A new UK government policy will introduce an annual charge on universities for hosting international students, with Nigerian applicants among those covered by the measure.
The United Kingdom is preparing to introduce a new international student levy that will require higher education institutions in England to pay £925 (approximately US$1,200) per international student annually.
The policy, scheduled to take effect from August 1, 2028, is part of the government’s plan to raise additional funding for higher education and support disadvantaged domestic students.
The charge will apply to international students from countries including Nigeria, India, China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, it is important to understand that the levy is imposed on universities, not directly on students.
How Will the New Levy Work?
Under the proposed arrangement, eligible universities and higher education providers in England will be required to pay £925 annually for each international student covered by the policy.
The government has also provided for an annual allowance of 220 international students per institution who will not attract the levy.
This means the charge will apply to eligible international student numbers above the institution’s exemption threshold.
The levy will be collected through the Office for Students, with the revenue reinvested into the higher education and skills system. One of its intended purposes is to help fund maintenance grants for disadvantaged students in England.
Will Nigerian Students Have to Pay the $1,200?
No. The government has placed the financial responsibility on universities and other eligible higher education providers, rather than making it a separate payment required from international students.
However, the policy could still have indirect implications for prospective students.
Universities will have to consider the additional cost when planning their international recruitment and budgets. Individual institutions may respond differently through their tuition fee structures, scholarship arrangements or recruitment strategies.
At this stage, there is no basis for assuming that every Nigerian student will automatically face an additional £925 charge on their tuition bill.
Does the Levy Apply Across the Entire UK?
No. The policy currently applies to eligible higher education providers in England.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not included in the measure as currently announced.
This distinction matters for Nigerian students choosing where to study because the policy does not apply uniformly across all four UK nations.
Why Is the UK Introducing the Levy?
The government intends to use the revenue to strengthen funding for higher education and skills, including the reintroduction of maintenance grants for disadvantaged domestic students.
The policy comes at a time when UK universities rely significantly on international tuition fees to support their operations.
International students contributed approximately £12.4 billion in tuition fee income to UK universities in the 2024/25 academic year, representing around 23% of their total income.
What Should Nigerian Students Know Before Applying?
Although the levy is not scheduled to begin until 2028, prospective students should pay attention to how universities respond to the changing international education environment.
Before accepting an admission offer, consider:
- Tuition fees: Check the latest international student fees published by your chosen university.
- Scholarships: Find out what financial support is available to international applicants.
- University location: Confirm whether your institution is in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Additional costs: Budget for accommodation, living expenses, visa fees and other study-related expenses.
- Admission requirements: Ensure that you meet the university’s academic and documentation requirements.
The introduction of the levy does not mean that the UK is closing its doors to Nigerian students. However, it adds another financial consideration for universities as they plan international recruitment.
Planning to Study in the UK?
The UK remains an important destination for international education, but changes in university funding and immigration policies make it increasingly important to understand the requirements before beginning your application.
RoutePal provides international school admission processing and study-abroad guidance to help prospective students navigate their educational plans.
Considering studying in the UK? Contact RoutePal to discuss your school admission and study-abroad application.
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