The UK Home Office has announced an increase in visa application fees across various categories, with the new rates set to take effect from April 9.
According to an update on the Home Office website, the cost of a study visa for both main applicants and their dependents will rise from £490 to £524.
Short-term visit visas will also see a price hike, with the six-month visa increasing from £115 to £127, while the two-year visa will now cost £475, up from £432.
Similarly, the 10-year visa fee has been raised from £963 to £1,059.
Transit visa fees have also been revised, with the direct airside transit visa increasing from £35 to £39 and the landside transit visa rising from £64 to £70.
The UK has long been a popular destination for Nigerian students seeking higher education opportunities, particularly as economic challenges continue to push many to pursue studies abroad.
However, in 2024, there has been a sharp decline in the number of Nigerian students applying for UK study visas following the British government’s decision to ban international students from bringing family members, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programs.
A March 2024 report by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) highlighted the impact of this policy, noting a significant drop in study visa applications from Nigerians, Indians, and other affected nationalities, with many now exploring alternative destinations for further studies.
