Despite Nigeria’s strong student presence in the UK, visa refusal rates remain around 12–15% (Home Office, Jan 2025).
Here’s why — and how to make sure your application succeeds the first time.
Top Rejection Reasons
#1. Financial Evidence
Two main important factors under funding requirement often results in a visa rejection.
Breaking the 28 day rule:
- The correct level of funds must be held within the bank account for 28 days immediately prior to the date of application. Funds being held for less than 28 days prior to the application is a common reason for rejection.
Inconsistent deposit:
- UKVI must believe the funds to be genuinely available to the applicant for the purpose of funding their period of study in the UK. They will reject applications where there is no clear explanation of where the funds come from, or if the funds fluctuating appear to be moved in and out of the account.
UKVisaTeam Insight: "Keep funds stable for at least 1 month before applying and make sure it is clear where the funds come from and that they are genuinely available to the applicant."
#2. Incorrect TB Test or Expired Results
Use only UK Home Office approved test centres:
Official: GOV.UK - Tuberculosis testing in Nigeria
Remember to check the date of your test result as it must have been issued within 6 months prior to the visa application date.
#3. Weak Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Your chosen university and UKVI will want to hear from you that you are a genuine student with good reasons for wanting to study this particular course in the UK. They want to know how it will further your career aspirations and give you strong reasons to return to Nigeria. Avoid copying generic SOPs, be specific and explain any inconsistencies.
UKVisaTeam Insight: "Clearly explain your academic goals and ties to Nigeria. Read more about SOP."
#4. Unclear or Invalid English Language Proof
You must pass a UKVI approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at an approved test centre in Nigeria. The test must be at the required level for the course you are applying for. Go to the following link to find approved courses, required test levels and approved test centres.
Official: GOV.UK - Prove your English ability with a secure English Language Test (SELT)
#5. Wrong or Fake CAS Information
Your CAS must be issued from a licensed sponsor organisation which will use the UKGovernment Visa Sponsorship Management System to issue a valid CAS.
Official: GOV.UK - Register of licensed sponsors: students
#6. Invalid Documentation
It is really important that any documents you use to support your application are genuine and can be verified by UKVI. If your documents are believed to be false your visa may be rejected and if it is more likely than not that you knew the document was false you will receive an automatic rejection of your visa and a 10 year ban on further applications.
#7. Late Applications
Visa applications usually take 3 weeks to process; however, they may take longer at busy periods or if your application is complex. Submitting your application too close to your course start date may lead to your application being rejected.
You can apply at any time in the 6 months prior to your course start date. We would recommend starting the application at least 6 weeks before.
