UK to Charge Universities $1,200 Per Nigerian, Other Foreign Student From 2028

The United Kingdom government plans to charge higher education institutions in England an annual levy of £925, equivalent to approximately $1,200, for each eligible international student from August 2028.

The policy, known as the International Student Levy, will affect universities enrolling students from countries including Nigeria, India, China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is designed to generate additional funding for England’s higher education and skills system, including maintenance grants for disadvantaged domestic students.

Under the proposed arrangement, universities will be responsible for paying the levy rather than international students directly. However, the additional financial burden could influence tuition fees and other costs for overseas students, depending on how individual institutions respond.

The levy will apply during the 2028–2029 academic year, beginning on August 1, 2028. The government’s draft legislation provides for an annual charge of £925 per eligible international student, with each institution receiving an allowance covering its first 220 international students.

Universities enrolling more than 220 international students will therefore pay the levy on the number above that threshold, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.

For example, an institution with 1,000 eligible international students would pay £721,500 annually after the 220-student allowance is deducted.

The British government expects the measure to generate substantial revenue for the education sector. The funds are intended to support the wider higher education system, including the reintroduction of maintenance grants for eligible disadvantaged students.

The proposal has raised concerns among university leaders about the financial pressures facing institutions that depend heavily on international student recruitment. Overseas students typically pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, making them an important source of income for many universities.

Although the levy will not be billed directly to Nigerian students, prospective applicants could face indirect consequences if universities decide to increase international tuition fees or adjust their recruitment and scholarship policies.

The extent of any increase will depend on decisions made by individual institutions. Universities will retain responsibility for setting their own tuition fees and determining available scholarships and financial support.

The levy applies to higher education providers in England and does not automatically extend to universities in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The policy is expected to take effect subject to the required legislative process. Nigerian students planning to study in the UK from 2028 are advised to monitor tuition fees, scholarship opportunities and admission requirements as universities prepare for the change.