Splendid (28) was building her career in Nigeria but knew that reaching her true potential meant going to a place where opportunities are easily accessible. So in 2022, she applied for the global talent visa and got it on her first try. In this story, she shares her processes, how she struggled to settle into the UK and how she鈥檚 thriving now.

Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I currently live in the United Kingdom (UK), and I left Nigeria in February 2023.

What inspired your decision to move?

I was inspired by my need for growth. I had always wanted to leave since my secondary school days. The push in those years was just to escape Nigeria. But by the time I left in 2023, it was no longer about that; I was already building things in Nigeria, but I felt like I wasn鈥檛 reaching the ceiling. So I needed that move to leap. My move to the UK wasn鈥檛 an escape plan; it was a growth decision.

That鈥檚 nice. How did you leave?

I left on the Global Talent Visa. I got my endorsement in November 2022.

How can one get the Global Talent visa

To get the global talent visa, you have to get an endorsement from . 

Who is eligible for this visa?

I don鈥檛 think there鈥檚 a straightforward answer to who is eligible for the Global Talent Visa. To get a recommendation from them, you have to work in tech, but it doesn鈥檛 have to be a technical role that requires coding. I came in as a growth marketer.

Tech Nation is not the only body that can endorse one for the Global Talent Visa.  There are also endorsing bodies under arts and culture, and there鈥檚 also architecture. To know if you qualify, I advise that you visit the website and spend some time there.

Thank you. Is there anything else people should know?

Tech Nation will endorse you either as an exceptional promise or as an exceptional talent. But you definitely need to have some experience in your field to be endorsed in either category. I was endorsed as an exceptional promise. At the time I applied, you鈥檇 need less than three years of experience to apply as a promise and about five years of experience to qualify as a talent.

What鈥檚 the difference between the two categories?

As an exceptional promise, you鈥檒l be given five years global talent visa to enter the UK. At the end of that, you can apply for your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and your British passport.

As an exceptional talent, you鈥檒l get a three-year visa after which you can apply for your ILR. It鈥檚 faster for people under this category.

Is there essay writing involved?

It鈥檚 not an essay; it’s an elaborate process of putting together everything you’ve done in your career to prove that you鈥檙e a person of value.

The process was intense for me. To me, the hardest part was not the application; it鈥檚 documenting your impact in a way that makes sense to people who don鈥檛 know you. It鈥檚 you, telling your story clearly and showing proof of work, and positioning yourself as a person of value. And so, I had to put up different documents broken down into different criteria. 

Tech Nation also requires applicants to get recommendation letters from three top people in the tech space, so I had to get those. I also had to show the work I did at different companies, proof of high earnings, and speaking engagements. So, it’s not a single essay; you have to actually put your documents together, and if I remember correctly, put them into ten letters or PDFs, then group them into mandatory and optional criteria.

The process is rigorous; I always advise people who want to apply through Tech Nation to be thorough. The requirements change all the time, so go to their website and carefully look through it to see what鈥檚 required at the moment.

The rigorous nature of the process forces you to think critically about your journey and your career. But once everything comes together, it鈥檚 worth it.

That鈥檚 lovely. Can you remember how long the process took you?

When I applied for my Tech Nation endorsement, it took me two weeks to hear from them. But the time can vary, really. I have a friend who heard back from them in four days.

After you get your Tech Nation endorsement, everything else is a breeze. You just apply for your visa, and you leave. The entire process鈥攆rom application to leaving鈥� took me about six weeks. I stalled a bit because I wanted to spend some time with my family.

What are the requirements for the visa process?

You have to submit an online application within 3 months of receiving your endorsement. You must submit your passport and your National Identity Number (NIN). You also have to go for your biometrics, pay for your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and take a tuberculosis test.

Ok. Were there any hassles in getting the visa?

Not at all, it was very fast. There aren鈥檛 many requirements, and I think it鈥檚 something that people have to know. The day I went for my biometrics, I went with so many documents, but I found they weren’t needed. There鈥檚 no complexity in the visa process. The complexity is in applying for the Tech Nation endorsement.

What are the benefits of the global talent visa?

The global talent visa, in my opinion, is the best type of visa to get. It fast-tracks the receipt of your ILR and British passport. Unlike a tier one visa, the Global Talent visa doesn鈥檛 restrict immigrants to specific jobs or a salary cap; you can earn your worth.

Another great benefit of the visa is that it allows holders to bring in dependents. Married people can bring in their spouses and children.

There鈥檚 also the edge it gives immigrants in terms of getting a job; no, Tech Nation doesn鈥檛 get you a job, and the visa doesn’t come with a job. But it helps you skip hurdles that make getting one difficult. You don鈥檛 have to be sponsored by any company to get a job; this is usually a big obstacle here in the UK because a company has to pay some fees to sponsor immigrants. That factor makes it difficult to get sponsorship jobs here, but as a global talent visa holder, you鈥檙e not mandated to find sponsorship. You can apply anywhere and work anywhere.

What were you doing in Nigeria, and what do you do now?

I was a growth marketer in Nigeria. Now, I work as a growth marketer with one of the top fintechs here in the UK. Outside of work, I run a non-profit community called  , where I help people find their way into the non-code side of tech and also into growth marketing.

That鈥檚 impressive. 

Thank you.

So, what鈥檚 the work culture like in the UK?

That鈥檚 a dicey question because work culture isn’t defined in a specific way; it really depends on where you work. There’s a good work-life balance at my current workplace. Compared to Nigeria, there鈥檚 so much respect for your work hours and for holidays. You would hardly get work messages outside of work hours and during holidays.

Communication and politeness are also valued, and there鈥檚 a high level of professionalism here. The balance between work and life makes socialising a lot more possible, and that鈥檚 something I like.

Are there a variety of activities?

Yes. There are always activities to do, especially pubs after work. I go to the office once a week; on the days when I go, we always visit a pub right after work.

There鈥檚 honestly always a social activity to do. Most of the companies I鈥檝e worked at prioritise social activities. They range from going to a pub to events and games, to inviting someone to speak to us at the office.

