How To Apply For UK Student Visa In Nigeria

Do you intend to visit the UK to pursue your studies and, as a result, require processing a UK student visa application? This guide on how to apply for a UK student visa in Nigeria, also known as a UK post-study employment visa, may be of assistance.

If you’ve never studied in the UK before, your first question should be whether you need a visa to continue your study here and how to apply for one.

The majority of students outside the UK apply for student visas, therefore if you are one of them, understanding the fundamentals of this project, such as the prerequisites, procedures, costs, and financing, will increase your chances of being granted a UK student visa.

We will also go over things like how to apply for a student visa to the UK, what is needed to get a visa for a Nigerian citizen, what is needed for funding, etc. For Nigerian students, we’ll be detailing how all of this operates as well as how to safeguard them.

Stay with us as we walk you through how to quickly obtain a visa if you’re a Nigerian student who has to apply for one to study in the UK.

Article Content:

We’ll talk about the following topics in this article:

1. UK student visa process step by step
2. UK student visa requirements for Nigerian citizens 2023
3. UK student visa financial requirements 2023
4. UK student visa documents
5. UK student visa application
6. UK student visa form
7. UK student visa application tracking
8. UK student visa extension
9. UK study visa without ielts requirements 2023

UK Student Visa Process Step By Step

Obtaining a UK student visa is essential to realizing your desire to study in the UK. However, applying for a UK student visa can be challenging, particularly if you don’t know which steps to take first.

If they ever hope to have a chance of at least securing an interview at the embassy, students applying to institutions in the United Kingdom—especially those from Nigeria—must complete the UK study visa process step by step.

Follow this step-by-step guide to properly apply for your student visa to avoid becoming a roadblock in your own way.

Step 1: Start by preparing your financial evidence

You won’t need to provide any proof of money if you have been residing in the UK for the past 12 months on a valid visa at the time of your student visa application.

However, you would need to present the embassy with proof of finances as you are applying from Nigeria.

Since the UKVI has a severe financial requirement for international students enrolling outside of the UK, it is advisable to start arranging your evidence of funding early.

You will need to provide proof that you have enough money set aside for both your living expenses and tuition, and that this money has been in your account for a minimum of 28 days.

Step 2: Get your supporting documents ready

You can begin putting together your documentation while obtaining your financial proof. A few papers, including the original copy of your university transcript and, if necessary, the results of an English proficiency exam, will be requested from you.

A letter of parental consent (if you are under 18) and other supporting documentation, such as recommendation letters, may also be needed.

When you receive your CAS, it will list all the documents you need for your application.

Step 3: Apply to a university of your choice in the UK

Make sure you have a verified offer of admission to a UK university before moving ahead. You’ll receive a document known as the CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies).

Step 4: Complete the online visa application form

On the official UK immigration website, you must register and set up an account. To continue, complete your application and pay the required visa application fee. You’ll be given an appointment time after completing this.

Step 5: Visit the visa application centre for an appointment

On the day you’ve scheduled, go to the visa application centre to get your fingerprints and photo taken.

UK Student Visa Requirements For Nigerian Citizens 2023

You must fulfil particular conditions for a UK study visa in addition to being accepted for undergraduate or graduate studies in the UK.

In order to study in the UK as a Nigerian student, you must be older than 16 years old, have documentation of an admissions offer from a respectable university, and have enough money to support yourself. These are just a few of the requirements for your student visa in the UK.

As a Nigerian student applying for a UK student visa, you will need the following general UK visa requirements 2023:

1. An international passport
2. Confirmation of Acceptance of studies
3. Must have passed your English exam
4. Adequate funds to sponsor yourself
5. ATAS certificate – An Academic Technology Approval Scheme is for all types of international students and researchers (except for some nationalities) who are under the jurisdiction of UK immigration control and wish to study or research at a postgraduate level in some sensitive programs.
6. A passport size photograph
7. You have to be 16 and above
8. Official transcripts and other original copies of documents listed in your CAS.
9. Valid and current bank statement
10. Letter of sponsorship (where applicable)

You can apply for a UK post-study work visa if you choose to extend your visa after your course of study is complete.

Short-term Study Visa Requirements

Students who intend to enrol in a short-term course can apply for this category of visa (between 6 -11 months). In the UK, it is typically awarded to students who only study the English language.

If you have a short-term study visa, you can extend your stay in the UK by an additional 30 days as long as you don’t remain for more than eleven months.

