Studying in the UK: costs and barriers to students from the Global South

The UK prides itself on having a higher education sector renowned the world over, with institutions like Oxford University synonymous with ‘best-of-the-best’ academic excellence.

Such is the draw, it’s no wonder that, according to figures from 2015-16, international students comprised 19% of the UK’s total student population. Of that 19%, however, only 8% were from African countries[1].

In this article, we’re asking: How accessible are UK universities to those coming to study from the Global South? 

To be accepted into the UK’s higher education system, the central question for students from the Global South isn’t one of academic merit, but one of cost.

In applying for a UK Student Visa, it’s necessary to prove to the Home Office that you have money to support yourself at an amount of £1,023 per month (or £1,334 in London) for up to 9 months.

A Student Visa itself will set you back £363, with an Immigration Health Surcharge to boot of £470 (per year!). 

Additionally, the Home Office requires international students from non-native English speaking countries prove their English language proficiency. This can be done via the IELTS exam, the fee for which is around £200. The exam must be retaken after 2 years.

All this, before tuition fees are even considered.

To put these numbers into context — the minimum wage in Nigeria in 2023 is 30,000 Naira per month, or £54. Meanwhile, the minimum wage in Germany is €1,584 per month, or £1407. For someone on the most basic salary, it’s much harder — nigh on impossible — to study in the UK coming from Nigeria. 

So, far from attracting the ‘best and brightest’, the UK higher education system is stymied by an immigration system that places an out-weighted burden on those coming to study from the Global South. Acceptance into the system is primarily based on wealth.

The exclusion of prospective students from the Global South reflects how the Global South is commonly understood: lacking capacity, both in terms of resources and intellectually. In contrast, the Global North is understood to represent excellence and quality.

Indeed, Germany is listed under the Home Office’s ‘differential evidence requirement’, meaning its prospective students aren’t required to prove they have money to support themselves when coming to the UK.

We believe no one stands to benefit — academically or culturally — from a model that excludes huge swathes of people from academia and academic conversation. That’s why we share our profits and time to support immigration projects which benefit society at large, including international students whose odds are stacked against them.

You can read more about how we are supporting social change here.

1: The Conversation, “Studying in the UK is a mixed bag for West African students”, 27 April 2020. Available at: https://theconversation.com/studying-in-the-uk-is-a-mixed-bag-for-west-african-students-136406