Are you a Nigerian dreaming of relocating or studying abroad but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. Many people believe traveling abroad is only for the wealthy, but that’s far from the truth. With the right information, strategic planning, and low-cost options, you can travel abroad with a low budget from Nigeria — whether for education, work, or greener pastures.
In this blog post, I’ll break down everything you need to know to make your international dreams come true without draining your wallet.
Why Nigerians Are Traveling Abroad on a Budget
From economic hardship and rising unemployment to the search for better opportunities and global exposure, thousands of Nigerians look for affordable ways to japa (a popular slang for relocating abroad). However, visa costs, flight tickets, and tuition fees can be major barriers — especially for those on a tight budget.
Thankfully, many affordable travel routes and opportunities exist if you know where to look.
10 Best Ways to Travel Abroad with Low Budget from Nigeria
Here are the most effective, low-cost strategies to relocate or study abroad from Nigeria:
1. Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships
If your goal is to study abroad, applying for a fully funded scholarship is the smartest route. Many universities and governments offer scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and even travel.
Popular scholarship options for Nigerians:
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Chevening Scholarship (UK)
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Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)
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DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
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Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
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MasterCard Foundation Scholarship (Africa-focused)
Pro Tip: Start preparing your documents early — including transcripts, statement of purpose (SOP), academic references, and international passport.
2. Target Countries with Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access
If you’re starting small and want to explore or work temporarily, consider countries that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Nigerian passport holders.
Examples include:
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Benin Republic
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Ghana
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Rwanda
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Kenya
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Barbados
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Fiji
These countries have easier entry requirements and lower travel costs.
3. Apply for Low Tuition or Tuition-Free Countries
Some countries offer free or very low-cost tuition to international students — including Nigerians.
Top low-tuition destinations:
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Germany (tuition-free public universities)
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Norway (tuition-free universities)
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Poland, Hungary, and Turkey (low tuition and affordable living)
Combine this with student part-time work and scholarships, and your cost becomes very manageable.
4. Use Volunteer and Cultural Exchange Programs
Several cultural exchange programs allow Nigerians to travel abroad while volunteering, interning, or living with host families.
Examples include:
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AIESEC Internships
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Workaway or HelpX
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Au Pair Programs in Europe and the US
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WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
These programs usually offer free accommodation and food in exchange for your time and work.
ALSO READ: Cheapest Countries to Travel and Study in 2025
5. Migrate through Job-Seeking Visas
Some countries allow you to enter with a Job Seeker Visa, which lets you look for work opportunities legally.
Popular examples:
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Germany Job Seeker Visa
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Sweden Job Seeker Visa
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United Arab Emirates (UAE) Job Exploration Visa
While you need some upfront cost, it’s cheaper in the long run than traditional work visa sponsorship.
6. Apply for Online Remote Jobs and Relocate Later
Build your online portfolio, get a remote job, and save money while living in Nigeria. Once financially stable, you can apply for digital nomad visas or relocate through job opportunities.
In-demand remote skills:
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Digital marketing
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Copywriting
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Graphic design
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Web development
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SEO and analytics
Countries like Portugal, Estonia, and Dubai offer digital nomad visas for remote workers.
7. Leverage Family or Friend Support Abroad
If you have family or close friends already abroad, they may be able to:
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Send you an invitation letter
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Help you with temporary accommodation
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Reduce your proof of funds requirement
This drastically reduces your initial travel costs.
8. Take Advantage of Cheap Flights and Flexible Travel Plans
Flight tickets can take a big chunk of your budget. Use flight comparison tools like:
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Skyscanner
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Google Flights
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CheapOair
Travel during off-peak seasons, book months in advance, and consider one-way tickets with layovers to save money.
9. Relocate Through Affordable Study Routes Like Diploma or Short Courses
Instead of aiming for expensive degrees, consider short diploma courses or certificate programs abroad. These programs are:
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More affordable
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Easier to get visas for
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Often lead to work opportunities or postgraduate study
Examples: 1-year PGD in Canada, vocational courses in Germany or Australia.
10. Join Free Webinars and Migration Seminars
Many embassies, NGOs, and study abroad consultants organize free webinars, virtual fairs, and seminars. These events offer:
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Direct access to university reps
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Scholarship tips
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Visa support advice
Look out for events from British Council Nigeria, EducationUSA, and Campus France.
Budget Breakdown for Traveling Abroad from Nigeria
Here’s a rough estimate of what to expect when traveling on a low budget:
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (₦) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Passport | ₦35,000 – ₦70,000 | Apply early |
| Visa Fee | ₦30,000 – ₦200,000 | Depends on country |
| Flight Ticket | ₦350,000 – ₦850,000 | Compare airlines for best deals |
| Proof of Funds | Varies | May be waived or reduced in some cases |
| Tuition Fee (if any) | ₦0 – ₦1,000,000/year | Many low-tuition or tuition-free options |
| Miscellaneous | ₦100,000 – ₦300,000 | Medicals, translation, etc. |
Final Thoughts
Traveling abroad from Nigeria on a low budget is very possible in 2025 — but it requires research, strategy, and patience. By exploring affordable destinations, applying for scholarships or job visas, and reducing upfront costs, you can fulfill your dream without going broke.
The earlier you start preparing, the better your chances of success. So get your passport ready, build your skills, and begin the process today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I travel abroad from Nigeria without a large amount of money?
Yes. You can travel abroad with a small budget by applying for fully funded scholarships, using job seeker visas, or joining volunteer exchange programs.
2. Which country is the cheapest for Nigerians to relocate to?
Countries like Germany, Turkey, Poland, and India offer low tuition, cheap living costs, and visa-friendly policies for Nigerians.
3. What are the easiest countries to migrate to from Nigeria?
Some of the easiest countries include Canada (via express entry or study route), Germany, the UK (with sponsorship), and Rwanda (with visa-on-arrival).
4. Do I need to show proof of funds to study abroad?
Yes, most countries require you to show that you can support yourself. However, fully funded scholarships or sponsorships can reduce or eliminate this requirement.
5. How can I get free accommodation abroad?
You can get free accommodation through:
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Volunteer exchange programs (e.g. Workaway)
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Au Pair jobs
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Friends or family support
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Some scholarship packages
If you found this guide helpful, share it with others, bookmark it for future reference, and start your low-budget travel plan today!
For more tips on relocating, scholarships, and low-cost study abroad opportunities, keep visiting myeduplug.com.ng.