Nigeria Records 149% Surge in UK Study Visas with 96% Approval Rate in Q2 2025
In the second quarter of 2025, the number of study visas issued to Nigerian students surged by 149% compared to the same period in 2024, achieving an impressive 96% approval rate, according to data from Apply Board.
This growth has positioned Nigeria as a top-performing market for the UK’s higher education sector.
The significant increase in visa approvals reflects a robust demand for international education despite economic challenges and stricter immigration policies. This rebound follows the UK’s 2024 policy change that restricted international students from bringing dependents, a rule that had a notable impact on Nigerian applicants.
According to Business Day, in Q2 2025, approximately 63,000 main applicants sought UK study visas, a 16% rise from the previous year. Of these, over 56,000 visas were granted, marking a 24% increase, with refusal rates holding steady at 9% for the third consecutive quarter. This consistent demand indicates a stabilisation of the UK’s international education market after fluctuations in 2023.
However, UK institutions face looming challenges with the 2025 immigration White Paper proposing stricter Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) standards. Universities may soon need to maintain refusal rates below 5% and improve enrollment and completion rates to avoid penalties.
India continues to lead as the UK’s primary source of international students, with over 15,000 visas issued in Q2 2025, reflecting a 44% year-on-year increase and a 96% approval rate. This signals a strong recovery following a dip in applications to major English-speaking countries last year.
Smaller markets are also proving valuable for diversification, with countries like Norway, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and Switzerland achieving visa approval rates of 99% or higher in the first half of 2025.
Nigeria’s resurgence underscores the potential for recovery in challenging conditions, but UK institutions must navigate tighter regulations while fostering a diverse student population. With stricter refusal thresholds and increased scrutiny on enrolment and completion rates starting in 2026, universities may need to strategically prioritise certain markets.
