How To Apply For UK Student Visa In Nigeria - UK Post Study Work Visa

Do you plan to travel to the UK for study purposes and therefore need to process a uk study visa application? This article on how to apply for uk student visa in Nigeria - uk post study work visa, might provide some help.

If you have never been to the UK before for studies, the first thing you should ask yourself is if you need a visa to further your education in this country and how to go about getting one.

Most students outside the uk apply for student visa and if you are one of them, gaining insight on basic things like the requirements, processes, fees, and finances this project entails, improves your chances of securing a UK student visa.

Furthermore, we will be discussing things like uk student visa application, uk student visa requirements for Nigerian citizens, financial requirements, visa documents, etc. We'll be explaining how all these works for Nigerian students and also how to secure them.

If you need to apply for a visa to the UK as a Nigerian student, stick with us, as we take you on a trip on how to secure one easily. 

 

Article Content:

In this article, we will be discussing the following points:

1. UK student visa process step by step

2. UK student visa requirements for nigerian citizens 2024

3. UK student visa financial requirements 2024

4. UK student visa documents

5. UK student visa application

6. UK student visa form

7. UK student visa application tracking

8. UK student visa extension

9. UK study visa without ielts requirements 2024

 

Read this too: Schengen Visa Application: Requirements, Application Form.

 

UK Student Visa Process Step By Step

Securing a UK student visa is a vital part of fulfilling your dreams of studying in the UK. However, the process for UK student visa can be daunting, especially if you don't understand what actions to take after the other.

Students applying to schools in the United Kingdom, particularly from Nigeria, must follow  the UK study visa process step by step if they ever want to stand a chance of at least getting an interview at the embassy. 

To avoid being a stumbling block in your own way, follow this step by step guide on how to successfully apply for your student visa. 

Step 1: Start by preparing your financial evidence

If you have been living in the UK for 12 months with a valid visa at the time of your student visa application, you will be exempted from showing any proof of funds. 

However, since you're applying from Nigeria you will have to show proof of funds at the embassy.

It is wise to start planning your proof of funds early, the UKVI has a strict financial requirement for international students applying outside the UK. 

You will have to show evidence of enough funding for your tuition fees and living expenses and the required must have been held in your account for 28 consecutive days 

 

Step 2: Get your supporting documents ready

While getting your financial evidence, you can start preparing your documents. You’ll be asked to submit some documents such as the original copy of your university transcript and an English proficiency test if required. 

Other additional documents such as, letters of recommendation and a letter of parental consent(if you're under 18) might also be required. 

All the documents you need for your application will be stated in your CAS when you do receive it.

 

Step 3: Apply to a university of your choice in the UK

The next step is to ensure you have a confirmed offer for admission in a University in the UK. You’ll receive a letter called the CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies).

 

Step 4: Complete the online visa application form

You’ll need to register and create an account on the official Uk immigration website. Complete your application form and pay your visa application fee to proceed. After you do this, you’ll be given an appointment date.

 

Step 5: Visit the visa application centre for an appointment

Visit the visa application centre on your appointed date to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

Read the overview for getting a UK student visa.

 

UK Student Visa Requirements For Nigerian Citizens 2024

Besides gaining an admission for an undergraduate or postgraduate study in the United Kingdom, there are specific uk study visa requirements that you'll need to meet. 

To study in the Uk as a Nigerian student, you must first be above the age of 16, have proof of offer of admission from a reputable educational institution, and enough funds to sponsor yourself. These are just some of the student visa UK requirements for you.

The following are general UK visa requirements 2024 you will need for a UK student visa application as a Nigerian student:

1. An international passport

2. Confirmation of Acceptance of studies

3. Must have passed your English exam

4. Adequate funds to sponsor yourself

5. ATAS certificate - An Academic Technology Approval Scheme is for all types of international students and researchers (except for some nationalities) who are under the jurisdiction of UK immigration control and wish to study or research at a postgraduate level in some sensitive programs.

6. A passport size photograph

7. You have to be 16 and above

8. Official transcripts and other original copies of documents listed in your CAS.

9. Valid and current bank statement

10. Letter of sponsorship (where applicable)

If you decide to extend your visa after your study has come to an end, you can apply for a uk post study work visa.

 

Short-term Study Visa Requirements

This category of visa is available for students who want to take a short term course(between 6 -11 months). It is usually given for studying only the English Language in the United Kingdom.

With a short-term study visa, you can stay in the UK for an extra 30 days, provided you don't exceed the eleven months period.

1. You must be 16 years and above to apply.

2. An accredited provider would have accepted you to study an English Language course which is 11 months or shorter.

3. Students must be studying an English Language course. (You cannot change or study another course in the UK. It must be an English Language course.)

