The UK government has updated its Student visa guidance to allow citizens of several African countries to apply without submitting proof of funds upfront.
Botswana, Mauritius and Tunisia are among the nations now covered by the differential evidence requirement.
This arrangement gives eligible applicants a documentary exemption from providing financial evidence at the time of application.
However, applicants must still satisfy the UK’s financial requirements.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) also reserves the right to request financial documents before making a decision on any application.
“Applicants covered by the differential evidence requirement may still be asked by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to provide evidence of their finances before a decision is made on their application,” the guidance states.
The policy covers countries including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Nigerian students are notably absent from this list.
This means applicants from Nigeria are generally expected to be ready to provide financial evidence if requested as part of their visa application.
Even eligible students must still demonstrate they have enough money for tuition fees and living expenses.
Students in London must show £1,529 per month for living costs for up to nine months.
Those studying outside London must demonstrate £1,171 per month over the same period.
This translates to a maximum maintenance requirement of £13,761 for students in London.
For students elsewhere in the UK, the requirement is £10,539, excluding tuition fees.
International students who have lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months are not required to provide financial evidence.
The new financial thresholds took effect on January 2, 2025, marking the first revision to the maintenance requirement since 2020.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
