How do I get in touch with Study Now?
You can get in touch with our friendly team using the contact details listed in the top-right corner of our website, completing the contact form at the bottom of our web pages, or visiting our offices in person. We are always open to supporting new students and can’t wait to hear from you about your aspirations for studying abroad.
How can Study Now help me?
Here at Study Now, we’re committed to supporting students by any means necessary. Whether you need help choosing a qualification that’s right for you, want to know more about where you can study, or need guidance with the administration of applications or funding, our experienced team have got you covered.
Once you make contact with us, we’ll take you through a student consultation session, during which we’ll ask you about yourself, your academic history, and your future goals. We’ll then use this information to source course details and study opportunities that you might be interested in. We’ll provide you with all of the guidance you might need to be able to make a decision, and support you to apply if you decide to go ahead with a course. Whether you need us a little or a lot, Study Now is here to lean on and help you do exactly that – Study Now!
Will Study Now complete my application forms for me?
Whilst we can’t complete any of your application forms on your behalf, we can give you great advice about how to document and submit your information for study, funding, and visas. The Study Now team has over a decade of combined experience in the international education industry, so we’re a trustworthy source of support with the paperwork and will do as much as we can to make the process stress-free.
What if I have questions after I start my qualification?
Study Now is still here to support you even after you begin your course. If you have questions about your qualification, funding, or visa, you can get in touch with us, and we’ll do our best to help.
How do I start my study abroad journey with Study Now?
The fastest way is to attend one of our free Xperience events in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Accra, or Nairobi — you meet UK and Malta universities face-to-face, get on-the-spot offers where eligible, and leave with a clear plan. If there's no event near you yet, book a free 1-to-1 with one of our advisors, and we'll map your options based on your grades, budget, and target intake. Either route is free, and there's no obligation to apply.
Can I get a tuition refund if my UK student visa is denied?
Yes, in almost every case. UK universities will refund your tuition deposit if your visa is refused, provided you submit the official refusal letter within their stated window (usually 30–60 days). Some universities deduct a small administrative fee of £100–£300. Living-cost funds you placed in your account are unaffected — that's your money, untouched. We help you compile the refund pack and follow up with the university so the money gets back to you fast. Visa refusal is rare with a properly prepared file, but the safety net exists.
How much does it cost to study in the UK from Nigeria, Ghana or Kenya?
Tuition for international undergraduates typically ranges from £11,000 to £26,000 per year, and master's programmes typically cost £13,000 to £30,000. On top of that, the UK Home Office requires you to show living-cost funds of around £1,334/month for London or £1,023/month outside London — that's roughly £12,000–£16,000 per year, depending on the city. The total annual figure most students plan around is £25,000–£40,000 all-in. We can pull a personalised cost sheet for the exact universities and cities you're considering — book a free 1-to-1 consultation with us, and we'll send it over the same day.
Are there scholarships available for Nigerian, Ghanaian or Kenyan students?
Yes — most of our partner universities offer international scholarships ranging from £1,500 to full tuition. Study Now also runs its own annual Study Now Scholarship for African students. Eligibility usually depends on your grades, country, and chosen course. The catch: most scholarships have early deadlines (often 3–6 months before intake), and they go fast. The single biggest reason students miss out is applying too late. Get a scholarship review with our advisors, and we'll show you everything you qualify for in one go.
Do I need to pay a tuition deposit before getting my UK student visa?
In most cases, yes. UK universities require a tuition deposit (commonly £2,000–£6,000) before they issue your CAS — the document the Home Office needs to process your visa. The deposit is applied to your first-year tuition, not added to it. Some universities accept proof of funds in lieu of a deposit, and a small number waive the deposit for scholarship holders. We'll confirm the exact amount and payment route for your specific offer letter, and walk you through a Tier 4-compliant payment so it doesn't create visa issues.
Which UK universities are most affordable for international students?
Tuition under £14,000/year is typically available at universities such as Teesside, Bedfordshire, Bolton, Wolverhampton, Sunderland, BPP, and several London-based pathway providers. Northern English cities (Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Bradford) have the lowest combined tuition + living costs — often £8,000–£10,000 below London totals. Affordable doesn't mean low quality: many of these universities have strong employability rates and eligibility for the Graduate Route. We can match your budget to a shortlist of partner universities offering scholarships, deposit waivers, or rolling admissions — book a 1-to-1 consultation with us to see your shortlist.