So, from personal experience, I don鈥檛 think there鈥檚 one way to describe the work culture in the UK. I鈥檝e had the good and the bad. I鈥檓 currently in the good, and I appreciate that.

Love that for you. What was it like settling into your life in the UK?

Settling in was a roller coaster. I came during the cold, and I went to Scotland first. To top it off, the city I went to鈥擜berdeen鈥攊s one of the coldest in the entire country. Dealing with the cold was very tough for me. Unlike Nigeria, the UK has structures and systems that work; it took me a bit of time to understand and adjust to them.

Settling in was generally a roller coaster.  But it wasn鈥檛 so tough; it took me about 2-3 weeks to get settled.

When you come to the UK, you shouldn鈥檛 try to do things on your own because you won鈥檛 know everything. You have to reach out to someone who was already here. If you have family here, it鈥檇 be less harsh on you. In my case, I had family; they showed me how the trains and bus systems work, how to get my General Practitioner (GP), and other such things. Getting the hang of these things can be tough, and the knowledge that you鈥檙e alone in a new country can make it tougher. That鈥檚 why I quickly built a community.

Even with family, it was tough at first, and I had moments where I regretted leaving the good life I had built in Nigeria. But I snapped out of it, built a community, and everything has been a breeze since then.

That鈥檚 good to hear. What鈥檚 your favourite thing about the UK?

The structure is my favourite thing. The UK is full of opportunities, and the structure allows you to see them. Nigeria also has opportunities, but lacks the structure that makes UK opportunities so visible. Structure and opportunities are the top two things for me.

That makes sense. What鈥檚 your least favourite thing?

It鈥檚 the cold. I know the UK is not as cold as Canada, but the cold is a lot. There鈥檚 also the occasional loneliness and the fact that I鈥檓 far from family and friends.

On a scale of one to ten, how do you rate life in the UK?

I鈥檒l give it a solid eight. There鈥檚 still a lot I’m building and figuring out, but I鈥檓 in a place where I can grow and become the person I鈥檝e always envisaged. In my short time in the UK, I鈥檝e been able to achieve some of my goals thanks to the clear opportunities here. You can be whatever you want to be in the UK. Your dreams are attainable here if you put in the work. There鈥檚 structure to support those dreams.

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Stephanie (29) planned to further her studies about six years after school. But that plan came crashing down after she suffered a traumatic loss. In this story, she shares how she went to the UK rather hurriedly, how she settled in and how she鈥檚 now thriving.

Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I鈥檓 currently living in the United Kingdom (UK). I left Nigeria in January 2023.

What inspired your decision to move?

I had always wanted to further my education abroad, but the catalyst to my decision was the death of my father. I lost my dad in 2022, but by 2023, I still hadn鈥檛 moved past it. I couldn鈥檛. I decided I needed a change of environment and that I needed to channel my energy and efforts into something that would help me manage the grief.

And so, even though I initially planned to work for about five years after my bachelor鈥檚 degree before getting a master鈥檚, I had to speed it up. That was how I ended up in the UK.

Oh my. I鈥檓 so sorry to hear about your dad

Thank you.

What course did you study for your master鈥檚?

I did my master鈥檚 in Project Management at in Leeds, England.

What was the financing like?

It was self-funded, and I strongly advise against it. I only had to do it because of the circumstances surrounding my decision. I encourage people to do their own research to see the array of options out there and then determine which is most suitable for them. That鈥檚 exactly why I decided to share my story on this edition of 1000 Ways To Japa.

How did you find out about Leeds Beckett University?

I found the school myself. I did the hard work of researching things because I was particular about where I was going to live. I鈥檓 not a country girl; I was really keen on a city that was not too busy, but comfortable enough to give me what I wanted. I wanted a small city.

I found a couple of schools in cities that ticked my boxes, and I applied. Leeds Beckett was one of them. I got the admission, and the rest is history.

What other qualities were you looking for?

Before I chose Leeds Beckett, I read reviews online about them, went through their curriculum to see if the classes they offer under my chosen course aligned with what I wanted to learn and what I needed at that point in my life.

I also spoke to a representative of the school, whom I asked a couple of questions, and I reached out to some of their alumni on LinkedIn with questions, which helped give me insight into the school鈥檚 culture and the overall experience of studying there. These things helped me make up my mind. Both the school representative in Nigeria and the alumni were kind and super helpful with the process.

That鈥檚 nice

Yes. When I had a bit of a hiccup with my Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), the school鈥檚 representative pursued it for me and helped me get in right on time for my visa application.

What were your classes like?

It wasn鈥檛 anything strenuous. I was required to be on campus three days a week, and two days some weeks. A handful of times, our classes were rescheduled and held online, but it wasn鈥檛 a fixed thing; it was based on contingencies like a train strike or a disruption on the road. 

That sounds fair. What was the application process like?

I applied online after I had gotten all the answers I needed. As I mentioned earlier, the school鈥檚 representative was quite helpful throughout the process.

One of the things I submitted was a Statement of Purpose (SOP). The SOP is a detailed essay where you get to explain why you want to pursue your master鈥檚 (or any other degree) at the school, as well as why you have chosen a specific course.

I was a Product Manager back in Nigeria. So, while applying, I explained in detail what Project Management meant to me, particularly in regard to how it鈥檇 enable me to gain certain leadership, resource management, and time management skills.

I also ensured, while writing, that I presented myself as someone who has done due diligence on the school, so they have a mental image of someone who is fully committed to success. I noted some of the feedback I got from the alumni of the school, why I wanted to study there, why I wanted to be in the city, how drawn I am to the school鈥檚 cultural diversity, some of the things I hope to achieve and how I hope to give back through active participation in the school鈥檚 cultural activities, membership of some of its societies and communities, particularly its diversity community.

After I submitted my SOP, the school offered me a conditional offer to apply for my CAS. It took about a month for me to get it, and I think it was largely due to the influx of applications during my time.

Anyhow, I couldn鈥檛 apply for a visa without a CAS from the school, so I waited till it came. When it finally came, I applied for my visa and got it in about two weeks.

What were the requirements for the visa?