1. You must be 16 years and above to apply.
2. An accredited provider would have accepted you to study an English Language course which is 11 months or shorter.
3. Students must be studying an English Language course. (You cannot change or study another course in the UK. It must be an English Language course.)

Child Student Visa Requirements

Students between the ages of four and seventeen are eligible for a tier four visa under the category of “UK child student.” Nigerians who wish to enrol in an independent school in the United Kingdom are eligible for this sort of student visa.

Application must be submitted six months before the start of the course and outside of the United Kingdom. Within three weeks, you will hear back.

The child student visa is good for the entire course, however it can only be used for a total of six years with an additional four months following expiration. Students between the ages of 16 and 17 may enrol in a three-year programme and receive an additional four months of credit.

1. Proof of English Language proficiency.
2. ATAS certificate where applicable.
3. Valid passport.
4. An unconditional offer letter for a course at an independent school.
5. Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your course and stay in the UK.
6. Test result for tuberculosis.
7. Parent or guardian’s consent to study in the UK.

UK Post Study Work Visa 2023 Requirements

A UK post-study work visa, often known as a graduate visa, allows the holder to remain in the country for up to two years after finishing a programme there.

One of the psw UK 2023 conditions to take into account is that you must reside in the UK at the time of application.

The following are some prerequisites for your 2023 UK post-study work visa:

• You are residing in the UK.
• You currently possess a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• You currently possess a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• Your university or college must notify the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed your course.

UK Student Visa Financial Requirements 2023

You must have enough money to pay for your course and sustain yourself while you are a student in the UK if you are applying for a UK study visa.

To demonstrate that you meet the financial requirements for an overseas student, you’ll typically need to present some documentation. The fees for applying for a UK student visa must also be paid.

The quantity of money you must present varies depending on:

• The duration of your course.
• Your tuition fees, which will be stated on your confirmation of acceptance of studies(CAS).
• Course or tuition fee – you need to pay for the first year of your course (up to 9 months). Your fee amount will be disclosed in your CAS.
• If you have any form of financial support for example scholarships or government sponsorship, aids or grants.
• Your course of study.
• If you are traveling with your family. You have to show you have enough money to cover their living expenses throughout your duration of study.
• Where you’ll be studying in the UK.
• Your living arrangements, if you’re under the age of 18.

Accommodation and living expenses:

Your ability to pay for your living expenses while you are studying is one of the most crucial things you’ll need to demonstrate when applying for a UK study visa.

Where you plan to attend school will determine how much money you need to present.

• You must prove that you can afford the sum of 1,334 per month for up to 9 months for courses in London or

• For classes outside of London, the monthly fee is 1,023 for up to 9 months.

You’ll need to demonstrate that you have the resources to sustain every member of your family that you bring to the UK.

The 28 day rule:

The required funds for your student visa application must be kept in your account for 28 straight days, according to the 28-day rule.

You must always have the required amount of money on hand during the 28-day period; otherwise, you won’t meet the requirements and your visa application may be turned down.

From the closing balance, the 28 days are calculated backward. No more than 31 days must have passed since the last transaction date in order to file a visa application.

UK Visa Application Fee

You must submit your online application for a UK visa together with the £383 application fee that is necessary. Additionally, you will need to pay an application fee for each dependent you bring.

Tier 4 (general) student visa fees:

You can pay the 185,000 fee for the Tier 4 general student visa after submitting the online application.

Uk child student visa application fees:

The typical application fee for the UK child student visa is 162,000. The length of the visa determines how much you pay in healthcare surcharges, which are included in the application procedure.

UK short-term study visa fees:

The UK short-term study visa fees costs the sum of? 87,000, which you pay with a ?218,000 healthcare surcharge.

The surcharge enables you to use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

See the full price list for various UK student visa application fees.

UK Student Visa Documents

To demonstrate that you fit the requirements for a UK student visa, you will need to provide a number of specific documents.

Depending on your circumstances and the rules in your CAS, some of these documents are required, while others may be requested.

It is crucial that you supply all of your documentation because failing to do so could result in your visa being denied.

All of the required documents are listed below:

1. A valid international passport
2. Details of your international passport.
3. Confirmation of acceptance of studies(CAS) number.
4. The original academic documents listed in your CAS.
5. English Language test scores.
6. Financial details (e.g tuition fee receipt).
7. ATAS certificate (when applicable).
8. Translation of relevant documents (if they are not written in English).
9. Biometric information.
10. Two passport size photographs.
11. Proof of funds.
12. Bank statement.
13. Official sponsor’s information (If you have a sponsor).

