If you are applying for a UK visa from Nigeria, then you need to know about the process. Getting a visa is always a tedious process but not anymore. Amber will help you out by making you understand how to get your student visa to the UK from Nigeria. Also, check out this blog to know the top places to visit in UK.
Types of Student Visa to UK from Nigeria
There are three types of Student Visa to the UK from Nigeria they are:-
1. Student Visa
This student visa is for students who wish to study in the UK. Students who are over the age of 16 are eligible for this after they have been accepted into a UK-accredited educational institution. It is recommended for a student to apply 3 months before their course start date. Students can enter the UK one week prior to the commencement of their course if it is less than six months. If your course duration is longer than six months, you can enter the UK a month before the commencement date.
2. Child Student Visa
A child Student Visa can be applied for when the child is between the ages of 4 to 17 who are accepted in a UK-accredited educational institution with a legitimate student route sponsor. Students and their parents can go to the UK a week prior if their course is less than six months in duration. Child Student Visa holders can also visit the UK a month before the commencement date of their course if the duration is longer than six months. It is recommended for students and their parents/guardians to apply for the Visa 3 months prior to the commencement of the course.
3. Short-term Study Visa
A short-term study visa is for students who have enrolled in a short-term course in the UK, such as training programs or language courses. It is always recommended that you apply three months before your departure date or your commencement date.
Documents Required for UK Visa from Nigeria
1. A Current Passport
2. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) by your education provider
3. Proof of enough funds like bank statements, scholarships and bursaries
4. A Valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your course demands it
5. Proof of parents’ or legal guardian's consent if you are under 18
6. Proof of your relationship with your parent or guardian if you are under 18
7. Tuberculosis Test Results
8. A written consent letter from your sponsor, who sponsors your education and living costs
English Language Requirements for UK Visa from Nigeria
As you are applying for a UK visa from Nigeria, you need to keep a few things in mind for your english language requirements.
1. When applying for a UK visa, you need to present proof of your command of the English language. This usually is the passing certificate of the English language proficiency test, which usually is the IELTS test. Explore our blog to bust the top IELTS myths and do best in the exam.
2. There are multiple aspects by which you are evaluated by UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration). These aspects vary on academic level and usually are evaluated on the basis of writing, reading, speaking, and listening in English.
3. As part of the UK visa application process, applicants usually undergo an interview process, where if you can not have a simple conversation in English without an interpreter, you may not be allowed to enter the UK even if you have amazing english results.
Biometric Residence Permit
Applicants are required to have their biometrics done by a UKVI, where they are required to submit their fingerprints and a digital photograph taken at the centre after taking an appointment with your UKVI.
UK student visa for Nigeria Fees
When it comes to paying the fees for your UK student visa to Nigeria, there are different fees for different types of student visas.
1. The fee for a UK student visa for Nigeria is $485, which is as equal to the National Currency of Nigeria, which is Niara 252,705.66
2. When you are applying for the child student visa, the fees are $485, which is equal to Niara 252,705.66
3. As when you will be applying for a short term study visa to the UK, you will be paying $259 which is equal to Naira 134,950.03.
Financial Requirements for UK Visa from Nigeria
If you would like to successfully avail the UK visa from Nigeria, there are some financial requirements which you have to meet. If you are a student who is living in London, you need to make sure that you have €1334 per month for nine months. However, if you are someone who won’t be living in London and is planning to live in other cities in the UK, you need to make sure that you have €1023 per month for nine months.
Process for UK Visa from Nigeria
The Uk student visa is important and necessary for students if they choose the UK as their study destination. Once students have decided their they should start their UK visa from Nigeria process. There are multiple steps in the process which are:-
1. The first step starts with students applying for their preferred course at a university in the UK.
2. Students will then have to wait for the letter of acceptance, which is also called Confirmation of Acceptance or CAS, from the educational institution to which they have applied to.
3. Once you have received your CAS, you will have to start applying for your UK student visa for Nigeria Online or Offline.
4. If you are applying online, you can visit the UK immigration and Visa website, and if you are someone who will be applying offline, you can visit your country's UK embassy and consulate office and fill out the UK student visa application form.
5. After you have filled out the form, you have to pay the fees for a UK student visa which have been mentioned above.
Now, what you need to do is collect your documents.You will need:-
1. A valid Passport
2. Academic Transcripts
3. If your academic transcripts are not in english, your documents should be translated into english with the original document. Your translation should have a sign from the translator, which is the exact translation of your original document or the contact details of your translator or the Translation Company. The date of the translation is also required.
4. You will also be required to provide proof of finances, where you will have to submit personal bank statements or bank letters or even official loan letters. If you are someone who has received financial aid like scholarships, you will be required to provide the official financial sponsorship letters.
5. Students are also required to provide a consent letter from the government if in case your government is the sponsor.
6. If you are a student, where you are being sponsored by your parents. Students are required to provide consent from, their parents to use the money. Students are also required to provide proof to prove their relationship with their parents. Birth Certificates or Adoption Certificates are required.
7. If a student is under the age of 18, they will require a consent letter from their parents or guardian to allow them and give consent to study in the UK
8. A score certificate of english language proficiency test is required
9. Tuberculosis Test Results
10. ATAS or also known as the Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate is to be submitted
11. Police Registration Certificate
12. Biometric Test, the details are mentioned above
Students can now finally attend the Visa interview in the UK embassy or the consulate office in your home country and get your visa
Processing Time for UK Visa from Nigeria
A student will have to wait for 3 weeks to receive their UK visa from Nigeria.
Here you go! Now you are set to apply for your UK visa from Nigeria and now all you need to do is pack your bags and book your student accommodation from amber. Amber will help you browse through multiple student accommodation options where you can choose the perfect student accommodation in your budget and you can move into your perfect student accommodation which you can also call your home. Check out this blog to know the best bank account for students in UK. Additionally, explore our blog on how to apply for a driving license in UK as international students. You can also read our blog on how to become a UK resident as a student.