I was required to present my passports, proof of funds, CAS document, and my National Identification Number (NIN). I also had to do a mandatory tuberculosis test and present proof that I had made some form of payment to the school. My school鈥檚 requirement was for a 50% down payment, while some schools accepted 15%, 20%, and 25%; I already knew this from research, but I didn鈥檛 mind because I really wanted to go to that school.

Can you remember how much the entire process cost you?

The cost has increased for sure. At the time, Leeds Beckket was offering a 3% discount to applicants from countries like Nigeria, which reduced my school fees. There were my flight ticket, visa fees, and other things I can鈥檛 quite remember. Altogether, I estimate the entire process of coming to the UK cost me about 拢8,000- 拢10,000.

Did you use a travel agent for the process?

I did everything myself. It looked doable, so I didn鈥檛 think I needed to pay someone else to do it. It also helped that the school鈥檚 representative in Nigeria created a WhatsApp group for applicants in the country to communicate and help each other with frequently asked questions. In the group, you鈥檇 find that a lot of your questions had already been asked by someone else and that they had been answered thoroughly. 

The application process is honestly not that difficult. As long as you鈥檙e a person who is not afraid to ask questions. You鈥檒l find that people are willing to help for free. Also, do your research; that helps.

Do you recommend Leeds Beckett to people looking to study in the UK?

Yes, I absolutely do. In addition to its multicultural nature, the school often organised a lot of self and career-building events where they invite companies to come talk to students about the entailments of certain job roles as well as other careers we can venture into with our certificates.

I spoke with representatives from different companies, from banking and construction to the force and police, and tech. I told them what I did back in Nigeria, the course I was studying, and what I want to do afterwards. I also asked them how I could get my foot in the door. I got lots of helpful tips from them. Those events were so helpful; they opened my eyes and showed me the possibility of returning to my career field, Product Management.

Some companies also offered things like paid internships for people doing more technical courses, like software development, and others to gain practical experience.

That鈥檚 really nice. Did you say you had a career in Product Management?

Yes, I did. I was a Product Manager in Nigeria, but I did a master鈥檚 in Project Management here. I see how that can be confusing. I chose to do it because there were no Product Management courses at the time, and it was the closest thing to the field I already had a career in.

What do you currently do?

I鈥檓 a Product Manager.

Awesome. What visa are you currently on?

I鈥檓 currently on a graduate visa. The UK gives student visa holders two years after their studies to gain work experience, but I hear it鈥檚 now been changed to 18 months. You鈥檙e supposed to find a visa that鈥檒l keep you here more permanently if your goal is to stay. You can get either a work visa, a Tier One visa like the global talent visa, or a spousal visa if you happen to find love.

What is the UK work culture like?

While I was still studying for my master鈥檚, I did some part-time jobs to provide for myself. From a teaching assistant, supermarket assistant, to an event steward. The experience was different then than it is now that I鈥檓 working a full job in my field. 

Working in the UK is amazing, particularly as a Product Manager, because I work cross-functionally: I not only get to mix with the teams, but also with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. From Asians, Caucasians, and Africans, it鈥檚 all so interesting.

When we meet outside of work and get into relaxing conversations, we find that we actually share similar experiences across cultures. It鈥檚 always a pleasant surprise to learn that people did, saw, or ate the same things you did growing up, even if they鈥檙e from across the world. One of the most memorable ones was our software engineer who grew up drinking Milo and pronounced it differently. Before that conversation, I always thought it was only Nigerians who drank it.

So, the blend of cultures is interesting both in their differences and similarities. I am grateful for the opportunity to be in that scene filled with people from different mindsets, different journeys, and everyone coming together to achieve our shared goal, which is building a product that works and serves its users.

That鈥檚 so beautiful

It is. Thank you.

What鈥檚 your favourite thing about the UK?

I love the blend of cultures and how efficient the system is. I also love how accessible opportunities are to everyone; as long as you know what you鈥檙e doing, it doesn鈥檛 matter who you are, you鈥檒l get the job.

Another thing I love is how respectful they are of your work experience from your home country. Everyone respects each other and works together. I know I’m far away from home, but the UK is gradually becoming a second home to me.

Lovely. So what’s your least favourite thing about the UK?

The cold. The UK is quite cold, and it was particularly chilly for me when I came because my school is in the north and the north is significantly colder than anywhere else here.

I came in January, and by February, I was already seeing heaps of snow. It was sweet in the first 2-3 days, and after that, I was begging the snow to stop. It was so cold, and it made everything messy.

If you鈥檙e coming here to live or study, especially in the north, please come prepared with jackets, socks, and gloves to stay warm. It鈥檚 quite important.

What鈥檚 your piece of advice for people looking to move to the UK?

I would like them to know that leaving Nigeria is not an instant success, but it eventually works out.

Secondly, it鈥檚 important to recognise that journeys differ; you might have it easier or harder, but that鈥檚 just how life goes. I didn鈥檛 realise this earlier; I had spoken to some of my friends who had it easier and believed it鈥檇 be the same for me.  It took me about three months to get a job, and in that time, I was changing naira to pounds to pay my bills, and it felt like I was bleeding; it hurt so much I considered going back home. But I stayed back, and it worked out. Everyone鈥檚 journey might not be the same, but it鈥檒l always work out; as long as you’re focused and you’re determined that you know where you’re going, you definitely come out smiling.

So keep learning. Meet people. Don’t be scared to meet people. Meet people, ask questions, create a community for yourself, and help each other. I鈥檝e lost count of the times I鈥檝e gotten help, like job referrals and interview prep from people I met on LinkedIn, at church, and in other places.

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the UK in comparison to Nigeria?

It鈥檚 a 9.9. It鈥檇 have been a solid ten, but I miss my siblings and my mom. It might sound crazy, but I also miss the heat in Nigeria. 

Ah, the heat?

I do miss the heat. Trust me, you would too if you were here. I wish we could exchange weather. It鈥檚 the only thing I don鈥檛 like about living here. Other than that, it鈥檚 a ten. I remember watching UK movies back home and imagining myself living in the cities they were set in. It’s so thrilling that I get to live here and see them.

