How Much is UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria? 2025 Guide

For Nigerian students dreaming of pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom, understanding the UK student visa fee in Nigeria is a pivotal step in planning their academic journey. The costs associated with obtaining a UK student visa, officially known as the Student Route visa, encompass more than just the application fee. We aim to deliver a detailed, authoritative guide on the current fees, additional expenses, payment processes, and strategies to manage costs effectively, ensuring Nigerian applicants are well-prepared for this investment.

Current UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria

As of April 2025, the standard fee for a UK Student Visa—applicable to Nigerians applying from outside the UK—is £524. This amount, set by the UK Home Office, reflects a 7% increase from the previous fee of £490, effective from April 9, 2025. In Nigerian Naira, this translates to approximately ₦838,400, based on an exchange rate of ₦1,600 to £1. This fee applies to students aged 16 and above enrolling in courses longer than six months at accredited UK institutions, such as universities or colleges offering degree-level programs.

For younger students aged 4 to 17 attending independent schools, the Child Student Visa also costs £524, or roughly ₦838,400. Meanwhile, the Short-term Study Visa, ideal for English language courses lasting 6 to 11 months, is priced at £200 (approximately ₦320,000). These figures represent the baseline costs, but additional expenses can significantly impact the total outlay, as we will explore.

Breakdown of Additional Costs

Beyond the visa application fee, Nigerian students must account for several mandatory and optional costs:

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Access to the UK’s National Health Service requires payment of the IHS, set at £776 per year for students. For a three-year degree, this totals £2,328 (around ₦3,724,800). Partial years are prorated: £388 for 1–6 months and £776 for 6–12 months.
• Priority Services: To expedite processing, the Priority Service costs £250 (₦400,000), reducing the decision time to five working days. The Super Priority Service, available in select Nigerian cities, is £956 (₦1,529,600), offering a next-working-day decision.
• Biometric Enrollment: A ₦15,000–₦20,000 fee is charged at Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Nigeria for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photographs).
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Mandatory for stays exceeding six months, this test costs between ₦45,000 and ₦75,000, depending on the approved clinic in cities like Lagos or Abuja.

These additional expenses can elevate the total cost to between ₦1,300,000 and ₦2,500,000, depending on course duration and processing preferences.

Payment Methods for UK Student Visa Fees

We emphasize the importance of understanding payment logistics. The UK student visa fee must be paid in British Pounds Sterling (GBP) via the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website during the online application. Nigerian applicants typically use:

• Debit or Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, or American Express cards are accepted. The amount in GBP is converted to Naira at the bank’s prevailing exchange rate, often with a small transaction fee (e.g., ₦5,000–₦10,000).
• Bank Transfers: Some opt for direct transfers to UKVI’s account, requiring a USD or GBP-enabled domiciliary account. Processing takes 3–5 days, and bank charges may apply (around ₦10,000).
• Payment Platforms: Services like Pay4Me allow payments in Naira, converting to GBP instantly, with fees as low as ₦2,000.

We recommend verifying your card’s international transaction capability with your bank—such as GTBank, Zenith, or First Bank—to avoid delays.

Exchange Rate Impact on Costs

The UK student visa cost in Nigeria fluctuates with the Naira-to-Pound exchange rate. In 2023, when the rate was ₦460 to £1, the £490 fee equated to ₦225,400. Today, at ₦1,600 to £1, the same fee is ₦838,400—a stark increase driven by Nigeria’s economic conditions. We advise monitoring rates via platforms like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or AbokiFX and applying when the Naira strengthens to minimize costs.

Visa Application Process and Fees

To secure a UK student visa, Nigerian applicants follow these steps, each tied to specific costs:

1. Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Issued by your UK institution, typically free, though some universities charge administrative fees (e.g., ₦10,000–₦20,000).
2. Complete the Online Application: Submit via Gov.UK, paying the £524 fee.
3. Book a VAC Appointment: Centers in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Ikeja charge for biometrics.
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Include passport, CAS, financial proof (e.g., ₦11,000,000 for London living costs), and TB test results.

Processing takes three weeks standardly, extendable to eight weeks if additional verification is needed. We suggest applying six months before your course starts to avoid the £250 priority fee.

Financial Requirements Beyond Fees

UKVI mandates proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses. For courses in London, students need £1,334 per month (up to nine months, totaling £12,006 or ₦19,209,600). Outside London, it’s £1,023 monthly (£9,207 or ₦14,731,200). These funds must be held for 28 consecutive days in a personal or parental account, evidenced by bank statements or sponsor letters.

Comparing Costs: UK Student Visa vs. Alternatives

We compare the UK student visa fee to alternatives for context. The U.S. F-1 visa costs $185 (₦296,000) plus a $350 SEVIS fee (₦560,000), totaling ₦856,000—slightly higher than the UK’s base fee but excluding health insurance. Canada’s study permit is CAD 150 (₦180,000), with lower living cost requirements. However, the UK’s £524 fee, paired with its globally recognized education system, often justifies the investment for Nigerians.

Strategies to Reduce UK Student Visa Costs

We offer practical tips to manage expenses:

• Apply Early: Avoid the £250–£956 priority fees by submitting your application well in advance.
• Leverage Scholarships: Institutions like the University of Manchester offer awards covering visa fees (e.g., £500–£2,000).
• Use Free Resources: Prepare English proficiency via free online tools instead of costly IELTS tests (₦90,000).
• Minimize Travel: Choose a VAC in your city—Lagos or Abuja—to cut transportation costs (e.g., ₦20,000–₦50,000).

Why the UK Student Visa Fee is Worth It

The £524 fee unlocks access to world-class education at institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL, with over 95% success rates for Nigerian student visa applications in 2023. Post-study, the Graduate Route allows two years of work eligibility, enhancing career prospects. For Nigerians, this investment—averaging ₦2,000,000 with IHS and living costs—yields long-term benefits in global employability and academic prestige.

Read also: How Much Is US Visa Fee in Nigeria? Your Complete 2025 Guide

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

We highlight errors that inflate costs:

• Late Applications: Missing deadlines adds £250 or more.
• Incomplete Documents: Re-submissions cost time and potentially ₦20,000 in repeat VAC fees.
• Currency Delays: Paying without a GBP-ready card risks rejection, necessitating reapplication.

Visit Gov.UK for the latest requirements and fee updates.

Final Insights on UK Student Visa Fees in Nigeria

The UK student visa fee in Nigeria, currently £524 or ₦838,400, forms the foundation of a broader financial commitment, including IHS, biometrics, and living costs. By planning strategically—applying early, securing funds, and exploring aid—Nigerian students can navigate this process efficiently. We affirm that this cost, while significant, paves the way to unparalleled educational and professional opportunities in the UK.

Read also: How Much is the IELTS Exam in Nigeria? A Complete Guide for 2025