Requirements for UK Student Visa from Nigeria 2024

The United Kingdom is the second most popular destination for international students worldwide. They are renowned for their high academic standards, quality research, distinguished teaching methods, and top-notch educational infrastructure, and compared to other countries

The costs of living and healthcare are reasonable, so it is not surprising why many students would like to study in the UK than in their home countries.

Of course, before you proceed to study in the UK, you need to have applied for a student visa.

In this article, however, the main point of focus is to guide you on how to do this.

The method of application for the UK student visa differs slightly, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

Requirements for UK Student Visa from Nigeria

The United Kingdom offers three types of study visas;

  1. Tier 4 (Child) student visa
  2. Short-term study visa
  3. Tier 4 (General) student visa

Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa

This is a student visa for children between the ages of 4-17 who want to study at an independent school in the UK.

The application should be made from the outside UK and must be made at least six months before you start your course

You usually get feedback in about three weeks.

The visa is valid for the length of the course, up to a maximum of six years although it can be extended.

For students under the age of 16, the course length is usually up to six years. Your visa awards you an extra four months afterwards.

As for students between the ages of 16 and 17, the course length is usually up to three years and your visa awards you an extra four months afterwards.

Requirements for the Child Student Visa

Here are the requirements for the UK child student visa;

  • A valid passport
  • An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if possible
  • Proof of English Language proficiency
  • An unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school
  • You must be able to show you’ll have access to enough money to pay for your course and support you in the UK
  • You must have your parent or guardian’s consent to study in the UK
  • Tuberculosis test result
  • And any additional documents that may be required during the application process.

UK Child Student Visa Fees

  • The UK Child Student visa usually costs ₦162,000 to apply for.
  • You may also have to pay healthcare surcharges as part of your application process.

Take note, however, that the amount you pay depends on how long your visa lasts.

Hence, you might want to confirm and check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply to be on the safe side.

Short-term Study Visa

This visa is usually only to study the English Language in the UK.

The courses last for about six months up to eleven months. If you have a different course entirely, then you might not need this visa.

This visa allows you to stay in the UK for an extra 30 days as long as you do not exceed eleven months.

Requirements for Short-term Study Visa

Here are the requirements for UK short-term study visa;

  • You must be 16 years or older to apply
  • You must have been accepted to study an English Language course which is no longer than 11 months in duration at an accredited provider
  • It must be an English Language course

Note that you cannot change or study any other course while in the UK. It must be an English Language course.

Short-term Study Visa Fees

This visa usually costs ₦87,000

You also have to pay the healthcare surcharges as part of your online application. It usually costs ₦218,000.

The reason for the healthcare surcharges is so that you can use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Tier 4 (General) Student Visa

This type of visa is for students who are 16 and above to study in the UK long-term.

It is the most popular of all three and the most sought visa as a lot of Nigerian students, after completing their basic secondary school education, would want to further in the UK.

With this type of visa, family members of the student can apply to travel to the UK and stay there for the entirety of the length of the visa.

Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Requirements

  • An Academic Technology Approval System(ATAS) certificate
  • A valid passport
  • Previous academic qualifications as listed in your CAS
  • Proof of sufficient money or sponsor to support you and pay for your course
  • A valid international passport
  • You have to be 16 and above
  • Evidence that you can understand, speak and write English
  • An up-to-date bank statement
  • A letter from your official sponsor(if you are being sponsored)

Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Fees

This type of visa usually costs ₦185,000 and can be paid online after filling out the application form.

It would be advisable to have an extra ₦5000 due to the difference in naira and dollar.

The UK also requires you to have a specific amount of money in your account a couple of months before your leave.

You might need the sum of ₦620,000 for up to nine (9) months before applying.

Hopefully, this article has been able to guide you on how to go about getting prepared and applying for a United Kingdom visa.


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15 thoughts on “Requirements for UK Student Visa from Nigeria 2024”

  1. In my CAS, it’s stated that I used my Master of Engineering certificate to obtain the PhD position. However, I am yet to complete the Masters program. What I submitted during application was a note from my head of department that I have my oral defense left. Hope this won’t be a problem to obtain my VISA.

    Reply
    • I understand your concern. It is possible that the statement in your CAS that you used your Master of Engineering certificate to obtain the PhD position could be a problem when you apply for your visa. This is because the visa officer may be concerned that you are not actually qualified for the PhD program.

      To address this concern, you will need to provide the visa officer with additional documentation that shows that you are indeed qualified for the PhD program. This documentation could include:

      1. A letter from your head of department confirming that you have completed all of the requirements for the Master of Engineering program, except for your oral defense.

      2. A copy of your Master of Engineering transcript showing that you have achieved a high GPA.

      3. A letter from the PhD program director stating that they are aware of your situation and that they are confident that you will be able to complete your oral defense and graduate from the Master of Engineering program before you start the PhD program.

      If you are able to provide the visa officer with this additional documentation, it will help to alleviate their concerns and make it more likely that you will be granted a visa.

      Reply
    • When applying for a UK student visa with dependents, you typically do not need an employment letter as part of the initial visa application process. The focus of the application is primarily on your study arrangements and financial capability.

      Here are some key points to consider:

      1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Once you have received your CAS from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor, you can proceed with your student visa application. The CAS is a unique reference number issued by your educational institution, confirming that you have been accepted onto a course of study.

      2. Financial Requirements: As part of the visa application, you will need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and the maintenance costs of your dependents. The specific amount required may vary depending on your circumstances and the length of your course.

      3. Accommodation and Support: You will need to provide evidence of suitable accommodation for you and your dependents during your stay in the UK. This could include a tenancy agreement or a letter from your educational institution confirming your accommodation arrangements.

      4. Dependents: If you plan to bring your dependents with you to the UK, you will need to provide the necessary documentation to establish their relationship to you, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates. You will also need to demonstrate that you can financially support them during their stay in the UK.

      5. English Language Proficiency: Depending on your course and nationality, you may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency by taking an approved English language test, such as the IELTS.

      Reply
      • Okay, initially I thought UK student visa will require employment letter after 2 year of undergraduate…… I finish my undergraduate course 2 years ago and now I apply for a post graduate course this year in which I have received CAS and I want to apply for a visa with my family ( dependent)…. I hope they wouldn’t interview me on what I have been doing after undergraduate

        Reply
        • Hello Rashidat,

          Like I stated earlier, you typically do not need an employment letter as part of the initial visa application process.

          Concerning your second question, that should not be an issue as long as you meet the financial requirements.

          Reply
  2. Must the application be a period of 9months.
    What is the shortest amount it can take to finish applying before I can go abroad?

    Reply
    • Hello Pascal,

      I am glad you find this article on the requirements to study in the UK helpful.

      Do let me know if you have any questions.

      Reply

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