 

Child Student Visa Requirements

A UK child student visa is a category of tier 4 visa that is applicable to students between the ages of 4 to 17. This type of student visa is for Nigerians who want to study at an independent school in the United Kingdom.

Application must be made outside the UK and 6 months before the beginning of the course. You'll get feedback within 3 weeks.

The child student visa is valid for the duration of the course, although it lasts for a maximum of 6 years with an extra four months after expiration. Students aged 16-17 can do a three years course and get their extra 4 months.

1. Proof of English Language proficiency.

2. ATAS certificate where applicable.

3. Valid passport.

4. An unconditional offer letter for a course at an independent school.

5. Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your course and stay in the UK.

6. Test result for tuberculosis.

7. Parent or guardian's consent to study in the UK.

 

UK Post Study Work Visa 2024 Requirements

A UK post study work visa or Graduate visa, provides the bearer with the permission to stay on in the UK for up to 2 years after they have completed a course in the UK.  

One of the psw uk 2024 requirements to consider is that you must be resident in the United Kingdom when you apply. 

Some UK post study work visa 2024 requirements for you include:

• You are residing in the UK.

• You currently possess a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa

• UK studied a bachelor's, postgraduate or any other eligible course for a short period of time with a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

• Your university or college must notify the Home Office that you've successfully completed your course.

Read up on a UK post study work visa.

 

Related: F1 Visa - F1 Student Visa Requirements, Application Process, Cost and Rules.

 

UK Student Visa Financial Requirements 2024

If you’re applying for a UK study visa, you must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself while studying in the UK. 

Usually, you’ll be required to submit some documents to prove that you meet the financial requirements for an international student. You will also need to pay the uk student visa application fees.

The amount of money you need to show depends on:

• The duration of your course.

• Your tuition fees, which will be stated on your confirmation of acceptance of studies(CAS).

• Course or tuition fee - you need to pay for the first year of your course (up to 9 months). Your fee amount will be disclosed in your CAS. 

• If you have any form of financial support for example scholarships or government sponsorship, aids or grants.

• Your course of study.

• If you are travelling with your family. You have to show you have enough money to cover their living expenses throughout your duration of study.

• Where you’ll be studying in the UK.

• Your living arrangements, if you’re under the age of 18.

 

Accommodation and living expenses:

One of the most important things you’ll need to show when applying for a UK study visa is that you have enough money for your living expenses during the course of your study. 

The amount of money you show will depend on where you’ll be studying. 

• You must prove that you can afford the sum of 1,334 per month for up to 9 months for courses in London or

• 1,023 per month for up to 9 months for courses outside London.

You’ll need to prove you have enough money to support each of your family members that you bring into the UK.

 

The 28 day rule:

The 28 day rule states that the  required funds for your student visa application must be held in your account for 28 consecutive days. 

At no point during this 28 day period should the money drop below the required amount or you will not meet the criteria and this could lead to a visa refusal. 

The 28 days are counted back from the closing balance. The last transaction date must be no more than 31 days before you submit your visa application.

Read more about UK financial requirements.

 

UK Visa Application Fee

The UK visa application is done online and you’ll be required to pay the applicable uk student visa application fees which costs £383. You’ll also pay an application fee for each dependent that joins you

Tier 4 (general) student visa fees:

The Tier 4 general student visa costs ?185,000 and can be paid after you've filled out the application form online.

Uk child student visa application fees:

It typically costs ?162,000 to apply for the UK child student visa. Healthcare surcharges are part of the application process and you pay based on how long the visa lasts.

UK short-term study visa fees:

The UK short-term study visa fees costs the sum of ?87,000, which you pay with a ?218,000 healthcare surcharge. 

The surcharge enables you to use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

See the full price list for various UK student visa application fees.

 

UK Student Visa Documents

There are certain uk student visa documents you’ll be required to present to show that you meet the eligibility criteria for a UK student visa. 

Some of these documents are mandatory while others will be asked depending on your circumstances and requirements in your CAS. 

It is important that you provide all your  documents because failure to submit a document can lead to visa refusal. 

Here is a list of all the documents you must submit:

1. A valid international passport.

2. Details of your international passport.

3. Confirmation of acceptance of studies(CAS) number.

4. The original academic documents listed in your CAS.

5. English Language test scores.

6. Financial details (e.g tuition fee receipt).

7. ATAS certificate (when applicable).

8. Translation of relevant documents (if they are not written in English).

9. Biometric information.

10. Two passport size photographs.

11. Proof of funds.

12. Bank statement.

13. Official sponsor's information (If you have a sponsor).

Applicants who are under 18 will need the following documents:

1. Proof of consent - written consent from both parent/legal guardian. 

2. Evidence of relationship with your parent or legal guardian.

3. Copy of your birth certificate or any government document that shows your parent’s name.

4. Official translation for any documents not written entirely in English. It should include - 

• The date of the translation

• Proof from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document

• Translator’s contact details and signature

See more UK student visa application documents.

