, Peking University is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
Application Process: Interested applicants need to submit their applications through the university’s official website, including academic records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Tuition Fees: For a bachelor’s degree, the expected tuition fee ranges from 27,000 to 34,000 Chinese Yuan per year (approximately $4,200 to $5,300). For a master’s degree, the tuition fee ranges from 29,000 to 38,000 Chinese Yuan per year (approximately $4,500 to $5,900).
Year of Establishment: Established in 1911, Tsinghua University is renowned for its scientific and technological advancements.
Application Process: Prospective students can apply via the university’s official website, which requires academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Tuition Fees: The expected tuition fee for a bachelor’s program ranges from 42,000 to 45,000 Chinese Yuan per year (approximately $6,500 to $7,000). For a master’s program, the tuition fee ranges from 44,000 to 49,000 Chinese yuan per year (approximately $6,800 to $7,600).
Year of Establishment: Founded in 1905, Fudan is one of the easiest universities in China to apply to. The school is welcoming to international students. The number of undergraduate students are 13,623, associate degree candidates, 22,610, and graduates, 3,672.
Application Process: Candidates can apply online by submitting the necessary documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Tuition Fees: The expected tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree varies from 26,000 to 48,000 Chinese Yuan per year (approximately $4,000 to $7,400). For a master’s degree, the fee ranges from 29,000 to 52,000 Chinese Yuan per year (approximately $4,500–$8,000).
Best Asian Countries For Study Abroad: How To Choose
When deciding on a study abroad destination in Asia, Nigerian students should consider several key factors such as:
a) Program Availability: Select an appropriate country that offers the study program you desire and has global recognition.
b) Affordability: How affordable is the tuition fee? If international students are not allowed to work, can you cope? Think about it before you choose.
c) Language of Instruction: Some courses are available in English medium, however, most of these courses are mainly at graduate levels. To study in English- medium, search for schools and courses that offers such.
d) Safety and Quality of Life: Find out whether your prospective destination city is safe and its quality of life top-notch to make you feel at home, studying.
Read also: Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Nigerians: The top 7| Apply Now
Conclusion
Applicants from Nigeria who aspire to study in Asia have access to a wide array of world-class study destinations.
However, when choosing from these lists of best Asian countries to study abroad, you need to take into account issues like the accessibility of the programs, affordability, the language of instruction, and the scholarship opportunities.
