UK Student Visa Requirements for Nigerians in 2026

A Nigerian applying for a UK Student visa in 2026 generally needs a valid passport, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, sufficient and correctly documented funds, a TB certificate from an approved clinic, and any academic or ATAS documents referenced by the application. The visa fee is £558 for applications made from outside the UK from 8 April 2026, and applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Who can apply for a UK Student visa?

You must be at least 16, have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, receive a CAS, have enough money for your course and living costs, and meet the English-language requirement that applies to your course. Applicants aged 16 or 17 also need parental consent evidence.

UK Student visa document checklist for Nigerians

• A current passport with the required identity details.
• Your CAS reference number from the university or college.
• Financial evidence, unless an official exemption applies.
• A valid TB test certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic.
• Academic qualifications listed on your CAS, if requested.
• ATAS certificate for certain postgraduate subjects, if required.
• Written consent from a financial sponsor if they funded your course and living costs in the previous 12 months.
• Parental consent and proof of relationship if you are under 18.
• Certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh.

Your online checklist is tailored to your answers. Treat it as the minimum for your application, not a generic checklist copied from social media.

The CAS: what to verify before you apply

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is an electronic record issued by your licensed sponsor. It identifies you, your course, fees, payments and the qualifications used for admission. A CAS is normally valid for one visa application, so check every detail before submission.

• Your name and passport details are correct.
• The course title, level, dates and study location are correct.
• Tuition fees and payments already made are accurately shown.
• Any university-provided accommodation payment is recorded where relevant.
• The qualifications and English assessment stated by the sponsor match your records.

How much money do you need?

You normally need the unpaid tuition fee for one academic year, as shown on your CAS, plus living costs for up to nine months. The current maintenance requirement is £1,529 per month for study in London and £1,171 per month for study outside London.

• London maximum for nine months: £13,761.
• Outside London maximum for nine months: £10,539.
• Add the outstanding first academic year tuition shown on the CAS.
• Deduct only payments the rules allow and that are correctly evidenced or recorded.

Example: if your CAS shows £18,000 first-year tuition and confirms that £6,000 has been paid, the outstanding tuition is £12,000. If the campus is outside London, the usual total to evidence would be £12,000 plus £10,539, subject to your exact circumstances.

The 28-day bank statement rule

The required balance must normally be held for at least 28 consecutive days. The closing balance date must be no more than 31 days before the date you submit and pay for the online visa application. Falling below the required amount even briefly can break the period.

• Use an account and financial institution accepted by UKVI.
• Make sure the statement identifies the account holder, account number, bank and transaction period.
• If using a parent’s money, include permitted evidence of the relationship and written consent.
• Account for exchange-rate movement by maintaining a sensible buffer above the minimum.
• Do not use borrowed funds unless they meet an accepted student-loan route and documentation rules.

TB testing in Nigeria

Applicants who have lived in Nigeria and are coming to the UK for more than six months will normally need a tuberculosis certificate. The test must be completed at a clinic approved by the UK Home Office. A result from an unapproved hospital is not a substitute. Book through the official clinic information linked from GOV.UK and check the certificate’s validity before applying.

ATAS and English-language evidence

Some postgraduate courses in sensitive science, engineering or technology subjects require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate before the visa application. Your offer or CAS process should indicate whether ATAS applies. Processing can take time, so do not leave it until your intended travel month.

Your sponsor records how the English requirement was assessed. Depending on the course and institution, this might involve a Secure English Language Test, another accepted test, an academic qualification or the university’s assessment. Follow the CAS and sponsor instructions rather than assuming WAEC English is accepted in every case.

Visa fee, health surcharge and timing

The Student visa application fee is £558 from 8 April 2026. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, calculated according to the visa length. The total may cover more time than the course itself because permission generally includes additional periods before or after study.

You can apply from outside the UK up to six months before your course begins. GOV.UK says a decision is usually made within three weeks after you apply, prove your identity and provide documents, but seasonal demand or additional checks can take longer. Do not buy a non-refundable flight based on an expected decision date.

The credibility interview

UKVI may interview you about your course, university, finances, previous study and plans. The goal is to assess whether you are a genuine student. Learn your own application; do not memorise scripts.

• Why this specific course and university?
• How does the course connect to your education or work history?
• What modules are most relevant to your career plan?
• Why did you choose the UK over alternatives?
• Who is funding you and how was the money earned?
• Where will you live and what is your realistic monthly budget?

Can family members accompany you?

Most taught postgraduate and undergraduate students cannot bring dependants under the Student route. Dependants are generally limited to government-sponsored students on qualifying longer courses and postgraduate students on eligible research programmes, subject to the current rules. Confirm eligibility before budgeting or making family plans.

Common reasons applications run into trouble

• The balance drops below the required amount during the 28 days.
• The bank statement ends too early or does not contain required details.
• Unexplained inconsistencies exist between the CAS, form and documents.
• A TB certificate comes from an unapproved clinic or has expired.
• An ATAS certificate is missing where required.
• The applicant cannot explain the course choice or source of funds.
• False, altered or unverifiable documents are submitted.
• The application is made with an incorrect fee or after key evidence expires.

After a successful decision

Follow the instructions in your decision notice for your digital immigration status and travel. Check that your personal details and permission dates are correct. Carry the documents your university asks for, complete enrolment on time and understand your work conditions before accepting employment.

How YouWin supports your visa preparation

YouWin reviews the CAS, funding timeline, document consistency and application checklist with you. We also help you prepare for credibility questions. We do not guarantee visas—only UKVI decides applications—and we will never advise you to use false evidence.