Studying in the UK has become a popular choice for many Nigerians seeking quality education and opportunities abroad. While some view it as a way to “Japa” (relocate for better prospects), others are genuinely motivated by the desire to enhance their personal and professional lives, positively impact their immediate circles, and offer value on a global scale.

This blog post is designed to guide you through the essentials of making your dream of studying in the UK a reality. We’ll cover the key requirements for admission, visa processing, and the associated costs—areas that are often the most concerning for prospective students. You can learn more about studying in the UK on Say Yes to UK.

Who is Eligible?

In this post, we’re focusing on both undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s) programs.

For Undergraduate Applicants:

• Eligibility: SSCE holders, including NECO, GCE, and WAEC certificates.
• Age Requirement: Applicants under 20 years can be sponsored by their parents. Those over 20 may face challenges in securing sponsorship.

For Postgraduate Applicants (Primarily Master’s Programs):

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • BSc holders with at least a Third Class.
  • HND holders with at least a Lower Credit (2.2).

What Are the Processes Involved?

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the steps involved in processing your admission to a UK institution:

1. Research: You are to research schools in the UK that meet your needs -Budgets, course aspirations, locations, tuition fee payment terms, etc. Some of the most important information includes;
   • Tuition: This could range from £11,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on the school, and course/programme of study.
   • Tuition Deposit: This could range from £3,000 to £10,000.
   • Payment Schedule: Many Nigerians not only want low tuition fees and an initial deposit, but a flexible payment schedule that will make it easy for them to work and pay.
   • Turn Around Time: This has to do with how soon the school gives an admission. We have schools with a turnaround time of 24-48 hours.
   • Scholarship: Many want scholarships. In the UK, you may get a scholarship/discount from your total tuition fee to the tune of up to £5,000.
   • Duration of Course: Master courses in the UK range from 8 months (very rare) to 1 year (very common), to 2 years (also common). Bachelors programs range from 3 years to 4 years.
   • Other information some may like to know is the ranking of the school, the socio-economic climate of the school environment and its location, the accreditations associated with one’s own choice of course, the cultural climate on campus, accommodation arrangements, total living expenses and so on.
2. Requirement Gathering:
   • Collect all the necessary documents for your application. Note that UK institutions typically do not charge application fees. Below, I’ve detailed the required documentation for both the admission and visa processing phases.
3. Application:
   • Submit your application for admission. You can opt to use an agency like ours to expedite the process and find schools that align with your budget, goals, ambitions and other criteria.
4. Meet Offer Conditions:
   • Conditions may include:
     • Paying the initial school fees deposit within the specified timeframe.
     • Providing any additional documents requested.
     • Accepting the admission offer on the school’s website.
5. Obtain Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS):
   • Once all offer conditions are met, you will receive your CAS.
6. Proceed to Visa Application:
   • Ensure your Proof of Funds (POF) is ready.
   • Gather all necessary documents.
   • Apply for your visa.

Documentation Requirements

Admission Phase:

For Undergraduate Applicants:

• CV
• Passport data page
• O’level certificates
• 3 Letters of reference
• Statement of purpose (covered by processing fee)

For Postgraduate Applicants:

• Updated CV with accurate dates for study and work history
• Passport data page (front and back)
• O’level certificates
• HND or B.Sc. certificates
• IELTS or Letter of Certification for English Proficiency
• Transcript
• Marriage certificate or affidavit of name change (if applicable)
• 3 Letters of reference
• Statement of purpose (covered by processing fee)

Visa Phase:

• Passport data page
• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
• Proof of Funds (POF: fee balance plus cost of living)
• Tuberculosis test result (to be done after admission)
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate (for dependants)
• Statement of purpose
• Consent letter for children
• CV
• O’level certificates
• B.Sc. certificates
• Transcript
• Admission letter(s)

Cost Implications To Study In The UK

Pre-Visa

Fees:

• Initial school fees deposit (ranges between £3,000 – £8,000), depending on school.
• Tuberculosis test: ₦80,000 (at an approved hospital)
• IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge): £776
• Visa fee: $650

Charges:

• Admission processing: ₦150,000
• Visa processing: ₦250,000
• Proof of Funds: 3-3.5% of the total POF. This is only applicable if you don’t have the sum in your account. The POF is needed in your account for a minimum of 28 days. Terms and conditions apply.

Post Visa

How to Calculate Proof of Funds (POF)

Proof of Funds varies depending on the school and specific requirements:

1. Remaining School Fees:
   • Calculate the balance left after the initial deposit.
2. Upkeep Money:
   • Multiply the monthly upkeep amount stated in the CAS by 12.
3. Miscellaneous:
   • Consider exchange rate fluctuations and other unforeseen expenses.

Example:

• If a student’s full tuition is £20,000 and a deposit of £3,000 has been made, the remaining balance is £17,000.
• Monthly upkeep is £1,023, totalling £12,276 for the year.
• Adding £1,000 for miscellaneous costs brings the POF to £30,276.
• Convert this amount to dollars using Oanda and then to Naira using the visa fee payment conversion method.

This guide is designed to simplify the process and help you plan effectively for your journey to study in the UK. With the right preparation, you can make this dream a reality.

You can contact us at any of our support numbers on our website or simply click on the WhatsApp chat icon to chat with us for further guidance. You may also leave a comment below and I will respond to your question at my earliest convenience.