As global interest in studying abroad continues to grow, the Spring 2025 edition of ApplyBoard’s Student Pulse Survey provides valuable insights into the evolving preferences of international students.
With nearly 850 participants from 84 countries—including 469 respondents from 29 African nations—the survey highlights key trends shaping study destination choices, the increasing importance of affordability, and Nigeria’s growing appeal as an emerging study destination.
Notably, 56% of respondents were from African countries, reflecting the region’s strong engagement with international education opportunities.
Nigeria’s Growing Appeal as a Study Destination
Nigeria has emerged as a key player in the study abroad landscape, with a significant number of students now considering the country as a viable and attractive option for higher education.
In the latest survey, Nigeria was highlighted as one of the most popular emerging study destinations, ranking highly among students seeking more affordable alternatives to traditional study hubs like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
This shift is reflective of Nigeria’s increasing investment in post-secondary education, along with initiatives like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, which has improved access to resources for students.
Furthermore, the growing recognition of Nigeria’s academic offerings, particularly in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and business, is contributing to its rise as a viable destination for international students.
Affordability is Central to Students’ Decisions
As living costs continue to rise globally, affordability has become a defining factor for students when selecting a study destination.
77% of students surveyed listed tuition fees as the most important consideration, well above concerns about graduate employability (57%).
This growing focus on affordability is prompting students to explore a wider range of destinations, and Nigeria’s appeal as an affordable study option is strengthening.
Despite the financial challenges, only 9% of students plan to defer their studies. Instead, many are looking for more budget-friendly options, with 26% of students considering alternative study destinations due to financial constraints.
In fact, Nigeria’s increasing recognition as an affordable (education) study destination is evident, with students expressing interest in the country for its lower tuition fees and growing opportunities for post-graduation work and research.
Emerging Study Destinations: A Shift in Preferences
While countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia remain top choices for students, there is a noticeable shift towards emerging study destinations. 35% of students are now considering destinations beyond the traditional study hubs, with Nigeria, alongside other countries like Finland and Denmark, making significant strides.
As students reassess their financial plans, many are turning to countries with more affordable tuition and lower living costs.
In a survey response, one student mentioned:
“Spain, Lithuania, and other European countries with lower tuition fees are now on my radar.”
This growing interest in countries like Nigeria shows that students are increasingly prioritizing value for money without compromising on the quality of their education.
Student Aspirations and Career Goals
In addition to affordability, the Spring 2025 survey sheds light on the career aspirations of international students.
Engineering continues to be a popular field, with software and civil engineering topping the list. The demand for health sciences, particularly nursing, is also on the rise.
This aligns with Nigeria’s increasing focus on developing specialized programs that prepare students for the demands of a globalized workforce.
Students are also looking for programs that will enhance their career prospects. The survey revealed that 57% of students prioritize high graduate employment rates when choosing a program.
For Nigerian students, this means greater opportunities to not only study abroad but also gain valuable work experience and contribute to the country’s growing education sector.
The Future of Nigerian Students in the Global Education Landscape
Nigeria’s prominence as an emerging study destination highlights the growing diversity of global education.
As more students from Nigeria and beyond look to study abroad, the shift toward more affordable and specialized academic programs will shape future trends.
With an eye on quality education and career opportunities, Nigerian students are well-positioned to thrive in this new landscape.
ApplyBoard’s Spring 2025 Student Pulse Survey highlights the evolving landscape of international education, with affordability and career-focused programs at the forefront of students’ decisions.
As Nigeria continues to emerge as a key study destination, students from Nigeria and across the world are exploring new and innovative educational opportunities that align with their aspirations and financial realities.
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