Child Student visa: Nigerian citizen in Nigeria → United Kingdom
A Nigerian child aged 4 to 17 with an unconditional offer from a UK independent school applies online on gov.uk, proves identity and gives biometrics, and usually gets a decision within three weeks.
Lets a child aged 4 to 17 study at an independent school in the UK, with an unconditional offer, a place to live, enough money, and parental or guardian consent.
- Validity
- If under 16: course length (up to 6 years) plus 4 months afterwards. If 16 or 17: course length (up to 3 years) plus 4 months afterwards.
- Entries
- Multiple entry for the duration of your visa.
- Max stay per visit
- For the length of your course plus 4 months (course up to 6 years if under 16, up to 3 years if 16 or 17).
When to start
Start 30 days–3 months before your travel date.
Getting an appointment in Nigeria
- Lagos (Victoria Island & Ikeja) handles the highest volume — slots get tight in peak periods.
- Abuja (Churchgate Plaza) applicants often find slots more readily than Lagos.
The child must be between 4 and 17 years old and want to study at an independent school in the UK.
You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school, who issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
You must have the consent of your parent or legal guardian to study and live in the UK.
You must apply online for a Child Student visa. It costs £558 to apply from outside the UK, plus the healthcare surcharge.
You'll either use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your identity document, or have fingerprints and a photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre.
You'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
What you'll need
- Passport / travel document — A current passport or other valid travel documentation. ✓ verified
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider. ✓ verified
- Written parental or guardian consent — Written consent from your parent or legal guardian for your study and living arrangements in the UK. ✓ verified
- Proof of funds — Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. ✓ verified
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results — Your tuberculosis (TB) test results (required for applicants from listed countries, including Nigeria). ✓ verified· you're from a country where you must take the TB test
Where you'll apply
Apply online on gov.uk, then prove identity — either with the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app or by giving fingerprints and a photo at a UK visa application centre (VFS Global) in Nigeria.
Fees
| Child Student visa (apply from outside the UK) | GBP 558 |
Gotchas to watch
- The Child Student visa is only for children aged 4 to 17 studying at an independent school — not for state schools or universities.
- You must have the consent of your parent or legal guardian to study and live in the UK before you apply.