Teacher Relocating to United Kingdom from Nigeria: ₦4,401,504–₦17,609,535
From 9 September 2026, teachers who trained in Nigeria can no longer use the Department for Education's apply for QTS in England service, so the free QTS route this guide used to describe is closed to them. GOV.UK points them to other routes into teaching in England. You can still be hired by a sponsoring school and teach in England for up to 4 years without QTS, and maths, physics, and modern languages remain shortage subjects. This guide covers the costs, requirements, and routes that remain open.
Verified relocation cost — Nigeria to United Kingdom
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cost (NGN) | ₦4,401,504–₦17,609,535 |
| Total cost (USD) | $3,310–$13,242 |
| Primary visa route | Skilled Worker Visa |
| Visa fee | ₦1,441,356 |
| Processing time | 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority) |
| Rent (1-bed, London) | ₦3,461,719/mo |
All figures from our verified relocation database. Exchange rates as of 12 October 2026.
Teacher-specific costs in United Kingdom
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Registration & licensing costs | ₦7.0M–₦8.8M |
| Entry salary (2026/27) | GBP 34,069 |
| Salary band (2026/27) | M1 → Leadership |
| Migration history | 5,230 QTS awards to overseas teachers 2024-25 |
Full Guide Available
Read the full Teacher → United Kingdom guide → — covers registration steps, exam fees, salary progression, and the documents you need to practise in United Kingdom.
Visa options for United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost for a teacher to move from Nigeria to United Kingdom?
- On the work/skilled route, budget ₦4,401,504–₦17,609,535 for visa fees, flights from Lagos and the first months of rent in United Kingdom. Profession-specific licensing or registration fees apply on top, and the study route (with tuition and proof of funds) costs more. Use the Japa Calculator for a personalised estimate.
- What is the best visa route for a teacher from Nigeria to United Kingdom?
- The primary skilled-worker route for United Kingdom is the Skilled Worker Visa. Processing time is 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority). Verified visa fee: ₦1,441,356.
- What salary can a Nigerian teacher expect in United Kingdom?
- Entry salary for Teacher in United Kingdom (M1 → Leadership, 2026/27) is GBP 34,069. Mid-career: GBP 43,685. Top of band: GBP 52,835. Qualified teacher pay from 1 September 2026 (subject to consultation): £34,069–£52,835 in England outside London; £35,602–£54,328 London fringe; £39,196–£58,120 Outer London; £41,729–£64,684 Inner London.
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to the United Kingdom?
- The total cost of relocating from Nigeria to the United Kingdom ranges from ₦4,500,000 to ₦18,000,000 ($3,300–$13,200) in 2026, depending on your visa type and destination city. The Skilled Worker visa costs approximately ₦10.6 million including the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year for up to 5 years), while the Health and Care Worker visa is significantly cheaper at ₦3.6 million as it is exempt from the IHS. London is the most expensive city for settlement, with one-bedroom rent averaging £1,800/month. Use the Japa Calculator to get a personalized cost estimate based on your specific situation.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official government websites. Cost-of-living from Numbeo and local sources. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 12 October 2026). All costs are estimates and subject to change with exchange rates and policy updates. Verify with official immigration websites before making decisions. Last reviewed: 8 Oct 2026