Welcome to the UK. This guide will help you navigate the study and work requirements of the UK so that you can move to this beautiful country with ease and confidence.
If you’re from Nigeria, we’re happy to welcome you to our home—and show you how easy it is to start your new life in the UK.
If you want to know more about the study and work in the UK then you’re right in the right place as we’ve created this guide with some of the most important information about studying in the UK: what documents are required and what kinds of jobs are available, and more.
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Eligibility To Study And Work In The UK
Two main limitations determine your study and work in the UK ability while you are a student: those imposed by your education and those imposed by government-run official institutions.
Before speaking with government representatives, you must first make sure that your institution does not have any restrictions on your ability to work.
In addition to governmental restrictions, your institution may restrict your working hours based on the study subject you are enrolled in.
International students can easily find part-time work in the UK, especially in major cities like London. There is no need to worry because plenty of options are still available to you even if some colleges only permit you to work on campus.
However, it would help if you determine your eligibility for such work before venturing out to look for part-time employment. Your Tier 4 visa, the formal student visa in the UK, is where it all begins. Your age is the first factor you need to consider. You can only work in the UK under 16 and have a Tier 4 (General 4) visa.
Be aware that these restrictions on employment only apply to students from that nation and not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland. While enrolled in college, citizens of the EU/EEA, including Switzerland, are not required to obtain authorization to work in the UK.
Your Tier 4 label (vignette), which lists all restrictions and conditions, includes the maximum number of hours you can work each week during the academic year.
You will receive a letter with all the necessary information, including whether you can work while enrolled in school when you receive your residence permit paperwork.
You may be able to find employment in the UK if one of the following is mentioned in that letter:
- The task needs to be approved
- having the ability to work as designated by the Secretary of State and in accordance with Tier 4 Rules
- According to Tier 4 Rules, restricted
- confined employment,
- both during the academic year and during the summer.
- a time limit on work
- Work is only permitted 20 hours per week during the academic year.
- During term time, there is a maximum 10-hour workweek limit.
You are eligible to work if none of the following are mentioned on the sticker on your passport, which may say something slightly different from all of the above options.
- No work
- Work Prohibited
We advise you to contact them directly before applying for a job if any of these are not expressly mentioned in your paperwork or if you need help understanding it.
Remember that you might need to start a new immigration application if you decide to switch to a higher level of study or change your field of study. However, you must maintain your previous immigration status until you hear about the outcome of this new application.
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Eligibility Restrictions for Study And Work In The UK
International students are usually permitted to work up to 20 hours per week (a week is seven days from a Monday to a Sunday) during term time and full-time during breaks, except for residents of EU/EEA countries.
International students are only permitted to work 10 hours per week during the academic year while enrolled in a course at a higher education institution that is not at the degree level.
Ineligible to work during the academic year while learning in the UK are international students who fall into the following categories:
- A part-time postgraduate course or higher funded by a UK-recognized organization or acknowledged as a higher education institution and funded with public funds.
- A program at an institution for continuing education.
- A program provided by a private institution of higher learning.
- A study was taken by a student under the age of 16 who is on Tier 4 (Child) visa.
- Work placements are a fantastic way for international students, particularly those who aren’t allowed to work, to find employment and acquire experience in the UK. Even though they are not officially allowed to work, international students can still complete a work placement while enrolled in classes.
How Nigerians Can Obtain a Student Visa for UK Education
To start your journey toward studying in the UK, you must first complete these three stages.
These three stages are crucial because they will specify your goal.
1. Locate a College and a Training
You’ll need to look for a college and the program you want to enroll in.
Finding a school where you want to apply for is essential when studying in the UK, as is making sure the school offers the course you want to enroll in.
The prerequisites for entering a course can change depending on the institution and degree you select.
Be careful to confirm the entry requirements for your preferred courses, as the material below is only intended as a guide. It also helps in your study and work in the UK process.
2. Complete your application and submit it.
Application procedures for undergraduate and doctoral degrees are different. So please read the material below carefully.
You must send your undergraduate application through UCAS to apply for an undergraduate degree (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
You must apply for a postgraduate degree straight to the university of your choice using their online application process. To learn more, get in touch with your preferred institution.
3. Keep an eye on the eligibility
Before you even begin, find out if you qualify for a UK student visa.
The following people are qualified to apply for this kind of UK study visa:
- A Nigerian who has a valid passport,
- Provisional admission provided by a UK institution of higher learning; a Confirmation of Acceptance indicates this for Studies number (CAS),
- Proof of your ability to pay for both the course and yourself. This means those who can afford to pay their tuition and living expenses, or whose parents or guardians can pay for them to attend school and live in the UK, will be admitted.
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Requirements For Undergraduate Study In the UK
The Senior School Certificate (SSCE), West African Senior School Certificate (WAEC), or the National Examination Certificate (NEC) with a minimum of five courses at a grade of B or C PLUS a recognized University foundation course are accepted by London Universities.
It will also be approved if you complete one undergraduate year at an accredited Nigerian university with a CGPA of roughly 3.5 out of 5.
To be eligible for the International Foundation Programme, you must successfully finish the SSCE/WAEC with a grade of B or C in at least five subjects.
What documents must I bring with me when I apply?
