2021 UK Student Visa Requirements for Nigerians

Are you a student from Nigeria planning to study in the UK? Do you know what the UK student visa requirements are?

The UK has long been known for its excellent higher education. Its universities are among the highest-ranking and reputed universities in the world. Each year, the UK welcomes almost half a million international students from all over the world. This is primarily due to the world-class graduate education it offers.

If you are looking to study in the UK as a Nigerian student, this article discusses the requirements to get a student visa in the UK.

UK Student Visa Requirements Guidelines

As a Nigerian student planning to study in the UK, you will need the British Tier 4 (General) student visa. The visa type is mainly made for international students desiring to begin their study abroad adventures in the UK.

Although the eligibility for getting a student visa in the UK is calculated on the point-based system, there are specific requirements you must meet.

Age

To qualify to apply for a student visa to study in the UK, you must have attained the age of 16 and above.

Course Selection & CAS

You are required to have applied for an eligible course before applying for a UK student visa. Here are the courses you can pursue:

• A full-time program that ends in a qualification equal to or higher than NQF level 6. It could be a graduate diploma or graduate certificate, Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent.
• A part-time program leading to a qualification equivalent to or higher than NQF level 7. It could be a postgraduate certificate or PG diploma: Masters degree or equivalent.
• A full-time study program, minimum of 15 hours per week (day-time), ending in a qualification equivalent to or higher than NQF level 3. It could be a higher education diploma, diploma, or equivalent.
• An English language program at Level B2. That is, independent users levelling up to proficient users.
• A reputable foundation program for postgraduate doctors or dentists.

You will receive a reference number called the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) once you have been admitted into a UK university. You will be required to apply for a UK student visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

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Knowledge of English

You must prove your knowledge of the English Language as it is part of their academic assessment. Your level of English will be assessed by you taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with CEFR Level B1 and B2.

PTE and IELTS are the most common SELTs prospective candidates take. This assessment is made in each section of reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities.

As a Nigerian student, this is not to prove if you speak English well enough to study in the UK. It’s to ensure you can excel in your classes and successfully find your way around the UK.

Proof of Funds

You will be required to prove you can pay for:

• Your tuition fees
• Course
• Your monthly accommodation expenses up to one year.

During your visa application, you must prove that you have:

• At least 12006 GBP to cover your course fees for your first year
• Official sponsorship and adequate funding power to cover for the rest of the course fees and your living expenses

Meanwhile, the amount of funding you will be required to prove solely depends on your course duration, university as well as living arrangements in the UK.

You can demonstrate your availability of funds in:

• A loan letter
• Official sponsorship letter
• Cash funds in savings or current bank accounts.

You must prove that you have held the money in your savings/current bank for at least 28 days. Note that the end of the 28 days must not be more than one before your application.

Also, accounts such as bonds, overdrafts, and shares cannot be used for this demonstration.

Immigration Health Service Charge

You must pay a health surcharge of 300 GBP every year. This is to gain access to the UK’s National Health Service. This payment must be paid during your visa application online.

Required Documents to Get a Student Visa in the UK

• Academic Technology Approval System (ATAS)
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
• A current and valid passport
• 2 (45mmx35mm wide) newly taken passport photographs
• Prior academic qualifications (as listed on your CAS)
• Your biometric identity card/biometric residence
• Tuberculosis test results
• Criminal record certificate
• Confirmation receipt of your visa fees payment
• Payslips
• Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
• Scoresheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc
• Official translation of documents that are not in English
• Your bank statements – if you are self-funding or sponsored, but your sponsorship doesn’t cover all expenses
• A letter from your official sponsor – if you are sponsored
• Letter of permission from your parents to use their funds – if you are using their bank statements
• Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18.

This proof must contain their consent for:

• Your visa application
• Travel to the UK
• Your living and care arrangements in the UK
• Birth certificate or any other Government-issued ID that proves or shows the name of your parents.

What is the Processing Time for Student Visa in the UK?

Your application process begins when you have submitted your biometrics. It takes about 3 weeks for the process to complete.

Your Tier 4 student visa is valid for the entire duration of the program and an additional four months. However, you can choose to extend your Tier 4 visa.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Student Visa in the UK?

Its cost is estimated at NGN 185,054.00. As mentioned earlier, you can pay your visa fee online using your debit/credit card.