How does studying in Malta compare to the UK on cost and quality?
Malta is significantly cheaper. Tuition at most Maltese universities runs €8,000–€14,000 per year, and living costs are €700–€1,000/month — roughly half the UK total. Programmes are taught in English, accredited within the EU/EHEA framework, and recognised globally. Visa approval rates from Africa are high. The trade-offs: a smaller campus ecosystem, fewer Russell Group equivalents, and you don't get the UK Graduate Route post-study. Malta is ideal if you want EU credentials at a lower price point. The UK is the answer if you specifically want a 2-year post-study work option. Compare both with our team via a 1-1 consultation.
How do I prove proof of funds for a UK Student visa?
You need to show the Home Office that the funds (first-year tuition + 9 months of living costs, around £21,000–£28,000 in total) have sat in your or your sponsor's bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the closing balance dated within 31 days of your visa application. Statements must be on bank letterhead, signed/stamped, and translated to English if needed. Sponsors must include a signed letter of support and proof of relationship. The single biggest cause of refusal is funds dipping below the threshold during the 28-day window — even by £1. We pre-check every statement before submission.
What is a CAS letter and when do I receive one?
A CAS — Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies — is the document the UK university issues once you've accepted your offer, paid the required deposit, and met all academic and English-language conditions. It's a 14-character reference number that proves to the Home Office that you have a confirmed place. You typically receive your CAS 2–6 weeks before your course starts. You cannot apply for a UK Student visa without it. Common delays include outstanding fees, missing transcripts, or unverified English test results. We follow up with the CAS team on your behalf so you don't lose visa appointment slots.
How long does the UK Student visa take to process from Nigeria, Ghana, or Kenya?
The standard service in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya runs around 3 weeks from the biometric appointment to the decision, though it can stretch to 6 weeks during peak August/September windows. Priority service (£500 extra) brings it down to 5 working days, and Super Priority (£1,000) is next working day. We recommend booking biometrics at least 6–8 weeks before your course start date. Apply too late and even priority can't save you. Our team books your appointment, prepares the document pack, and runs a refusal-risk check so the file goes in clean the first time.
Can I appeal a UK Student visa refusal?
There is no formal appeal route for Student visa refusals — but you can request an Administrative Review (£80, must be filed within 28 days), or, more commonly, reapply with a stronger file. Most refusals are due to document errors (proof-of-funds gaps, mismatched bank statements, weak personal statements, or credibility-interview failures), not to being unsuitable. Reapplying with a corrected file usually succeeds. Don't reuse the same documents — the case worker can see your previous file. We do refusal-recovery work; share your refusal letter with our team, and we'll diagnose the cause.
Do I need IELTS for a UK Student visa?
Not always. The Home Office requires a Secure English Language Test (SELT) — IELTS for UKVI is one option, but PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert, and Trinity ISE are also accepted. Some universities also waive the SELT entirely if your bachelor's was taught in English, or if you're a Nigerian, Ghanaian, or Kenyan applicant from an English-medium institution. We track which of our partner universities accept which English-test waiver, so you don't book IELTS unnecessarily — that's £200 saved straight off. Send us your transcripts, and we'll tell you whether you can skip IELTS.
What documents do I need to apply for a UK Student visa?
The core list: passport (valid 6+ months), CAS letter, proof of funds (28-day held bank statement covering tuition + maintenance), Tuberculosis test certificate, academic transcripts and certificates listed on your CAS, English-language qualification or waiver, and a passport photograph. If a sponsor is funding you, add a signed sponsor letter, their bank statements, and proof of relationship. ATAS clearance is required for some research subjects. Missing or incorrectly translated documents are the most common refusal cause. We assemble and pre-check the full pack with you before biometrics.
Which UK universities accept students without IELTS?
Many UK universities will waive the English-language test if your medium of instruction was English, which applies to most graduates from Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Kenyan universities. Examples among our partner network include the University of Bolton, Teesside University, BPP University, the University of Sunderland, the University of Bedfordshire, Coventry University, and several others. Each has its own waiver criteria — usually a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your bachelor's institution, plus a minimum grade. We keep a live waiver matrix and can match your transcript to the right shortlist within 48 hours.
