The new UK points-based immigration system

What is it? How will it affect me? What can I do? Who can help me? Is there still hope?

These are just some of the questions surrounding the new UK points-based immigration system. It has many question marks and is regarded by most as another hurdle in the UK immigration system for Nigerian students. For many this may just be the hurdle that causes their dreams to stumble and fall.

DegreeAngel UK can provide professional assistance to Nigerians seeking loans and other forms of assistance to study in UK (comment on this post with your contact details to find out more - comments are hidden for confidentiality). But here is a straightforward outline of what you need to hopefully help those who wish to help themselves also!

Here are the main hurdles you need to jump to get a student visa:
1. University acceptance letter (including the institution's sponsor number - they act as your sponsor and have to justify your acceptance - must be a fulltime course)
2. FULL University tuition fees (held in your account for at least 28 days before you apply)
3. FULL first year Maintenance fees (£600 per month for London and less for outside London - also in your account for a minimum 28 days)

Please note, these details are not an exhaustive list and circumstances will vary from person to person. Please check this website for more advice; www.degreeangel.co.uk.

Which university is the cheapest for Master's degree?

Graduate fees in the UK vary between institutions and between different courses. There is no such thing as a cheap university in the UK compared to the average Nigerian university fees, but there are some that are less costly than others and some may even be comparable to Nigerian fees.

But arts courses (i.e. classroom based courses) are generally cheaper than science courses (based in labs or workshops). Generally speaking the more prestigious the university the higher the fees (there is a widely held conception that the more prestigious the university the easier employment is - we tend to agree, but there is hope for all graduates nonetheless).

Fees change yearly but for a quick VERY BASIC comparison of international fees please try the following link:

http://education.guardian.co.uk/students/internationalstudents/page/0,,2281001,00.html

However this list fails to mention the many private universities that exist in the UK. Whilst providing the same courses and approved accreditation (sometimes accredited by state universities - meaning your certificate will bear the state university's name), they often offer a cheaper alternative to studying at state universities and for many Nigerians will be the best option. With all these universities on offer it can be quite confusing on which one to choose. For more detailed advice on choosing a course and financing it, along with assistance please reply this post or check out www.degreeangel.co.uk. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to post on this blog.