How Much Does It Cost to Study in the UK from Nigeria in 2025?

Studying in the UK is a dream for many Nigerian students—and for good reason. The UK offers world-class education, global career opportunities, and a rich multicultural experience. But before applying, it’s important to understand the real cost of studying in the UK from Nigeria in 2025. From tuition fees to visa costs and living expenses, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

1. Tuition Fees for Nigerian Students in the UK

Tuition fees are the biggest cost when studying in the UK. Your course level and university type determine how much you’ll pay.

Course Level	Estimated Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Foundation / Pathway	£8,000 – £12,000
Undergraduate (BSc/BA)	£11,000 – £20,000
Postgraduate (MSc/MA)	£12,000 – £22,000
MBA / Specialist Masters	£15,000 – £30,000
PhD / Doctorate	£14,000 – £25,000

Tip: Some affordable UK universities for Nigerian students include:

University of Sunderland
Teesside University
University of South Wales
University of East London
Ulster University

2. UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria

To study in the UK, you must apply for a Student Visa. The visa fee and other required costs are:

UK Student Visa Fee: ₦851,000 (Approx. £490)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year of study
(e.g., for a 2-year program: £776 × 2 = £1,552)

3. Proof of Funds / Bank Statement Requirement

UKVI requires you to prove you can financially support yourself. This is called the maintenance requirement and is a key part of your visa application.

You need to show funds for:

Tuition fees (remaining after deposit paid to university)
Living expenses: £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) for up to 9 months

Example Calculation:

If your tuition is £14,000 and you paid a deposit of £4,000:

Remaining tuition: £10,000
Living costs (outside London): £1,023 × 9 = £9,207
Total funds to show: £10,000 + £9,207 = £19,207 (≈ ₦27 million)

4. Cost of Living in the UK for Nigerian Students

Living expenses vary by city. London is the most expensive, while cities like Sunderland, Luton, or Wolverhampton are more affordable.

Expense Type	Monthly Cost (Estimate)
Rent (shared room)	£350 – £600
Food	£150 – £250
Transport	£50 – £100
Internet & Mobile	£30 – £50
Miscellaneous	£50 – £100
Total	£600 – £1,100

Living outside London can save you thousands of pounds annually.

5. Other Miscellaneous Costs

Application Fees (some universities): £20–£50
Tuberculosis (TB) Test: ₦57,800
Flight Ticket (One-way): ₦400,000 – ₦700,000
Academic Documents Translation (if needed): ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
Police Clearance Certificate: ₦10,000 – ₦15,000

6. Can You Work While Studying in the UK?

Yes. As a Nigerian student with a valid UK Student Visa:

You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time
You can work full-time during holidays

This can help reduce your cost of living and support basic needs.

7. Scholarships and Bursaries for Nigerian Students

Many UK universities offer:

Merit-based scholarships (£1,000 – £5,000)
Automatic tuition discounts
Commonwealth, Chevening, GREAT Scholarships

Ask your agent or apply early to access available scholarships.

Total Cost of Studying in the UK from Nigeria

Category	Cost (Estimate)
Tuition (1 year)	£11,000 – £20,000
IHS Fee	£776 per year
Visa Fee	₦851,000 (~£490)
Living Expenses (9 months)	£9,207 (outside London)
Flight Ticket	₦500,000 – ₦700,000
TB Test	₦57,800
Total	₦18 million – ₦30 million

Final Thoughts

Studying in the UK is an investment, but it opens doors to international career paths and personal growth. Planning your finances early, applying to affordable universities, and working with trusted agents can help you manage the cost effectively.