Thousands of Nigerian students apply to study in the UK every year, as the UK has a global reputation for providing high-quality education. Many Nigerian students believe studying in the UK will give them a competitive edge in the job market and provide them with valuable skills and knowledge.
UK university degrees are widely recognised and respected around the world, and studying in the UK can provide Nigerian students with access to a range of career opportunities; the post-study work visa also means you can now stay in the UK for up to two years after you finish your degree to find your dream job.
As English is the official language in Nigeria, many Nigerian students in the UK can feel right at home straight away. Once here, they will find a welcoming community of fellow Nigerians to help them settle in. Best of all, there have never been more UK scholarships available for Nigerian students who need extra support to study in the UK, and Nigerian students of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about all of the above below, and if you would like to begin your UK university application as a Nigerian student, reach out to SI-UK today.
Studying in the UK as a Nigerian Student: What You Need to Know
UK Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Some Nigerian students may study in the UK because of the availability of scholarships and funding opportunities. UK universities offer a range of scholarships to international students, which can help to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
UK Visa for Nigerian Students
As a Nigerian national, you must apply for a visa to study in the UK. When you have met all the conditions of entry for a full-time course, you will be sent a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) number. You will need this document to apply for a student visa.
SI-UK offers expert visa application support, ensuring your visa application is successful on the first try. You will need to provide your personal information, academic qualifications, and financial information as part of the application and then pay the visa application fee for Nigerian students. Finally, they must attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre, providing their fingerprints and a photograph as part of the process.
UK University Quality
UK universities have a strong global reputation for providing high-quality education, with many consistently ranking highly in global university league tables. And because UK universities are subject to a rigorous system of quality assurance and inspection, this ensures that they maintain high teaching, research, and student support standards.
The current top 10 universities in the UK welcome many Nigerian students to their campuses every year.
- University of Oxford
- University of St Andrews
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- Imperial College London
- Durham University
- University College London
- University of Bath
- University of Warwick
- University of Edinburgh
UK universities are also home to a diverse international student body, with students from all over the world studying in the UK. This can allow students to learn from and network with people from different cultural backgrounds.
UK University Entry Requirements for Nigerian Students
UK universities consider all applications on their merit and welcome Nigerian students with various qualifications and experience. Nigerian students applying to UK universities don’t always need to take the IELTS exam either and can often provide a letter of exemption if eligible.
For undergraduate applicants, UK universities look for qualifications equivalent to the UK high school A-levels. Suppose your grades don’t meet the criteria to submit a successful application. In that case, students with a WAEC Senior School Certificate may apply for a foundation year (level 0 of a bachelor's degree).
For Nigerian students interested in postgraduate courses, UK institutions look for qualifications equivalent to the British bachelor's degree.
Career Opportunities in the UK for Nigerian Graduates
Nigerian students who have completed their studies in the UK may be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. This visa allows international students to remain in the UK and work for up to two years after completing their studies.
Foundation Courses for Nigerian Students
Suppose your grades don’t quite meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a Bachelor’s degree. In that case, UK universities will consider students for foundation entry who have completed the SSCE (Senior School Certificate of Education), normally validated by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the Nigerian Examinations Council (NECO). In the UK, there are generally two types of foundation courses available:
- International Foundation Programme
The IFP is for international students whose school-leaving qualifications are insufficient for direct entry to undergraduate study and/or whose English language standard is below the necessary level. The IFP gives you a year’s preparation in academic subjects, English language and study skills up to the required level for progression onto undergraduate degree study.
- Integrated Foundation Course
An integrated foundation course allows you to study a foundation course for a year. When you achieve the specific progression criteria, you will progress onto the first year of your chosen degree. These are available in almost all major UK university subjects, including Business and Management, Engineering and Computer Science.
Study in the UK
If you want to join the many Nigerian students studying in the UK, don’t delay and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.
My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested. 
