Nigerian applicants seeking a United Kingdom Student visa remain subject to the financial-evidence requirement and must show that they can meet both their course fees and prescribed living costs, except where a recognised exemption applies.
Current guidance published by the UK government sets the maintenance requirement at £1,529 for each month of study in London and £1,171 monthly for courses outside London. The calculation is capped at nine months.
This produces a maximum living-cost requirement of £13,761 for a course in London or £10,539 for study elsewhere in the United Kingdom. These amounts are separate from the tuition fees stated on the applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
Applicants relying on personal funds are generally required to hold the necessary amount for at least 28 consecutive days. The final day of that period must fall within 31 days before the visa application is submitted.
The official list of countries covered by the United Kingdom’s differential evidence arrangement does not include Nigeria. Consequently, Nigerian applicants should ordinarily prepare documentary proof of the required funds rather than assume that bank or sponsorship evidence will not be requested.
There are limited exceptions. A person who has been living in the United Kingdom with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months by the date of application may not need to establish the maintenance funds. Student union sabbatical officers are also exempt from that particular requirement.
Where funding comes through an approved student loan or official financial sponsorship, the applicant must provide evidence from the lender or sponsoring body that satisfies the applicable immigration rules.
The rules make early financial planning important for prospective students. Applicants should confirm the figure applicable to their place of study, add any unpaid tuition shown on their CAS and ensure that the relevant account records cover the required period without falling below the prescribed balance.
Because immigration guidance and application fees may change, prospective students should rely on the current instructions published by UK Visas and Immigration when preparing an application.
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