 

Read also: 50 F1 Student Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

 

UK Student Visa Application

The student visa uk application process is pretty straightforward. If you are 16 and above and want to study at a university in the UK, you will need to apply for uk student visa.

You can apply for student visa uk as early as 3 months before the start of your course and get a decision within 3 weeks. And since you are applying from Nigeria, we have laid out the proper steps to take below.

1. Provide means of identification

You’ll provide a means to prove your identity, by either giving your fingerprints and biometric information at a visa application centre.

2. Scan your identity document

You can use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document.

3. Create a UKVI account

Applicants using the ID Check app, will be required to also create or sign into their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

4. Fill the application form

The UK student visa application form can be filled online. You can save the application form and complete it later.

5. Wait for a decision

A decision on your visa application usually comes within 3 weeks. Applicants may also pay to get a faster decision.

 6. Receive the BRP

After getting your application decision on your student visa, you’ll be given a biometric residence permit (BRP). The BRP can be used to confirm your identity and your right to study in the UK. 

It also gives you access to any public services or benefits (for example, health insurance) you are entitled to as part of your student visa.

Read more on the UK student visa application.

 

UK Student Visa Form

Filling the uk student visa application form is one of the core processes of getting permission to study in the United Kingdom.

To apply for a UK student visa, you’ll need to fill an online form and create an account using a valid email address. 

Once you’ve started your application, ensure that you have the correct information. If you need time while applying, you can save your form and complete it later.

Please note, if you make an error on your application or you need to change your information, contact UK visas and immigration (UKVI) immediately. 

There are 44 questions you must answer accordingly before you move on to the part in the application form where you start uploading documents. 

We have listed them out below with directions on how to fill them:

1. Choose where in the UK you are going to stay 

England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

 

2. Current passport

Select 'No' for the option that asks if you have a current EU, EEA, or Swiss Passport.

 

3. Confirm your visa type 

Short term student visa or student visa.

 

4. Select a country

Select Nigeria as where you want to provide your biometrics from.

 

5. Choose a visa application centre

Check available visa application centre locations.

 

6. Acknowledge the disclaimer

 Read the disclaimer from GOV.UK and click 'Apply'

 

7. Register your email and choose password

 Register an email and create password

 

8. Confirm your email address

Confirm the email you wish to be contacted with by the GOV.UK office. You may also include an additional email.

 

9. Add your telephone number

 Include your telephone number. You can add an additional telephone number.

 

10. Choose your contact preference

Select how you'll prefer to be contacted by telephone.

 

11. Choose any scholarships you've received

Marshalls, Commonwealth, or Chevening.

 

12. Include your CAS number

Failure to do this might result in your application getting cancelled.

 

13. Include your name

First name, middle name, and family (last) name.

 

14. Choose gender and relationship status

You can choose your Sex and relationship status.

 

15. Add your current address and state 

Add your current address and state how long you've lived there. You will also need to provide a past address where you've lived for the past 2 years.

 

16. Give travel document details

Provide details of your passport or travel document. Add a national identity card details.

 

17. Choose your origin

Include your country of nationality, country, place and date of birth.

 

18. English language proficiency

 Fill in English Language Proficiency.

 

19. Specify if you have any financial dependent

Specify if you have any financial dependents; whether they're travelling with you or not.

 

20. Give details about your parents

Include the name of your first Parent and who they are to you. Do the same for your second parent.

 

21. Identify any family members in the UK

Choose if you have a family member in the UK.

 

22. Show how you’re travelling

Select if you would be travelling as a part of a group or with someone else.

 

23. Fill in where you'll stay in the UK

Ensure you give the full address. You can also add any other places you'll be staying in the UK.

 

24. Fill in UK travel history

Answer 'Yes' or 'No' to if you've been to the UK in the past 10 years. Or If you've been issued a UK visa in the past 10 years.

 

25. Pick the number of times you've travelled to these countries

Pick the number of times you've travelled to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Switzerland, European Economic Area (minus the UK).

 

26. If you've been to any other countries in the past 10 years, indicate it. 

Select the country you visited and your purpose of visit. Add the date you entered and left the country too.

 

27. Fill out your planned travel information 

This is the date you plan to arrive in the UK.

