The decision to pursue a postgraduate taught program in the United Kingdom is often a strategic one, driven by the global reputation of UK universities, strong academic training, and the opportunity to gain international exposure. But with several immigration reforms introduced in the past year, many Nigerian applicants are now asking: what has changed, and how can I navigate the process successfully?
This post outlines all you need to know about relocating to the UK for a master’s degree in the 2026 academic session, including visa requirements, policy updates, and what to expect once you arrive.
Understanding the Student Visa Process
To study in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a Student visa (formerly Tier 4), which is issued to international students who have secured an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor. For a postgraduate taught program, this typically means a one-year full-time master’s course.
Once you’ve accepted your admission offer and fulfilled any outstanding conditions, your university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This document is central to your visa application, it confirms your admission and program details, including your start and end dates, tuition fees, and deposit paid.
Applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency, typically through IELTS Academic or an equivalent internationally recognized test, unless exempted by their academic background. Some UK universities, particularly at the postgraduate level, may accept WAEC or NECO English Language results as proof of proficiencybut this is not universal. Many institutions will accept WAEC alone, while others may not recognize NECO for this purpose. It is important to confirm your chosen school’s specific requirements before applying.
In addition to language evidence, you must also prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your studies. This financial evidence must show that you can pay your remaining tuition balance and sustain your living expenses for up to nine months. As of 2025, the UK Home Office requires £1,334 per month for institutions in London and £1,023 per month for those outside London. These funds must be held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before your visa application. If a parent or sponsor is supporting you, you’ll need to provide additional documentation to confirm the relationship and obtain written financial consent.
What Has Changed: Key Immigration Reforms for 2026
The UK Government has introduced several immigration reforms that directly affect international students, particularly those applying for postgraduate taught courses. If you are planning to begin a program in 2026, these are the current rules to be aware of.
First, dependants are no longer permitted for most master’s students. This policy
took effect on 1 January 2024 and remains in force for 2026 applicants. However, there are clear exceptions to this rule. If you are enrolled in a PhD, a Doctoral-level program, or a Master’s by Research, such as an MRes, MPhil, or MSc by Research, you are still eligible to bring a dependant (spouse or child), provided the course is full-time and lasts nine months or more. Additionally, if you are receiving a full government-funded scholarship that covers both tuition and living costs, you may also be permitted to bring a dependant, regardless of your course type.
It is important to note that the standard taught Master’s degree, such as a typical MSc, MA, or MBA, does not qualify for dependant sponsorship under the current immigration rules. These changes are part of the UK government’s strategy to manage net migration while still allowing research-track and sponsored students to relocate with family.
Second, the Graduate Route, which previously allowed international students to stay in the UK for two years after completing their degree, is undergoing revision. According to official government announcements, this post-study work period is expected to be shortened to 18 months for postgraduate taught graduates from 2026 onward. Students pursuing research-based programs or transitioning to Skilled Worker visas may still benefit from longer stay options.
Third, there are growing expectations that access to the Graduate Route may become conditional on employment, meaning students could be required to secure a graduate-level job with a minimum salary in order to remain in the UK after their initial post-study period. These proposals are still under government review, but future applicants should anticipate stricter conditions tied to employment, salary thresholds, and visa extensions.
Finally, UK universities are now subject to stricter sponsorship compliance rules. This means they are more cautious when issuing CAS statements to applicants who have deferred, have unexplained study gaps, or fail to submit verified financial documentation. As a result, applicants must pay closer attention to detail and ensure that all supporting documents meet the official UKVI format and standards.
Applying for the UK Student Visa
Once you’ve secured admission and received your CAS, the next step is to submit your Student visa application online via the UK government website. As of 2025, the application fee is £490, and you will also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,164 per year of study.
You’ll be required to take a tuberculosis (TB) test at an approved center, and complete biometric enrolment at TLScontact in Lagos or Abuja. If successful, you’ll receive a 30-day visa vignette in your passport and will collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within ten days of arriving in the UK.
Life After Graduation
Graduates of the 2026 academic session will be subject to the revised Graduate Route, which is expected to offer an 18-month window to remain in the UK and seek employment. During this period, you are not required to have a job offer, but the government’s upcoming reforms may limit future visa extensions to those who secure graduate-level roles with specific salary bands.
If your long-term goal is to remain in the UK, you will eventually need to meet the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Under current policy, most applicants will need to spend at least 10 years on valid visas before qualifying. Maintaining visa compliance, employment status, and timely renewals will be critical to achieving that pathway.
CONCLUSION
Relocating to the UK as a postgraduate student in 2026 remains a valuable and attainable goal. However, the landscape is changing, faster processing timelines, stricter policy enforcement, and shorter post-study options mean that now more than ever, early planning is essential.
There is not enough time to apply for the 2025 intake, but the January 2026 intake is around the corner, and the May and September 2026 intake will follow closely behind. This is the best time to begin your preparation.
At Michelle Jay Consulting, we help Nigerian applicants build strong, complete, and compliant applications that meet current UK immigration standards. From school selection to document review and visa filing, our team supports you every step of the way.
Contact us today to begin your UK study visa journey for 2026.