Are you a Nigerian student dreaming of studying in the United Kingdom? I know the visa process might seem scary, but don’t worry. I’ll explain everything you need to know in this guide. Think of this guide as a friendly chat where I’ll walk you through each step of getting your UK student visa.
A UK student visa (also called the Student route visa) is like a special permission card that lets you enter the United Kingdom to study. It’s what you need if you want to take classes at a UK school or university for more than 6 months.
The UK student visa costs £363 (about 580,800 Naira) if you apply from Nigeria. You’ll also need to pay for something called the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £470 (about 752,000 Naira) for each year you’ll study in the UK. This lets you use the UK’s health services while you’re there.
You should apply for your visa no more than 6 months before your course starts, and no later than 3 months before it begins. It usually takes about 3 weeks to get an answer after you apply.
UK Student Visa Application Requirements 2025
Let’s talk about all the things you need to gather before you start filling out your visa application:
1. A Current Passport
Your passport must be valid (not expired) and have at least one blank page for your visa sticker. If your passport will expire soon, get a new one first.
2. A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
This is a very important letter from your school in the UK. They’ll send it to you after you accept their offer and pay any required fees. The CAS has a special number you’ll need for your visa application. It’s only valid for 6 months, so don’t get it too early.
3. Proof You Can Pay for Your Studies
You need to show you have enough money for:
• Your course fees for the first year
• Your living costs (£1,334 per month if you’ll study in London, or £1,023 per month if you’ll study somewhere else in the UK)
You’ll need to keep this money in your bank account (or your parents’ account) for at least 28 days before you apply. The bank statement must not be more than 31 days old when you apply.
4. English Language Test Results
Unless your school says you don’t need it, you’ll need to take an English test. The most common ones are:
• IELTS Academic
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT
5. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate
You need to take a TB test at an approved clinic in Nigeria and get a certificate showing you don’t have TB. This certificate is valid for 6 months.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying For a UK Student Visa
Now, let’s go through how to apply for your visa:
Step 1: Fill Out the Online Form
The first thing you’ll need to do is visit the UK government website at www.gov.uk/student-visa.
As you fill out the form, you’ll see many questions about yourself. They’ll ask for basic things like your name and birthday, but also more detailed information about your family, your education, and your plans in the UK. One very important piece of information they’ll ask for is your CAS number, this is the special number your UK school gave you when they accepted you.
Take your time with each question.
Step 2: Pay All Your Fees
After you’ve filled out all the information, you’ll need to pay several different fees.
• The visa application fee (£363)
• The Immigration Health Surcharge
• The fee for the visa application center services
You can pay these fees using a credit or debit card online. If you don’t have a card, you might be able to ask a family member to help. Make sure you keep all the payment receipts, take a screenshot or print them out.
Step 3: Book Your Appointment
Next, you’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application center in Nigeria. There are centers in Lagos, Abuja, Victoria Island, Ikeja.
Choose the center closest to you and pick a date and time that works for you.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Get all your documents ready before your appointment. Put them in order like this:
• Printed visa application form
• Your passport
• CAS letter
• Academic certificates mentioned in your CAS
• English language test results
• Bank statements or proof of funding
• TB test certificate
• Passport-sized photographs
Make copies of all these documents. Take both the originals and copies to your appointment.
Step 5: Attend Your Appointment
Your appointment day is very important. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, this gives you time to find the right building, go through security, and calm your nerves. Dress neatly and professionally, like you would for a job interview.
At the appointment, friendly staff will help guide you through the process. They’ll check your documents, take your photo, and collect your fingerprints. This might sound scary, but it’s very normal and happens quickly. The staff do this every day and will explain everything clearly.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
After your appointment, you just need to wait. You can track your application online using the reference number they give you. Most people hear back within 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to show in my bank account?
For your visa application, you need to show you have enough money for your first year of tuition fees plus your living costs. For living costs, you need £1,334 per month if you’ll study in London, or £1,023 per month if you’ll study somewhere else in the UK.
What happens if my visa gets refused?
If your visa is refused, don’t panic. First, read the refusal letter very carefully, it will explain exactly why they said no. Most times, it’s because of missing documents or not having enough money in your account for the full 28 days. You can apply again after fixing these problems, but you’ll need to pay the fees again.
Can I use my parent’s bank statement?
Yes, you can use your parent’s bank statement. But if you do, you need two extra things, a birth certificate showing they are your parents, and a letter from them saying they give you permission to use their money for your studies.
How long does it take to get the visa?
Usually, it takes about 3 weeks to get an answer after your appointment at the visa center
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Yes, most student visas let you work part-time during your studies.
See Also: UK Embassy in Nigeria Announces Change in Visa Application Centre Management
Final Thoughts
Getting a UK student visa might seem like a big task, but if you follow all these steps and stay organized, you can do it.
The UK is a wonderful place to study, and many Nigerian students have successfully made this journey before you. With good preparation and attention to detail, you can join them and start your own UK education adventure.
