The numbers

Checked 9 October 2026. Figures from GOV.UK. Fees change, usually in April, so confirm on GOV.UK on the day you apply.

  • Visa fee (applying from Nigeria)£558
  • Immigration Health Surcharge£776 per year of your visa
  • Money to show, London£1,529 a month, up to 9 months (£13,761)
  • Money to show, outside London£1,171 a month, up to 9 months (£10,539)
  • PlusAny first-year tuition you haven't paid yet
  • How long the money must be there28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of applying
  • Earliest you can apply6 months before your course starts
  • Usual decision timeAbout 3 weeks

What's changed recently

  • Nigeria still has to show bank evidenceSome countries are exempt from sending financial evidence with the application. Nigeria is not, so upload your bank statements.
  • eVisas instead of stickersSince 25 February 2026, Nigerian applicants receive an eVisa linked to a UKVI online account rather than a passport sticker.
  • Graduate Route shorteningReported changes cut the Graduate Route for bachelor's and master's graduates from 2 years to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027.
  • Possible new amounts from 30 November 2026Some reports say the monthly amounts will rise to £1,570 (London) and £1,203 (elsewhere). GOV.UK still showed £1,529 and £1,171 when we checked, so check before you apply.

Six steps from offer to flight

  1. Get your offer and CASAccept an unconditional offer from a licensed UK sponsor. The university then issues your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, which you need to apply.
  2. Put the money in placeKeep the full amount (living costs plus unpaid tuition) in your account or your parent's for at least 28 days in a row. Overdrafts, crypto, shares and pensions don't count.
  3. Do your TB testNigeria is on the UK's TB test list, so you need a chest X-ray certificate from a UK-approved clinic in Nigeria before you apply.
  4. Apply online and payApply on GOV.UK, pay the £558 visa fee and the health surcharge, and book your appointment.
  5. Give your biometricsAttend the visa application centre in Nigeria for fingerprints and a photo, with your passport and documents.
  6. Get your eVisa, then bookOnce approved, set up your UKVI account to view your eVisa. Then book your flight; London, Manchester and other UK cities are all served from Nigeria.
Student visa on GOV.UKMoney you needTB test clinics in Nigeria

Flights to the UK

Cheapest return fares we've seen from Lagos, Abuja and Kano, checked every 6 hours.

To London

From Lagos$509 ≈ ₦680kFrom Abuja$741 ≈ ₦990k

To Manchester

From Lagos$835 ≈ ₦1.11m
Get alerts for Lagos to London

Questions

How much money do Nigerian students need to show for a UK Student visa?

£1,529 a month for up to 9 months if you study in London (£13,761), or £1,171 a month outside London (£10,539), plus any first-year tuition you haven't paid. It must be held for 28 days in a row.

How much is the UK Student visa fee from Nigeria?

£558 to apply from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year of the visa.

Can I bring my spouse or children on a UK Student visa?

Only if you're on a PhD or research-based postgraduate course, or a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months. Most taught master's students can't bring dependants.

Do Nigerians need a TB test for a UK Student visa?

Yes. Nigeria is on the list of countries where you need a TB test from a UK-approved clinic.

When should I book my flight to the UK?

After your visa is approved. Set a price alert early so you know a good fare when you see one, especially for the busy September intake.

Sources

FlyCheap NG isn't connected to UK Visas and Immigration or any agency. Always confirm current requirements and fees on GOV.UK before you apply.