UK Student Visa from Nigeria — The Complete 2026 Guide
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) remains one of the most established routes for Nigerian students, with 40,000+ Nigerian students enrolled at UK universities in 2025. The 2-year Graduate Route (extended in 2024) means you can stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation — 3 for PhD holders. This guide covers CAS, financials, dependants, and the recent 2024 policy changes that affect Nigerian applicants.
1. Who qualifies
You need an unconditional Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK-licensed sponsor.
- English proficiency: IELTS UKVI 6.5+ overall, 6.0 in each band (undergrad); 7.0+ for postgraduate.
- Financial proof: tuition + £12,006 (London) / £9,207 (outside London) per year of living costs.
- Age 16+ with sufficient academic background.
2. The CAS letter
Universities issue CAS after full acceptance. Contains your student ID, course, fees paid.
- Deposit typically 25%–50% of first-year tuition to receive CAS.
- CAS is valid for 6 months.
- One CAS per application.
3. Financial requirements
You must show 28 consecutive days of funds in a bank account.
- Statement must be dated within 31 days of application.
- Nigerian bank statements accepted if in an approved list; else use UK/US/UK-based bank.
- Sponsor letters from parents/scholarship bodies accepted with attestation.
4. 2024 dependant rule change
Since Jan 2024, only PhD, research-based Masters, or government-sponsored students can bring dependants.
- This affects most Nigerian Masters applicants.
- Undergraduate students cannot bring dependants (rule unchanged).
5. Graduate Route — the real prize
After completion, you get 2 years to work in ANY job (3 for PhD). No employer sponsorship required.
- Apply for Graduate Route within 4 months of course completion.
- Cost: £822 + IHS £776/year.
- Can transition to Skilled Worker visa or Innovator Founder visa.
6. Common refusal reasons
UKVI rejects ~10% of Nigerian student visa applications. Top reasons:
- Inadequate funds held for 28 days.
- Suspicious sponsor account activity.
- Weak Statement of Purpose lacking credibility.
- Interview credibility issues under paragraph 245ZV.
- Previous immigration history not disclosed.
How it works — step by step
Common questions
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