What is the difference between an MBA, MSc and MRes?
Three different master's, three different career routes. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a leadership-focused degree that usually requires 2–5 years of work experience — it's designed for general managers, entrepreneurs, and senior-level roles. An MSc (Master of Science) is a 1-year specialised academic master's degree covering technical or research-heavy subjects such as Data Science, Finance, Public Health, or Engineering. An MRes (Master of Research) is a research-track master's that's often a stepping stone to a PhD. Choose MBA for leadership, MSc for specialisation, and MRes for research careers. We can help you pick based on your goals.
Can I study in the UK after a 2:2 or third-class degree?
Yes. A 2:2 (lower second-class) is accepted for direct entry to many UK master's programmes — particularly at modern (post-92) universities. A third-class or HND usually means you'll route through a pre-master's or top-up programme first, which is a 6–12 month bridge before the master's begins. Some partner universities also accept relevant work experience to supplement a third-class result. Our advisors look at your transcript, work history, and target subject and tell you exactly which universities will admit you and which need a pathway. Don't write off your options before checking.
What is a pre-masters or foundation programme, and who needs one?
A foundation programme (sometimes called International Year One) is a 6–12-month bridge before an undergraduate degree, designed for students whose secondary qualifications don't directly meet UK entry requirements. A pre-master's is the equivalent bridge before a master's — typically for graduates with a third-class degree, a non-cognate subject, or English-language gaps. Both are taught at the university level and almost always guarantee progression to the main degree if you pass. They add £8,000–£14,000 and 6–12 months to your timeline, but they unlock universities you'd otherwise be ineligible for.
When are the UK university intakes — should I aim for September or January?
UK universities have three main intakes: September (the largest, with the widest course availability), January (mid-sized, especially business and tech subjects), and a smaller May intake at some institutions. September is competitive, and scholarships go fast — start applying 9–12 months ahead. January is the practical choice if you missed September deadlines or your transcript took longer to issue, and visa processing is usually quicker because demand is lower. We help you reverse-engineer the timeline from your target intake date — work backwards, every step has a deadline.
What's the difference between Russell Group, post-92 and TNE universities?
The Russell Group is a self-selected league of 24 research-intensive UK universities (Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Edinburgh, etc.) — known for research output and selective admissions. Post-92 universities are former polytechnics that gained university status after 1992 — they're more vocational, more flexible in entry requirements, and often have stronger employability metrics. TNE (Transnational Education) refers to UK degrees delivered partly or fully outside the UK — useful if you want a UK qualification without initially leaving home. Each has its place. Russell Group ≠ is better in every case; fit and outcomes matter more than the badge.
What's the difference between a conditional and an unconditional offer?
A conditional offer means the university wants you, but you still need to satisfy one or more conditions before they confirm your place — typically a final transcript, an English-language certificate, or a tuition deposit. An unconditional offer means the university is ready to enrol you with no further requirements; you only need to confirm your place and prepare for a visa. Most international applicants receive conditional offers initially; clearing the conditions converts the offer to an unconditional one, which then triggers the issuance of your CAS and visa application. We help you chase down each condition systematically so the offer doesn't expire.
How do I write a Statement of Purpose (SoP) for UK universities?
A strong SOP answers four questions in 800–1,200 words: why this subject, why this specific university and course, what you bring (academic + professional), and what you plan to do after. Avoid clichéd openings ("ever since I was a child…"). Lead with a concrete moment or project. Quantify achievements — say "led a team of 5", not "led a team". Mention faculty or research labs by name to show you've actually researched the university. Tailor every SOP to each university; recycled SOPs are obvious to admissions officers. Our team reviews SOPs for free as part of our comprehensive service.
Do I need a letter of recommendation, and from whom?
Yes, for most master's programmes, sometimes for undergraduate. UK universities typically ask for one or two recommendation letters from someone who can attest to your academic ability or professional capability. For master's: ideally one academic referee (a lecturer or course director from your bachelor's) plus one professional referee (a current or recent manager). For an undergraduate, a school principal or a subject teacher works. The strongest letters are specific and recent — references over 3 years old or from people who barely knew you weaken your file. We'll guide your referees on what to include.
How long does the full application-to-enrolment timeline take?
