The UK has been a well sought-after destination for Nigerian students over the decades. With well well-established relationship between the Nigeria and UK as members of the Commonwealth, aside colonial past, Nigerian students understand the UK academic system. Over the past five years, despite the high exchange parity between the Nigerian Naira and the British pound sterling, statistics indicate that more than 100,000 Nigerian students have chosen the UK as their study destination. This choice is primarily motivated by strong relationships between UK schools and Universities with bodies like the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), TETFund, and many more. UK agencies also make several visits to Nigeria annually, holding events in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt to court children of middle-class professionals to choose the UK as their destination for secondary and tertiary education. This has been a sustainable business model for many UK private and public institutions.
statistics indicate that more than 100,000 Nigerian students have chosen the UK as their study destination.
The UK warmly embraces a significant number of international students including Nigerians each year, offering multiple application seasons in Fall and Spring. This, coupled with various scholarships and financial aid opportunities, sustains the aspirations of countless Nigerian students as they navigate the application process. With an average tuition that ranges between £13,000 to £21,000 (equivalent to about Fourteen to Twenty-Two Million Naira), the figures coming from Nigeria are likely going to experience a decline in the current academic year.
Let’s take a closer look at the trend of the number of International students coming to the UK over the years. According to Erudera, there were about 600 thousand international students in the UK in the 2020/21 academic session.
Figure 1: Historical Number of International Students in the UK
Source: Erudera
Recent data from the UK’s educational agencies reveals that during the 2021/22 academic session, there were approximately 44,195 Nigerian students studying in the UK. Notably, Nigerian students and their spouses collectively contributed nearly £2 billion to the British economy during this academic year, as reported by SBM Intelligence.
Figure 2: Higher education student enrolments in England by the level of study, mode of study, and domicile, the academic year 2020-21
Figure 3: Number of Nigerian Students studying in UK
Source: Business Day
Contrary to popular belief, while London, England stands as the most renowned and populous city in the United Kingdom, many Nigerian students opt for other destinations. The reasoning behind this choice is simple— relatively higher tuition demanded by most London Universities, and the high cost of living particularly rent (about 30% higher in London compared to the national average) serves as a deterrent.
So, where do Nigerian students commonly choose to study in the UK?
In a recent interview conducted with recent Nigerian graduates from various UK universities, it was evident that the location of their chosen school heavily influences the choice of destination for Nigerian students in the UK. However, this school location is not the sole determining factor; several other considerations come into play.
According to Alli Taofeek, a recent graduate in Project Management from Leeds Beckett University, factors influencing the choice of school include admission offers, the availability of preferred courses, and the affordability of tuition fees. He also noted that many Nigerians tend to avoid London and opt for other locations due to the high cost of living, which can be challenging for Nigerian students to manage. This observation was further corroborated by Temitope Fapojuwo, another recent Nigerian Masters degree holder from the University of Glasgow.
Tomisin Adedotun, during an extensive conversation on a similar subject further emphasised how the cost of living significantly influences the choices of Nigerian students studying in the UK. She personally declined admission to the University of Sunderland in London, opting instead for Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. Her decision was driven by the overcrowding and high living expenses in London. Tomisin pointed out that many Nigerian students prefer to reside in Northern cities like Greater Manchester due to their affordability compared to the expensive South, especially London.
In her own words, Tomisin explained, “I selected Chelmsford for its peaceful atmosphere, contrasting with the bustling London. Northern cities offer more affordable living options, making it practical for students.” She also mentioned that numerous students, including herself, took on part-time jobs to supplement their finances, making schools outside London a more practical choice due to the high cost of living. Describing the exorbitant rents in London, she remarked, “Paying around £1500 for a one-bedroom place while being limited to a 20-hour work week? It’s unsustainable. So, people opt for places where they can rent a two-bedroom for £200 – £500, without breaking the bank.”
Tomisin highlighted a growing trend where individuals are shifting their focus towards more cost-effective and efficient locations outside London. She recently completed her Masters program in Mental Health at Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford Campus.
Top UK Universities and Destinations for Nigerian Students
Nigeria contributes a significant number of non-EU international students to the UK, with approximately 10,645 students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as reported by Study In UK. Among the top universities attracting Nigerian students, we have:
University of Hertfordshire
Image Source: student crowd.com
Located in Hatfield, this university, ranked between 801-1000 in the QS World University Rankings 2023, has a diverse student body of 25,000, with 5,000 international students. It excels in various fields, including Humanities, Sciences, Arts, and Medicine. International students benefit from alumni perks like business support and career assistance for up to 4 years after graduation. With a 79% student satisfaction rate, 76% research quality, and 70% graduate prospects, it’s considered a safe choice for Nigerian students.
University of Salford
Image Source: Intake Education
Situated in Salford, Greater Manchester, this university accommodates over 900 Nigerian students out of a total student population exceeding 20,000. It’s known for its flexible intake options for postgraduate courses, allowing students to start their studies throughout the year. Ranked 82nd in the University League Table 2024, it boasts 77% student satisfaction, 75% research quality, and 69% graduate prospects.
University of Portsmouth
Image Source: UK Universities
Located on the south coast of England, the University of Portsmouth has more than 24,000 students, including 5,200 international students. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and is known for its swift admission process, often providing offers within just 10 working days. It’s ranked 47th in the University League Table 2024 and scores 79% in student satisfaction, 75% in research quality, and 72% in graduate prospects.
University of Leeds
Image Source: BBC
This public research university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is highly diverse, with over 14,000 international students from 137 countries. It’s ranked 22nd in the University League Table 2024 and boasts 74% student satisfaction, 84% research quality, and 80% graduate prospects.
University of Birmingham
Image Source: The Independent
Located north of London, the University of Birmingham accommodates over 10,000 international students among its 25,000-strong student body. It’s renowned for its world-class education and research facilities, offering admissions for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. With 220 Nigerian students pursuing various subjects, it’s ranked 14th in the University League Table 2024 and scores 76% in student satisfaction, 86% in research quality, and 82% in graduate prospects.
