Insider Tips for getting a UK Student Visa from Nigeria

Last updated on May 22nd, 2023

Yearly, numerous Nigerian students find themselves at the UK embassy, applying for a UK visa for various study purposes. Although many are rejected, others are always successful, leading them to travel to the UK for their education. But unfortunately, while the successful ones find their way to study in the UK, the unsuccessful ones may not be able to reapply for the visa immediately.

Therefore, they may lose hope or look for another way to fulfill their study abroad dream. However, to ensure that does not happen, we have compiled the best tips for getting a UK student visa from Nigeria.

Getting a UK Student Visa from Nigeria

Here are some of them:

#1. Conduct a research

It would be best if you researched everything about UK education and how to survive in the country. Besides, you need to learn more about the institution and course you are to study, including their requirements.

#2. Apply to a UK university and obtain your acceptance letter

Before discussing your visa application, you must be sure you are studying in the UK. Then, apply for your course of study to get the acceptance letter that would qualify you for your visa application. Some of the top UK schools to consider include:

• Imperial College London
• Coventry University
• King’s College London
• Hult International Business School
• Durham University

#3. Consult a reliable agent

You may reach out to an agent with adequate knowledge of getting a UK student visa from Nigeria. They will also guide you throughout the application process. Ensure the agent is reliable to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

#4. Find out what type of visa you need to study in the UK

As a Nigerian student applying to study in the UK, you need any of the two types of visas below:

Short-term study visa: This visa is available for six to 11 months and is relevant for studying a short language course or conducting short research as part of a degree program.

Tier 4 or general student visa: It is available for students aiming to obtain an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program in the UK. for this visa, the length of study will determine the period of availability

#5. Find out when and where to apply for a student visa in the UK

There are two ways to obtain your UK student visa: at the UK embassy in Nigeria or online, on the UK Government’s official website. You will have your photograph and fingerprints taken at the visa application center. It is part of your visa application requirements.

See Also: 10 Tips to apply for a Scholarship to Study in the UK

#6 Gather supporting documents

You must ensure that your supporting documents are complete. It will give you higher chances at the visa application office. Here are the documents you need to get a UK student visa from Nigeria:

• Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least two years.
• You must demonstrate your financial capability to sustain yourself in the UK, including your tuition and living costs. In this case, for single students outside London, you must have up to £12,000 to £15,000. Traveling with dependents, you must have up to £12,000 to £15,000 plus living expenses for each dependent. If you are traveling with dependents, your proof of fund must not be more than 35 million nairas.
• Provide documents that assisted you in obtaining your admission, including transcripts, degree certificates, etc.
• If you are married, your marriage certificate will be necessary.
• You would need to provide an affidavit if you had a name change.
• Your proof of English language tests, like IELTS, TOEFL, etc., will not be necessary since the university has already confirmed it.

In addition, if you make it to the interview stage, you must expect some questions about your study in the UK as a Nigerian student. You must go straight to the point and answer your questions accurately. You may attend a credibility interview in this regard.

Further, if you have deposited your school fees to the school or are schooling on a scholarship, you may deduct it from your proof of fund. You will not need to show proof of funds if you have a sponsorship letter from an accredited organization.

How to conduct an Online Application for UK Visa

To apply for a UK visa, you must fill out an online form and create an account using an email address. Besides, you will pay a visa application fee of £348 upon completing the form. Then, you will need to visit the visa application center closest to get your biometrics, which include your fingerprints and photographs.

After getting your appointment for the physical submission of your application and interview, you should be there at least ten minutes earlier. Dress appropriately for the interview and go with all your documents, including a downloaded copy of the visa application form. Your interview will most likely take place on the same day.

What to know about the UK Student Visa Application

• You should always visit the official UK Government website for more updated information about the UK student visa.
• Ensure to apply for the visa as early as possible. It often takes around three weeks to obtain the Tier 4 Student Visa. However, you must ensure to start the application process three months ahead.
• Ensure to have all the information you need for the application to avoid mistakes.
• You must have your institution’s CAS (Certificate of Acceptance for Studies) before the student visa application.
• Ensure that the university or college you are applying to is licensed.
• You can contact the university’s or college’s trained visa advisor to help you with a guide on the Tier 4 Student Visa application process.

