Interest from Nigerian Students in US Study Falls by Over 50% as Alternatives Gain Appeal
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Interest among Nigerian students in pursuing higher education in the United States has fallen by more than 50%, according to recent data — a significant shift in one of the world’s key student markets. The decline has coincided with increased travel restrictions and evolving global study preferences among prospective international students.
The change was highlighted in a report published by education news outlet The PIE News, which attributed the sharp drop largely to the expansion of travel restrictions under the Trump administration. These policy changes have made visa processes more challenging and contributed to a perception that the US is becoming a less accessible destination for overseas study, particularly for students from Africa.
Stakeholders in the international education sector say that the overall decline in interest reflects broader geopolitical and policy-driven factors that have influenced international student mobility in recent years. The tightening of visa regulations, coupled with stricter entry requirements and longer processing times, has driven many Nigerian students to reconsider the United States as their first choice for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Meanwhile, countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East have been actively positioning themselves as attractive alternatives. Institutions and governments in these regions are expanding scholarship opportunities, easing visa procedures and enhancing support services for international students, making them increasingly appealing destinations for Nigerian applicants.
The declining interest in the US is not isolated to Nigeria alone. Broader data on international student mobility shows that several traditional source countries have experienced reduced application volumes to US colleges and universities, driven by similar concerns about accessibility, cost and future work prospects.
Education analysts note that shifts in global student preferences are also influenced by factors such as affordability, perceived post-study work opportunities, and the rise of reputable institutions in other parts of the world. Some destinations have responded by streamlining application pathways and offering post-study employment options that match evolving student expectations.
The substantial drop in Nigerian student interest in studying in the United States marks a notable development in international education trends. As policy changes and global competition reshape student mobility, destinations that offer clearer pathways, supportive policies and attractive academic prospects are increasingly capturing the attention of ambitious learners from Nigeria and beyond.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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