Study In the United Kingdom
We look forward to helping students like you who would like to study in UK. You will find all the information you need to aid your research in deciding if UK is the best place for you.
Cost of your student visa
To study in the UK, the first step is to secure a valid study visa and that comes with its own costs (approx. £348). Feel free to consult your IDP counsellor for latest updates and information on the visa application process and related costs.
Read more: All about British student visa
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Cost to study in the UK
Undergraduate bachelor degree:
GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year
Postgraduate master’s degree:
GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year
Doctoral degree:
GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year
About Studying in the UK
The UK offers a world-renowned education system with qualifications that can make a real difference to your future. It attracts over 600,000 international students each year to a variety of programmes, ranging from English language courses to PhDs.
The UK education system gives students the freedom to combine courses and subjects from different areas of studies, so you can tailor your degree to your own needs and interest.
One of the most popular study destinations, the UK enjoys a proud tradition of education with universities rooting back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Known for its language, history, culture and innovation, the UK has an average student retention rate of 82%. With a comprehensive support systems in place for international students, studying in UK is definitely a life-changing experience.
All about the intakes available in the UK
Unlike a single intake in Nigerian universities, colleges and universities in the UK offer two main intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester.
- Autumn Intake: September to October
- Spring Intake: January to February
There is a third intake also available in some universities, called the Summer intake (June to August) and is available for specific programs only.
Which intake to opt for?
While most Nigerian students prefer the September intake, January and April intakes are equally good for certain programs. We suggest, if you do not have your scorecards ready, it’s better to skip the haste and apply for the next intake.
Taxes
Indian students in the UK are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations.
If you have a job while you are studying in the UK, then you’ll also have to pay the tax and national insurance:
- Income tax: If you earn more than £1,042 a month on average – this will be your personal allowance
- National insurance: If you earn more than £166 a week
Your employer usually deducts Income Tax and National Insurance from your wages through Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
Remember, the exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. We suggest you also look for a part-time job while you are studying in the UK or seek scholarships in the universities you apply to. This can help lower your cost of studying abroad to a great extent.
Student visa requirements for the UK
The UK Government provides an opportunity to all Nigeria students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first.
Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:
| Types of student visa |
Who can apply |
When to apply | Arrival in the UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 4 (General) student visa | Students aged 16 or over who have been offered a place in a course at a UK educational institution | Three months before the start of your course | Up to one week before if your course lasts six months or fewer. Up to one month before if your course lasts more than six months |
| Tier 4 (Child) student visa | Students aged between four and 17 who have been offered a place in a course at a UK educational institution with a valid Tier 4 sponsor, such as an independent fee-paying school | Three months before the start of your course | Up to one week before if your course lasts six months or fewer. Up to one month before if your course lasts more than six months |
| Short-term study visa | Students who have been offered a place in a short-term course in the UK, such as an English language course or training course | Three months before your date of travel to the UK | Depending on your nominated travel dates |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa | Students who have been offered a place in a course at a UK educational institution with a valid Tier 4 sponsor | Three months before the start of your course | Up to one month before if your course lasts more than six months |
Cost of accommodation
Most universities in the UK offer on-campus residence facilities called the Halls of Residence to international students. These can be self-catered or full board. Certain campuses also provide self-catered shared houses or flats to their students. Living as a resident on-campus is a very affordable option. However, you need to apply for it separately, and well ahead in time to secure a slot for yourself.
The cost will vary from city to city. If you opt to rent an apartment, you will have to additionally pay for utility bills like electricity, internet, water usage and also tenant’s insurance (in some areas of housing). House rent for a one-bedroom apartment generally ranges between £550 and £650 (Indicative).
The student accommodation cost depends on the type and location of the accommodation. As per the NUS/Unipol Accommodation Costs Survey, London has the highest average weekly rent of approx. £157.48 per week and the cheapest rooms are in Northern Ireland cost around £83.01 per week.
Living expenses
You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities, and emergencies. When living in a foreign country as a student, it is better to keep track of your expenditures so that you do not overspend.
Cost of health support and insurance
Several UK universities have initiated comprehensive health insurance plans for international students, but that is applicable as long your program is ongoing and ceases upon completion.