Applicants who are under 18 will need the following documents:

• Proof of consent – written consent from both parent/legal guardian.
• Evidence of relationship with your parent or legal guardian.
• Copy of your birth certificate or any government document that shows your parent’s name.
• Official translation for any documents not written entirely in English. It should include –
• The date of the translation
• Proof from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• Translator’s contact details and signature

UK Student Visa Application

The procedure for applying for a student visa in the UK is rather simple. You must submit an application for a UK student visa if you are 16 years old or older and want to attend a university there.

You can submit an application for a student visa to the UK up to three months before the commencement of your study, and you’ll hear back within three weeks. Additionally, we have outlined the correct procedures to follow below as you are applying from Nigeria.

• Provide means of identification

At a visa application centre, you’ll either offer your fingerprints and other biometric data as a means of proving your identification.

• Scan your identity document

To scan your identity document, utilise the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app.

• Create a UKVI account

A UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account must also be created or signed into by applicants using the ID Check app.

• Fill the application form

Online application forms are available for UK student visas. The application form can be saved so that you can finish it later.

• Wait for a decision

Usually, it takes 3 weeks for your visa application to be decided. Applicants might also pay to receive a decision more quickly.

• Receive the BRP

You’ll be issued a biometric residence permit once you learn the outcome of your student visa application (BRP). Your identity and eligibility to study in the UK can be verified via the BRP.

It also enables you to utilise any public services or advantages (like health insurance) to which you are eligible due to your student visa.

For additional information, see the UK student visa application.

UK Student Visa Form

One of the essential steps in obtaining authorization to study in the United Kingdom is completing the UK student visa application form.

You must complete out an online form and create an account using a legitimate email address in order to apply for a student visa for the UK.

Make sure you have the right information before you begin your application. You can save your application and finish it later if you run out of time.

Please remember to get in touch with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) right away if you discover an error on your application or need to change any of your information.

Before beginning to add documents to the application form, you must first respond appropriately to 44 questions.

They are listed below:

1.Choose where in the UK you are going to stay

England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

2.Current passport

If you are asked if you hold a valid EU, EEA, or Swiss passport, choose “No.”

3.Confirm your visa type

Short term student visa or student visa.

4.Select a country

Choose Nigeria as the country from which you will deliver your biometrics.

5.Choose a visa application centre

Look up the locations of the visa application centres.

6.Acknowledge the disclaimer

After reading the GOV.UK disclaimer, click “Apply.”

7.Register your email and choose password

Register an email and create password

8.Confirm your email address

 Verify the email address you want the GOV.UK office to use to contact you. You can add one more email in addition.

9.Add your telephone number

Specify your phone number. You can include an extra phone number.

10.Choose your contact preference

Select how you’ll prefer to be contacted by telephone.

11.Choose any scholarships you’ve received

Marshalls, Commonwealth, or Chevening.

12.Include your CAS number

 If you don’t do this, your application can be rejected.

13.Include your name

First name, middle name, and family (last) name.

14.Choose gender and relationship status

You can choose your Sex and relationship status.

15.Add your current address and state

Specify how long you’ve lived at your present address in the addition. An old address where you previously resided for the last two years will also be required.

16.Give travel document details

Describe your passport or other travel document in detail. Include information from the national ID card.

17.Choose your origin

Include your country of nationality, country, place and date of birth.

18.English language proficiency

Fill in English Language Proficiency.

19.Specify if you have any financial dependent

Mention any financial dependents you may have, and whether or not they will be traveling with you.

20.Give details about your parents

Your first parent’s name and relationship to you should be included. Give your second parent the same treatment.

21.Identify any family members in the UK

Decide if you have relatives living in the UK.

22.Show how you’re traveling

Choose whether or not you’ll be traveling alone or with a group.

23.Filling where you’ll stay in the UK

Make sure to provide the complete address. Additionally, you can include any additional lodgings in the UK.

24.Fill in UK travel history

If you have visited the UK in the last ten years, indicate by selecting “Yes” or “No.” or if you received a UK visa during the previous ten years.

25.Pick the number of times you’ve traveled to these countries

Choose how many times you have visited Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area (minus the UK).

26.If you’ve been to any other countries in the past 10 years, indicate it.

Choose the nation you visited and the reason for your trip. Include the dates you arrived and left the nation.

27.Fill out your planned travel information

This is the date you plan to arrive in the UK.

28.Indicate your immigration history if you have any

This could occur if you were expelled, denied a visa, rejected permission to enter or remain, refused permission to seek refuge, removed, requested to leave, excluded, or barred from entering. Include information on any past violations of immigration laws.