- copies of awards and transcripts from the school
- Any remaining exams to attempt
- English competence certification (see above)
- two recommendation notes (academic and professional)
- A personal statement describing your application goals
- a duplicate of the picture ID page from your passport
- One current color photograph fit for a passport
- If you are under 18, your home address and your parent or guardian’s home address.
Requirements For Postgraduate Study In The Kingdom
You must typically hold an Upper Second Class Bachelor’s degree (UK 2:1 degree) from an accredited Nigerian institution with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Some programs will also take a bachelor’s degree with a lower second class (UK 2:2 degree). According to some universities, you might also need to complete postgraduate-level research.
You can discover a school’s requirements in their terms, which you can contact. So it’s always very easy to get to.
Documents Needed For Postgraduate Study In The United Kingdom
- Grades for degrees earned: Upper Second Class Bachelor’s degree (UK 2:1 degree) with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher from an accredited Nigerian institution.
- A Lower Second Class Bachelor’s degree (UK 2:2 degree) may be accepted by some universities, while others may require you to complete postgraduate study. Are there any exams you are awaiting?
- Your English proficiency rating (PTE, IELTS, Academic, Cambridge Advanced, or other tests as outlined by your chosen university)
- An individual declaration (usually between 500 to 700, depending on the program requirement)
- two recommendation letters (academic and professional)
- CV/resume with experience in related fields
- A passport-sized photograph, location, and photographic identification.
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What Kinds Of Employment Are Available To Students In the UK?
Generally speaking, the main function of student permits in the UK is to provide you with a means of studying freely.
Your student visa can permit you to work for a limited period of time even though it was only intended to enable you to attend the university.
However, remember that the time you are permitted to work is more for your career advancement or to supplement your income. Or, to put it another way, the government wishes to ensure you stay caught up in your studies while working.
There is a set amount of time that you must labor if your study course requires a work placement.
Determining what kinds of employment you can hold as a foreigner and someone who may need help understanding the challenging labor market. There are many such jobs, but you might have fewer choices if you don’t know a few of them from the start.
Many students worry they need to gain the necessary abilities to land employment while still in school. However, that is primarily incorrect because most student employment doesn’t call for any special training or experience.
Furthermore, you will always receive assistance from a seasoned worker, no matter how challenging the task may be for you to complete while on job placement as a student.
- Officer for Student Assistance
- sales support
- Veterinary Assistant
- Personal Secretary
- Physiotherapy Assistant
- Admission Officer
- Sports Facilities Worker
- Pizza Delivery Driver
- Gardener
- Assistant to the customer
- Freelance interpreter
- Waitress
- Residence Guide
- Facilities Assistant
- Promotional Employee
- Financial Assistant
- Social Media Assistant
- Distributor of newspapers
- Photographer
- Personal Teacher
- Scooper of ice cream
- Café hosts Smoothie maker
- Bartender
- Cashier
- Blogger
- Graphic artist
- Programmer
- Intern
- Bookseller and tour guide
- Helper in research
- Serving staff at the campus canteen
- animal caregiver
- Domestic cleaner
- Babysitter
- Brand Ambassador
- IT Assistant
- Security guard
- fitness professional
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Study and Work In the UK Guide For Nigerians Frequently Asked Questions
Can my spouse work in the UK?
A visa or passport stamp allowing your partner to work will be issued if you are enrolled in a postgraduate program lasting at least nine months at an accredited higher education school.
If traveling with you to the UK, they will need a copy of your passport to show the immigration official. In the UK, partners, and students can work while learning.
Before I can start working in the UK, what do I need?
You can work in the UK as a student once you know how.
To be eligible to work in the UK, you must first apply for a National Insurance number (NINO). However, you do not need to wait until you have this number in order to begin working.
What can you do while still a student and working?
In the UK, you can work part-time while you are a student. There are numerous job possibilities and job offers for international students in the UK. You may work up to twenty (20) hours per week as an international student during your study time.
Additionally, you can work in the UK if your university is included in a roster of the various colleges and universities whose students are permitted to work in addition to their studies.
A maximum of 20 hours of labor per week may be required of international students enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program that is extremely full-time. Additionally, master students are permitted to work full-time during the summer and holidays.
Do I need to get my national insurance number before applying for work in the UK?
To be able to work, international students who are interested in exploring their study and employment choices in the UK must apply for a National Insurance Number.
You can apply for a National Insurance Number for free by calling the National Insurance Number application line, and while you wait for one to be given, you can begin working.
You would have to pay income taxes and social insurance while working part-time or full-time as an international student. However, this gives you access to a few state perks, such as healthcare.
How are academic pursuits in the UK distinct from those in Nigeria?
Universities in the UK have the highest academic requirements. By the QS World Rating published in 2022, four of the top 10 universities in the world, including Oxford and Cambridge, are situated in the UK. However, you’ll find that practical and useful knowledge is regarded more highly in the UK than academic knowledge is.
Can a Nigerian work and learn in the UK?
Recent changes in the UK have made it easier for international students to obtain post-study work visas (graduate route visas). This will make it possible for foreign and Nigerian students to find employment in the UK after graduation.
Conclusion
As you can see from this guide, study and work guide in the UK is possible. If you want to pursue higher education or work opportunities in the UK, we can help you find ways to get there.
I hope you find this article helpful.