Can NECO Be Used To Study Abroad?: Your Complete Guide
One of the documents required by an international student to secure admission is a transcript. This in Nigeria comes as WAEC or NECO results. While WAEC is internationally accepted, you might be wondering can NECO be used to study abroad?
Of course, we know the WAEC examination is conducted for students across some West African countries and it is more recognized abroad than NECO which is limited only to Nigeria.
So I am guessing the question in your mind now is, can I use NECO result to study abroad? Or is it unsuitable for international admissions?
Yes, let’s ask ourselves, can NECO be used to study abroad?
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An Overview of the National Examinations Council
The National Examination Council (NECO) was created in 1999 to conduct Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations for Nigerian students. It is some way an alternative to WAEC but more doctored towards the needs and challenges of the Nigerian student.
Since 1999, NECO has been doing exceptionally well, offering exams to Nigerian students. Since the exam body is located in Nigeria, can NECO be used outside Nigeria?
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Can NECO Be Used To Study Abroad
So back to our pressing question. Can NECO be used to study abroad?
The short and simple answer is yes. You can use your NECO results to study abroad. NECO can stand in for your WAEC results if you happen to not have it or do not have the subject combination required for your course of study.
Yes, NECO results can be used, but there is a limitation.
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Understanding if NECO is Accepted Internationally
While it’s gaining more ground day by day, it’s sad to say that NECO till date is still not internationally accepted like it’s WAEC counterpart. Most “big” international schools may not consider it or totally shun away from it.
US universities are mostly guilty of this. While they consider WAEC results, they might not consider your NECO results.
Still, can NECO results be used to study abroad anyway? Yes, with other certifications though.
Some institutions request other certifications before they think about offering admission. The best thing to do is to get those other specifications ready to aid your admission process.
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Factors to Consider for NECO Recognition
You can’t jump into admission before you know the requirements of such a University. There are some factors to consider before you choose a University. The biggest factor is if they stated on their website if they are willing to accept NECO exams.
If it is not clearly stated or such information is being ambiguous, it’s best to not choose such University. The most painful thing to do is to start processing an admission only to discover that they don’t accept your NECO results.
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Preparing your NECO Results for Overseas Study
You will need to tender your original transcripts as issued by NECO to apply for any University abroad. Statement of results or any similar document won’t cut it. You will need to acquire your original transcripts, colour and clear since you may be required to scan it.
You will always need other documents to back up your NECO results. Some schools will require testimonials, referrals, and such. And yes, you will also need some additional test results.
Additional Exams You May Need to Take
NECO results are good, but trust me, your NECO results alone aren’t enough to get you an admission abroad. If you are asking, can I use neco to study in abroad? You will need to prove yourself in a number of exams to boost the possibility of admission.
Such additional Exams can be grouped into:
- Language Proficiency Tests
- Subject specific Exams
- Graduate Admission Tests
- Standardized Admission Tests
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Language Proficiency Test
These are tests to confirm if you can speak the language of your host country. All candidates are required to be able to speak to some degree the language of the host country so as to have a smooth educational life. Language proficiency tests include
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Cambridge English Exams (e.g., FCE, CAE, CPE)
- Duolingo English Test
Specific Subject Exams
For highly specialized disciplines such as Medicine and Law, some specific Subject Exams need to be passed. Some of them include.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
- IB Exams (International Baccalaureate)
Graduate Admission Tests
These tests are used to evaluate a student’s preparedness for advanced study in some specific fields. They include:
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Standardized Admission Tests
Standardized admissions exams are important for the application process in many colleges and universities around the world.
These exams aim to determine your preparedness and assess your suitability for admission. Some standardised Admission test include
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
- ACT (American College Testing)
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Popular Destinations that May Accept NECO
Despite the limitations, many countries still accept NECO results. Some of the popular destinations that require NECO include the US, UK, Australia and Canada.
This is big news. That means you can still secure admission into good schools with NECO without any hassle. It’s very good to research the requirements of each individual school even if the country is willing to accept NECO.
What of NECO GCE? Can NECO GCE be used to study abroad? Any instruction that accepts NECO SSCE will probably accept its GCE. Those two certificate exams can be used interchangeably.
Requirements differ from school to school and you need to meet those requirements to boost the possibility of getting admitted.
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Options to Study Abroad with NECO in the UK
Though not internationally accepted like WAEC results, you still have some good options to study in the UK with your NECO results. Some of your options are as follows
- Manchester University, Manchester, UK
- Kent University, Canterbury, UK
- Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
- Sheffield University, Sheffield, UK
Universities in the USA that Consider NECO
So you might want to ask the question, what US Universities exactly consider NECO for admissions. A quick browse through Google will actually shock you. Most US Universities don’t accept and recognize NECO, and this includes those of the Ivy league!
Yes, Harvard and Princeton and MIT, all of them will not consider your NECO results if you don’t have WAEC results.
Most require professional test results such as ACT and SAT.
Some Universities don’t have info whether they accept and others show promise without any official confirmation. It’s good to know for sure that the University you are applying to accepts NECO before you start the admission process.
Below is a table showing popular US Universities and their preferences
| Universities | NECO Acceptance |
| Havard | Doesn’t accept, only SAT, ACT |
| University of California, Berkeley | May accepts, no official confirmation |
| MIT | Unclear, accept similar exams conducted in US |
| Caltech | Unclear |
| Yale | May accept, considers SAT |
| Princeton | Doesn’t accept |
| Columbia University | Unclear, no official confirmation |
| University of Chicago | Accepts with conditions |
| Kansas State University | Accepts |
| Houston University | Accepts |
As you can see, not many US universities are keen about NECO. It is advisable to try universities in the UK and Canada for better outreach.
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Countries in Europe Open to NECO Students
Now that we have seen that we have limited choices in the US, which countries are open to accepting NECO in Europe then?
The good news is that numerous Universities are willing to accept your NECO results. Many institutions in the UK, Germany, Ukraine and Switzerland are open for admission using NECO.
Below is a list of Universities based in Europe that are willing to accept NECO results.
- Sheffield University, UK
- Manchester University, UK
- Kent University, UK
- Plymouth University, UK
- University of Switzerland, Bern
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Conclusion
Studying abroad is hard on its own. If you have correct information about your admission process, mistakes are bound to happen. Now you know the NEXO results are not as internationally accepted as WAEC results. And possessing only that request will pose some difficulty.
If you have only NECO results and you still wish to study abroad, you are not alone and the situation is not hopeless, there are some schools that are for you.
You don’t need to do this all by yourself. Now we have answered the question, can NECO be used abroad? You can reach out to us now.
We specialize in admissions in Universities abroad and we are willing to help you out. Contact us today, we are glad to hear from you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What countries accept NECO?
The UK, US and Switzerland accept NECO results.
Can NECO be used to study in Canada?
Yes. Many Canadian institutions consider NECO
Can I study abroad with a NECO certificate?
Of course! You only need to choose a University that accepts NECO results as not all institutions do.
Can I use my NECO to study abroad?
Absolutely. Most Universities abroad consider NECO results as a criteria to appoint students.
Can I get a scholarship with my NECO result?
As long as you get an admission, all international students are qualified for one kind of a scholarship program. Do your research on the requirements of the school offering such admission and you might qualify.