Visa Guide: Nigeria to United Kingdom

Everything you need to know about obtaining a student visa for United Kingdom.

Disclaimer: This guide reflects publicly available information current to early 2026 and is provided as a starting point for your research. Visa policies, fees, biometric collection sites, and processing times change frequently and can differ by post. Before you spend money or book travel, verify every number and document on the destination country's official immigration or consulate website, or consult a licensed immigration lawyer. GlobalPath does not file applications on your behalf and is not a substitute for official guidance.

Overview

## Who this is for You have an unconditional offer from a UK university or college that holds a Student sponsor licence, and you need the Student visa (formerly Tier 4 General). The UK system is points-based: 70 points are required, 50 from your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and 20 from financial proof. ## CAS first, application second You cannot apply for the visa until your sponsor issues a CAS. The CAS is a single-use electronic reference number with details of your course, fees, accommodation if pre-paid, and any prior tuition deposit. Confirm every detail on the CAS matches your passport and academic history before submitting; a typo on date of birth or programme name is a common refusal trigger. ## Application path 1. Accept your unconditional offer and pay any required tuition deposit. 2. Receive your CAS from the sponsor (typically 6 to 8 weeks before course start). 3. Complete the Student visa application on gov.uk, declaring your CAS reference. 4. Pay the visa fee (GBP 524 for applications from outside the UK as of early 2026) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at GBP 776 per year of your course. 5. Book biometrics at a TLScontact VAC in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt. 6. Attend biometrics, submit supporting documents, and (for many applicants) complete a credibility interview by video. 7. Wait for a decision (3 weeks priority service, 2 to 8 weeks standard from Nigeria). On approval you receive a 90-day vignette in your passport and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa after arrival in the UK. ## Credibility interviews UKVI conducts credibility interviews for many Nigerian applicants. The interview is short (10 to 20 minutes) and tests whether you understand your course, can fund it, and intend to comply with visa conditions. Refusals under paragraph 320(7A) for "deception" or "lack of credibility" are appealable but slow; preparing thoroughly is faster than appealing. ## ATAS certificates Some postgraduate science, engineering, and technology courses require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you can apply. Your CAS will tell you if you need one. ATAS approval takes 4 to 6 weeks and is free.

Required Documents

  • Valid Nigerian passport (with at least one blank page)(Required)
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference(Required)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an IOM-approved clinic(Required)Required for all Nigerian applicants; valid 6 months
  • Academic transcripts and certificates listed on your CAS(Required)
  • English proficiency evidence(Required)IELTS for UKVI, or as listed on CAS if exempt
  • Bank statements showing required funds held for 28 consecutive days(Required)
  • ATAS certificateRequired for certain postgraduate science and engineering programmes
  • Tuberculosis test result printout(Required)
  • Visa application fee receipt(Required)
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment receipt(Required)
  • Biometrics appointment confirmation (TLScontact)(Required)
  • Tuition deposit receipt (if any deposit was paid)
  • Sponsor letter and sponsor's bank statementsIf a parent, guardian, or government body is sponsoring
  • Recent passport-size photo (UK biometric standard)(Required)

Work Rights

During term time, you may work up to 20 hours per week if your course is at degree level or above (RQF 6 or higher), and up to 10 hours per week for some courses below degree level. Full-time work is allowed during scheduled vacation periods. You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or fill a permanent full-time vacancy. After graduation, the Graduate Route gives 2 years of unsponsored work rights (3 years for PhD graduates), valuable for transitioning into Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Quick reference

Processing Time
Standard processing from Nigeria is 3 to 8 weeks after biometrics. Priority service (additional GBP 500) typically returns a decision in 5 working days. Super Priority (additional GBP 1,000) targets next working day but is not always available from Lagos or Abuja. Apply no earlier than 6 months before your course start date.
Application fee
Student visa application fee from outside the UK: GBP 524. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): GBP 776 per year of course (paid upfront in full). TB test: approximately NGN equivalent of GBP 70 to 90 at IOM Lagos. Priority processing: additional GBP 500 if available. Approximate; verify current amounts on gov.uk before paying.
Financial Proof
You must show enough money to pay for your course (less any deposit already paid) plus living costs for up to 9 months. Living-cost thresholds are GBP 1,483 per month if studying in London and GBP 1,136 per month outside London. The funds must be in your account, or a parent/legal guardian's account with their consent letter, and must have been held for 28 consecutive days, with the most recent statement no more than 31 days old at the date of application. The 28-day rule is strict; a balance dipping below the required figure for even one day during that window resets the clock. Approximate amounts current to early 2026; verify on gov.uk before transferring funds.
Student Visa
Temporary Residence

The primary visa type for international students wishing to study in United Kingdom. This visa allows full-time enrollment at an accredited educational institution.

Visit official visa information

Standard
4 - 8 weeks
Expedited
2 - 3 weeks (where available)

Apply at least 3 months before your program start date. Embassy processing times vary by location and season.

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You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses in United Kingdom for at least one academic year.

Minimum: $20,000 - $40,000

Accepted Forms

  • Personal bank statements (last 3-6 months)
  • Sponsor's bank statements with affidavit of support
  • Scholarship award letter
  • Education loan approval letter
  • Government sponsorship documentation

Explore scholarships to help fund your studies

Required

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in United Kingdom. Most institutions require proof of coverage before enrollment.

Coverage Options

  • University-sponsored health plan
  • Private international student insurance
  • Government health insurance scheme (if eligible)

Estimated cost: $500 - $3,000/yr

During Study
Limited part-time work permitted during term (typically 20 hours/week)
After Graduation
Post-study work visa may be available (duration varies by country)
Restrictions
Must maintain valid student status. Employment must not interfere with academic obligations. Some countries require a separate work permit.

Embassy & Consulate Contact

Contact the nearest United Kingdom embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements and to schedule your visa interview.

Find your nearest embassy

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate of your destination country before applying.