Japa to America: 6 Important Documents You Must Possess if You Want to Travel to USA for Masters Degree
For some Nigerian graduates, getting a master's degree abroad has become a dream they must pursue to a logical conclusion. Many Nigerian graduates see an additional certificate earned abroad as the most accessible means to success or to get a well-paying job.
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Many who wish to study abroad also see the study route as the easiest way to relocate to any country. The USA is easily one of the most preferred destinations for Nigerians wishing to seek greener pastures abroad.
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Yearly, many young Nigerians apply for master's in US universities, seeking to be offered spaces for study.
But some Nigerian graduates are unaware that they would have to possess some essential documents before seeking to travel to the USA for their master's degree.
To this end, Legit.ng has listed six of the most important documents students would need as they aspire to travel to the USA.
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1. International passport
One of the first documents you must possess before starting your master's application abroad is the Nigerian international passport.
IDP Education lists a valid international passport as one of the first documents a prospective masters student should possess if they wish to move to the US.
The international passport is like an identity card that identifies you as a citizen of your country.
It is required before you will be given admission, and it is also required as a travel document.
If you wish to travel to the US for studies, you have to possess an international passport which the Nigerian Immigration Service issues.
2. Academic transcript
You have to apply to the school that issued your first degree or HND and get your transcript.
The transcript is an academic document that spells out your performance in school while studying for your first degree or HND.
The school you are applying to in the USA will need to use your transcript to evaluate your suitability before offering you admission.
According to Masters Portal, the universities in the US expect the transcripts to be original copies from the issuing schools. Sometimes, your graduate school sends it directly to the admitting school.
3. Statement of purpose
Many schools in the USA require you to tell them why they should offer you admission.
The statement of purpose helps you to cover other things that couldn't be covered in your certificates and other documents.
The SOP is one of the documents that help get you admitted for a master's degree in the USA if it is well-written.
Providing more clarity, IDP Education writes:
"An SOP for the Master's program is a part of your MS application for a university. It provides a better understanding of your motivations and qualifications to the admission panel and helps them foresee you as a potential fit for the program."
4. Reference letters
Another document critical in getting you admitted for a master's degree in the USA is your reference letters.
Nigerian students seeking to gain admission for a master's degree are required to present at least one reference letter except otherwise stated by the school.
Usually, the schools ask that you get reference letters from your school lecturers or a direct boss who can vouch for your suitability for admission.
This letter is so important that some schools may not admit students without it. Masters Portal provides more insights:
"A letter of recommendation for your university application is a letter written by a professor or an employer who collaborated with you for a significant period of time, in which they will recommend you for a particular study programme."
5. IELTS/TOEFL or any other English test
As a Nigerian student seeking to study for your master's degree in the USA, the universities over there will require you to prove that you can study in English without language barriers.
The schools, therefore, require Nigerian students to take an English test. The two of the most commonly used tests are IELTS and TOEFL.
The IELTS is jointly owned and administered by British Council, IDP, IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.
According to the Education Testing Services, TOEFL is accepted by more than 11,500 universities, including in USA.
However, it should be noted that many universities in the USA have actually started waiving English tests for Nigerian students.
6. University certificate
Another document you need to possess while applying for admission to study for your master's is your university certificate.
Many schools in the USA require you to submit this at the point of application.
Also, other schools require you to present original copies of your degree certificate on arrival at the school.
Sklls to possess before travelling abroad
In a related story, Legit.ng also listed some skills to possess if you want to travel out of Nigeria.
It was said in the article that those who possess skills are more likely to survive abroad.
Some of these skills include hairdressing, ICT skills and more.
Source: Legit.ng
