UK Student Visa for Nigerians

Interested in Studying in the UK?

We have a proven track record of assisting numerous Nigerian students in obtaining their student visas.

If you’re considering studying in the UK and require guidance on how to get started, contact us for expert assistance.

Allow us to handle all the complexities and provide you with comprehensive support.

UK Student Visa Requirements for Nigerians

The UK Student Visa is specifically designed for individuals who wish to enrol in a recognised educational institution in the UK for a specific duration.

To apply for a UK Student Visa, you will need to be at least 16 years old, and you must:

• Have an offer of a place on a course of study from a licensed student sponsor
• Have enough funds to support yourself financially and cover the expenses of your course.
• Be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, including speaking, reading, writing, and understanding.
• If you’re aged 16 or 17, you will need to provide evidence of consent from your parents or legal guardians for your study plans in the UK.
• Have 70 points to qualify for the points-based immigration system.

For students aged 16 or 17 who wish to study at an independent school, the Child Student visa may be more appropriate.

What are the Course Requirements for a UK Student Visa?

To qualify for the UK Student Visa, your course of study must include one of the following:

• A full-time course leading to a qualification below degree level (RQF level 3, 4, or 5) with a minimum of 15 hours of organised daytime study per week.
• A full-time course leading to a degree-level qualification or above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8).
• A full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8) that is equivalent to a higher education course in the UK and is part of a longer course offered overseas.
• A part-time course leading to above degree level qualification (RQF level 7 or above).
• A recognised foundation program for postgraduate doctors or dentists.
• An English language course at level B2 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Additionally, you can apply for a student visa if you are undertaking a full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

You may also be required to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you are studying or conducting research on sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or above.

Furthermore, postgraduate doctors and dentists can apply for this visa if they are sponsored to participate in a recognised foundation program and meet the following criteria:

• Completed a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry.
• Obtained the degree from a registered student sponsor.
• Spent their final year and at least one additional year of studies leading to that degree in the UK.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

After being offered a place on a course, your education provider will provide you with a reference number known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

It is essential to include this reference number when applying for your visa. Keep in mind that you must submit your visa application within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

Meeting the 70-point Criteria

To meet the requirements for a student visa in the UK, students will need to accumulate a total of 70 points. If you meet the main eligibility criteria, you will be able to reach the required 70-point threshold.

The points are set up as follows:

How to Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants from Nigeria must demonstrate a certain level of English language ability to qualify for the student visa.

Individuals studying at a degree level or above need to show a proficiency level of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, while those studying below the degree level need to demonstrate a level of B1.

To prove your English proficiency, the most common method is to take a SELT (Secure English Language Test) provided by one of the following approved test providers:

• PSI Services (UK) Ltd
• IELTS SELT Consortium
• LanguageCert
• Pearson

You can find a list of approved test centres in Nigeria where you can take the test. Be aware that the results are only valid for a period of two years from the date the test was awarded.

UK Student Visa Financial Requirements

To study in the UK, you must have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your course for one academic year (which typically lasts up to 9 months).

The specific amount you need depends on your circumstances and the course you are applying for, and it will be specified in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Additionally, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself financially during your stay in the UK. The required amount varies depending on your study location:

• £1,483 per month (up to 9 months) for courses in London
• £1,136 per month (up to 9 months) for courses outside London

However, if you will be boarding at a residential independent school, you will need to cover boarding fees instead as specified in your CAS.

Required Documents For UK Student Visa Application

When applying for a Student visa, you are required to provide the following documents:

• Current passport or valid travel document
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
• Proof of financial capability to support yourself and cover your course expenses, which may vary depending on your circumstances
• Valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, if applicable to your course
• Proof of parental or legal guardian consent if you are under 18.
• Proof of relationship with your parent or guardian if you are under 18.
• Tuberculosis test results
• Written consent from your financial sponsor if you have received sponsorship for course fees and living costs within the last 12 months.

Additional documents may be required based on your individual circumstances.

For instance, if you are under 18 years old, written consent from both parents or legal guardians is necessary. This consent should cover your visa application, living arrangements in the UK, and travel to the UK.

Additionally, you will need to provide a copy of your birth certificate or another government-issued document that displays the names of your parents.

