It’s that time of the year again. The end of Senior Secondary School - complete with final exams and plans for the future. Parents and students alike begin contemplating future endeavours, and a bachelor's degree is the only topic discussed around the house for months.
It is also prime time for people who are considering a postgraduate degree to begin pursuing that endeavour for a coveted position at work or simply for academic purposes.
Indeed, tertiary education is essential to obtaining the life of your dreams. Thus, many Nigerian students seek to pursue such education in the United Kingdom, the second most popular destination for international students worldwide. A degree from the UK is sure to open doors of opportunity globally.
Whether you seek such an education for your undergraduate or postgraduate degree, this article will guide you on how to apply to a UK university as a Nigerian student.
The Nigerian Student’s Guide to applying to a UK University
1. Choose a course of study
Before pursuing any degree, candidates usually have an idea of what course they want to study. The courses you took in secondary school or your bachelor’s course of study already narrow down your course choice considerably. However, if you are undecided, it is important to remedy this as indecision will cause a delay in the application process.
2. Research schools
After you have chosen a course, you must find schools which offer your course. It is important to be vigilant as certain schools may offer courses that look similar to your course of choice but are not. For example, if you seek to study architecture, Teesside University may not be the best choice for you as they only offer interior architecture and design.
If you are not sure if the course being offered is the course of your choice, you should make a quick web search inquiry on it.
At this stage, you should be making a list of schools which you intend to study at.
3. Consider financing
When choosing schools, it is essential to consider their tuition and board fees. This will help you narrow down your list so that you don’t waste time applying to schools that you will be unable to pay for. It is also important that you keep an eye on the financial aid and scholarship opportunities that some of these universities, private establishments and individuals offer which may apply to you.
You may also consider soliciting financial assistance from family members and friends. Note that you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number after your application. Before obtaining a CAS number, you must prove that you can pay for tuition. The school will therefore request evidence that you have a certain amount that must have been in your account (or your parent’s) for 28 days.
4. Consider the school’s application deadlines
When applying to a UK University, deadlines are of utmost importance. You may confirm application dates and deadlines through the school website or agents whose contact information will be on the school’s web page for Nigerian students. The agents are located in Nigeria and their services are free as they are employed by the school to procure students. It is important to note that application deadlines for international students are earlier than deadlines for local students in the UK due to the time needed to process student visas and other documents.
Suppose you are unable to meet the application deadline for the immediate semester. In that case, you may begin preparing to apply for the next semester as many schools offer more than one intake per year. Some of these schools are Bangor University, University of Central Lancashire, University of Westminister, and Northumbria University.
Another reason you need to check the deadline is that for postgraduate students, it takes a while to process your transcripts, so you want to start processing them much earlier so you do not miss the deadline.
4. Apply
It is important to note that Nigerian students who plan on studying in the UK must apply to the university through its online application form or through the agents listed on the school’s web page for Nigerian students.
A Guide to the International Students Application Web page
When you google your school name + international students application portal, you will see a web link from the school website link that says “apply now” or something similar. Click the link and it will either take you directly to the application page, or a page which has the link to the application page on it. You may search the page for “international students” if you are unable to find the link. Fill in the necessary information on the application page and submit.
University websites may differ as this is merely a general guide.
If you are still confused about how to apply to a university, view the contact us section on the school website and send them a message or email to enquire about the international students' application process.
Required Qualifications for Application to a UK University
Undergraduate Degree
- Proof of English proficiency (i.e. WAEC result, having a minimum of C6 in English, or IELTS if the candidate does not have C6 in English).
- A minimum of 5 passes in WAEC, including Mathematics and English.
Postgraduate Degree
- Proof of English proficiency (i.e. WAEC result, having a minimum of C6 in English, or IELTS if the candidate does not have C6 in English).
- Bachelor's degree from a recognized university (including a Master's degree for PhD). Most schools require a minimum of a 2.2 Bachelor’s degree, however, certain schools accept third class, HND and work experience. For example, City University will consider qualifying life or work experience.
You must confirm the requirements from the school website before applying as this is merely a general guide.
Documents you will need when applying to a UK University as a Nigerian student (Undergraduate or Postgraduate Degree)
Important documents needed for application are:
- Personal statement
- Academic transcripts ( for postgraduate study)
- Proof of English proficiency i.e. C6 in WAEC/ NECO or IELTS
- One professional and one academic letter of recommendation (varies according to school)
- A copy of your passport
- Contact address (address of parent or guardian if you are under 18)
- A Curriculum Vitae ( for postgraduate study)
You must confirm the requirements from your prospective school and submit them via your university’s application form.
Factors that affect an International Student’s application
Several factors can negatively influence your application such as:
- Misinformation or lack of information: When applying for university, you must understand that a student who fails to take advantage of the channels for information provided by the school such as the school website and agents in their country is prone to misinformation. Word of mouth and information from blogs must always be cross-checked. Lack of information can be remedied by research as earlier stated.
- Lack of qualification specified by the school: Not possessing the minimum qualifications required for entry into the program of your choice will tie your hands. That is why it is important to search for schools which will accept the qualifications you possess.
- Financial incapacity: If you do not have enough money to sponsor your education, ticket and living expenses, it can discourage you and delay your university application. This is why it is advised that you begin gathering information for financial aid and sourcing funds as early as possible.
- Inability to gather the documents required for application: If you cannot procure certain documents on time, it will leave you unable to apply for university. This is why it is crucial to gather your application documents early.
- Indecision regarding choice of course or university: If you are undecided as to course choice or university choice, it will delay your application and you may be unable to proceed. Your best bet is to choose a course you enjoyed in secondary school or university, attend career sessions and search the web to learn more about possible courses.
This should have been done much earlier, e.g.; during your secondary school for undergraduates, but if you are facing this dilemma during the application period, it's time to make a decision quickly or consider taking your time and applying for a later intake.
If you are undecided about university choice, that is not a problem as you are encouraged to apply to several universities at once. So apply to all your preferred universities.
Why Nigerian students should apply to UK Universities early
When applying to a UK university as a student from Nigeria, it is advised that you apply early so that you do not miss your semester start date. This is because Nigerian students travelling to the UK for education cannot begin the visa application process until they have been accepted into a university and have obtained a CAS number. You must factor in the time it takes to gather as well as process visa documents.
Depending on the University's policy, you will likely lose your admission for that semester if you do not have your visa by your resumption date.
It is also important to afford yourself time to make necessary arrangements before you travel and to settle down in the UK before school resumes. Failure to obtain your visa early will not only rob you of this extra time but also make you miss classes and leave you scrambling for time to complete your registration. That is not the ideal way to start a semester and may affect your studies negatively.
Note that you can apply to defer your admission if you cannot obtain your visa on time.
When to apply to a UK University as an International student?
This depends on the intake you hope to enter. You should always apply six months before your deadline date. E.g If you are planning to enter the September intake, you should start applying 6 months before the school's stated deadline for international students.
Superprof wishes you luck on your journey to studying in the UK.
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