Berea College Scholarship Requirements for International Students: Eligibility and Test Scores

ABerea College Scholarship Requirements for International Students: Eligibility and Test Scores

Can someone living in Nigeria apply?

Berea’s published international route does not require applicants to live in the United States or exclude Nigeria. Its guidance explicitly accommodates West African examination records, and its official reporting documents students from Nigeria.

Together, these support eligibility to apply from Nigeria under the international route. They do not establish a Nigerian quota or guarantee admission.

Check your education and intended degree

Applicants need strong secondary-school results and must meet university entrance requirements in their home country.

Berea offers undergraduate degrees; applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree are ineligible. This is therefore unsuitable for someone seeking a master’s scholarship or funding for a second bachelor’s degree.

If you have started university, disclose that study. International transfer applications are considered, although Berea prioritises students who have not previously had access to higher education. Previous university transcripts are required.

Do not hide an unfinished degree because you think it will improve your chances. Ask admissions how to classify your application if your study history is complicated.

Which test can you submit?

The international guidance publishes these minimums:

Test Published minimum
IELTS Overall 6.0; at least 5.0 in each component
Duolingo English Test 95
TOEFL iBT 68
SAT 980
ACT Composite 19

Use a report less than two years old. These are published minimums, not scores that guarantee selection. Confirm acceptance of your precise test version and score scale before booking.

Berea’s separate test-optional policy explicitly retains a test requirement for international applicants. Do not assume WAEC English or an English-medium school letter replaces it.

Nursing has additional English requirements, so prospective nursing students should check that programme separately before choosing an exam.

What strengthens an application?

A strong application should explain why you need financial support, how prepared you are for university study and what you hope to achieve with your education. Your school results help show your academic ability, while recommendations from teachers can explain your effort, character and potential beyond your grades.

If you have helped your community, describe what you actually did. For example, regularly helping younger students with their lessons tells the reader more than simply calling yourself a “community leader.” Explain who you helped, your responsibilities and any difference your work made.

You do not need to secure an admission offer before applying. Also do not need a government nomination or a research supervisor’s approval. You apply directly for admission and submit the required information about your family’s finances as part of the same process.

Prepare the right documents in Part 3 —including the two different recommendations and the essay rule that changes how you should prepare.