Love that for you. You鈥檙e having a great time. I wish you the best of luck

Thank you!

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When Vincent (28) developed a passion for Sustainable Development Goals SDGs), he knew his best shot at building a successful career was a master鈥檚 abroad, so he worked hard and got a scholarship. In this story, he shares his processes, his journey and how he later landed his dream job in Germany.

Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I currently live in Munich, Germany, but when I left Nigeria, it was for Paris, and it was in 2021. 

What inspired your decision to move?

I was (and still am) passionate about  Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), so I was primarily motivated by the desire to pursue a career in that path and partly by the wave of sadness that hit everyone after the outcome of the #EndSARS protests the previous year, 2020.

So, those were the reasons I left Nigeria to do a master鈥檚 abroad.

What did you study?

I studied International Management and Sustainability at University.

That鈥檚 nice. How did you fund your studies?

I got a 75% scholarship and made up for the rest.

What scholarship was that, and how did you find out about it?

The scholarship is called the , and it鈥檚 quite an interesting way how I discovered it; I heard about the opportunity through the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship, which I had initially applied for.

MasterCard Foundation usually partners with select schools for its scholarship. At the time, they had partnerships with schools in Europe. I wanted to study on the continent, so I submitted most of my applications to schools there. Sciences Po was one of them.

My application for the MasterCard Foundation scholarship didn鈥檛 turn out successful, but it had also been a blessing because I heard about my school through them, and they indirectly paid for my application.

How so?

After the MasterCard Foundation scholarship reviews your application, it gives you the go-ahead to apply to your school of choice, and it鈥檒l pay for the application fee to enable you to seek admission there. If your admission is successful, you go back to MasterCard for further review of your application, then wait for a shortlist of your name if you made it.

I didn鈥檛 make the shortlist, but I had been admitted by the school board at Sciences Po. I deferred my admission by one year and applied again to the MasterCard Foundation scholarship. I still wasn鈥檛 successful. But then, I learned through people that there were other scholarships in France that I could access since I wanted to study there. I found out about the , applied and got a 75% scholarship. 

This is such a nice turn of events. Love it for you.

It was. Thank you.

So, what was the application process like? 

It was rather straightforward. Much more straightforward than the MasterCard application process. I don鈥檛 recall writing any essays, which was something I experienced when I applied to different scholarships, not just MasterCard.

For Emile Boutney, I was asked to upload certain documents, and that was it.

What were the required documents?

They asked for a degree certificate to show I had indeed obtained a bachelor’s degree, as I said I had. They also asked for my transcripts and a few other documents I can鈥檛 quite recall. But I remember it being so seamless. I think it was the only application I was able to start and finish in one day. I remember sitting in my brother鈥檚 room finishing it in one sitting.

After the submission, what’s next?

Once the documents get to the school, they review them and decide what percentage of scholarship to award the applicant鈥� 75%, 40%, or 30%. There was no fully funded scholarship from that organisation at the time.

How long did it take to hear back from them?

It actually took a while to hear back from them. So much so that I had forgotten I applied. I was getting rejections from the scholarships I applied to, so I tried to apply to as many as possible. Emile Boutney was one of them. It also wasn鈥檛 top of mind for me because I really wanted a fully funded scholarship, and they weren鈥檛 offering one.

When the scholarship came, I had to seek advice from other people and also weigh my options. Deciding to go with it wasn鈥檛 an easy choice considering the exchange rate at the time, but honestly, I am so glad I made that choice.  

That鈥檚 nice. What was the visa application like?

The visa process wasn鈥檛 so tedious. I got help from, a French Agency in Nigeria, which assists Nigerian students intending to study in France.

I took my offer letter to Campus France, and they provided guidance on the entire visa process. I wasn鈥檛 particularly alone. Campus France held my hand throughout the process; they do the same for everyone. 

What documents were you asked to bring for the visa?

If I recall correctly, I was asked to bring my International Passport, proof of funds and my offer letter (to prove I had indeed gained admission and was headed there to study). It took about one month to get my visa.

Can you remember how much the entire process cost you?

I can make an estimate, and this would be based on the exchange rate at the time. If you鈥檙e talking about how much it cost me to move to Paris and fund the rest of my studies, I鈥檇 say 鈧�3.6 million. But I encourage people to do their own research, as the economy has drastically changed since then and the exchange rate with it.

Tell me about your experience at Scienses Po? Do you recommend it?

I fully recommend Scienses Po. It鈥檚 a top global school for political sciences and social sciences. In terms of alumni power, career opportunities, global reputation, and diversity,  the school is up there. I definitely, definitely recommend. 

How did you navigate your classes, seeing as you come from an English-speaking country?

All my compulsory courses were taught in English. There was the option of English and French for the electives. I also had language classes four hours per week, so I picked up French along the way. I am so fluent that it鈥檚 become my second language.

What鈥檚 your advice to people looking to get this scholarship or something similar?

I advise everyone to do their own research. We live in an era where information is easily accessible, even more so with the advent of AI tools. Take your time to do some research; do not outsource your research and application to third parties. I understand how things can be in Nigeria, but do not be in a hurry; take your time and do the work yourself. Ask the right questions, compare, contrast, and weigh your options carefully. 

It鈥檚 also important to have a plan. I know things do not always go according to plan, but have one regardless. Having a plan would typically come from being knowledgeable and grounded about certain things, and also being eligible for them. All of these tie back to doing the job of research by yourself. Having vast knowledge will help you decide what鈥檚 best for you.

Be one step ahead and opportunity-ready as well. In my case, I knew I had to have an International passport, so I got one about two years before I started applying for scholarship opportunities. Have your transcripts and important documents ready, too.

So, Germany, how and when did you move there?

I finished my master鈥檚 programme in mid 2024 and moved to Germany in March 2025. I worked a bit in Paris, doing consulting. But I was also applying for jobs, and I didn鈥檛 limit myself to France; I applied to organisations outside of the country and got one in Germany, so I moved. I currently work in Sustainable Finance.

That鈥檚 so cool. Were you still on the student visa when you left?

