‘Nigerian Student No Longer Interested In Studying In The UK’
According to a new report, Nigerian students are increasingly opting out of pursuing undergraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
Official statistics indicate a significant 46% decrease in the number of Nigerian applicants for graduate and postgraduate degrees in the UK, surpassing declines from other countries during the period examined.
As per reports from the UK Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS), the significant decline in applications from Nigerian students is attributed to the depreciation of the naira and visa constraints that prohibit them from bringing dependents or close relatives to the UK.
The report underscores that Nigerian students had the largest number of dependents among international students as of September 2023.
Nigerian applications experienced a significant drop of 46 percent, totaling 1,590 applications, surpassing those from any other country.
Data from the UK Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS) regarding undergraduate student applicants for the 2024-25 academic year also indicated a 1 percent decrease in UK applicants compared to the previous year.
Nevertheless, the overall number of applicants remains substantially higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Dr. Jo Saxton, Chief Executive at UCAS, acknowledged the decline in applications from mature students, particularly in fields like nursing, but emphasized that such applicants often apply later in the cycle.
She encouraged students who missed the deadline or are still undecided about their higher education options to apply until June 30 and subsequently through Clearing, noting that numerous choices are still available.
Additionally, Dr. Saxton highlighted the abundance of support, guidance, and resources available on the UCAS website to aid individuals in making informed decisions about their future educational paths.
In December 2023, the government under Rishi Sunak’s leadership unveiled a review of the Graduate Route visa, enabling graduates to remain in the UK and acquire work experience for a minimum of two years post-degree completion.
Analysts suggest that prospective alterations to the UK’s visa regulations could diminish the attractiveness of UK universities for international students.
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