29.Conviction history

Describe any convictions and other punishments in detail.

30.War crimes

List any war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocides in which you may have taken part.

31.Did you support terrorist activities, organisations and views? 

Tell them whether you’ve ever advocated or supported terrorism in any nation.

The same rule applies to adhering to radical ideologies and groups.

32.Test your character

Indicate if you have engaged in any paid or unpaid activities for a government outside of the UK that could be hazardous to the interests or national security of the UK and its allies.

33.Fill your employment history

Organizations you’ve previously worked for, along with information on your position and start and finish dates.

34.Place of study

Select the kind of sponsor you plan to study with. and verify the main research location.

35.Confirm UCAS application

Indicate whether you used UCAS to apply for a course.

36.ATAS required

Indicate whether you must ask the ATAS for authorization.

37.Choose your future official financial sponsor

The answer to this question is yes or no. No advances your application to the next round. Yes asks you to specify the kind of sponsorship and the methods used to substantiate it.

38.Include your course information

Include course information and the start date as well.

39.Confirm accommodation

Verify your accommodations in the UK and whether you have already paid for them.

40.University course fee

Give details about how you plan to pay for your courses.

41.Student loans

Indicate whether you have received student loans for your tuition.

42.Maintenance funds

If the money for your upkeep is held in a bank account with your name on it, let them know.

43.Add any additional details

If necessary, provide further information about your application.

44.Double check your answers

Be sure to check all of your responses once more before pressing the next button.

You can get an idea of what to anticipate from the online application by following this step-by-step procedure for filling out the UK student visa form.You can complete the full visa application process on GOV.UK.

UK Student Visa Application Tracking

It is essential that you find out how long it takes for your UK student visa application to be processed and for a decision to be made after you submit the application.

When you either show up for your appointment and provide your biometric data at a visa application centre or confirm your identification using the UK immigration ID check app, your application’s waiting period begins. After you receive an email with the application outcome, it is over.

Within three (3) weeks following your appointment at a visa application centre, a decision will be made.

Additionally, you’ll receive instructions on what to do next. You can request for a priority service to hasten the decision-making process if you need to travel right away.The cost of this service exceeded the usual visa application charge.

Even though the UK student visa application decision-making procedure has a deadline, the following circumstances may make you wait longer:

1. if the validity of your supporting documents is required.
2. if you have to go to a job interview.
3. If there is a special circumstance (for example if you have a criminal record).

UK Student Visa Extension

You could be able to extend your visa if you’re currently in the UK on a Tier 4 student visa. If you want to stay longer in the UK to either finish your present course or begin a new one, you can do this.

A visa extension is possible if:

1. You have a Tier 4 (generic) student visa or a student visa for study in the UK.
2. if a licensed student sponsor has unconditionally offered you a place in their study programme. To substantiate this, you will need your proof of study acceptance.
3. You’re taking a new course that is more challenging than your previous one. The demand for academic progress is what it is called.

There are several exceptions to take into account, though. If you’ve been in the UK for less than a year on a valid visa, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have the financial resources to cover your extended tuition costs as well as your living expenses.

Additionally, any member of your family who is currently in the UK with you will need to apply separately for a visa extension. Either they apply concurrently with you or at any time before their visa expires.

You’ll have to pay certain costs in order to extend your visa. The cost of extending your visa and having your biometric data collected (which is free) is £490. In addition, you’ll have to pay the healthcare surcharge.

UK Study Visa Without IELTS

Students from Nigeria can obtain a study visa for the UK even without IELTS certification. There are many famous universities that accept applications without the IELTS requirement.

If you decide against taking the IELTS test, there are other options available. Some universities might ask you to participate in an online interview to evaluate your English language skills and knowledge.

While some institutions might take your high school English results into account (there are some requirements the university has set that you must adhere to).

Whichever one it is, you must present a document from your university to the UK Visas and Immigration office saying that you have been admitted and are qualified for the UK Student Visa without IELTS.

To apply for a study visa without IELTS, you must meet the following requirements:

1. A letter from your university confirming that you are permitted to apply for a student visa without taking the IELTS test.
2. Your acceptance letter from a UK university.
3. As further evidence of English proficiency, you can take the Secure English Language test required by the UKVI office.

We hope that by this point you have all the knowledge you require regarding this process if you intend to apply for a UK student visa to study in any country of your choice. Stop waiting and begin the UK student visa application process right away.