UK Student Visa Fee and Requirements for Nigerian Students

If you’re a Nigerian student planning to study in the UK, obtaining a UK student visa is a mandatory step. In 2025, the UK student visa fee for Nigerian students is £490 (approximately NGN1,004,055.46). If you’re applying with dependents, an additional fee of £490 per dependent will apply. It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so always check the latest updates on the official UK government website.

The UK study permit, also known as the Student Route visa, is designed for students aged 16 or above who have received an offer from a licensed UK educational institution. The UK student visa operates on a point-based immigration system, requiring a minimum of 70 points for approval. Here’s how the points are allocated:

• 50 points for a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution.
• 10 points for meeting the English language proficiency requirements.
• 10 points for demonstrating sufficient financial resources.
  Remember, the visa application fee must be paid at the time of submission. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected

In this blog, we will discuss the UK student visa fee for Nigeran students only. As it is one of the main requirements for a UK student visa. So, if you want to study abroad from Nigeria, this blog will help you a lot.

Types of Study Permits in UK

Before applying for a UK student visa, it’s crucial to understand the different types of study permits available. Each visa is tailored to specific educational needs and durations of stay. The right visa for you will depend on factors like your age, the course you’re enrolling in, and how long you plan to study in the UK. Below, we’ll break down the main types of UK study visas to help you choose the one that best fits your situation.

Types of Study Visas	Description	Duration to Stay
Student Route Visa	For students over 16 at a higher education level	Up to 5 years
Short-term Study Visa	For short courses and English language courses	Up to 6 months
Child Student Visa	For children between 4-17 at independent schools	Up to 6 years

How Much is the UK Student Visa Fee for Nigerian Students in 2025?

Nigerian students can apply for a UK Student Visa online via the British Government’s official website (Gov.UK). During the application process, you’ll need to verify your identity and submit the required documents. Applications can be submitted up to three months before your intended travel date, and the visa fee must be paid at the time of application. As of 2025, the UK student visa fee for Nigerian students is £490 (approximately $650 or NGN1,004,055.46). Be sure to check the latest exchange rates and fees on the official website, as these figures are subject to change.

Visa Type	Visa Application Fees (GBP)	Visa Application Fees (USD)
Student – main applicant and dependants	£490	$650
Child Student	£490	$650

How Much is the IHS Fee in UK?

In addition to the visa fee, Nigerian students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The IHS fee is £776 per year. For example, if you’re applying for a 2-year visa, the total IHS fee would be £1,552. Students under 18 are also required to pay £776 per year. However, if you’re applying for a short-term visa (6 months or less) from outside the UK, you won’t need to pay the IHS. Always verify the latest fees on the official UK government website, as these amounts are subject to change.

How Much Proof of Funds Are Required for a UK Student Visa?

To better understand the proof of funds requirement, let’s use an example. Suppose your 1-year tuition fee is £15,000, and your university requires an upfront payment of £2,000 to issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). After this payment, you’ll have £13,000 remaining for tuition. Additionally, you’ll need to show proof of living expenses, which we’ll break down in the next section.

If your university is located in London, the UK government estimates living expenses to be approximately £1,483 per month. For a 9-month academic year, you’ll need at least £13,347 to cover living costs. Combined with the remaining tuition fee (£13,000), your bank statement must show a minimum of £26,347. These funds must remain in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. Remember, you don’t need to spend this amount—it simply needs to be available in your account. During the application process, you’ll only need to pay the UK student visa fee and the IHS fee.

What are the Requirements for a UK Student Visa?

Preparing to apply for a UK student visa from Nigeria involves understanding the requirements and gathering the necessary documents. Each type of student visa has specific conditions that must be met for a successful application. Below is a comprehensive list of the most common requirements for Nigerian students applying for a UK student visa. Ensure you have all these documents ready before starting your application.

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
• Proof of financial stability.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Proof of understanding English, often through a standardised test.
• Tuberculosis test results.
• Academic references and transcripts.
• Proof of parental or guardian consent if under 18.
• A detailed Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• Recent passport-sized colour photographs.
• Immigration Health Surcharge payment receipt.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa from Nigeria?

Nigerian students can apply for a UK student visa to enroll in a specific course or program at a UK university. The application process is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the UK student visa application process from Nigeria.

Show proof of finances

You need to prove that you have enough money to pay for your education and living expenses. This includes showing proof of funds for accommodation and providing bank statements from yourself, your parents, or guardians. These funds must have been in the account for at least one month.

Check the visa requirements

Make sure you understand all the UK student visa requirements. This will help you avoid any delays or rejections during the application process.

Accept the university offer and make payments

Before applying for your visa, you need to accept the offer from your university. This is necessary for the university to give you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Make sure to pay any required tuition fees on time.

Review your CAS letter

The CAS letter contains details about you, your course, tuition fees, and any deposits you have made. It may also include information about English language requirements. Double-check the details to make sure everything is correct.

Complete your visa application

Once you’ve reviewed the visa requirements and your CAS letter, proceed to fill out the visa application. Pay the UK student visa fee for Nigerian students and the healthcare surcharge for access to NHS services.

Submit documents and provide biometrics

To process your application, you’ll need to provide identification, including your fingerprints and a photo. You might also need to attend a credibility interview.

Receive your permit and acceptance letter

After your visa is approved, you will get your acceptance letter and passport back, along with a biometric residence permit. This permit allows you to enter the UK within 30 to 90 days before your course starts, as specified in your visa application.

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

The standard processing time for a UK student visa for Nigerian students is 3 weeks (21 days). However, incomplete applications or additional document requests can delay the process. To expedite your application, you can opt for the priority service, which costs an additional £500. This service reduces the processing time significantly, ensuring you receive your visa sooner.

Final Words

At AIMS Education, we specialize in helping Nigerian students achieve their dream of studying in the UK. With years of experience, our team provides personalized guidance on documentation, visa applications, and more. Trust us to make your educational journey seamless and stress-free. Contact us today to get started on your UK student visa application!

FAQ