One of the main requirements for a UK student visa is to have sufficient funds to bear the higher education cost and living expenses in the UK at least for one year. The UK Visa and Immigration Centre (UKVI) requires applicants to submit a bank statement letter with the UK visa application containing proof of that applicant’s funds.
Many Nigerian students dream of studying in the UK and look forward to the opportunities to introduce themselves to the world-class education system in the UK. However, they always face issues when showing the bank balance requirements because submitting documents from a non-UKVI-approved bank can result in delays or even rejection of their visa applications.
In this blog, we will discuss the UKVI approved banks in Nigeria, the process of opening a student account and the 28-day bank statement rule to study in UK from Nigeria. So, if you are interested in applying for any intakes in the UK, this article will help you a lot.
Check Your Eligibility!
List of UKVI Approved Banks in Nigeria in 2025
UKVI-approved banks are those that the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) has authorized to provide financial documents for visa applicants. These documents, like bank statements, show that an applicant can financially support themselves and their family while living in the UK.
Several banks in Nigeria are approved by UKVI. This approval is based on factors like financial stability, compliance with anti-money laundering rules, meeting specific service standards, and offering reliable customer support. Let’s explore the UKVI approved banks in Nigeria in 2025.
| UKVI Approved Banks in Nigeria | Bank Details |
| Access Bank Plc | Access Bank Plc, often called Access Bank, is a large Nigerian commercial bank that operates internationally and is part of the Access Bank Group. The bank is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which oversees all banks in the country. While Access Bank started as a corporate bank, it expanded in 2012 to offer services for individuals and businesses. Website: www.accessbankplc.com |
| Citibank Nigeria Limited | Citi has been operating in Nigeria since 1984, making it the oldest international bank still active in the country. The bank has branches providing services throughout Nigeria. Website: www.citigroup.com |
| Ecobank Nigeria Plc | Ecobank Nigeria Limited, often called Ecobank Nigeria, is a commercial bank in the country. It is one of the banks approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which regulates all banks nationwide. Website: ecobank.com |
| Fidelity Bank Plc | Fidelity Bank, also called Fidelity Bank Plc., is a commercial bank in Nigeria with its headquarters on Victoria Island in Lagos. The Central Bank of Nigeria, which regulates banks in the country, has licensed it as a commercial bank with international authorization. Website: www.fidelitybank.ng |
| First Bank Nigeria Limited | First Bank of Nigeria is a multinational bank and financial services company based in Lagos, Nigeria. It was founded in 1894 by Sir Alfred Jones. Today, the bank is owned by FBN Holdings PLC, which has a wide range of owners, with over 1.3 million shareholders. Website: www.firstbanknigeria.com |
| First City Monument Bank Plc | First City Monument Bank (FCMB) is part of FCMB Group Plc, a financial services company based in Lagos. The FCMB Group has nine subsidiaries organized into three main business areas: commercial and retail banking, investment banking, and asset and wealth management. Website: www.fcmb.com |
| Globus Bank Limited | Globus Bank Ltd, often called Globus Bank or just Globus, is one of the 26 commercial banks in Nigeria.Website: globusbank.com |
| Guaranty Trust Bank Plc | Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC (GTCO PLC) is a multinational financial services group based on Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria. It provides services such as retail and investment banking, pension management, asset management, and payment services. Website: www.gtbank.com |
| Heritage Banking Company Ltd. | Heritage Bank Plc., commonly known as Heritage Bank, was a financial institution in Nigeria. It was one of the commercial banks approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which regulates banking in the country. Website: www.heritageibt.com |
| Keystone Bank Limited | Keystone Bank Limited is a commercial bank in Nigeria. It is one of the banks approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which is the country’s banking regulator. Website: www.keystonebankng.com |
| Parallex Bank Ltd | Parallex Bank Limited is a financial services provider in Nigeria that operates as a licensed commercial bank. It is regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which is the country’s central bank and oversees all banks. Website: parallexbank.com |
| Polaris Bank Plc | Polaris Bank Limited is a commercial bank in Nigeria. It is approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which regulates banks in the country. In October 2022, the bank was bought by Strategic Capital Investment Limited. Website: www.polarisbanklimited.com |
| Premium Trust Bank | Premium Trust Bank is a commercial bank in Nigeria, approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which oversees all banks in the country. The bank provides personal, corporate, private, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) banking services. As of February 2023, it has 8 branches across Nigeria. Website: premiumtrustbank.com |
| Providus Bank | ProvidusBank PLC (PB) is a financial services provider in Nigeria that operates as a licensed commercial bank. It is approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which is the country’s central bank and banking regulator. This is one of the most popular UKVI approved banks in Nigeria. Website: providusbank.com |
| Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc | Stanbic IBTC Holdings, often called Stanbic IBTC, is a financial services company in Nigeria. It has various subsidiaries that offer services in banking, stock brokerage, investment advice, asset management, investor services, pension management, trusteeship, insurance brokerage, and life insurance. Website: www.stanbicibtcbank.com |
| Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd. | In 1965, the Standard Bank of South Africa merged with the Bank of West Africa, gaining businesses that included a banking operation in Nigeria, which had started in 1894. After the merger, the bank was renamed Standard Bank of West Africa. Website: www.sc.com |
| Sterling Bank Plc | Sterling Bank Ltd. is a national commercial bank in Nigeria, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is listed as STERLNB.LG on Reuters and STERLNBAon Bloomberg terminals. Website: sterling.ng |
| SunTrust Bank Nigeria Limited | SunTrust Bank is a privately owned commercial bank in Nigeria, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA). The bank aims to create value for its customers by using its skills and having a team of highly motivated staff. Website: suntrustng.com |
| Titan Trust Bank Ltd | Titan Trust Bank Limited is a commercial bank in Nigeria that is approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which regulates all banks in the country. Website: titantrustbank.com |
| Union Bank of Nigeria Plc | Union Bank of Nigeria Plc is a commercial bank located in Marina, Lagos Island, Lagos. It has been in operation in Nigeria since 1917. Website: www.unionbankng.com |
| United Bank For Africa Plc | United Bank for Africa Plc is a multinational financial services group based in Lagos Island, Lagos. It is known as Africa’s Global Bank. Website: www.ubagroup.com |
| Unity Bank Plc | Unity Bank is a major financial services provider in Nigeria. Its headquarters are in Lagos, which is the commercial capital of Nigeria. Website: www.unitybankng.com |
| Wema Bank Plc | Wema Bank Plc is a commercial bank in Nigeria. It is approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which regulates the country’s banking sector. Website: wemabank.com |
| Zenith Bank Plc | Zenith Bank Plc is a major financial services provider in Nigeria and English-speaking West Africa. Its headquarters are in Victoria Island, Lagos. Website: www.zenithbank.com |
Why Should You Choose the UKVI Approved Banks in Nigeria?
UKVI has strict rules for financial documents from international students. These banks have been checked for reliability and transparency, making sure that the UK visa applicants can provide accurate and trustworthy proof of funds. Whether you are applying for a student visa, work visa, or visitor visa, using a UKVI approved bank in Nigeria is important for a smooth application process. Choosing one of these banks ensures your documents meet UKVI’s standards, which is essential for a successful application.
Benefits of Using UKVI Approved Banks in Nigeria
The UKVI has accepted 24 banks in Nigeria as authorised banks for showing the financial statements for UK student visas. Here are some benefits of using the UKVI approved banks in Nigeria.
- Avoid Visa Delays or Rejections: If you submit financial documents from a bank that are not approved, it could cause delays or result in your UK student visa rejection. UKVI carefully checks the source of your financial statements, and only those from trusted banks are accepted.
- Increased Credibility: Using a UKVI-approved bank ensures that your proof of funds meets the necessary standards. These banks are reliable, and the UK government trusts statements from them. It improves the chances of UK student visa success for Nigerian students.
- Smooth Application Process: By choosing an approved bank, you lower the chances of facing issues during your visa application. This helps you avoid unnecessary delays or the need to resubmit documents to Gov.UK.
How to Open a Student Account in the UKVI Approved Banks in Nigeria?
You must open a student account to keep the required amount of money for the required days. However, there are some processes to open a student account in the UKVI approved banks in Nigeria. Such as-
- Visit the Bank: Go to your local bank branch with your supporting documents. The staff will guide you through the steps to open an account.
- Prove Funds: Show that you have enough money to visit the UK by providing necessary documents, like bank statements, to prove your financial stability.
- Currency Conversion: Some banks offer accounts that support multiple currencies, letting you manage your money in both Indian Rupees and British Pounds.
- Online Banking: UKVI-approved banks provide online banking services, making it easy to manage your account and make transactions from home.
- Maintain the Required Balance: Be sure to keep the minimum balance in your account to meet UKVI’s requirements.
28-Day Bank Statement Rule for UK Student Visa
According to the Gov.UK, you have to keep your one year tuition fees in UK and one year of living expenses in your student account for 28 consecutive days. The last day of the 28 days must be within 31 days of when you apply for your visa. For example, if you apply on 1 January 2021, you need to prove that the funds were in your bank account for at least 28 days, ending on 1 December.
Final Words
Choosing a UKVI-approved bank in Nigeria is an important part of your UK visa application. Using one of these trusted banks ensures your financial documents are accepted, reducing the chance of visa delays or rejections. Whether you’re applying for a student visa, work visa, or any other type, using an approved bank can make the application process smoother and improve your chances of success. However, if you find any difficulties in opening a student account in the UKVI approved bank in Nigeria, you can always contact AIMS Education.
FAQ
Which bank is approved for UK visa?
Ans: Access Bank Plc, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Nigeria Limited, etc. are the UKVI approved banks in Nigeria.
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa in Nigeria?
Ans: To get a UK student visa, you will need to show your one year tuition fees and one year living expenses in UK in your bank account for 28 consecutive days.
Does the UK embassy verify bank statements in Nigeria?
Ans: Yes, the UK university verifies the bank statements for every international student. It’s a mandatory requirement for a UK student visa.
Which banks are UKVI approved in Nigeria?
Ans: There are almost 24 UKVI approved banks in Nigeria such as: Access Bank Plc, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Nigeria Limited, etc.
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