How to Apply for UK Student Visa in Nigeria

For many, studying abroad is a dream. Whether it’s to immerse yourself in a new culture or perfect your English skills, studying in the UK can be an incredibly enriching experience.

The United Kingdom, which is one of the most sought-after locations for students from other countries, will, in the year 2020, implement significant changes to its immigration policy. 

Not only does the country now offer education of the highest possible standard, but it also enables graduates of foreign universities to remain in the country and find employment for a period of two years after completing their degrees.

 However, before you go there, you should educate yourself on the student visa for the United Kingdom as well as how to apply for a student visa for the United Kingdom, as with any other region across the globe, there are certain visa requirements you need to keep in mind before applying for student visas in the UK.

 Here’s what you need to know about applying for student visas in the UK:

Different kinds of student visas for the UK

There are basically three different kinds of UK visas, we have listed them below:

Tier 4 child student

 Tier 4 visas for children and students are categorized under this heading. This visa is available to children between the ages of 7 and 14, inclusive.

You are eligible to submit an application for a Child Student visa if you are between the ages of 4 and 17 and wish to attend an independent school in the United Kingdom.

You must:

• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school; be able to show you’ll have access to enough money to support you in the UK and pay for your course
• You must  have the approval of your parent or guardian to study in the UK
• You’ll need to present this when you apply. 

Short-term study visa

This visa is used to do short-term courses in the UK. Nigerian students who wish to do short-term courses in the UK, such as English courses, may apply for this visa. These visas allow for stays of up to 11 months, with a maximum stay of six months.

Who should apply?

To apply, you need to be at least 16 years old.

You  need to show that:

• You have been accepted to take part in an English language class that will last for no more than 11 months and will not cover any other topics.
• Your school is recognized for offering high-quality education.
• You do not need to work or get assistance from public funds to maintain yourself; instead, you have family and friends who are able to support you financially and provide housing for you.
• You are able to pay for either your return or your continued journey.

If you are under the age of 18, you are additionally required to:

• Have made necessary preparations for your travel and stay in the UK
• Have the approval of your parent or guardian to study in the UK

Tier 4 General Student Visa

This is another classification of Tier 4 visa for those who are 16 years old or older and who are planning to study full-time in the United Kingdom.

If you are at least 16 years old and meet the following requirements, you may be eligible to submit an application for a Student visa to study in the UK:

• Have been given a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor; the amount of money required to cover both your living expenses and the cost of the course will vary depending on the individual’s situation.
• Can communicate in, read, write, and comprehend the English language have the permission of your parents if you are 16 or 17 years old – you’ll need documentation of this when you apply.

UK student visa requirements for Nigerian students

Now is a good moment to talk about the prerequisites for obtaining a student visa for the United Kingdom. 

If you are a student from Nigeria who has applied for a visa to study in the United Kingdom, the requirements for the pass may vary depending on the institution or courses that you plan to enrol in while you are there. 

Your instructor may be able to assist you in getting started with things. The amount of time it takes to obtain a visa might range anywhere from a few weeks to several months for students from Nigeria.

 The following factors, however, are considered when deciding whether or not to grant a student visa to the United Kingdom; you are required to include these factors in your supporting evidence:

• Your recent Photos
• Details in your passport
• You are to obtain 30 points from CAS as assurance that you will be allowed to continue your studies.
• Evidence that you have an Appropriate Level of English Proficiency. It is imperative that any kind of accident in the future be avoided.

There are many language training organizations that can assist you in meeting this criterion if you find that you are deficient in some way.

You need to provide proof along with a solid financial backup in order for the institution to have a backup from your money in the event that you are unable to pay the required costs there.

If you are going to be researching a sensitive topic, you could be required to get an ATAS accreditation.

Because each of the aforementioned conditions is worth a certain number of points, and you will be awarded these points for your visa if you fulfil all of the requirements in the correct manner, they must all be fulfilled. 

In addition, the evidence of your financial situation, such as a bank statement or income letter, can be sent to them through any bank letter or income letter so that they can learn about your current financial situation.

