Your UK education dream is one step away.
Centuries of academic excellence, one-year master’s degrees and a post-study Graduate visa. Here’s everything Nigerian students need to know for 2026 and 2027.
Bachelor’s and master’s graduates who apply for the Graduate visa on or after 1 January 2027 get 18 months instead of two years. Doctoral graduates keep three years. It’s the date you apply that counts, not when your course started.
Applications made on or after 30 November 2026 need £1,570 a month in London or £1,203 elsewhere (previously £1,529 and £1,171). The money must be held for 28 consecutive days before you apply.
An ocean of knowledge and culture.
The UK is home to some of the world’s most respected universities, with cutting-edge research facilities and teaching that prepares you for a global career. Whatever you want to study (engineering, business, health, law or the arts), there’s a programme for you.
- Top-ranked universities recognised by employers worldwide
- Shorter degrees. Most master’s take one year, most bachelor’s three
- Scholarships such as Chevening and Commonwealth, which award many places to Nigerians each year
- A global community of students and a large Nigerian diaspora
What you need for a UK Student visa
CAS from your university
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed student sponsor.
Proof of funds
Outstanding first-year tuition plus living costs for up to 9 months, held for 28 days.
English at B2 level
For degree-level study, usually shown by an approved test or your university’s assessment.
Valid passport
Plus a tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic, required for Nigerian applicants.
Health surcharge
Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of your visa, paid with your application.
Visa fee
£558 for a Student visa applied from outside the UK (from 8 April 2026).
Dependants: since January 2024, only students on postgraduate research courses (such as PhDs) can usually bring family members.
What a first year in the UK costs
| Item | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | £16,000 – £38,000 / year | Medicine and top universities sit at the higher end |
| Master’s tuition | Often £15,000 – £35,000 | Usually a one-year course |
| Living funds (London) | £14,130 (9 months) | £1,570/month, for applications from 30 Nov 2026 |
| Living funds (outside London) | £10,827 (9 months) | £1,203/month, for applications from 30 Nov 2026 |
| Student visa fee | £558 | From outside the UK |
| Health surcharge (IHS) | £776 / year | A 1-year master’s visa runs ~17 months: about £1,164 |
Common questions
Will I still get two years on the Graduate visa?+
Only if you complete your course and apply for the Graduate visa on or before 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027 it’s 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates. PhD graduates still get three years.
Which maintenance amount applies to me?+
The one in force on the date you submit your visa application. Apply before 30 November 2026 and you need £1,529 (London) or £1,171 (elsewhere) a month; on or after that date, £1,570 or £1,203. Make sure the full amount has been in the account for 28 days.
Does “London” mean where I live?+
It’s based on where you’ll mainly study. If your campus is in London, the London rate applies, even if you live outside it.
Can I bring my family?+
For most taught courses, no. Since January 2024, dependants are generally only allowed for students on postgraduate research programmes, such as PhDs.
Start your UK application
We’ll help you pick the right course, secure your CAS and prepare a strong visa file.