Education
StudyAbroadly: UK Universities with Low Tuition Deposits for Nigerian Students
For Nigerian students, managing the initial tuition deposit is one of the most important parts of preparing for a UK student visa application. While many universities have increased their deposit requirements for the 2026 academic year, the institutions listed below are known for either lower entry deposits or flexible payment arrangements. If you are planning to study in the UK and want to manage your upfront costs carefully, this guide is for you.
- Edinburgh Napier University
Deposit: £4000 (with a £500 prompt payment discount if you pay in full 30 days before your start date)
Edinburgh Napier is a top-ranked modern university located in Scotland’s capital city, one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Europe. It is particularly popular among Nigerian students for its Business, Creative Industries, and Computing programmes, all of which are delivered with a practical, industry-facing approach. The prompt payment discount is worth noting: paying in full early enough can bring your effective deposit down which is a meaningful saving.
2. Wrexham University
Deposit: £5,000 (always confirm against your specific offer letter)
Wrexham University is located in Wales and offers some of the most affordable tuition fees in the entire UK. It has built a reputation for being a supportive, community-focused institution with practical courses in Engineering and Management that prepare graduates well for the job market. For Nigerian students who want a quality education at a lower overall cost, Wrexham deserves serious consideration.
3. University of Greenwich
Deposit: £3,500 for Nigerian applicants
The University of Greenwich is a historic institution with campuses in London and Kent. It is consistently one of the most popular UK universities among Nigerian applicants, and a large part of that appeal comes down to its relatively low deposit compared to other London-area schools. Greenwich is particularly well regarded for Business and Engineering, and its London campus gives students direct access to one of the world’s greatest cities.
4. Teesside University
Deposit: £4,000
Teesside University is based in Middlesbrough and now also has a London campus, giving students flexibility in where they study. It is highly rated for student satisfaction and has invested heavily in its facilities across Digital Media, Health, and Business. For students who want a modern, well-resourced university experience at a manageable upfront cost, Teesside is a solid pick.
5. Ulster University
Deposit: £4,000 to £6,000 (varies by campus)
Ulster University has a footprint that stretches across Northern Ireland and includes branch campuses in London and Birmingham, giving Nigerian students a rare degree of flexibility in where they choose to study. The university is well known for its high graduate employability rates and its industry-linked Master’s programmes, making it a practical choice for students who are focused on career outcomes from the outset.
6. University of Dundee
Deposit: £5,000 (standard international deposit)
The University of Dundee is a prestigious Scottish institution that consistently ranks at the top for student experience and research quality. It is a recognised leader in Life Sciences, Art, and Design, and its position in Scotland means students benefit from a city that is both affordable and highly liveable. Dundee is an excellent destination for students who want a research-intensive university experience in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
7. University of Winchester
Deposit: £3,000 to £5,000 (refer to your specific offer letter)
The University of Winchester is located in a beautiful, historic city in Hampshire and offers a more personalised, close-knit learning environment than many larger institutions. Winchester is particularly well regarded for Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences, and its smaller campus size means students receive more individual attention from academic staff. For Nigerian students who prefer a quieter, more intimate university experience, Winchester is worth a close look.
8. University of Worcester
Deposit: £3,000 to £4,000
The University of Worcester has built a well-deserved reputation for its commitment to inclusion and sustainability. Its programmes in Education, Nursing, and Sports Science are particularly well regarded, and the university’s values-driven approach to education resonates with many Nigerian students. Worcester is a compact, friendly city with a low cost of living, making the overall financial picture here one of the most manageable on this list.
9. Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
Deposit: £3,500
Glasgow Caledonian University, often described as “The University for the Common Good,” sits in the heart of Glasgow and is one of the most popular UK universities among Nigerian applicants. One of the most attractive features at GCU is its £3,000 scholarship that is automatically applied to many postgraduate courses, which can significantly reduce the actual cost of study beyond the deposit itself. Glasgow is also one of the UK’s most affordable major cities, making day-to-day living costs much more manageable than in London.
