58% rise in Nigerian applications to the UK

The UCAS applications data published on July 14, 2022, shows an increase in applications from Nigeria by 58% from last year. The current academic year has received approximately 5,290 UCAS applications, marking a significant growth from the 3,360 applications last year.

Such a large number of applications has also caused a delay in processing visas but again the UK visa officials have proved themselves as “very good” by managing fast track applications to accommodate Indian and Nigerian students’ students visa to study in the country. 

In a press statement, the Russell Group Director of Policy Sarah Stevens said, “The strong growth in applications from India and Nigeria, prioritised in the UK’s International Education Strategy, demonstrate efforts to attract students from across the world like the graduate route are beginning to pay dividends.” 

In a survey carried out by the Nigeria Market Sentiment and Study Motivations Report, 32.71% of the 4,100 Nigerians surveyed said they would choose the UK as their preferred study destination. 

The survey also reveals that the factors that determine the choice of Nigerian Students are affected by:

• Scholarship opportunities (9.98%)
• Safety and security of their host country (9.44%)
• Courses on offer from the university (9.2%)

Talking about funding, 16.08% students ranked scholarships from the university, 15.11% scholarships from the government, and 14.9% student loans (14.9%) as their expected source for their study in the UK. Self-funding received the lowest score of 8.17%.

The British High Commission in Nigeria and India have already announced that the processing time for student visa had been reduced. The advisory body also advised students from Nigeria to apply as early as possible and keep all the documents ready while waiting for the visa.