Japa Strategy 2.0: New Study Routes You Should Know About
Don’t wait for a closed door to reopen. Step through the ones already wide open.
Welcome to issue #015 of ScholAfrica. Every Wednesday, I send an essay that helps you get the scholarships and visa you need to experience a better life abroad and give your family the life they deserve. If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here:
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ~ Helen Keller
For the past two weeks, I was on vacation — getting married, and enjoying one of the most joyful seasons of my life. You can see a snippet here (full video will be out on my channel next week). But amidst all the love and laughter, my inbox and DMs didn't rest. I kept receiving the same questions from international applicants. "What's happening with student visas?"
If you're dreaming of studying in the US, you've probably heard whispers about what's going on. Let me catch you up.
On May 27, a message was sent to U.S. embassies around the world. It read
Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days." (“Septel” is State Department shorthand for “separate telegram.”)
In simple terms, if you were planning to book a visa appointment for Fall 2026 (August), you now have to wait indefinitely. Then, on June 4, things escalated. The U.S. government said no new international students can enroll at Harvard University for now. They even suggested revoking visas that had already been issued.
For thousands of applicants, this has turned from a season of preparation into a time of uncertainty.
But this isn't the end of your dream. It is an invitation to expand it.
The Truth About Visa Delays
You might've heard of something called "administrative processing." If you haven't, here's what it means. After your visa interview, instead of receiving an approval or denial, you're told that your application requires further review. That's 221(g) in embassy language. And recently, almost every student (with the potential for approval) gets the 221(g) form.
Two students whom I coached were placed under administrative processing last month. The US government checks your social media handles to see if you were an activist or involved in anti-Semitism. Some visa applicants in Nigeria were even asked, "If they've ever been to Gaza before?". They are being careful about who they give visas to.
The processing takes a few weeks or months, and then the applicant will be given their visa if the processing comes out positive.
These are very uncertain times for current students, applicants, and coaches like me. But with great uncertainty comes great opportunity.
The Big Opportunity
If you're reading this and feeling discouraged, take a deep breath. There is good news: the U.S. is not he only country that offers scholarships and world-class education.
Let's shift our gaze. Let's look at the opportunities that are opening up for us.
I’ve spent the last three years teaching students how to win U.S. scholarships. But now, I’m learning about other countries too—and I want to help you do the same.
Here are some countries you can look into:
Canada – Has top universities and the Vanier Scholarship. You can even stay and work after your studies.
United Kingdom – Offers Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships. Many African students love it here.
Germany – Most public universities are free. You can apply for the DAAD Scholarship too.
Australia – Offers Australia Awards, and it’s getting more popular with West African students.
France – Has the Eiffel Scholarship and beautiful cities to live in.
These countries aren’t just Plan B. They are great places to study and grow. Many of them give full scholarships and have clear visa rules.
I’m now learning about scholarships in more countries. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sending newsletters, posting tweets, and even hosting podcasts about them.
I want you to grow with me.
Here’s what you can do now:
Don’t feel discouraged. You still have many paths to follow.
Start looking at other countries, too. Don’t just focus on the U.S.
Make sure your online accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.) show your best side.
Get ready to apply to more than one country.
Reply to this email and tell me which country/scholarship you want to learn about first.
Final Thoughts For You
I know many students dream of the U.S. But the truth is—even when you get a scholarship, you still need money for the visa, SEVIS fee, flight, and more. You might need at least $1,500 to travel, even if your tuition is free.
But there are other scholarships that pay for everything. Yes, even your flight! You could travel with $0. I’m going to find those scholarships and share them with you.
So from now on, I’m talking about scholarships around the world—not just the U.S.
Will you come along on this journey with me?
That’s it!
As always, thanks for reading.
Hit reply and let me know the next country or scholarship you want to learn about—I’d love to hear from you!
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Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:
The Scholarship Accelerator: This 6-week Bootcamp is designed to help you secure fully funded scholarships (Graduate Assistantships) by submitting 5 high-quality applications in just 6 weeks, with expert guidance every step of the way. The next cohort begins in August 2025, and registration opens up in July.
F1 Visa Interview Consultation: Get your F1 visa in your next interview. I combine my five F1 visa interview experiences with my expertise in learning from visa officers to prepare you for your visa interview thoroughly. We will identify your strengths and prepare you to deliver them confidently. Your story is the secret to your visa approval.
Excellent nuggets Nzube.