Study in the UK from Nigeria: Visa, Funds & Admission Guide
Quick Answer
To study in the UK, Nigerian applicants need a CAS from a licensed sponsor, proof of tuition plus 28 days of maintenance funds, and a Student visa application. LEAPSAIL vets your documents to remove the errors that trigger refusals.
LEAPSAIL is a private advisory firm providing document vetting, admissions support and proof of funds guidance. We are not an embassy or government agency. Policy details below are validated against the official portal linked at the end of this page.
Admission standards for Nigerian applicants
- WAEC/NECO accepted directly for foundation and some undergraduate routes.
- HND and Third-Class holders can convert via pre-master’s or top-up pathways.
- Bachelor’s degree (2:2 minimum for most master’s programmes).
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or a university-approved English waiver.
Visa paperwork checklist
- 1Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- 2Valid international passport
- 3Tuition + maintenance proof of funds (28-day rule)
- 4Academic transcripts and certificates
- 5Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment
- 6Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
Financial & proof of funds requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full first-year fee as stated on CAS |
| Maintenance (London) | £1,483 × up to 9 months |
| Maintenance (outside London) | £1,136 × up to 9 months |
| Holding period | 28 consecutive days, closing balance never dipping below threshold |
Consular costs & administrative surcharge
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa fee (out of country) | £524 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year |
| LEAPSAIL processing surcharge | $20 flat |
Common refusal triggers (and how we prevent them)
- Maintenance funds held for fewer than 28 continuous days.
- Closing balance dipping below the required threshold mid-cycle.
- Unexplained large deposits with no source-of-funds letter.
- Discrepancies between CAS details and supporting documents.
Official authority
GOV.UK Student visaAlways confirm current policy on the official government portal above.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 28-day bank statement rule for UK visas?
For a UK student visa, maintenance funds must be held continuously for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, and the closing balance must never fall below the required tuition-and-maintenance threshold at any point in that period.
Does WAEC or NECO qualify me for a UK university?
WAEC/NECO results are accepted directly for many foundation and undergraduate routes. Degree-level entry may require A-levels, a foundation year, or a recognised diploma.
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