Yes, I was. The visa was still valid at the time. I moved to Germany on a work visa, and that鈥檚 what I鈥檓 currently on.

What鈥檚 Germany鈥檚 work visa like?

It鈥檚 not a permanent thing; it has to be renewed. But unlike the student visa, which has limitations, it allows you to work any number of hours you鈥檇 like and do other things as well.

What鈥檚 it like living in Germany?

I am relatively new here, but thankfully, they speak English and have a lot more people open to speaking English than in France. So, even though I only started learning German,  it鈥檚 been easy to integrate. 

I also have hobbies like track and field. I鈥檓 part of a run club, and that has helped with my integration. I have a solid work-life balance, so I can鈥檛 complain. Life has been good here. 

That鈥檚 lovely. What鈥檚 your favourite thing about Germany?

I like that I鈥檓 able to pursue my hobbies and have an identity outside of work; I don鈥檛 take that for granted, so it鈥檚 what I love the most about Germany. 

Another thing is how easy it is to move around in Germany. My monthly transportation pass, for instance, enables me to go to cities within the country and a few European countries.

I also enjoy German cuisine and try it whenever I鈥檓 out.

So, yes, I love all these things and also love that I鈥檓 surrounded by people who have my best interest at heart.

On a scale of one to ten, please rate life in France and Germany

I will give France a solid eight. If you鈥檙e a student in France under the age of 26, you get to enjoy crazy benefits. I got rent support from the French government, my transportation was also subsidised, and so were groceries. I could go to a restaurant and get a solid meal for one euro because I was a student. Life was good there.

I suspect I鈥檇 have rated France lower because I was a student my entire stay and would have had to experience life there without those benefits.

For Germany,  I鈥檓 inclined to give it an 8.5 even though I鈥檝e only been here a year. I think my rating is biased by how safe my city is. In my first week here, I lost my wallet, which had all my bank accounts, on a train and did not realise until two days later. Someone found it, and I was able to retrieve it with everything intact.

That sounds great. I wish you the best of luck in Germany

Thank you.

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Obiageli Okafor (28) knew she had to leave Nigeria to get ahead in her chosen career. So when she made up her mind to study in the UK, she went for it. In this story, she shares how she got to the UK, her initial struggles, and how she鈥檚 settled into a beautiful life.

Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I live in London, United Kingdom (UK), and I left Nigeria in August 2022.

What inspired your decision to leave?

I was primarily inspired by my search for greener pastures and the need to further my studies. I was fresh into tech in 2022, and I knew I鈥檇 have to get a degree in a related field if I was going to succeed at it. It was especially important because I studied English Language and Literature at the University. So, I packed my bags, went to the UK and got a master鈥檚 in Digital Business Management. It was totally worth it. The best decision I ever made.

What school did you go to?

The University of Portsmouth.

Is it a school you鈥檇 recommend to someone looking to study in the UK?

I absolutely recommend it. One thing that most people who come to the UK to study look out for is flexible schools, and the University of Portsmouth was just that for me. Some schools, for instance, require students to come in five times a week, which isn鈥檛 really ideal for an immigrant. At my school, nearly all our classes were online, and we came to school once a week. Now, I hear it鈥檚 been changed to one week of physical classes in a whole semester.

Aside from the flexibility of the classes, there was a lot of support from my lecturers. It also has an employability centre that does just what its name suggests. They helped me revamp my CV, and they provided so many opportunities for me to pitch to investors when I did my project.

Location-wise, the school is also great, because it鈥檚 close to London and you can meet like-minded people. 

My lecturers have remained super helpful; they connect me with people in the industry, invite me to speak to students, and actually share my posts on LinkedIn.

So yes, I definitely recommend the University of Portsmouth for anyone looking to study here in the UK. 

That鈥檚 so nice. Were your studies self-funded or a scholarship?

It was self-funded, and I鈥檇 come to regret it later on. I wanted to leave Nigeria as fast as I could. I also wasn鈥檛 well-informed about available funding opportunities, so I missed out on them. I did a lot of meaningful work in the Abuja Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) space and would have gotten funding from Chevening and the likes if I had sought it.

My family and friends chipped in to support my studies, but I still had a hard time here, and I fully regretted my decision to self-fund. I strongly advise against that. I hadn鈥檛 paid all my fees when I got here, so at the point when I had about three months left to pay up, I was so pressed for funds that I started doing all sorts of jobs to keep up. I did support work and also filled shelves at a supermarket, among other jobs.

Again, I would not advise self-funding. Explore all your options, and explore all platforms to secure full or partial funding. Even the University of Portsmouth had something called the Vice Chancellor鈥檚 funding, but I didn鈥檛 apply because I came with the last batch of students. Please, do your research before coming.

So, what was the visa application process like for you?

I used a service called Intake, and it was so helpful. They assigned an agent to me whom I didn鈥檛 pay a dime to. He took care of everything in the application process; all I had to do was show up. The school already pays them, so I didn鈥檛 have to.

What specific documents were you asked to submit?

I remember this part of the documentation so well because it was quite stressful for me. Applicants are required to take a Tuberculosis test at a test centre in Ikeja. I remember waking up early to queue up for it. I came at 5 am and left at 5 pm.

You also have to submit all your transcripts and the original results of your West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). To get this, you need a scratch card from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) board.

Other things you need to submit are your degree certificates, your National Identification Number (NIN), your birth certificate, a certificate from your state of origin, a statement of account, and, proof of full or part payment for your school fees, and of course, your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which the school gives you after you apply to them. 

How long did it take you to get your visa?

It took me two weeks. It was quite fast. I started my process in May, and by June, I had my visa. Everything was just fast. I think this is why people choose the UK over Canada and the rest.

How was the application process to the school like?

There was no interview involved, although I hear they do that now.

What do you think the interview is about?

I think they鈥檇 ask questions that help them understand what you know about the school, the course you want to study there, and other such things.

What else were you required to do?

I had to write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) to show why I chose the course I want to study, my original school certificate and transcripts.

Are there any SOP tips you can share?

