Many students from different countries want to study abroad. To do this, they need student visas. These visas help them move to new countries and study legally.
Student visas are usually for a short time. You need a letter of acceptance from a school or university to get one.
A student visa lasts as long as the study program, usually between two to four years.
Countries like the UK, US, and Canada are popular for Nigerian students. Even though the tuition fees are going up, many Nigerians still want to study in these places.
A report from Newslodge shows that many more Nigerian students are getting student visas. The number went from 8,384 in 2019 to 43,200 in 2022. That’s a big increase of 415.3%.
Knowing how much student visas cost is important for students who want to study abroad. Newslodge has looked at the most expensive student visa fees in popular countries for 2024.
Note: These fees might change a bit due to extra costs like health surcharges that are not included here.
- Belgium
Visa Type: Belgium student visa
Cost: $215 (€200)
It costs around €200 ($215) to apply for a student visa in Belgium. This fee covers the application and other administrative costs. When you get to Belgium, you need to register at the local administration office within eight days to get a residence card. This card lets you stay and study. You must renew this card every year. EU students don’t need a residence permit, but they have to register if they stay for more than three months. Belgian student visas last from one to two years, depending on your program. To extend it, apply for renewal at least 14 days before it expires.
- Denmark
Visa Type: Student residency permit (visa)
Cost: $274
Non-EU/EEA students need a residence permit to study in Denmark. First, you must be accepted by your school and pay the tuition and Case Order ID fees. Your school will send you “Form ST1,” which you take to the nearest Danish embassy or consulate along with your Case Order ID to apply for your visa. It takes around two months to process, and the fee is DKK 1,900 ($274). The permit lasts as long as your study program, so you don’t have to reapply.
- Finland
Visa Name: Finland Student Visa
Cost: $377 (€350)
Non-EU/EEA students who want to study in Finland need a student visa. You can apply for short-term or long-term courses. Short-term visas are for courses less than three months. Long-term residence permits for studies last one year but can be renewed. Online applications cost €350 ($377) and take 2-3 months to process. Paper applications cost €450 ($485) and take about three months.
- Norway
Visa Name: Norwegian Study Permit
Cost: $464 (4,900 NOK)
Nigerian students who want to study in Norway must pay 4,900 NOK ($464) for a study permit. The payment can be made online, at a visa application center in Nigeria, or through a bank transfer. Nigerian students don’t need to prove their English proficiency or take a medical test before arriving in Norway.
- United Kingdom
Visa Name: Tier 4 (General Student Visa)
Cost: $528 (£490)
The UK standard student visa fee is £490 ($528). Extra services may cost more: £500 for priority service and £1,000 for super priority service. You also must pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (£776 per year starting February 2024) and a biometric enrolment fee. Optional premium UKVCAS service can cost £60-£125.
- United States
Visa Name: F1 Student Visa
Cost: $535
The US is a top destination for international students. Getting an F1 Student Visa costs $535, with some non-refundable fees. First, you pay $185 for the application, then $350 for the SEVIS I-901 fee. Your university will give you a Form I-20, which is necessary for your application. The F1 visa lets students stay temporarily in the US for their studies.
- Australia
Visa Name: International Student Visa
Cost: $1,600
Australia has increased its student visa fee from $710 to $1,600 as of July 1, 2024. This makes Australia the priciest country for student visas, more than the US ($185) and Canada ($150). This move aims to manage high migration levels, which have put pressure on the housing market.