10. University of Derby
Deposit: Historically £3,000, though some departments may now request £8,000 depending on course risk level. Always confirm the latest 2026 figures with the university directly.
The University of Derby was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, which is one of the highest distinctions a UK university can receive for teaching quality. Derby is particularly well regarded for Hospitality, Tourism, and Engineering, and its student satisfaction scores are consistently impressive. The variation in deposit levels by department is worth clarifying early.
11. University of Bedfordshire
Deposit: 50% to 65% of the first year’s tuition fee
Bedfordshire’s deposit structure is percentage-based instead of a flat figure. However, because the university’s base tuition fees are often lower than many other UK institutions, the actual amount payable remains manageable for many Nigerian families. The university has campuses in Luton and Bedford, both of which are conveniently close to London. Bedfordshire is a practical, career-oriented institution with programmes that appeal to a wide range of students.
Important Notes for Applicants
Before you apply, there are a few things every Nigerian student should keep in mind.
WAEC/NECO English Waiver: Almost all of the universities on this list will waive the IELTS if you have a C6 or above in English from WAEC or NECO. This saves you both time and money and is a significant advantage for Nigerian applicants.
CAS Issuance: Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will only be issued once your deposit has been cleared. The CAS is what you need to apply for your UK student visa, so clearing your deposit promptly is an important part of your timeline.
Proof of Funds: To secure your visa, you must hold the remaining tuition balance and specific living expenses in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. These funds must stay in your bank regardless of your university deposit amount.
If your campus is inside London, you need to show £1,529 per month. For a nine month period, this equals a total of £13,761.
For locations outside London, the monthly requirement is £1,171. This results in a total of £10,539 for the same nine month duration. Organizing these finances well in advance is a vital part of your application.
Studyabroadly: Best Study Abroad Agency in Nigeria
Studyabroadly is a Nigerian study abroad agency with a single focus: helping Nigerian students successfully gain admission to universities abroad. The agency offers a full range of services that cover every stage of the process, from the first conversation to the day you board your flight.
Services Studyabroadly offers include:
University and Course Selection — Consultants work with each student individually to identify the universities and programmes that match their academic background, career goals, and budget.
Application Processing — The agency prepares and submits applications on behalf of students, ensuring that every document meets the university’s exact specifications.
Personal Statement Writing — Studyabroadly’s team crafts compelling personal statements that present each applicant’s story in the most effective way possible.
Scholarship Identification — The agency actively searches for scholarships and funding opportunities that are available to Nigerian students at each institution.
IELTS Waiver Guidance — For students who qualify, Studyabroadly advises on the process of applying for an IELTS waiver using WAEC or NECO results.
CAS and Visa Support — Once an offer is secured, the agency guides students through the deposit payment, CAS application, and the full UK student visa process.
Pre-Departure Advice — From accommodation to what to pack, Studyabroadly prepares students for what to expect when they arrive in the UK.
If you are ready to take the next step toward studying in the UK, reach out to the Studyabroadly team. Hundreds of Nigerian students have already made the journey with their support, and yours could be next.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has suspended the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The Federal Ministry of Education made the announcement on Monday in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Boriowo Folasade.
The ministry announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.
The Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold, with the Ministry acknowledging the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public since the planned increase became known.
The Ministry said the proposed fee review was driven by rising operational costs that have accumulated over several years without a corresponding adjustment to examination registration fees.
It said the current fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in costs covering logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other services required to maintain the integrity of public examinations.
“The proposed review was informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations,” the statement said.
“The current examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs,” the Ministry added.
The ministry said the proposed fee hike will no longer take effect as earlier planned, while acknowledging that the concerns raised by Nigerians warranted a pause in the process.
“The proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process,” the statement confirmed, adding that the June 18 letter conveying the proposed adjustment has been formally withdrawn.
“This decision underscores the Ministry’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation,” it said.
