United Kingdom Student Visa for Nigerians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 3–10 weeks
- Government fee
- about $710
- Start preparing
- about 4 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 8
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 3–10 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Requires a CAS from a licensed student sponsor, English proficiency, and maintenance funds held 28 consecutive days: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month elsewhere (9 months) plus unpaid first-year tuition. Fee £558 plus £776/year health surcharge. Credibility interviews are common for Nigerian applicants, and most taught-course students cannot bring dependants.
This page covers Nigerians. For every nationality we track, see the United Kingdom Student Visa overview.
Requirements for Nigerians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | $17,500 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 3–10 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $710. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Unconditional offer & CAS from your universityIssued after acceptance and usually a deposit.
- Maintenance funds held for 28 days£1,529/month London or £1,171/month elsewhere for 9 months, plus unpaid first-year tuition.
- English language evidenceMost universities assess English themselves, as stated on the CAS.
- TB test at a Home Office approved clinicCertificate valid 6 months.
- Apply online, pay £558 fee + IHSThe application fee is £558 and the health surcharge is £776/year for the full course length.
- Biometrics & possible credibility interviewBiometrics in Lagos or Abuja; credibility interviews are common for Nigerian applicants.
- Decision & eVisaCreate and link your UKVI account before travelling.
- Travel & enrol
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Student Visa takes about 4 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Student Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United Kingdom Student Visa take for Nigerians?
- Typical processing time is 3–10 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Student Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $710. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Nigerians need a job offer for the Student Visa?
- No. The Student Visa does not require a job offer from a United Kingdom employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Student Visa?
- This visa does not directly cover accompanying family members.
Other United Kingdom visas for Nigerians
Other destinations for Nigerians
United Kingdom visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.