Plan for 4–9 months end-to-end. Typical breakdown: 2–6 weeks from submission to first offer, 1–4 weeks for offer acceptance and deposit payment, 2–6 weeks for CAS issuance after conditions are met, 3–6 weeks for the visa decision after biometrics, and 1–2 weeks for travel prep and pre-departure. Tight turnarounds are possible (under 12 weeks for January intakes if everything moves), but require all documents to be ready upfront. The biggest delays come from waiting on bachelor's transcripts or dependent IELTS bookings. Start as early as you can — ideally 9 months before your target intake.
Does Study Now apply to universities on my behalf, or do I apply myself?
Both. We submit applications directly to our partner universities on your behalf — saving you the application fees and putting your file in the priority queue. You provide the documents, write the SOP (we edit it), and approve every shortlist before submission. For non-partner universities, we'll guide you through your own self-submission. Either route, our service is free to you because we're paid by partner universities. You stay in full control of decisions, deadlines, and which universities you target. We never apply anywhere without your written approval.
Can international students work while studying in the UK?
Yes — UK Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Most students earn £8–£12 per hour in retail, hospitality, campus jobs, or admin roles. Some restricted roles include self-employment, professional sportsperson contracts, and entertainer work. Postgraduate students can sometimes negotiate flexible roles aligned to their study. Don't rely on part-time income for tuition or rent — the Home Office expects your funds to be in place independently. Treat earnings as supplementary. After graduation, the Graduate Route lets you work full-time for 1 year and 8 months.
How do I find student accommodation in the UK as an international student?
Three main routes: university halls (cheapest, easiest, applied directly through your university — book early because they fill up fast), purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) like Unite Students or iQ (mid-priced, modern, very international), or private flats and house-shares (cheapest if you split, but trickier to arrange before you arrive). Budget around £600–£1,400/month including bills outside London, and £900–£2,000/month inside London. Apply for housing as soon as you accept your offer. Our team can recommend trusted PBSAs near each partner campus and help you avoid scam listings.
What is the UK Graduate Route visa and how long does it last?
The Graduate Route allows international students to stay in the UK and work — for any employer, in any role, including self-employment — for 2 years after completing an eligible degree (3 years for PhD graduates). You do not need a job offer to apply. The application fee is £822, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is charged based on the length of the visa. It serves as a bridge from graduation to routes such as the Skilled Worker visa and other long-term immigration pathways. Recent policy discussions have considered potential changes, so it’s always important to check the latest official guidance before applying. The Graduate Route remains one of the strongest reasons to choose a UK degree over many other study destinations.
Can I switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder visa?
Yes. After graduation you can switch in-country — no need to leave the UK. The Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor, and the role must meet the relevant salary threshold for that occupation. The Innovator Founder visa is designed for individuals who want to establish and run an innovative business in the UK, subject to endorsement.
Both routes can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) after 5 years. Many graduates use the Graduate Route as a 2-year (or 3-year for PhD) window to secure skilled employment or explore business opportunities that may lead to longer-term visa options.
Do I need to open a UK bank account before I travel?
Not before — most UK banks require proof of UK address, which you only get after arrival. What you can do before travel: open a digital account with Wise, Monzo, Revolut, or Starling using your home address; these work in the UK from day one and let you transfer larger sums cheaply. After arrival, open a high-street bank account (HSBC International, Lloyds, NatWest student account) using your university enrolment letter and accommodation address as proof. Your university often runs bank setup sessions in induction week. Don't carry large amounts of cash on the flight.
What's the difference in cost of living between the UK and Malta as a student?
Malta is generally a more affordable study destination compared to the UK, particularly when it comes to accommodation and day-to-day living costs. In Malta, students typically spend around €700–€1,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and housing choices. This includes shared accommodation (€350–€600), food (€200–€300), transport (around €25 for a student bus pass), utilities (€80), and mobile/internet (€40). In comparison, UK student living costs are usually higher, averaging £1,000–£1,800 per month depending on location, with rent being the biggest factor.
Both destinations offer English-speaking academic environments, but they differ in post-study opportunities — Malta offers a lower-cost study pathway, while the UK provides a larger graduate job market and the Graduate Route visa. The right choice depends on your budget, career plans, and long-term goals — it’s always best to compare based on what matters most to you.