 

28. Indicate your immigration history if you have any

This could be if you were deported, refused visa, denied entry at the border, refused permission to stay or remain, denied asylum, removed, asked to leave, excluded or banned from entry.  Also show if you've ever breached any immigration law.

 

29. Conviction history

Disclose information regarding convictions and other penalties.

 

30. War crimes

Show if you've participated in any war crime , crimes against humanity, or genocide.

 

31. Did you support terrorist activities, organisations and views?  

Let them know if you've ever supported or encouraged terrorist activities in any country. 

The same thing applies to being a member of extremist organisations and views.

 

32. Test your character

Indicate if you've participated in a paid or unpaid activity for a non-UK government that is dangerous to the interest or national security of the UK and its allies.

 

33. Fill your employment history

Organisations you’ve worked for in the past, your job title/ role and start and end date.

 

34. Place of study 

Choose the type of sponsor you'll be studying with.  And confirm the primary site of study.

 

35. Confirm UCAS application

Answer if you applied for a course through UCAS.

 

36. ATAS required

Indicate if you need to obtain permission from the ATAS.

 

37. Choose your future official financial sponsor 

Choose yes or no to this question. No moves you to the next phase of the application. Yes asks you to identify the type of sponsorship and how it can be proven.

 

38. Include your course information

Include details of the course and the start date too.

 

39. Confirm accommodation 

Confirm where you’ll be staying in the UK and if your accommodation payment has been made.

 

40. University course fee

 Give information about your course fee payment.

 

41. Student loans

Show if you've received any student loans for your school fees.

 

42. Maintenance funds

Let them know if your maintenance funds are in a bank account with your name on it.

 

43. Add any additional details

Provide additional details if you need to about your application.

 

44. Double check your answers

Ensure you double check all your answers before hitting the continue button.

 

This step by step process to fill the UK student visa form, gives you an idea of what to expect with the online application. You can complete the full visa application process on GOV.UK.

 

Related: Top 70 F1 Visa Interview Questions And Answers (PDF for Download).

 

UK Student Visa Application Tracking 

It is advised that you check how long your uk student visa application tracking takes, for you to receive a decision after completing the application form. 

Your application waiting time starts when you either attend your appointment and provide your biometric information at a visa application centre or verify your identity using the UK immigration ID check app. It ends after you receive an email of the decision on the application.

A decision will be made within three (3) weeks of your appointment at a visa application centre. 

You’ll also be given a guide on the steps to take next. If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for a priority service to speed up the decision process. This service cost more than the standard visa application fee.

Although there is a time scale for the decision-making process of the UK study visa application, there are certain conditions that might require you to wait longer:

1. If your supporting documents need to be verified.

2. If you need to attend an interview.

3. If you have a personal circumstance(for example if you have a criminal record).

 

UK Student Visa Extension

If you’re currently on a Tier 4 student visa in the UK, you may be able to extend your visa. You can do this if you wish to stay longer in the UK to either continue your current course or start a new one.

You can apply for a visa extension if:

1. You are in the UK on a student visa or a Tier 4(general) student visa.

2. If you have an unconditional offer for a study program with a licensed student sponsor. You’ll need your confirmation of acceptance of study to prove this.

3. You’re studying a new course that is at a higher academic level than your current course. This is called the academic progress requirement.

However, there are certain exceptions to consider. If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and pay your tuition for the extended period. 

Also, if you’re currently in the UK with your family members, each member will be required to apply separately to extend their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you or anytime before their visa expires.

To extend your visa, you’ll need to pay some fees. It costs £490 for visa extension and getting your biometric information taken (this is done for free) . You’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge. 

Get more information on the uk student visa extension procedures.

 

UK Study Visa Without IELTS

It is possible for Nigerian students to get a uk study visa without IELTS qualification. There are a wide range of prestigious universities that do not require IELTS as part of their application process. 

There are other alternatives if you don’t want to take the IELTS exam.  Some universities may ask you to attend an online interview to assess your proficiency and knowledge of the English language.  

While other universities may consider your high school English results(there are some requirements the university has set that you must adhere to).

Whichever one it is, you must provide the UK visas and immigration office with a document from your university clearly stating that you have been offered admission and are eligible for the UK student visa without IELTS.

The following are the main requirements you need to apply for a study visa without IELTS:

1. A document from your university stating that you have been given permission to apply for the student visa without IELTS.

2. Your letter of acceptance from a university in the UK.

3. You can also take the Secure English Language test mandated by the UKVI office as proof of English proficiency.

 

If you are planning to get a uk student visa to study in any country of your choice, we hope that by now you've gotten all the information you need about this process.No need to keep stalling, start your uk student visa process now and start exploring.

 

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