How to Apply for UK Student Visa from Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)

Are you planning to study in the United Kingdom from Nigeria in 2025? If yes, then understanding how to apply for a UK student visa from Nigeria is a critical step in your academic journey abroad.

This guide is a complete, step-by-step breakdown of the entire UK student visa application process for Nigerian students, including documents, fees, requirements, timelines, and expert tips to improve your chances. Written in simple grammar, this article is structured to help you avoid errors and boost your chances of visa approval.

Whether you're going for an undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD program — this 2025 guide has you covered.

What is a UK Student Visa?

A UK Student Visa, officially called the Student Route Visa (Tier 4), allows Nigerian students to live and study in the UK for the duration of their academic program. It is issued to those who have received an offer from a licensed UK institution and can prove they can support themselves financially during their stay.

If your course lasts longer than six months, you must apply for this visa before traveling to the UK.

Who Can Apply for a UK Student Visa from Nigeria?

You are eligible to apply for a UK student visa if:

• You are 16 years or older

• You have received an unconditional offer of admission from a licensed UK school or university

• You can speak, read, and understand English

• You have enough funds to pay tuition and living costs

• You have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution

Even if you meet these requirements, your application will be denied if you submit fake or incomplete documents.

Types of UK Student Visas for Nigerians

Here are the major student visa categories Nigerian applicants can apply for:

1. Standard Student Visa (Tier 4)

For full-time degree courses (undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD).

2. Child Student Visa

For students between 4–17 years attending an independent UK school.

3. Short-Term Study Visa

For short courses like English language or vocational programs under 11 months.

For this guide, we will focus on the Standard UK Student Visa as it is the most common for Nigerian university applicants.

Documents Required to Apply for UK Student Visa from Nigeria

You need to prepare the following key documents:

• Valid Nigerian international passport

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from your school

• Recent passport photographs

• Proof of tuition payment or financial support

• Bank statement showing proof of funds for tuition + living expenses

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved Nigerian clinic

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, WAEC with C6 in English)

• Parental consent (if under 18)

• Visa application form and payment confirmation

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for UK Student Visa from Nigeria in 2025

Follow these 10 detailed steps to apply successfully:

Step 1: Secure Admission into a UK School

Before anything else, apply and receive an unconditional offer from a licensed UK institution. You’ll then receive a unique CAS number, which you’ll use during the visa application.

Pro Tip: Double-check the institution is on the official list of UKVI-approved sponsors.

Step 2: Prepare Your Financial Evidence

You must show you can support yourself in the UK. According to 2025 rules:

• Tuition fee (usually from £9,000 to £20,000/year depending on course)

• Living expenses in London: £1,334/month for 9 months = £12,006

• Living expenses outside London: £1,023/month = £9,207

Your bank statement must show this amount for at least 28 days before you apply.

Step 3: Take a TB Test at an Approved Clinic

UK immigration law requires Nigerian applicants to take a tuberculosis test if they’ll stay over 6 months. This test must be done at an approved UKVI clinic in Lagos or Abuja.

Step 4: Pay Your Tuition Deposit

Most schools require you to pay a portion of your tuition (usually £2,000–£5,000) before issuing your CAS letter. The more you pay, the less proof of funds you'll need to show.

Step 5: Receive Your CAS Letter

Once your deposit is confirmed, your UK school will issue a CAS letter. This includes your course details, fees, and unique CAS number. Do not apply for the visa until you have received this.

Step 6: Complete the Online Visa Application

Visit the UK government’s official site at https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply and:

• Create an account

• Fill the student visa form

• Upload your documents

• Select “Nigeria” as your country of application

• Choose appointment date

You’ll also pay the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge during this process.

Step 7: Pay Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

You must pay:

• Visa application fee: £490

• IHS fee: £776 per year of study
  So for a 3-year program: £490 + (3 × £776) = £2,818 total

This gives you access to free healthcare while in the UK.

Step 8: Book a Biometric Appointment

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a biometric instruction letter. Book your fingerprint and photo capture appointment at the TLSContact Visa Application Centre in Lagos or Abuja.

Bring:

• Printed appointment confirmation

• Your passport and supporting documents

• Payment receipts

Step 9: Attend Your Visa Interview (If Required)

Some Nigerian applicants may be invited for a short credibility interview. You’ll be asked about:

• Why you chose the UK

• Why this school and course

• How you plan to fund your study

• What you’ll do after your course

Be honest, confident, and consistent with your application details.

Step 10: Get a Decision and Collect Your Visa

The standard processing time is 3 weeks, but you can pay for priority service (5 working days). You’ll get:

• A 30-day entry visa vignette (sticker in your passport)

• A letter on where to collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) when you arrive in the UK

Travel within that 30-day window to activate your visa.

How Much is UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria?

Here is the 2025 fee breakdown:

Note: Actual amount in Naira depends on the current exchange rate.

How Long Does UK Student Visa Take in Nigeria?

• Standard Processing: 3 weeks (15 working days)

• Priority Processing: 5 working days

• Super Priority: 24 hours (not always available)

Apply at least 3 months before your course start date to avoid last-minute delays.

Can I Work in the UK with a Student Visa?

Yes. As a Nigerian student in the UK:

• You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time

• You can work full-time during holidays

• You cannot be self-employed or work as a professional athlete or entertainer

Can I Bring Dependents with My Student Visa?

Yes, but only if:

• You are studying a postgraduate course that lasts 9 months or more

• You are government-sponsored

Your spouse and children will apply as dependents and must show proof of extra funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Apply for UK Student Visa from Nigeria

Q: Can I apply for UK student visa without IELTS?
A: Yes. If your WAEC English grade is C6 or higher, some universities will waive IELTS. You must submit a WAEC result and obtain a waiver letter from the school.

Q: How much bank balance do I need for UK student visa?
A: Your statement must cover:

• Tuition fees (minus deposit paid)

• £12,006 (London) or £9,207 (outside London) for living expenses
  All funds must remain in the account for 28 consecutive days.

Q: Can I use a sponsor’s account for proof of funds?
A: Yes, but the sponsor must be your parent or legal guardian, and you must show birth certificate and letter of consent.

Q: Do I need a visa agent?
A: No. You can apply for UK student visa from Nigeria yourself by following this step-by-step guide carefully.

Q: What happens if my visa is denied?
A: You’ll get a refusal letter explaining why. Fix the issues and reapply. Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or inconsistencies.

Final Thoughts on How to Apply for UK Student Visa from Nigeria in 2025

Studying in the UK opens doors to world-class education and global opportunities. But to get there, you must understand how to apply for UK student visa from Nigeria correctly and on time.

Start by applying to a UK school, prepare your documents, pay your visa and IHS fees, and attend your biometrics appointment. Most importantly, avoid shortcuts — follow the rules, and your visa journey will be smooth.

With this guide, you now have all the information and steps to successfully migrate as a student to the UK in 2025.