To qualify for a visa to enter the United Kingdom, a person must demonstrate that they earn at least £1,015 pounds per month. 

After that comes the possibility of handing in your academic credentials, such as diplomas, certificates, resumes, interview qualifications, or even a biometric test.

 However, certain tests, such as those for tuberculosis (TB), or medical immunizations may be administered due to the current COVID pandemic.

Students who are younger than 17 years old are required to have a letter of approval from their parents that is written down. 

When applying for a visa, the fact that you have to do so through an online website is the single most crucial requirement. Please apply for a visa as soon as possible after receiving approval from your institute’s instructor, as the process could take quite some time.

UK student visa price for Nigerian students

At this time, the ongoing charge for a student visa to study in the United Kingdom is about 348 pounds. 

In addition to that, in order for you to make use of the health insurance that is provided, you will additionally be required to make the Surcharge payment. 

It’s possible that the annual cost will be close to 150 pounds. A charge of 97 pounds is required for a short-term visa valid for six months, and 186 pounds is required for a visa valid for 11 months.

Making an application for a visa to the UK

The application is currently being submitted via the internet website for a student visa for the United Kingdom. 

You are required to fill out all of the documentation that is mentioned on the website and continue processing the application status.

 It is a considerate step to take because each inquiry needs to be answered with the appropriate amount of attention.

Using a UK student visa

The authorities of the United Kingdom will place their stamp and identification information on your visa when you enter the country.

 Your stamped access will grant you the formal right to reside in the United Kingdom; for instance, if you have reached the tier 4 visa, you will be able to reside in the United Kingdom for a longer period of time. 

You will be required to leave this country once the validity of your visa has expired. Therefore, all the Nigerian students who apply for this visa will be required to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of their visa requirements.

As you are all aware, there is currently a pandemic of COVID-19 throughout the entire world; thus, the patterns have shifted.

 You are not allowed to enter airports or another country unless you have had the appropriate vaccinations and have washed and disinfected your hands.

 You are required to bring all of the medical documentation that will demonstrate that you are not infected with COVID. 

In addition, when it comes to directions for luggage, the rules haven’t altered too much throughout the years. You are only allowed to bring luggage that weighs up to a certain limit.

 It will not be possible to enter the state with luggage that is heavier than the specified limit. The state officers at the United Kingdom’s borders will make sure that you do not make a mistake with any of these particular needs.

 Another important piece of information pertaining to this portion is that after leaving London, you could be required to report to the police in order to have yourself registered.

Working in the United Kingdom while attending university

According to this new visa, you will be able to continue working even while you are attending school. Work can only be performed between certain times of the day and during certain hours of the day in the United Kingdom.

 Additional guidelines stipulate that those who are sponsored with tier 4 visas are permitted to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

 In most situations, including when you have a visa for short-term courses, you have the authorization to work for a total of ten hours. 

Since you are all aware, it is not difficult or complicated for Nigerian students to obtain a visa to study in the United Kingdom.

 It is necessary for you to satisfy all of the conditions in accordance with the standards before you will be granted the visa. Keep in mind that your goals won’t become reality unless you put in the effort necessary to achieve them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of visa is required to study in the UK?

Students coming from certain countries will be required to submit an application for a normal visiting visa in order to participate in a short course in the United Kingdom. Investigate whether or not you need a visa to attend school in the UK. 

It is possible that a friend or family member of yours who plans to pay you a holiday visit in the UK will be required to submit an application for a guest visa. Learn everything you can about visiting visas.

How long does it take for a Tier 4 Visa to be valid?

 Your Tier 4 Visa will be valid for the entirety of your qualification, as well as for an additional four months after it has been completed. During this time, you can look for a job or investigate the possibility of continuing your education.

How much money must be in a bank account before applying for a student visa in the UK?

You will be required to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself unless you have already been present in the United Kingdom with a visa that is still valid for at least a year on the day that you submit your application.

 Wherever you choose to attend school will determine how much money you will need. You are going to require either: The cost of attending classes in London is £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months).