Studying in the UK from Nigeria: WASSCE, visas and refusal data
Nigeria is the third-largest source of UK study visas, and in October 2026 UK ENIC upgraded its comparison of the WASSCE. This guide covers what changed for Nigerian qualifications, plus visa figures and requirements that apply to a Nigerian passport.
- A year costs from
- ~US$30,000 all-in
- Next intakes you can make
- May 2027, September 2027
- Published visa figure, Nigerian applicants
- About 21% of Nigerian applicants were refused (2026). Source
- Work after graduating
- Graduate visa: 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027 (2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026; 3 years after a PhD)
What is different from Nigeria
UK ENIC now compares the WASSCE to AS level
On 1 October 2026 UK ENIC announced that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, when awarded from 2024 onwards, is comparable to GCE AS level / Scottish Higher, an upgrade from its previous GCSE-level comparison. ENIC stresses that comparable does not mean identical, and universities still set their own entry rules. Source
The ENIC update names the WASSCE, not NECO
The announcement concerns the WASSCE run by WAEC. It does not mention NECO results. ApplyBoard says many UK pathway providers accept NECO for foundation entry, often with a minimum grade in English, but each college sets its own rules. Source
Nigeria is not exempt from the English requirement
Nigeria is not on the GOV.UK list of countries whose nationals are exempt from proving English for a Student visa. Options include an approved English test or, for a degree taught in English outside the UK, an Ecctis assessment code. Source
A TB test is needed for Nigerian residents coming for 6 months or more
Nigeria is on the GOV.UK TB test country list. If you have lived there for 6 months or more and are coming for 6 months or more, you need a chest x-ray at an approved clinic; the certificate is valid for 6 months. Source
Nigerians were granted 26,060 study visas in the year to June 2026
The Home Office reports that Nigeria was the third most common nationality granted sponsored study visas in the year ending June 2026 (26,060 main applicants, about 7 percent of the total). Nigerians were also among the most common nationalities granted Graduate route extensions (20,604). Source
Refusals for Nigerian applicants rose
ICEF, citing Nous Group analysis of Home Office data, reports a sponsored study visa refusal rate of about 20 percent for Nigerian students across Q4 2025 and Q1 2026, compared with the same period in 2024/25. That figure is for the group, not a prediction for an individual application. Source
Funds and dependants rules
GOV.UK states funds of 1,529 pounds a month (London) or 1,171 pounds a month (outside London) for up to 9 months, held for at least 28 days in a row. Since January 2024 most students on taught courses cannot bring dependants. Source
Your steps, in order
- Check whether your WAEC or NECO results meet the university's or pathway college's published entry requirement.
- Choose an English route: an approved test, or an Ecctis code if your degree was taught in English.
- Get the CAS from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Keep the required funds in your account for 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of your application.
- Book a TB x-ray at an approved clinic in Nigeria close to your application date.
- Prepare to explain your study choice clearly, since the Home Office is tightening on refusals.
- Apply online on GOV.UK and complete biometrics.
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Get my free planQuestions Nigerian students ask
Is the WASSCE now equal to A levels?
No. UK ENIC says it is comparable to AS level / Scottish Higher for results awarded from 2024 onwards. Direct entry to a UK bachelor's usually needs more, so many Nigerians use a foundation year.
Does this change apply to NECO?
The ENIC announcement names the WASSCE only. Ask your university about NECO.
Do Nigerians need a TB test?
Yes, if you have lived in Nigeria for 6 months or more and are coming to the UK for 6 months or more.
Can I bring my spouse on a taught master's?
Most students on taught courses cannot bring dependants since January 2024.
Facts checked 18 October 2026. Rules change often — the official source linked beside each fact always wins over this page. We never promise admission or a visa.