First of all, you should hype yourself up in your SOP. The school doesn’t know who you are, so that鈥檚 your opportunity to sell yourself and explain why they should pick you. Pour out your heart to them, and ensure you stay away from ChatGPT while doing so.

You start by writing out all the things you鈥檝e achieved, all the things that make you a superstar, then tie that to your course of choice. I was just starting in tech and worked for a Dubai-based company called Tafa Bot. Before then, I had produced shoes in Nigeria; I mentioned both and mentioned the revenue I made from it, then tied them to my course, Digital Business Management. After the initial draft, I sent it to people for proofreading and peer review.

In a nutshell, show them you鈥檙e a superstar who can do terrific things if given the opportunity. Make sure you end the SOP by telling them how impactful you intend to be when you get your degree; don鈥檛 lie or be vague about this; actually explain it.

Most schools have a quota for people of African descent, and this helps give everyone a fair shot.

Do you have general tips for people looking to move to the UK to study?

There are a couple. The first one is to reduce your expectations while coming here. Find people who already go to your school of choice and follow them on social media so you can get firsthand feedback about the school. I had a whole spreadsheet of people I had asked.

Look for people at the school who are on scholarship and ask questions so you can always be one step ahead, especially in terms of time. Also, reach out to lecturers at your school of choice to learn what to expect. I reached out to a lecturer from my school and got that information from him.

There are so many boards that help with scholarships; do well to find out about them.  Some social media accounts always post about them, so you can follow and monitor them closely. Lastly, research, research, and research.

We鈥檝e talked about how you got to japa. Let鈥檚 talk about how you stayed back. How long did it take you to get a job?

Before, people on a graduate visa had 2 years to find a job that would sponsor them, but that has been reduced to 18 months. Lucky for me, I never got there; ten months into my visa, I switched to the Global Talent Visa.

The graduate visa isn鈥檛 that great because it doesn鈥檛 count as your time to get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It鈥檚 almost like you are in a state of limbo.

Love that for you! Let鈥檚 talk about the Global Talent Visa. How did you make that switch?

The Global Talent Visa is the best thing ever. It鈥檚 the kind of visa that lets you do everything. It’s literally like having a permanent residency in the UK. You can travel outside the UK for up to 180 days a year. It gives you so much freedom. You can open a business here and live and work in the UK without sponsorship.

There are two types: exceptional talent and exceptional promise. I鈥檓 under exceptional promise, so it鈥檒l take me five years to get my Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is like Permanent Residency (PR). Those under exceptional talent only need three years to get their ILR.

To qualify for exceptional talent, you need to have more than five years of work experience. You need less than five years of work experience for exceptional promise. I had three at the time, so I was eligible. 

To be given the exceptional promise, you have to show that you鈥檙e a promising talent who will bring impact to the UK and will do exceptional things if given the opportunity. To be fair, I have proven myself time and time again in this country. I believe I鈥檝e done my share of impact and still intend to do more.

That鈥檚 beautiful. What was the application process like?

You have to gather evidence of your talent or promise. For exceptional promise, you have to submit at least ten pieces of evidence that show you are promising.

A body called refers you to the Home Office. So you first have to get through to Tech Nation; they will endorse you to the Home Office. After that, you do your biometric, pay your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee, and the Home Office will send you the visa.

So, you鈥檝e got your master鈥檚 and the global talent visa. What do you currently do?

I鈥檓 a Senior Product Manager (PM), and I鈥檓 the Chief Executive of , a nonprofit that helps people from underrepresented backgrounds break into product management.

PM Help helps people understand what product management is, among other crucial things. We created a Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate the process, and we offer free certificates upon completion of learning. We have a community that helps people, that provides support, and we also do webinars and workshops where we teach things like vibe coding. We have an AI tool called a CV review tool that will review your CV and tell you what you can do, practical steps you can take to make your CV more product-oriented. There鈥檚 also our free interview prep that helps people prepare for interviews. We have something called product therapy, where people just come and vent about their frustrations with job hunting. We also place people on internships with our partner companies.

These sound nice.

We also have a general interview prep session and something called PM Buddy, a mentorship programme that matches 20 mentors with 20 mentees according to their strengths. They have a three-month cohort, just understanding how best to be a product person.

Curious, why are you offering them for free?

Because when I came here, I struggled, and nobody helped me; everyone wanted money, so I kept paying and paying. It was quite frustrating. When I finally got into the space, I realised I had paid for resources that were available online for free. If you go to our learning management system, you鈥檒l find that we literally use existing resources to craft a roadmap.

This is my social impact. It鈥檚 me giving back.

Really love it for you. So, what鈥檚 your favourite thing about the UK?

I live in London, and I think that鈥檚 my favourite part. Sometimes, I can鈥檛 believe I live here now, because we’ve read so much about it. London is a good mix of culture; you can literally meet anyone on the streets of London. 

It鈥檚 also a city that constantly challenges you to do better. It has redefined my thinking and reshaped me in a way. I used to be set in my ways, but I鈥檝e become more flexible since I came here. It鈥檚 also opened me up to so many opportunities, making it easier for me to travel to other parts of the world. It鈥檚 just great.

Nice. On a scale of one to ten, how do you rate the UK and why?

It鈥檚 a ten over ten for me. It鈥檚 such a multicultural place, and you never feel like you鈥檙e alone. It鈥檚 not perfect, but it鈥檚 better than most places, especially Nigeria, where I spent all my life. It鈥檚 safe, and most importantly, the system works. 

Sounds like you鈥檙e having a swell time. I wish you the best of luck

Thank you!

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Wendy had always wanted to live in Germany, but never pursued it because the student route was hectic. So when she heard about the country鈥檚 new skilled worker visa, she jumped at the opportunity. Now, she wants other people to know how surprisingly easy it is to do.

Why she chose to move through the work route

Even though she had always wanted to relocate to Germany, Wendy never felt the need to move through the study route, as that would take more time than she could spare. 

鈥淚 knew I didn鈥檛 want to move through the study visa because it can take up to two years to get that from Nigeria. The opportunity card was just what I needed, so I decided to jump on it when I came across it,鈥� she said.