Requirements you need to meet to get a Tier 4 Student Visa

To apply for the general student visa, you must meet the following conditions:

• Be at least 16 years
• Understand, speak, read and write English
• Have enough funds to sustain you in the course of your study.
• Receive an unconditional off to study in any accredited UK institution.

Language Requirements for studying in the UK

You must prove your sufficient knowledge of the English language, according to the UK visa requirements. Thus, you must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Also, if you are studying a degree program, you must meet the CEFR level B2 of language proficiency.

Is the UK a Good Choice?

The UK is not only a great choice to achieve your study abroad goal; it has a track record of excellence in higher education. Over time, it has attracted the best brains from diverse corners to study in its reputable higher institutions. Thus, a UK degree certificate is among the most sought after globally.

How to Travel to the UK as a Student

To travel to the UK from Nigeria, you need to follow the following steps:

First, obtain a Nigerian passport: you will achieve this by visiting the Nigerian immigration office in your state. Hence, you will ask for an official Nigerian passport.

Apply for admission in the UK: consider schools in the UK, Scottish or Irish. You must know their requirements and application deadline. Write and pass language and other tests, write a statement of purpose (SOP), and request references. In addition, you must meet the entry requirements and apply for admission.

Apply for a visa: You must visit the visa application center according to the appointment. First, go with your supporting documents and application form. Then, complete the procedure and wait for the processing and approval of your visa.

Book a flight: Make sure the flight lands in the closest city to your UK university.

See Also: UK Student Visa Requirements for Nigerian students

UK Visa Application Centers in Nigeria

Teleperformance Contact Processing Services Ltd

• 1st floor, Churchgate Tower II

Plot PC31, Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

• 5th & 6th Floors, Etiebets place,

21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way

Ikeja, Lagos

• 3rd Floor, Yakub Plaza,

Plot 1129, Zakariya Maimalari Street, Opposite War College,

Central Business Area, Abuja

Embassy Address for UK Student Visa in Nigeria

The British High Commission in Abuja

Address: 19 Torrens Close, Mississippi, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria

Email: PPAInformation.abuja@fco.gov.uk

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 4 pm, Friday: 8 am – 1 pm

The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos

Address: Consular, and Visa Sections, 11 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Email:consular.lagos@fco.gov.uk

Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday: 8.30 am – 12:00 pm, Friday: 8.30 am to 11 am

Conclusion

Studying in the UK is one of the dreams of Nigerian students. But sadly, some of the dreams remain the same for specific reasons, one of which is the inability to scale through the visa application process. This is why we have insider tips for getting a UK visa from Nigeria. We believe that the information in this guide will be enough to help you pull through.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section contains answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting a UK student visa from Nigeria. It is a must-read for anyone considering studying in the UK:

How long it takes to process a UK student visa from Nigeria?

It takes around 3 months to process a UK student visa from Nigeria. However, it is important to note that this is an estimate and the actual time may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Is there an interview for UK student visa for Nigeria?

Yes, an interview for a UK student visa for Nigeria exists. Interviews are normally held at your local Visa Application Centre through a video link to the UK. UKVI will utilize your interview to determine whether or not you are a legitimate student. The British High Commission in Lagos usually conducts the interview.

How much is a student visa from Nigeria to the UK?

The cost of a student visa from Nigeria to the UK is £348. You’ll need to show proof of your academic credentials, a letter of acceptance from a UK school or university, and proof of financial assistance.

Depending on your circumstances, British authorities may allow you to pay this cost online, in person at a visa application center in Nigeria, or via bank transfer.

What are the requirements for obtaining a UK student visa in Nigeria?

To apply for a UK student visa in Nigeria, you’ll need to provide:

– A valid Nigerian passport.
– Two passport photographs.
– Proof of your offer of admission from a UK university.
– Evidence of your financial ability to pay for your course and support yourself during your studies.
– A tuberculosis test certificate if you’re coming from a country where the disease is common. Learn more about the UK student visa requirements here.