Study in the UK: An Ultimate Guide for Nigerian Students

Last updated on August 9th, 2023

To study in the UK means you will have access to most of the leading universities in the world. It is also multicultural, with diverse languages and the world’s best professionals.

Interestingly, you are not the only aspiring international student who wishes to study in the UK. Each year, tons of students worldwide troop to the country to study any of the undergraduate programs in one of the reputable universities the country boasts of.

Studying in the UK and obtaining a UK degree is one of the loftiest dreams of Nigerian students. It is an excellent opportunity to learn from the top schools and pursue a notable career.

Besides, what better opportunity to study an English-taught program than looking towards the UK? Here, we want to explore options to enable you to study in the UK as a Nigerian student.

Why Study in the UK?

As one of the most popular study destinations, the UK has students from all over the world to obtain an education. It is famous for its tradition of excellence, world-class institutions, and flexibility to study at your own pace. There are several reasons to study in the UK, and some of them are outlined below

#1. Budding destination

The number of international students in the UK keeps growing every year, making it the second most popular study destination worldwide. Besides, Nigerian students are among the top ten countries that constantly patronize schools in the UK. Others include China, India, Hong Kong, Germany, Malaysia, etc.

#2. Global Recognition

Schools in the UK are globally recognized, and their degrees and qualifications top-rated. Cambridge University and Oxford University are reputable names that have graduated the best of students.

#3. Affordable Education

You can save some money when you study in the UK because of the short time required to graduate. Most degree programs in the country are three years, and master’s programs do not exceed two years. The only problem that international students face in this regard is the high exchange rate.

#4. Job prospects

As a student in the UK, you have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours per week during the school session. But, remarkably, there are many job offers designed for students who wish to raise some money to augment their upkeep.

#5. Scholarships and loans

Sometimes, it is challenging to finance your education. However, you can apply for a scholarship or loan to help take care of some expenses. Several scholarship and loan opportunities enable you to study in the UK, but you must meet their criteria.

Two-year stay-back: the UK allows a standard two-year stay-back in the country after graduation. This gives them ample time to explore more options available in the job market. Thus, they can apply for a job within two years and extend their stay in the country.

#6. Multiculturalism

The UK allows people from several cultural and religious backgrounds to study and work in the country. This is also an opportunity to learn from people of other backgrounds.

• The UK is known to be the second-leading study destination in the world. With four of its eminent universities ranked in the world’s top 10 universities, it is undoubtedly an epitome of academic excellence.

Top Universities in the UK

Below are the top ten universities in the UK where a Nigerian student can apply:

• The University of Manchester
• University of Cambridge
• The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• King’s College London
• University College London (UCL)
• Imperial College London
• University of Oxford
• The University of Edinburgh
• The University of Warwick
• University of Bristol

Admission Requirements

As a Nigerian student wishing to study in the UK, you must understand the admission criteria for that purpose. In addition, you must realize that the course of study and university in question will also have standards you must meet. Nevertheless, here are the general requirements for UK admission:

• Apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service) for an undergraduate program. You should apply through UK PASS (UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service) for a postgraduate program.
• Make available some documents, including a personal statement, resume, letter of recommendation, and portfolio of work.
• A valid passport will be necessary.
• You may complete a year of International Foundation to undertake your postgraduate program.
• You will also obtain a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK as a Nigerian student. The visa is valid for up to your course duration, with a one-month extension.

How to Study in the UK: Application Process

• To apply to study in the United Kingdom, you need to follow the simple steps below:
• Research your options: the UK has over 60,000 courses in its distinguished institutions. You can choose your options by researching if you meet their criteria.
• Proof of fund: you must meet the minimum financial requirements to study in the UK. Hence, you must have up to 12,180 GBP in your account as proof of funds to study in the UK. However, studying in London requires 15,180 GBP per year.
• Gather the necessary documents: you need to plan your application at least two months ahead. This will help you gather the required documentation and organize everything on time.
• Apply for your admission: You must apply through the UCAS portal. After the application, you have to wait for your acceptance letter.
• Apply for your visa: after getting your acceptance letter, the next step is to visit the British embassy and apply for your Tier 4 student visa.

When can you apply to study in the UK?

You must understand that various deadlines exist to apply for individual courses in different universities. However, you must submit your complete application forms to UCAS by the first week of September. Some programs and universities extend the deadline to mid-October and mid-January. Similarly, the admission decision is notified to the applicants by April.

Best Cities in the UK for Students

The best cities you can live and study in the UK as a Nigerian student include:

• London
• Edinburgh
• Birmingham
• Manchester
• Glasgow
•  Sheffield
• Bristol
• Coventry
• Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• Nottingham

Cost of Living in the UK

Studying in the UK requires some financial investment. It would be best to consider your traveling, feeding, accommodation, and other expenses. These require money. If you are a student on a budget, you must search for affordable ones.

In addition, your choices and the city you live in will determine the cost of living. For example, the average cost of student accommodation in the UK is around 125 GBP weekly. In London, you should expect to pay 182 GBP.

Thus, it would be best to consider the options around your institution to lower the cost of transportation and other expenses. You can always find safe and secure accommodations around your school. Another option is to consult the Student Association of Nigerians in the Diaspora (SAND), a student-led platform that supports and represents Nigerian students abroad. They are always available to provide the right information you need.

Popular Courses in the UK

The UK offers an abundance of different study programs in humanity, health, STEM, etc. It is exciting to know that these courses can be as short as six months and do not extend beyond five to six years. Some popular programs include engineering and technology, law, computer science, arts, media and communication, hospitality and tourism, medicine, business, education, architecture, etc.

Conclusion

Studying in the UK is one of the best decisions you can make as a Nigerian student. It has leading universities and colleges to make this happen. Moreover, there are great opportunities to get your degree and pursue your career in the country.

See Also: UK Student Visa requirements for Nigerian students

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a list of frequently asked questions about studying in the UK for Nigerian students. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in studying abroad:

How much does it cost to study in the UK?

The annual tuition for studying in the UK ranges from 9,250 pounds to 30,548 pounds. If you are a medical student, you should expect to pay up to 64,652 pounds.

Is it cheaper to study in the UK or USA?

It is generally cheaper to study in the UK than in the US. Besides, since most UK courses are relatively shorter, you will save more costs studying in the country than in the US.

Is studying in the UK worth it?

For decades, the UK has boasted of the best universities worldwide for domestic and international students. As a Nigerian student, you can obtain any qualification in the UK, thereby allowing you to work towards your future career.