• A total of nearly 63,000 main applicant study visas were submitted to the UK in Q2 2025, marking a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
• Of those, over 56,000 visas were issued—a 24% year-on-year increase.
• Nigeria led the pack with a 149% jump in visas issued, signaling renewed student interest despite previous policy challenges.
• The 96% grant rate for Nigerian applicants places them among the most compliant and successful applicant groups

Nigerian students are driving a dramatic rebound in the United Kingdom’s higher education market, with UK student visa issuances to Nigerian applicants surging by 149% in the second quarter of 2025, according to new data from global education insights platform ApplyBoard.

The report highlights that the UK Home Office received nearly 63,000 main applicant study visa applications in Q2 2025, marking a 16% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024. Out of these, more than 56,000 visas were granted, reflecting a 24% year-on-year rise.

Nigeria stood out as the fastest-growing source market, recording a 149% increase in student visa issuances and achieving a 96% approval rate, among the highest globally, according to ApplyBoard report.

Education experts say the surge underscores Nigeria’s resilience as a key student recruitment market, despite previous concerns about tightened UK immigration policies that restricted dependents.

Top 20 Student Populations Issued a UK Study Visa,
Main Applicants, Q2 2025

“This sharp rise shows that Nigerian students continue to see the UK as a top destination for quality education, and institutions are adapting with more targeted recruitment strategies,” the ApplyBoard report noted.

The development also reflects a broader stabilization of international student demand for the UK, marking the third consecutive quarter of steady growth, a significant signal for universities and colleges looking to diversify their student intake.

Analysts believe the rising demand from Nigeria could help UK institutions balance enrollment numbers amid increased competition from Canada, Australia, and the United States.

With Nigeria ranking among the fastest-growing markets, stakeholders in both countries are expected to deepen collaboration to strengthen pathways for student mobility, academic partnerships, and skills development.

Now in its second year, the program recognizes 10 exceptional former international students who have leveraged their Canadian education to create significant positive impact on the Canadian economy, entrepreneurial culture, and communities worldwide.

Hailing from five countries around the world, the 2024 International Alumni of Impact winners are the embodiment of resilience, innovation, leadership, and generosity.

From establishing their college’s first Food and Basic Needs Support Program to impacting global youth policies and sustainable development, these individuals are making an exceptional contribution to their local and global communities.

ApplyBoard shared their stories, which serve as powerful source of inspiration for future generations of international students.

“Our 2024 International Alumni of Impact winners demonstrate the incredible potential of international students to drive economic growth and shape the future,” says Meti Basiri, co-founder & CEO, ApplyBoard. “Their stories of resilience, leadership, and entrepreneurial success powerfully illustrate how education fosters global citizens who contribute significantly to their host and home countries. These remarkable individuals inspire us to further our commitment to supporting students worldwide, unlocking potential through global education and fueling innovation across borders.”

The 2024 International Alumni of Impact winners are:

• Christine Eruokwu (Nigeria), University of New Brunswick (2015)
• Hana Tran (Vietnam), Douglas College (2018)
• Fsahat Ul-Hassan (Pakistan), Humber College (2021)
• Kant Chong (Hong Kong), Western University (2003)
• Lefin Paruvaparampil Chacko (India), Cape Breton University (2022)
• Puneet Kaur Johal (India), Sheridan College (2021)
• Qasim Farasat (Pakistan), University of Waterloo (2015)
• Ritika Saraswat (India), University of British Columbia (2023)
• Rufina Ajalie (Nigeria), University of New Brunswick (2020)
• Urvish Patel (India), George Brown College (2021)

In recognition of their exceptional contributions, ApplyBoard will establish one-time scholarships in each winner’s name.

These scholarships, awarded to incoming international students at the institutions where the winners studied, aim to nurture the next generation of global leaders.

Since its launch in 2023, this initiative has provided $20,000 in scholarships, embodying ApplyBoard’s mission to make education accessible to students worldwide.