What the opportunity card is

Wendy is a huge fan of Germany鈥檚 and believes more people would feel the same when they find out about it. She said the visa 鈥渁llows non-EU citizens to stay in Germany for up to one year to look for qualified employment鈥� and that it’s fashioned that way to attract skilled workers into the country.

The kinds of skills prioritised by German immigration authorities

The way Wendy explains it, the opportunity card does not discriminate; it accepts various kinds of workers, ranging from programmers to teachers, and artisans who went to vocational schools. 鈥淵ou only need to show them that you鈥檝e acquired that skill,鈥� Wendy said, explaining how important it is to have the required documents.

How to secure the opportunity card

鈥淪urprisingly easy鈥� is exactly how Wendy described the process of applying for the visa. Here are the things you need to do and have:

• Have a skill that can be proven through paperwork.
• Pay for your health insurance.
• Have your proof of funds ready. If you have friends or family members already in Germany, you can use a sponsorship letter.
• Get your passport and other necessary documents ready. You can find out about them from this website, and everything about the process can be done .

What it costs to secure the opportunity card

• The application fee- 鈧�75
• Proof of funds- 鈧�12,000.
• Health insurance charge-鈧�380
• Recognition for proof of qualification-鈧�208

How to stay back after the visa expiration

The German opportunity card allows skilled workers to move to the country without a job, allowing them one-year to find employment. But if you want to remain in the country even after the validity period, Wendy advises you to do either of the following:

• Stay back as a student. You can study for free if you can speak German
• Find a permanent job

What it鈥檚 like to live in Germany

When Wendy spoke with us in 2025, she said she misses her friends back home in Nigeria, but is adjusting and likes the country so far. She also listed reserved people, speaking moderately, and the cold weather as things to get accustomed to while living in Germany.

The perks of living in Germany

For Wendy, Germany鈥檚 world-class, free education system is one of the best parts of living in the country. She was also specific about its healthcare system, which she describes as solid.

鈥淚 came to Germany with an allergy that started in Nigeria. I would typically spend 鈧�600,000 to get it treated, and still have to wait for hours to see a doctor. But here, the doctor was willing to work with my schedule, and it was practically free.鈥�

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Uzor* (22) always wanted to study abroad. So when his friend learned about top-up courses at a conference, he jumped at the opportunity. In this story, Uzor shares how long it took him to complete his studies and what living in the UK feels like.

Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I currently live in the UK, and I left Nigeria in 2022.

What inspired your move to the UK?

I was inspired by the desire to study abroad. So after I got my diploma in Lagos, I transferred to a UK school, joined a final year class and earned a degree in Computer Systems Engineering.

How did you find out you could do a transfer?

Some universities do something called top-up courses, which is a fancy way of saying you can study at the university for a specific number of years if you already have some qualifications. They had a course related to what I already did for my diploma, so I met their transfer requirements. Over here, Computer Systems Engineering is a three-year course, so I was able to skip two years and join in the third year.

Congratulations! Was there any scholarship involved?

No. I self-funded.

How much did it cost you?

I can鈥檛 remember exactly how much I spent, but I estimate it鈥檚 about 拢18,000 for the entire program and 拢7000 to get me to the UK.

How did you hear about the school?

I heard about it through a friend who attended a conference they organised. I can鈥檛 recall exactly how he heard about the conference, but he somehow ended up there and then told me about it. At the conference, a travel agency, with affiliations to the school, said they help students with the application process for free. This was such a relief because our agent at the time wanted to charge us  鈧�150,000 per head. We both jumped at the chance to do it at no cost.

Eventually, they explained that agents are not supposed to charge students for assisting with their applications because the schools pay the agents per student they bring in.

What鈥檚 the name of the school you attended?

The University of Sunderland.

What documents did the travel agency ask you to bring?

They asked for regular documents, nothing out of the ordinary: degree certificates, National Identification Number (NIN), West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. I can鈥檛 remember the full details, but I know they don鈥檛 ask for a document you鈥檇 have a hard time providing.

How long did it take for the school to get back to you?

The school itself responded fairly quickly in general. I heard back from them within two weeks.

How long did your visa take?

The visa was a bit more complex. It took me about a month, but that was because a certain document was missing in the ones I submitted. They had to mail me back and ask that I send it to them again. This means my application went through the loop twice. I had paid for priority processing, which usually gets you a response within a week, but because of the missing document, I had to wait four weeks.

What were the specific things you spent on for the visa application?

I paid for the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee. The details are really blurry here, but I paid for the number of years I was to spend studying.

What documents did you need for your visa application? 

I can鈥檛 quite remember all the documents they asked for, but I know it wasn鈥檛 much

Let鈥檚 go back to the school. Is it a place you鈥檇 recommend for people looking to study in the UK?

I wouldn鈥檛 necessarily say I recommend it, and it鈥檚 mostly because of where it鈥檚 situated. It鈥檚 not a city, just a small town.

Ok. This is about the town; how about the school鈥檚 systems?

It鈥檚 ok, really. I didn鈥檛 have a direct experience with the system and can鈥檛 exactly recommend it to people. I spent only ten months there; if I had spent longer, then I鈥檇 be able to authoritatively speak on it.

Does the school require certain grades for the top-up courses?聽

I believe they reserve the right to reject you based on your grades.

What other UK universities do top-up courses?

The University of South Wales and Middlesex University do it. There could be others. I encourage people to check.

You鈥檝e graduated, no?

Yes, I have.

Congratulations! What visa are you currently on?

I’m on the sponsorship visa.

How long did it take you to get sponsorship?

It took me about a year after school to get sponsorship. But it wasn鈥檛 all bad for me because I already had a remote job I was doing. After I found my current job, I quit that one. They take care of my sponsorship.

What鈥檚 your favourite thing about living in the UK?

My favourite thing about the UK is the structure. Here, you鈥檙e sure that your train will arrive when it鈥檚 supposed to, and things work as they鈥檙e supposed to. This has a way of elevating your daily life.

What鈥檚 your least favourite thing?

I don’t like the weather. I鈥檓 also not a fan of the social structure here. It makes it difficult to have friends. It鈥檚 slightly different from Nigeria.

