Student Visa + Graduate Route: Overview for Nigerians ₦2,748,376
The Student Visa + Graduate Route is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to United Kingdom. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
Student Visa + Graduate Route fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦1,028,567 (~$746 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦24,420,175 (~$17,705 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦1,430,409 (~$1,037 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦289,400 (~$210 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦2,748,376 (~$1,993 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 14 July 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦2,748,376 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦1,028,567: Paid to the United Kingdom immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Health surcharge — ₦1,430,409: Entitles you (and dependants on your visa) to use United Kingdom’s public healthcare during your stay. Paid upfront for the full duration of your visa.
- Language test — ₦289,400: IELTS Academic or General, TOEFL, or country-equivalent test. Book your slot in Lagos or Abuja well in advance — popular centres fill 6–8 weeks ahead.
- Proof of funds — ₦24,420,175: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Student Visa + Graduate Route requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, language test result.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦2,748,376 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority).
Expert tip
Student Visa + Graduate Route
The Student visa fee is £558 (~$709) effective 8 April 2026 (up from £524). Maintenance funds differ by location: £1,529/month in London vs £1,171/month outside London (up to 9 months). The Graduate Route still offers 2 years of post-study work, but from January 2027 it drops to 18 months for new starters. PhD graduates keep 3 years. UK tuition for international students ranges from £12,000–£38,000/year depending on the course and university. You can work 20 hours/week during term time.
Where Nigerians settle in United Kingdom
Once your Student Visa + Graduate Route is approved, most Nigerians head to London or Manchester. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- London: 1-bedroom rent ₦3,625,791/month · Lagos–London flights from ~$550 · Nigerian community: Very Large
- Manchester: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,981,559/month · Lagos–Manchester flights from ~$600 · Nigerian community: Large
- Birmingham: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,657,136/month · Lagos–Birmingham flights from ~$620 · Nigerian community: Large
Life in London
London is expensive but has the UK's largest Nigerian community — Peckham and Woolwich in South East London are cultural hubs with Nigerian shops, churches, and restaurants. To save on rent, look at Zone 3–5 areas like Barking, Dagenham, Lewisham, or Croydon where 1-bed flats run £1,200–£1,500/month. Get an Oyster card immediately — monthly travel in Zones 1–3 costs about £180.
28% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose United Kingdom as their destination. Average Japa Score: 58/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦300K–₦700K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Student Visa + Graduate Route cost for Nigerians moving to United Kingdom?
- Total government fees for the Student Visa + Graduate Route are ₦2,748,376 (about $1,993). This covers the visa application fee, health surcharge of ₦1,430,409, language test of ₦289,400, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Student Visa + Graduate Route processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Student Visa + Graduate Route is 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority). Apply from the United Kingdom High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Student Visa + Graduate Route?
- You need to show ₦24,420,175 ($17,705) in savings for the Student Visa + Graduate Route. This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Student Visa + Graduate Route application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Language test result (IELTS/TEF) required — book early, Lagos and Abuja test slots go fast. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦24,420,175 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into United Kingdom.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 14 July 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02