Nigerian applicants · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Student visa for Nigerian citizens
Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.
This page covers the Student visa specifically for Nigerian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Nigeria. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2 weeks – 3 weeks
- Government fees
- Application fee (around £524 from outside UK), Immigration Health Surcharge £776/year for students, plus tuition deposit.
- Typical duration
- Varies with course — up to length of course plus a short wrap-around.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Lagos / Abuja
Tourist entry vs. this route
Nigerian nationals require a visa for any entry into United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Student visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Key figures for Nigerian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
2 weeks – 3 weeks
3 weeks outside the UK, 8 weeks inside. CAS from a licensed sponsor is a pre-requisite.
Verified 1 June 2026 · GOV.UK — Student visa →
Visa overview
The Student route is the UK's core study visa. Applicants need an unconditional offer (CAS) from a licensed Student sponsor, English-language proficiency, and financial evidence for tuition and maintenance. Students may typically work part-time during term and full-time during vacations, subject to rules.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed Student sponsor.
- ✓Sufficient funds for tuition and maintenance — thresholds updated in January 2024.
- ✓English-language proficiency at the level required by the sponsor and the rules.
Common blockers
- !Sponsor ceases to hold a Student sponsor licence (rare but material).
- !Insufficient financial evidence — maintenance must be in the applicant's name or a qualifying parent/guardian.
Typical evidence
- ·CAS reference number.
- ·Bank statements evidencing required funds held for 28 consecutive days.
- ·English-language test, degree, or nationality exemption.
- ·Parental consent and evidence of relationship for applicants under 18.
Application pathway
Accept offer and receive CAS
The institution issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once the offer is unconditional and deposit paid.
Prepare finances and English evidence
Hold qualifying funds for 28 consecutive days; sit an approved English test if required.
Apply online and attend biometrics
Pay application fee and IHS and submit biometrics.
Arrive and begin studies
Register at your institution, collect BRP/eVisa, and begin the course.
Plan post-study route
Most graduates switch to the Graduate route for post-study work (2 years now; 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027, 3 years for PhDs).
Recent policy changes affecting this route
What changed most recently on this route — each linked to its primary government source.
- 14 October 2025In force 1 January 2027
UK: Graduate route shortened to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027
The 14 October 2025 Statement of Changes cuts the Graduate route from 2 years to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027; PhD graduates keep 3 years.
UK Home Office →
Other United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland routes covered for Nigerian applicants
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Health and Care Worker visa
Discounted Skilled Worker route for eligible NHS, adult social care, and allied health roles.
Global Talent visa
Unsponsored visa for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.
Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
Innovator Founder visa
Endorsement-based visa for founders launching an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.
Family visa (partner/spouse)
Visa for partners of British citizens, settled persons, or certain other qualifying sponsors.
Not sure United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Nigerian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nigerian citizens eligible for the Student visa?+
Eligibility for the Student visa is set by UK Home Office and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Nigerian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Nigerian applicants typically file the Student visa?+
Lagos / Abuja. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by UK Home Office — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Nigerian applicants need a tourist visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well?+
Nigerian nationals require a visa for any entry into United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Student visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How long does the Student visa take to process from Nigeria?+
The typical published decision window is 2 weeks – 3 weeks. Nigerian applicants usually file via Lagos / Abuja, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: GOV.UK — Student visa, verified 1 June 2026.
Can Student visa holders work in the UK?+
Students on degree-level courses at Higher Education providers can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations, with some restrictions. Below-degree courses often carry tighter limits.
Can I bring dependants on a Student visa?+
Dependant rights for Student visa holders were narrowed from January 2024. Only postgraduate research students (PhD and certain others) and government-sponsored students can typically bring dependants. Always check GOV.UK for the current rules.