Everything Nigerian students need to know about UK Visas and Immigration

Published on 16 Apr 2025

5:9 min estimated read time

Planning to study in the UK but feeling overwhelmed by the visa application process? Don’t worry - you’re not alone! While it may seem daunting at first, the right preparation can make the process smoother and quicker.

For Nigerian students looking to pursue their academic dreams abroad, understanding the UK Student visa process is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know - from visa types and application steps to costs, required documents, and expert tips for a hassle-free experience.

Please note that visa regulations can change, so be sure to check the UK Home Office website for the latest updates. Here’s everything you need to know.

Understanding the UK Student visa

The UK Student visa (formerly the Tier 4 visa) is required for full-time studies in the UK. All Nigerian students without UK permanent residency must obtain this visa to study in the UK. The Home Office outlines four key requirements for applying.

1. Every applicant must hold an unconditional offer for a course from a licensed student sponsor, such as the University of East London (UEL). Once you receive your offer from UEL, you will be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which is a unique reference number that confirms your place on a course. You’ll need this CAS before applying for a visa.

2. Nigerian applicants must demonstrate they have enough funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses while in the UK. The exact tuition fee amount will be listed on your CAS. Since UEL is based in London, you must show you have £1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) to meet living costs. To learn more about how UEL can assist with cost-of-living whilst living in the UK, visit our cost-of-living support page.

3. Nigerian students must prove their English proficiency through one of the following:

Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT)
Holding a UK school qualification (e.g., GCSE, A-Level)
Having a degree-level qualification taught in English

Your English level must be at B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

4. Nigerian applicants are required to take a tuberculosis (TB) test at a Home Office-approved clinic as part of the visa application process.

Step-by-step guide to applying for a UK student visa

Step 1: Get your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

After getting accepted into the University of East London, you will receive a CAS by email once you have met your academic conditions, paid the required tuition fee deposit and passed the necessary Pre-CAS checks. You will be required to keep the university updated with the status of your visa application via your CAS shield Portal.

Step 2: Complete the online visa application

Once you have your CAS number, you can now apply for a Student visa. The earliest you can apply is three months before your course starts. To begin your application, visit the UK Government Visa Portal, where you’ll need to provide your personal details, course information, and financial proof.

Step 3: Pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge

After submitting your details, you must pay the visa fee. As of now, the Student visa fee is £490. Additionally, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The IHS costs £776 per year of study for students and their dependents.

Step 4: Book and attend a biometrics appointment

Next, schedule a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). In Nigeria, these are in Abuja, Lagos (Ikeja), and Lago (VI). For more information on finding your nearest VAC, visit Vfs.global.

Step 5: Wait for a decision

The standard processing time for a UK Student visa is around 3 weeks. If you need a faster decision, priority and super priority services are available, but these come at an extra cost of £500+ on top of the standard application fee. To avoid extra fees, it’s best to apply as early as possible.

Step 6: Get your eVisa

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an eVisa, which confirms your immigration status. Your passport will be linked to your UKVI account, which you’ll use upon arrival in the UK, so be sure to create a UKVI account.

If you applied from outside the UK, you’ll also receive a 90-day entry vignette in your passport, allowing you to enter the UK before collecting your full visa status.

Useful Resources

How to Create an eVisa

This video explains the steps on how to create an eVisa.

Watch the video.

How to Prove Immigration Status

This video explains how to prove your immigration status for various purposes, such as work, rent, and study.

Watch the video.

Once you have registered for your eVisa, you will need to generate share codes for different purposes. These include:

A share code for study
A share code for work
A share code for rent

It is worth noting that share codes are valid for 90 days, meaning you can generate them before travelling to the UK.

Required documents checklist

Before entering the UK on a Student visa, ensure you have the following up-to-date documents with you:

Passport
UKVI Decision letter
Copy of your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
UKVI TB test certificate (mandatory for Nigerian students)
Copy of qualifications listed on your CAS
ATAS certificate (if this was stated on your CAS)
Finances (copy of your bank statement/loan letter)
Evidence of where you are planning on staying
Prescribed medication and/or a letter from your doctor, or a copy of your prescriptions

A smooth transition into the UK

If you follow all the steps outlined above, applying for a UK Student visa should be a straightforward process, ensuring a smooth transition to the UK. Be sure to obtain your CAS number, complete your application online, and provide all necessary documents, making sure they are up to date.

Thinking about studying at the University of East London? Our team is here to guide you through the visa process. Contact our International Student Advice (ISA) Service for any specific immigration advice at isa@uel.ac.uk or use the message box in your CAS shield account.