Applying for a Student Visa From Nigeria

To apply for a UK student visa from Nigeria, follow these steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a UK student visa, such as having an offer from a licensed UK educational institution and sufficient funds to cover your course fees and living expenses.
2. Prepare your documents: Gather all the required documents for your visa application, such as your CAS, financial documents, and other supporting documents.
3. Complete the online application: Fill out the online visa application form on the UK Visas and Immigration website. Provide accurate information and pay the visa application fee.
4. Book and attend the biometric appointment: After submitting your online application, schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Centre in Nigeria to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). You will need to bring your appointment confirmation, passport, and other supporting documents in their original form.
5. Track your application: After submitting your application, you can track its progress online using the reference number provided.

Fees Involved in the Application

The fees associated with a UK student visa application from Nigeria are as follows:

• £524 for the application fee from outside the UK.
• £524 if you need to extend your visa.

These fees apply to each person included in the application.

You will also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application, and the specific amount depends on the duration of your visa. Before applying, check the official website to determine the healthcare surcharge amount applicable to your visa length.

Additionally, you will be required to conduct a tuberculosis test at a clinic approved by the Home Office if you intend to be in the UK for more than 6 months.

The screening fee is determined by the clinic where you undergo the test. You will need to pay them directly, and this fee is separate from the visa application fee.

Cancelling a UK Student Visa Application

You can cancel or withdraw your student visa application at any time during the application process. However, how you cancel the application and whether you get a refund depends on your circumstances.

If you want to withdraw an application and haven’t yet given your biometrics, you should do so through your online account. At this stage, you can get a refund of your immigration health surcharge and application fee.

However, if you’ve given your biometrics, contact the UKVI to withdraw your application. Your application fee will not be refunded.

UK Student Visa Processing Times

Typically, you can expect to receive a decision on your UK student visa application within a period of 3 weeks. The processing time starts from the date your application is submitted.

Any delays experienced during the process may depend on the complexity of your case, such as if you need to submit additional documentation or you have a criminal conviction. It is advisable to start the visa application process 6 months in advance of your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.

Additionally, you may be able to get a faster decision on your application if you use the priority and super priority services. These premium services will require additional fees.

Discuss with a UK immigration lawyer at IAS to determine if your application can be processed faster.

Receiving Your Decision

Once your application is processed and approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the visa sticker (called a vignette) from the Visa Application Centre. The vignette will indicate:

• What visa you’ve been granted (for example, a Student visa)
• The validity period of your visa (start date and end date)
• The conditions of your visa.

Upon receiving your student visa, you can travel to the UK before your course starts. This can either be:

• Up to 1 week before the course start date if your course lasts for 6 months or less.
• Up to 1 month before the course start date if your course duration exceeds 6 months.

The Conditions on the UK Student Visa

Your visa approval comes with privileges and limitations. As a student in the UK, you can:

• Study
• Work as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

However, the visa does not permit you to:

• Claim public benefits and pension
• Be self-employed
• Work in certain jobs, such as professional sports or sports coaching
• Study at an academy or local authority-funded school.

UK Student Visa Refusals

If your application for a UK student visa is refused, you will receive a letter or an email detailing the reasons for the refusal. The refusal letter you receive will provide information on whether you have the right to seek either an administrative review or an immigration decision appeal.

If you decide to pursue a review or an appeal, you must do so within 28 days of receiving the visa decision.

It is recommended to seek legal assistance from an immigration specialist to ensure you have the best chance of presenting your case. Call one of our expert UK immigration lawyers in Nigeria at +2342013306361 or call our UK office on +44 (0) 3316300929 for urgent help.

How Can IAS Help You?

At IAS (Immigration Advice Service), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming and filled with uncertainties. Our immigration lawyers in Nigeria will offer you personalised support and guidance every step of the way.

If you choose IAS, you will be assigned to a lawyer who will work with you to ensure you can achieve your desired goal. Your lawyer will take the time to understand your unique circumstances and address any concerns or challenges you may have.

We understand that every immigration journey is unique, and we are dedicated to providing personalised solutions to help you achieve success. With our expert knowledge and experience in UK immigration laws, we can help you attain the best possible outcome on your application.

To get started, call us at +2342013306361 or our UK office at +44 (0) 3316300929. We are also available to help you via the online contact form