If you are looking to study in the UK as a Nigerian student, one important aspect to consider is the student visa fee.
But with the constant changes in the UK’s immigration policies, it can be challenging to keep up with the current cost. So, how much is UK student visa fee in Nigeria now?
As of January 2024, the cost of a UK student visa fee for Nigerians is $490, equivalent to ₦466,298.70 in Nigerian currency. And you can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to the UK. In addition, if you are extending or switching to a student visa from inside the UK, it costs the same amount of $490 as applying from Nigeria.
Another essential aspect is that the cost of the UK student visa fee varies depending on the type of student visa you are applying for.
See the table below for various UK student visa types and their fees.
UK Student Visa Type | Fee in Pound Sterling (£) | Fee in Naira (₦) |
Student visa | £490 | ₦598,860.96 |
Child Student visa | £490 | ₦598,860.96 |
Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa) | £200 | ₦244,433.04 |
* Note: The UK student visa fee in ₦ (naira) is as per the current CBN exchange rate as of January 2024. The visa fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Documents are Required to Apply for a UK Student Visa in Nigeria?
- 2 How to pay for UK Student visa fee in Nigeria
- 3 How much is the IHS fee for a UK Student visa?
- 4 How long does it take to process a Student visa after paying the fee?
- 5 How do I know if my UK Student visa is approved in Nigeria?
- 6 Fast-Tracking UK Student Visa Processing
What Documents are Required to Apply for a UK Student Visa in Nigeria?
Before applying for a UK Student visa from Nigeria, you must compile several documents to prove that you qualify to study in the UK. These supporting documents vary based on the type of visa; however, they usually include the following:
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Study from your school in the UK.
- A valid passport or other travel documentation
- Proof that you have money to support yourself while studying
- Proof that you can pay for your course (this will vary depending on your circumstances)
- Test results for tuberculosis, if any
- A passport-size photo in color
- School certificates and transcripts
- Results of any relevant English proficiency tests (such as the IELTS or TOEFL)
If you’re under 18 years, you will provide the following documents:
A written consent from both parents (Or single parent) or legal guardians is required. This must include their consent for:
- your visa application
- your living and care arrangements in the UK
- your travel to the UK
You will also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government ID) that shows the names of your parents.
Please note that you may be required to provide other documents at the visa application center, such as Biometrics information. Just try to find out more about other information regarding the documents you must provide before visiting the VAC. Click the link to get further insight into the requirements for a UK student visa.
How to pay for UK Student visa fee in Nigeria
Many Nigerian students find it challenging when trying to pay for a UK student visa fee. If you are one of them, please pay attention to this.
If you own a bank account in Nigeria (like GTB, Zenith Bank etc) and are applying for your Student visa online, you can pay your visa fee using a credit or debit card.
And you might wonder how do I pay for a UK student visa when the fee is quoted in pounds sterling. Yes! Although UK visa fees are set in British Pounds Sterling, you can use your Nigerian bank account to pay for your visa fees in Naira.
Your fee will be calculated based on the current exchange rate at the time of payment. The Home Office reviews this rate around every two weeks or so.
You may also be able to pay your student visa fee using other methods like Pay4me, chipper, or Klasha App. Just download the application from the Android Play Store and install it. Follow their instructions and make your payment. It’s easy and faster too!
How much is the IHS fee for a UK Student visa?
While applying for a student visa to the UK, most Nigerian students will have to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS).
This fee is paid to allow foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to access NHS services in the UK. The IHS is paid annually, and the visa holder will be in the UK. The fee for all students is £470 (equivalent to ₦ 574,215) a year.
This means that a regular three-year undergraduate degree will cost you £1645 (equivalent to ₦ 2,009,890). Meanwhile, a ten-month Masters course will cost you back £705 (equivalent to ₦ 861,355).
How long does it take to process a Student visa after paying the fee?
Typically, Student visas will take up to 3 weeks to process if applying from Nigeria. Note, however, that delays may occur, such as if your immigration application is particularly complex or if the Home Office needs to contact you to request more information or documents.
How do I know if my UK Student visa is approved in Nigeria?
To know if your UK student visa is approved in Nigeria, use the UK Visas and Immigration online services (UKVI) to access any information about your visa application.
Fast-Tracking UK Student Visa Processing
Do you know that you can fast-track your UK student visa in Nigeria when you apply for it? Yes. You can! I have received many inquiries about this.
If you’re applying from Nigeria, you can pay £250 for the priority service, ensuring that your application is processed within five working days. Or, you can pay £956 for the super-priority service, which will ensure that your application is processed in one day. This option is good for students whose school resumption date is close.
Read Next: How much is UK visa fee in Nigeria?