Step-by-Step Guide to the UK Student Visa from Nigeria (2025 Update)

Why choose the UK?

Study in the UK and join thousands of students every year from Nigeria. The UK offers you:

  • Academic excellence in World-Class institutions
  • Post study employment opportunities
  • Permission for employment during study

Why choose UKVisaTeam?

At UKVisaTeam, we simplify the UK visa process so you can focus on your goals, not the paperwork. Our licensed experts make your journey stress-free, helping you avoid the common mistakes that cause refusals.

We will:

  • Review your documents to meet UKVI standards.
  • Complete your UK visa form accurately to prevent errors.
  • Guide you through every stage, including interview preparation if required.

With UKVisaTeam, your UK study dream is handled with care, precision, and expert support from start to finish.

Start your Student visa application today with UKVisaTeam.

Here are the steps you should know if you plan to study in the UK.

Step 1: Get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Your university issues a CAS number after you accept an offer and pay a deposit. This unique number links your visa to your course. Do not apply before you CAS is issued.

Step 2: Choose the Right Visa Type

Most students need the UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4). If you are under 18 and will be studying at a private school, apply for a Child Student Visa.

Official: GOV.UK — Apply for a Student Visa

Step 3: Prepare Financial Documents

Proof required:

  • Tuition fees for 1 year and living costs for 9 months (£1,529 per month in London, or, £1,171 per month outside of London)

Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days prior to application date in a regulated financial institution.

Official: GOV.UK — Money you need

UKVisaTeam Insight: "If a parent sponsors you, include an affidavit of support and birth certificate. Missing these two documents is one of the top few refusal reasons for Nigerian students."

Step 4: English Language Test

You must pass a UKVI approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)1 at an approved test centre in Nigeria2.

Official: GOV.UK — Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT)

Note

1 Approved courses are by Pearson; PSI Services (UK) Ltd, IELTS SELT Consortium, LANGUAGECERT.

2 A complete list of the approved test centres can be found here.

UKVisaTeam Insight: "Check you test centre is on the UKVI approved list and that you are taking the test at the correct level for the course you wish to study. As an example, a degree level course need an equivalent of CEFR level B2."

Step 5: Apply online

Use GOV.UK.

Upload the required documents, pay the required fees and book your biometrics.

  • Visa fee £524
  • IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) £776 per year
UKVisaTeam Insight: "The UKVI visa fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected."
UKVisaTeam Insight: “Apply 6 - 8 weeks before your course start date. Early applicants experience lower risk of delays."

Step 6: Biometrics

When you have submitted your visa application, you will need to prove your identity by having your fingerprints and photo taken at an approved visa application centre.

Step 7: Wait for Decision

A decision usually takes 3 weeks; priority service is available.

When you receive your visa, your passport will include a 30-day entry vignette. You must travel to the UK before the vignette expires.

Complete your eVisa online before you travel to the UK.

Official: GOV.UK - eVisas

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get a UK Student Visa from Nigeria?

Processing times can vary, but many Nigerian applicants receive a decision within a few weeks once they have submitted their documents and attended their biometric appointment. It is always safer to apply as early as allowed on your CAS so you have time to correct any issues if UKVI asks for more information.

Q: How much money do I need to show for a UK Student Visa from Nigeria?

You must be able to show that you can pay your tuition fees and living costs at the level required by UKVI for your chosen study location. This normally involves holding the correct amount of money in an approved bank account for a set period before you apply. The exact figures and rules can change, so it is important to check the latest UKVI guidance or speak to a licensed adviser before you apply.

Q: Can I apply for a visa before I have chosen my course of study?

No – you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance forStudies from a UKVI approved institution before you can apply for a visa.

Q: Can I bring dependents?

Yes, if you’re studying a postgraduate course of 9+ months.

Q: Can I extend my stay after studies?

Yes, through the Graduate Visa or Skilled Worker Visa pathways.

Q: Can I work while I am in the UK on a Student Visa?

Yes – you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks.

Q: Can I switch from Student to Skilled WorkerVisa?

Yes, after graduation if you meet salary& employer criteria.

Q: Do dependants need separate work permits?

No — they can work freely.

Q: What are the basic requirements for a UK Student Visa from Nigeria?

In general, Nigerian students need an offer from a licensed UK university or college, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof they can pay tuition and living costs as required by UKVI, a valid passport, and evidence of English language ability if needed. Some applicants may also need a tuberculosis (TB) test and additional supporting documents.

Q: Can UKVisaTeam help me with my UK Student Visa application from Nigeria?

Yes. UKVisaTeam’s licensed immigration advisers can review your documents, explain what UKVI is looking for, help you complete your visa application form correctly and support you through each step so you avoid common refusal reasons and apply with confidence.

Speak with UKVisaTeam today to prevent any delay in your application.
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