The Ministry outlined a fresh stakeholder engagement process that must be concluded before any decision on examination fees is made, signalling that the review has been delayed rather than permanently shelved.
The Ministry said it will engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders as part of the renewed consultation process.
It said the goal of the consultation is to ensure that any future decision is “fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing realities while safeguarding access to education,” framing the suspension as a course correction rather than an outright reversal of policy intent.
“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education,” the statement read.
The Ministry assured Nigerians it would keep the public fully informed throughout the consultation process, saying the welfare of students and equitable access to quality education “remain at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the education sector.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The examination fees of Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) have been increased by the federal government by about 82 per cent to N50,000 from N27,500.
A circular signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Adeniji Ibrahim, disclosed that the new fees would become effective in 2027.
In the notice, it was disclosed that the government approved the upward review of the fees following a request by WAEC.
It was further disclosed that the decision to jack up the fees was reached after a March 31, 2026, meeting between the Minister of Education and examination bodies, where the need to review examination fees was discussed.
“You may recall that at a meeting of examination bodies held with the Minister of Education on March 31, 2026, where the need for upward review of examination fees was discussed, the Minister directed that WAEC and NECO should adopt a uniform fee for the conduct of WAEC and NECO SSCE,” the statement read.
“Consequently, I am directed to convey the Minister of Education’s approval of the sum of N50,000 only, as the new examination fee per candidate, with effect from NECO SSCE (Internal), 2027,” it added.
**Modibbo Adama University Emerges Grand Prize Winner, Secures N50m
A leading integrated independent exploration and production company with full-cycle upstream delivery capability, FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P), has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Nigeria’s next generation of engineers.
This commitment was highlighted during the grand finale of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event recognised outstanding student innovators whose engineering solutions addressed real-world challenges, marking the culmination of months of regional qualifiers, prototype development, mentorship and boot camp sessions that equipped students from universities and polytechnics across Nigeria with practical skills in engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Olympiad attracted 984 participants across 375 teams from more than 80 tertiary institutions representing all six geopolitical zones of the country.
Delivering the sponsor’s address, the General Manager, Engineering and Capital Projects, FIRST E&P, John Alamu, emphasised that the competition reflects the company’s commitment to equipping students with the practical knowledge and innovative mindset required to excel in engineering and strengthen Nigeria’s future workforce.
Alamu, noting that initiatives such as the Engineering Olympiad provide a structured platform for young talent to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions that contribute to the country’s technological and industrial advancement, stated that, “FIRST E&P believes that developing STEM capacity is an investment in this country’s ability to solve its own problems. The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad has taken young engineers and taught them to think beyond the drawing board, and FIRST E&P is proud to have been a funding partner for this initiative. I commend NCDMB for championing the Olympiad and Enactus Nigeria for successfully delivering a platform that is helping shape the next generation of Nigerian engineers and innovators.”
In his address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Acting Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Silas Ajimijaye, expressed appreciation to FIRST E&P for their unwavering support in successfully delivering the Olympiad.
Ajimijaye added that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, which aims to build indigenous engineering capacity and equip young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to drive industrial competitiveness, technological advancement, and sustainable national development.
The competition concluded in the awarding of prizes, with Team Mavericks of the Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Adamawa State, winning the grand prize of N50 million and a Centre of Excellence building for its Faculty of Engineering.
The team’s winning innovation, Ubuntu Sapphire, is a community-powered rapid alert system that uses affordable devices to instantly notify neighbouring households and emergency responders during emergencies, offering a practical solution aimed at strengthening community security and emergency response infrastructure.
Speaking after receiving the award, Team Lead, Dr David Patrick, expressed gratitude to the organisers and sponsors for providing a platform that fostered innovation and practical learning.
The University of Ibadan emerged as the first runner-up, receiving N30 million and N75 million worth of engineering equipment for its Faculty of Engineering. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, secured third place and was awarded N20 million and N50 million worth of engineering equipment. The University of Jos finished fourth, receiving N10 million.
