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| UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria 2025 |
Planning to study in the United Kingdom from Nigeria in 2025? One of the most important financial details you need to know is the UK student visa fee in Nigeria 2025 — what it costs, how it’s paid, and how much you should budget overall. This user-focused guide gives you accurate, up-to-date information so you can plan confidently and avoid surprises during your application process.
Studying in the UK is a dream for many Nigerian students, but navigating visa costs can be confusing. Knowing the UK student visa fee in Nigeria 2025 and related expenses will help you prepare your finances and avoid last-minute stress. This guide breaks down all the fees, explains extra charges like the healthcare surcharge, and gives practical tips for Nigerians applying for a UK student visa.
What Is the UK Student Visa?
The UK student visa — often referred to as the Student Route — is the immigration category international students must obtain if they plan to study in the UK for longer than six months. It replaced the old Tier 4 (General) student visa system and allows eligible students to live, learn, and in many cases work part-time while completing their studies in the UK.
UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria 2025 (Standard Application)
As of 2025, the standard UK student visa fee in Nigeria is:
- £490 GBP (British pounds sterling)
- Approximately ₦900,000 – ₦930,000 NGN, depending on exchange rate fluctuations, which are calculated at the time of payment during your online application.
This fee is paid online during the visa application process through the official UK Visas and Immigration portal.
What This Fee Covers
The £490 application fee covers:
- Processing your student visa application
- Administrative services related to your immigration request
- The right to enter and stay in the UK for your course duration and specified study period.
Note: This fee does not include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), priority processing charges, or other additional costs. More on those below.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa application fee, most applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their UK student visa. This mandatory fee grants access to the UK National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
IHS Cost for Students in 2025
- £776 per year of the visa duration
- Example: For a 3-year degree, IHS totals approximately £2,328 GBP — around ₦4.2–₦4.4 million NGN based on typical exchange rates.
You must pay the IHS at the time of your visa application, and the total charge depends on the length of your visa, which can be slightly longer than your course duration to accommodate travel and completion dates.
Other Optional Visa Fees (Faster Processing)
If you need your visa decision quickly, you can choose priority processing services at extra cost. These are optional but useful if you’re on a tight timeline.
- Priority Service (Decision in ~5 working days): ~£500 GBP
- Super Priority Service (Decision in ~24 hours): ~£1,000 GBP
Be sure to budget for these only if you truly need expedited processing, as they nearly double or triple your visa cost depending on which service you choose.
Converting GBP to Naira: Tips for Nigerian Students
Visa fees are paid in GBP, but if you’re budgeting in Nigeria, here’s what to expect:
- Exchange rates fluctuate based on the market and bank rates.
- Many financial guides recommend using an estimate of around ₦1,850 per £1 for planning, but the actual rate at the time of payment may vary slightly.
Always check live exchange rates and confirm your total visa cost in Naira before making payments.
Where to Pay the UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria
Visa fees are paid online through the official UK Visas and Immigration portal as part of the application process. You will need:
- A debit or credit card capable of international transactions
- Funds available at the time of payment
- Access to the official application portal (GOV.UK)
After payment, you’ll book a biometric appointment at a visa application centre such as TLScontact in Lagos or Abuja.
Breakdown: What You Should Budget For (2025)
Here’s a realistic budget example for a Nigerian student applying in 2025, excluding tuition fees:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Approx. in NGN |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Fee | £490 | ₦900,000+ |
| IHS (per year) | £776 | ₦1.4M+ |
| IHS for 3 years | £2,328 | ₦4.2M+ |
| Priority Visa (Optional) | £500 | ₦925,000+ |
| Super Priority (Optional) | £1,000 | ₦1.85M+ |
This means that even before tuition and living costs, your visa and related fees can run into several million naira — so planning ahead is key.
What Visa Costs Don’t Cover
Remember: the UK student visa fee in Nigeria 2025 only covers the application. Other expenses you should budget for include:
- Tuition fees (set by your educational institution)
- Living expenses (rent, food, transport)
- TB test fees (required for some applicants)
- Flight tickets to the UK
- Document preparation and notarisation fees
- Proof of funds documentation costs
These costs can add significantly to your total budget.
Step-by-Step: Applying for Your UK Student Visa
1. Get Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
A CAS is a reference number from your UK university or college that validates your offer of admission.
2. Prepare Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Valid passport
- CAS
- Financial evidence
- TB test results (if required)
- English language test results
- Passport photos
3. Pay Your Visa Fee and IHS
During your online application, pay the £490 visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
4. Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment
You’ll visit a TLScontact visa centre in Lagos or Abuja to submit your fingerprints and photo.
5. Wait for a Decision
Standard processing usually takes up to 15 working days, while priority options are faster.
Tips for Nigerian Students Applying in 2025
Budget Wisely
Visa fees are just the start. Plan for IHS, travel, and documents.
Start Early
Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your course start date to allow time for processing and any unexpected delays.
Use Official Sources
Always use the UK Visas and Immigration official portal (GOV.UK) for applications and fee payments — avoid third-party sites to prevent fraud.
Save Proof of Payment
You’ll receive email confirmations for fee payments — keep these for reference throughout the process.
Ready to plan your UK studies? Start by calculating your total visa cost today — and bookmark this guide to revisit fee updates and application tips as you prepare your documents!
Conclusion
Understanding the UK student visa fee in Nigeria 2025 is essential for every aspiring student. As of 2025, the standard visa fee is £490 GBP, with additional costs like the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and optional priority services adding to your budget. With careful planning and early application, you can meet these costs and move one step closer to studying in the UK.
Prepare early, budget smartly, and always verify fees through the official UK immigration resources to make your study abroad dream a reality.
