NOUN Admission for Foreign Students: Can International Students Apply?

Yes, international students can apply to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)! Discover the admission requirements, application process, and key considerations for foreign applicants seeking flexible, quality education in 2025.

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a pioneer in open and distance learning in Africa, committed to providing accessible and flexible higher education. A core aspect of its mission is inclusivity, which extends to welcoming students from all over the world.

So, to directly answer the question: Yes, international students can absolutely apply for admission to the National Open University of Nigeria.

NOUN’s ODL model makes it an attractive option for foreign students who may not be able to relocate for traditional campus-based studies, offering them the opportunity to earn a recognized degree from anywhere in the world.

Key Considerations for International Applicants to NOUN

While NOUN is open to foreign students, there are specific requirements and processes to be aware of:

1. Academic Requirements

Minimum O’Level Credits: Like Nigerian applicants, international students must typically possess a minimum of five (5) credit passes at the O’Level (or its equivalent in their country) in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained at not more than two sittings.
- Equivalent Qualifications: NOUN accepts various international qualifications. It’s crucial for foreign applicants to provide their corresponding Examination Results and academic transcripts of previous high schools or institutions for evaluation.
- Programme-Specific Requirements: Always check the specific entry requirements for your chosen program of study (e.g., Law, Nursing, Sciences, Arts, Management) on the NOUN official website, as these can vary.
For Undergraduate Programs:
- JAMB Regularization (for Nigerian students): For Nigerian undergraduates, JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) regularization is required even though they don’t sit for UTME to enter NOUN. For international students, JAMB is generally not required as they are not subject to the Nigerian internal admission system. However, in some cases, a JAMB registration number might be needed for data verification. It’s best to confirm this directly with NOUN admissions.
For Postgraduate Programs (PGD, Masters, PhD):
- First Degree/HND: Requirements for postgraduate programs vary, but generally include a relevant Bachelor’s degree (minimum Second Class Lower for Master’s) or a Higher National Diploma (HND) for PGD programs from a university recognized by the Senate of NOUN.
- Transcripts: Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions are mandatory for postgraduate applicants. These often need to be sent directly from the previous institution to NOUN in a sealed envelope.
- References: PhD applicants typically require academic references.

2. Application Process for International Students

The application process is largely online, similar to that for Nigerian students, but with specific considerations for international qualifications.

📚 Further Reading

Visit the Official NOUN Admissions Portal: Go to https://nou.edu.ng/ and look for the “Apply for Admission” link or navigate directly to https://www.nouonline.nou.edu.ng/.
Select Your Programme Type: Choose “Undergraduate Programme,” “Postgraduate Programme,” or “PhD Programme.”
Choose Faculty and Programme: Select your desired Faculty and then the specific program of study.
View Admission Criteria: The portal will display the specific requirements for your chosen program. Ensure you meet them.
Fill the Pre-Payment Form: Complete the initial application form. This will generate a Unique ID. Take note of this ID.
Generate RRR and Make Payment: The system will redirect you to Remita to generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) invoice for the application form fee.
- Payment Method: International students can typically pay online using an international debit/credit card through the Remita platform. If online payment is problematic, direct bank transfers might be an alternative, but this needs to be confirmed with NOUN’s admissions office.
- Application Form Fees (Approximate, subject to change):
  - Undergraduate Programmes: ₦5,000
  - Postgraduate Programmes: ₦7,500
  - PhD Programmes: ₦10,000
Continue After Payment: After successful payment, return to the NOUN portal, click “Continue After Payment,” and input your Unique ID and the RRR.
Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the detailed online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic information.
Upload Required Credentials:
- Passport Photograph: A recent, clear passport-sized photograph meeting NOUN’s specifications.
- Academic Certificates: Scanned copies of your O’Level certificates/transcripts, and any higher degree certificates (for PGD/Master’s/PhD).
- Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age.
- NYSC Certificate or Exclusion Letter (for Nigerian graduates): Not applicable to foreign students, but might be listed on generic forms.
- Other Supporting Documents: Any other documents specific to your program or as requested by the university.
Submit Application: Review all information carefully before clicking “Submit.”
Print Admission Letter: If successful, you will typically receive a provisional admission letter instantly or within a short period, which you can print from the portal.
Study Centre Screening: While NOUN is ODL, there might still be a requirement for document verification at a designated study centre or a NOUN office (which could be the main campus in Abuja if you are physically in Nigeria or plan to visit). For foreign students studying remotely, virtual screening might be arranged, or they might be guided on how to submit verified documents by mail. Clarify this with NOUN admissions.

3. Visa and Residency

No Visa Required for Remote Study: A significant advantage for international students is that if they plan to study remotely from their home country, they do not need a Nigerian student visa. This removes a major logistical hurdle often associated with international education.
For Physical Presence in Nigeria: If an international student wishes to physically reside in Nigeria to attend a study centre or be closer to the university, they will need to apply for a student visa through the Nigerian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. NOUN’s admission letter would serve as a primary document for their visa application.

4. Communication and Support

Official NOUN Contacts: For any specific queries regarding international admissions or the equivalency of your qualifications, it is highly recommended to contact NOUN’s official channels:
- General Enquiries Email: centralinfo@noun.edu.ng
- Student Support Services: support.nou.edu.ng
- Phone Numbers: +234 803 851 4090, +234 908 290 7092, +234 905 646 3036 (Nigerian numbers, consider international call rates).
- School of Postgraduate Studies (for PG applications): pgadmissions@noun.edu.ng

Conclusion: Global Access to Quality Education

The National Open University of Nigeria truly embodies the spirit of open and distance learning by extending its educational opportunities to international students. Its flexible model, coupled with recognized degrees, makes it an attractive choice for foreign nationals seeking to advance their education without the typical constraints of traditional campus-based universities.

If you are an international student considering NOUN, carefully review the specific requirements for your program, gather all necessary documents, and follow the online application process diligently. With proper preparation, you can successfully embark on your academic journey with NOUN from anywhere in the world.

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