Planning to study abroad requires careful timing and organization. Many Nigerian students miss application deadlines or rush through the process because they started too late. This comprehensive guide provides a month-by-month timeline to help you plan your journey from initial research to arrival at your dream university.
Whether you're targeting a September/Fall intake in the UK, US, or Canada, or exploring other intake periods, this timeline will help you stay on track. The key is starting early—ideally 18-24 months before your intended start date.
Timeline Overview
For a September 2026 start (as an example), here's when to start each phase:
- 18-24 months before (September 2024-March 2025): Research, test preparation
- 12-15 months before (June-September 2025): Take tests, shortlist programs
- 9-12 months before (September-December 2025): Applications
- 6-9 months before (December 2025-March 2026): Receive offers, make decisions
- 3-6 months before (March-June 2026): Visa application, preparation
- 0-3 months before (June-September 2026): Final arrangements, travel
18-24 Months Before: Research Phase
Month 1-2: Self-Assessment
Evaluate your goals:
- What do you want to study and why?
- Which countries interest you?
- What's your budget (including living expenses)?
- Are you looking for scholarships?
- Do you plan to work after graduation?
Assess your profile:
- Current academic credentials (CGPA, class of degree)
- Work experience (if applicable)
- Extracurricular activities and achievements
- English proficiency (estimate)
Month 2-4: Country and Program Research
Research destination countries:
- Education quality and recognition
- Cost of tuition and living
- Post-study work opportunities
- Immigration policies
- Lifestyle and cultural fit
Explore programs:
- Use university websites, QS rankings, Times Higher Education
- Look at course content, structure, and specializations
- Check entry requirements
- Research career outcomes of graduates
- Note application deadlines (they vary widely!)
Month 3-5: Test Preparation Begins
IELTS/TOEFL Preparation:
- Assess your current English level with practice tests
- Create a study plan based on gaps
- Gather study materials (Cambridge IELTS books, British Council resources)
- Consider preparation classes if needed
GRE/GMAT (if required):
- Determine if your programs require these
- Start vocabulary building and math review
- Take diagnostic test to identify weaknesses
12-15 Months Before: Testing and Shortlisting
Month 5-8: Take Standardized Tests
IELTS/TOEFL:
- Book your test 4-6 weeks in advance (slots fill up)
- Take the test early—allows retake if needed
- Most scores are valid for 2 years
GRE/GMAT:
- Schedule test after 2-3 months of preparation
- Scores valid for 5 years
If scores are below target:
- Analyze what went wrong
- Develop targeted improvement plan
- Schedule retake (2-3 months later)
Month 8-10: Finalize Program Shortlist
Create tiered list:
- Reach schools (competitive, but worth trying)
- Match schools (you meet requirements and have good chances)
- Safety schools (you exceed requirements)
For each program, document:
- Application deadline
- Required documents
- Test score requirements
- Application fee
- Scholarship deadlines (often earlier than general deadline)
9-12 Months Before: Application Phase
Month 9-10: Document Preparation
Academic documents:
- Request official transcripts from your university
- Get degree certificate copies
- Order credential evaluations if required (WES, ECE)
Letters of Recommendation:
- Identify 2-3 recommenders (professors, employers)
- Approach them with plenty of notice
- Provide them with your CV, SOP draft, and program details
- Give at least 4-6 weeks for them to write
Statement of Purpose:
- Draft your SOP (see our separate guide on SOPs)
- Customize for each program
- Get feedback from multiple reviewers
- Revise thoroughly
CV/Resume:
- Create academic CV format
- Include education, experience, research, publications, achievements
Month 10-12: Submit Applications
Application process:
- Create accounts on university portals
- Fill applications carefully—errors look careless
- Submit well before deadlines (systems crash, issues arise)
- Pay application fees
- Send test scores directly from testing bodies
- Track submission status
Scholarship applications:
- Apply for university scholarships (often automatic with application)
- Research external scholarships (government, private foundations)
- Nigerian scholarships: PTDF, Agbami, NLNG, etc.
- Note: Scholarship deadlines are often earlier than admission deadlines
6-9 Months Before: Decisions Phase
Month 12-15: Receive and Evaluate Offers
As offers arrive:
- Compare programs carefully
- Consider scholarship packages
- Evaluate total cost (tuition + living expenses)
- Research post-study opportunities
- Reach out to current students or alumni if possible
If waitlisted:
- Send update letter if you have new achievements
- Express continued interest
- Don't bank on it—have backup plans
Making your decision:
- Accept offer and pay deposit by deadline
- Decline other offers promptly (frees spots for others)
- Request CAS/I-20/LOA for visa purposes
3-6 Months Before: Visa and Preparation
Month 15-18: Visa Application
Gather visa documents:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Admission letter/CAS/I-20
- Proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship letters)
- IELTS scores
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- TB test (for UK)
- Police clearance if required
Financial preparation:
- Ensure funds meet visa requirements
- Funds should be in accessible account
- 28-day bank statement rule (for UK)
Submit visa application:
- Complete online application
- Pay visa fee and health surcharge
- Book biometrics appointment
- Submit documents
- Wait for decision (plan for 4-8 weeks)
Month 16-18: Pre-Departure Preparation
Practical preparations:
- Book flights (once visa is approved)
- Arrange accommodation
- Research banking options in destination
- Understand health insurance requirements
- Plan what to pack
Orientation and connections:
- Join university welcome programs
- Connect with other Nigerian students at the university
- Join Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities
- Attend any pre-departure orientations
0-3 Months Before: Final Preparations
Final Month
Documentation:
- Make copies of all important documents
- Store digital copies in cloud
- Keep originals in carry-on luggage
Financial:
- Inform Nigerian bank of travel
- Get international card if possible
- Carry some destination currency
Health:
- Complete any required vaccinations
- Get sufficient medication for initial months
- Obtain medical records copies
Farewells:
- Spend time with family and friends
- Set up communication plans
- Prepare emotionally for the transition
Alternative Intakes
While September/Fall is the most common intake, other options exist:
January/Spring Intake:
- Available in some UK, Canada, Australia universities
- Smaller cohorts, potentially less competitive
- Deadlines typically August-October
Summer Intakes:
- Some programs in US, Australia
- Good for those who need more preparation time
Key Deadlines to Remember
UK:
- Most programs: Rolling admissions, but apply by January-March for September
- Oxford/Cambridge: October 15
- Some competitive programs: January deadlines
US:
- Most graduate programs: December-February for Fall
- Some programs as early as November
- Scholarship deadlines often earlier
Canada:
- Varies widely: October-March for Fall
- Check each university specifically
Conclusion
Successfully studying abroad requires planning that starts well over a year before your intended start date. By following this timeline, you'll have adequate time for test preparation, thoughtful applications, and thorough visa preparation.
The key principle is this: starting early gives you options. You can retake tests, apply to more schools, and handle unexpected delays. Rushing leads to mistakes, missed deadlines, and stress.
Begin your journey today, and in 18-24 months, you could be stepping onto a university campus abroad, ready to begin an exciting new chapter of your life.
Good luck with your applications!