Student Visas for Nigerians in 2027: Compare 5 Countries and Requirements
- Study in
- UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland
- Levels
- Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
- Funding
- Not a scholarship
- Covers
- Comparison of proof of funds, visa fees and work rights while studying
- Who can apply
- Nigerian students comparing study destinations, also useful for Ghanaian, Kenyan and Indian readers
- Run by
- Each country's immigration authority
On this page
A student visa for Nigerians works differently in each country. This guide compares the UK, Canada, Germany, Australia and Ireland: what you must prove, what you pay and how much you can work. Readers from Ghana, Kenya and India can use it too, but check the rules for your own passport.
Status: No single deadline. Visa rules and timing depend on the country and your course start date (checked November 4, 2026). No official ranking of “easiest” countries was found, so this guide does not name one.
Student visa comparison at a glance
| Country | Proof of funds for living costs | Visa fee | Work while studying |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | £1,171 a month outside London, £1,529 a month in London, up to 9 months, plus 1 year of course fees | £558 from outside the UK, plus healthcare surcharge | 20 hours a week in term time at degree level with a higher education provider that has a track record of compliance, 10 hours below degree level. Full time outside term |
| Canada | CAN$23,448 a year for one applicant outside Quebec, plus tuition and transport | CAN$150, plus CAN$85 biometrics where required | Up to 24 hours a week off campus in term, unlimited in scheduled breaks, if you meet the conditions |
| Germany | €11,904 for one year, or €992 a month | €75 for a national visa | 140 full days or 280 half days a year |
| Australia | The pages checked do not state a figure. Use the Home Affairs checklist tool | The pages checked do not state a figure. See Home Affairs fees and charges | Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session. No limit for master’s by research and doctoral students after the course starts |
| Ireland | €10,000 a year on courses of one year or more | €60 single entry, €100 multi entry | 20 hours a week in term, 40 hours in June to September and 15 December to 15 January |
Rules to check for each country
UK
You must hold the money for at least 28 days in a row. The end of that period must fall within 31 days of your application. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and India are not on the list of nationalities excused from showing funds upfront, so plan to show it. You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
Canada
Most students need a provincial or territorial attestation letter, issued through the school. Master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from January 1, 2026. Most students going to Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate instead.
Germany
Besides a blocked account, the mission page accepts a sponsor’s formal obligation letter or a scholarship. If your scholarship pays less than €992 a month, a blocked account must cover the gap. Processing usually takes 1 to 2 months and can take longer. The funds details here come from the German mission in Nairobi, so check the mission for your own country.
Australia
New rules started on 2 October 2026. Family members generally cannot be included in a Student visa application unless an exemption applies, such as for doctoral students.
Ireland
You can apply up to 3 months before you travel. Your funds cannot rely on casual work. Fees are not refunded if you are refused. First registration in Ireland costs a further €300.
How to compare your options
- Get an offer first.
- Add up the full cost: tuition, living funds, visa fee, health cover and travel.
- Work backwards from your course start date to plan when to apply.
Tips before you apply
- Do not count future part-time wages as proof of funds. Show the money you already have.
- Keep your money where the rules accept it. In the UK, overdrafts, cryptocurrency, shares and pensions do not count.
Related guides
- Canadian Universities With Co-op for International Students in 2027
- HND or Third Class Degree: Master’s Entry Rules at Australian Universities
- 8 master’s degree pathways in Europe for an AI career (2027 entry)
Details are taken from the official UK, Canadian, German, Australian and Irish government websites and DAAD, checked on November 4, 2026. Confirm the current rules there before you apply.
