UK work visa applications from Nigeria increased by 1,581% between 2019 and 2023

The number of study and work visa applications from Nigeria to the UK has significantly increased, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Although study visa applications dropped by 24% in 2023, they peaked at 124.8k in 2022.

Work visa applications reached a high of 92.7k in 2023, increasing three consecutive years from 2021.

Source:

UK Home Office

Period:

2005 - 2023
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International students made up nearly 6% of all US higher education enrolments in 2023/2024—the highest share since 1948, up from just 1.1%
  • In 2023, international students made up 5.9% of total US higher education enrollment.
  • This is the highest share ever recorded since tracking began in 1948.
  • The share has grown steadily from 1.1% in 1948 to nearly 6% today.
  • Peak growth occurred from the late 1970s through the 2010s.
  • The total enrollment base in 2023 was 18.9 million, down from the 2011 peak of 21.2 million.
  • International student share remained resilient even as overall enrollment declined post-2010.
  • The 2020 dip (4.6%) resulted from the COVID disruption, but recovery was swift.
Over 90% of UK Health and Care visa approvals went to just 10 countries — all from Asia and Africa
  • 90.7% of approvals came from 10 countries — all in Asia and Africa; the rest of the world got just 9.3%
  • India: 222,521 approvals (highest)
  • Nigeria: 149,299 approvals (2nd overall, 1st in Africa)
  • Zimbabwe: 92,960 approvals (3rd overall, despite smaller population)
  • India, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe alone account for over 460,000 approvals — more than 62% of the total
  • Five of the top 10 countries are African
  • Total approvals (2020–2024): 741,933
Canada’s study permit approvals dropped by 31% in 2024, with Nigeria, India, and the Philippines experiencing significant reductions
  • Canada announced a reduction in international student approvals in 2024, citing housing and resource pressures.
  • Global approvals dropped nearly 31% from 681.5k in 2023.
  • Nigerian approvals dropped 36%, ranking among the highest declines. India (-39.7%) and Nepal (-48.8%) were also major declines.
  • Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, 10% lower than 2024’s cap.
  • The UK, US, and local universities may see more Nigerian applicants.
Eight African countries allow visa-free entry to travellers from 198 locations, demonstrating a perfect level of openness
  • Eight African countries, including Burundi, Cape Verde, and Kenya, lead the way with a perfect score of 198, setting the standard for unrestricted accessibility and visa-free entry.
  • Nations with high scores will likely attract increased tourism, business opportunities, and cultural exchange, positioning themselves as hubs for international engagement.
  • Nigeria has a score of 49 out of 198, showing a relatively low openness.
Nigeria has maintained the top spot for US international students from Africa since the 2007/08 academic year
Since the 2007/08 academic year, Nigeria has consistently held the top spot for the number of African international students in the US. Before this, Kenya and Egypt also led in certain periods. This trend highlights the evolving landscape of African students pursuing education in the US over the decades.
Ghana sees a 45% increase in the number of its students in the US — Africa's highest growth rate
Nigeria remains the leading African country of origin for students in the US, with over 20,000 enrolled this year. Ghana, however, recorded the continent's fastest growth rate at 45%. This increase of over 2,900 students brought Ghana’s total to nearly 9,400, making it the second-largest source of African students in the US. Nigeria also saw a 13.5% rise, adding more than 2,380 students year-over-year. Overall, the number of students from African countries in the US grew by nearly 12% in the 2023/24 academic year.
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