UK retains financial proof requirement for Nigerian students, exempts three African nations

The United Kingdom has updated its financial requirements for Student and Child Student visa applicants, retaining strict evidence rules that require Nigerians and most other African applicants to continue submitting proof of funds with their visa applications.

Under the revised guidance published on Monday, only three African countries, Botswana, Mauritius and Tunisia, were exempted from providing financial evidence upfront when applying for Student and Child Student visas.

Applicants from these countries may still be required to present the documents if requested during the visa decision-making process.

The exemption also applies to nationals of several other countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

The UK government, however, stressed that applicants from exempt countries must still satisfy the financial eligibility requirements even if they are not initially required to submit supporting documents.

According to the updated guidance, “You must meet the financial requirements for this route when you apply; however, you may not need to submit evidence upfront as part of your application.

“In these circumstances, the decision maker may still request the evidence from you during the application process to prove you meet the financial requirements.”

The revised policy means applicants from key African countries that account for significant numbers of international students in the UK, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, must continue to provide financial documents as part of their visa applications.

Under the updated rules, Student visa applicants are required to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to pay their tuition fees, as stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), in addition to covering their living expenses.

Students enrolled at institutions outside London must show they have £1,171 for each month of their course, up to a maximum of nine months.

Those studying in London are required to demonstrate access to £1,529 per month for the same period.

Applicants travelling with dependants must also provide evidence of additional maintenance funds.

Students studying outside London are required to show £680 per month for each dependant, while those studying in London must demonstrate £845 per month for each dependant, both for up to nine months.

For Child Student visa applicants, maintenance requirements vary depending on the child’s accommodation arrangements, including boarding schools, foster care, residence with parents or legal guardians, or independent living for eligible applicants aged 16 and 17.

The UK government also clarified the acceptable sources of financial support, including government-backed student loans, official financial sponsorship, personal savings, and funds belonging to parents or eligible partners.

However, applicants cannot rely on overdrafts, cryptocurrency holdings, stocks and shares, pension funds, or money held in financial institutions that are not appropriately regulated.

The guidance further requires applicants relying on personal or family savings to show that the required funds have been held continuously for at least 28 days before submitting their application.

Financial documents must also be dated no more than 31 days before the application is lodged.

The UK maintained existing exemptions from providing financial evidence for certain categories of applicants, including those extending their stay after spending at least 12 months in the country on a valid visa, Student Union Sabbatical Officers, doctors and dentists undertaking recognised training programmes, and applicants whose nationality qualifies for the reduced documentary requirement.