The UK remains the most popular study destination for Nigerian students, and its visa process is strict but predictable. Get four things right — CAS, money, English, and the credibility interview — and approval rates are high.
The CAS: your golden ticket
Everything starts with the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), issued by your university after you accept an unconditional offer and usually pay a deposit. The CAS number goes on your visa form; you cannot apply without it, and you must apply within six months of it being issued.
The 28-day money rule (read this twice)
You must show tuition fees (minus anything paid) plus living costs: £1,334 per month for London or £1,023 per month elsewhere, for up to nine months. The funds must sit in your account — or your parent's, with consent letters and birth certificate — for 28 consecutive days, never dipping below the threshold, with the statement dated within 31 days of your application. Most refusals happen right here.
Costs to budget for
- Visa application fee: £490
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year of your visa
- TB test at an approved clinic in Nigeria: roughly ₦45,000–₦60,000
- Priority processing (optional): £500 extra
The credibility interview
UKVI interviews many Nigerian applicants by video. The questions are simple but revealing: Why this course? Why this university? Why not a Nigerian university? How does this fit your career? Rehearse honest, specific answers — memorized scripts are obvious and harmful.
English language requirements
Most universities accept IELTS for UKVI (Academic), typically requiring 6.0–6.5 overall. Some universities can waive tests based on your degree or WAEC English — ask before booking a test.
Timeline strategy
Apply as soon as you have your CAS — up to six months before your course. Standard processing from Nigeria is about three weeks but stretches during the July–September rush. Late applications are the second-biggest cause of deferred admissions after funding issues.
The Graduate Route bonus
After completing your degree, the Graduate Route lets you stay and work in the UK for two years (three for PhDs) with no sponsorship required — one of the strongest post-study work offers anywhere.
Our UK package covers CAS review, the 28-day funds plan, mock credibility interviews, and full document preparation. Check your eligibility free at /check-eligibility.