Have you been able to make any friends so far?

I moved with a couple of my friends from Lagos 

Would you recommend top-up courses for people looking to study in the UK?

I absolutely loved moving to the UK through this route. But would I recommend it? I wouldn鈥檛 immediately say yes, and this is because it鈥檚 not on the cheap side. Also, immigration rules are changing a lot these days, and the UK government frankly doesn鈥檛 know what it鈥檚 doing.

So, my advice to anyone considering this route is to find out and acknowledge the risks involved. Know the path you鈥檙e working on because getting sponsorship jobs is quite hard. There is a barrier to entry, so some companies, even if they wanted to hire some people, can鈥檛 exactly do so.

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate life in the UK compared to Nigeria?

At the baseline level, the UK is definitely a better place to live compared to Nigeria. But there are also things that make Nigeria lovely. The first is the strong feeling of home attached to it, primarily because I was born and grew up there. There鈥檚 also easy access to Nigerian food, unlike here in the UK.

What I鈥檓 saying is that the UK is better in terms of ease and structure. So if I were to put a number to it, I鈥檇 say a seven.

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Tolani (25) always wanted to get her master鈥檚 degree abroad. So when a conference took her to the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco, she knew she had found her school. In this story, Tolani shares how she secured the Mastercard Foundation scholarship and how she enjoys studying in Morocco.

Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I live in Rabat, Morocco. I left Nigeria in October 2025.

What inspired your move to Morocco?

My master鈥檚 inspired me to move; I always knew I wanted a master鈥檚 degree, and I also knew I didn鈥檛 want to do it in Nigeria. I also knew later on that I wanted to do my master鈥檚 at my current school. Before last year, I had visited it twice for a conference, and during those times, I fell in love with the school environment and its systems. The fact that it鈥檚 also highly ranked鈥攖op 400 in the world, fourth in Africa, and number one in North Africa鈥攕trengthened my resolve. As someone who plans to work on the continent, I knew I would benefit from studying in a school with that regional context.

What’s the name of the university you attend?

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.

What are you studying?

I鈥檓 doing  my master’s in International Management,

Are you funding yourself?

No, I鈥檓 under a fully-funded scholarship.

Can you share more about the scholarship?

I initially got an 85% scholarship from the school itself. Along the line, I got a fully funded scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation, so I went with that instead.

Please share more about both scholarships

The 85% scholarship that I initially got from the school is called the FIRSI scholarship. It鈥檚 a needs-based scholarship, so you have to receive admission from the school before they can consider you for the scholarship. You have to submit a couple of documents and answer some questions for them to ascertain that you really need the scholarship. The percentage of funding you get can vary from 30% to 100%, depending on the outcome of the evaluation.

Do they consider your grades in the evaluation process?

The does, but not entirely. The process definitely factors in grades in the evaluation.

You need to have gained admission into the school before you can apply for a scholarship. In my case, I applied for a master鈥檚 programme; I had a 2:1 grade, and I also had some work experience, which I think helped in the admissions process.

The FIRSI scholarship is divided into two categories: Social and Excellence. You鈥檙e eligible to apply for the social scholarship once you gain admission to the school. The questions they鈥檒l ask you won鈥檛 be related to your grades, as you already went past that while applying to study in the school. 

If you receive the Excellence scholarship, you鈥檒l be notified at the same time you receive your admission letter. The Excellence scholarship is a little different; the evaluation is a combination of your initial grade from past studies and your performance through the admission process; this could include your score on the admission test and your interview. This means that someone with a 2:1 grade can get the scholarship.

The needs-based scholarship is quite competitive. However, if you鈥檙e able to prove that you need it, there鈥檚 a good chance you鈥檒l get it.

So, how did you get the Mastercard Foundation scholarship?

A major requirement for the scholarship is that you must have already gotten admission into the school. I already got that, so I applied for the scholarship. Apart from my admission letter, I don鈥檛 think I had to submit any documents because I was already in the school鈥檚 system, and was in communication with them. I was called for an interview; however, the questions I was asked had nothing to do with grades since I was already admitted; they were mostly about my motivations, leadership abilities, professional background, what I want to do next, and other such things. 

It didn鈥檛 take long before I heard back from them. This could be different for other scholarships and other schools. I believe the response timeline they operated with might have been shortened because we were the first cohort of the scholarship in my school. I got a confirmation email from Mastercard Foundation a few weeks before I resumed school.

Do you work now? Are you allowed to work?

The programme is really intense. So even though I do one or two things on the side, I spend most of my time studying. I still do some community building and consulting work, but the majority of my attention is on my studies. Everything is paid for, so I don鈥檛 really have to worry about money. I just want to graduate with perfect grades.

Thanks for the insight about both scholarships. Can you shed some light on the application process to the school itself?

Sure. You need to gather all your documents for this. Please note that I鈥檓 speaking from a master鈥檚 perspective. You need to have your diploma, your transcripts, and a motivation letter.

Because Morocco is a French-speaking country, the school website is in French. This means you鈥檒l have to translate the website to find the English equivalent of the things you need. 

I also had to go to the court a lot to authenticate my documents because they always asked for verified documents. I had most of the required documents, but didn鈥檛 have a few. A community of Nigerian students helped me, and others, navigate the documentation process and translations here and there.

After the application process came the next stage- the test. I wrote an online test, which I passed. After that, I was called for a final interview, which had faculty members in attendance.

Can you share the specific things the Mastercard Foundation scholarship covers?

It covers my tuition, campus accommodation, a laptop, one round trip to my home country every year, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.

Do you have any tips for people interested in the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

I don鈥檛 have a lot of tips, because we鈥檙e the first cohort and the rules might change after us; however, there are specifics I can mention. First, the Mastercard Foundation scholarship in this school is for women. It鈥檚 not particularly so in other schools, but in Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, it鈥檚 for women.

Additionally, they鈥檙e looking for people who possess leadership and entrepreneurial potential, so you have to show that you have those.

Did you spend any money during this process?

Yes and no. The only money I spent was 5000 Moroccan Dirhams for my acceptance fee. But this was later refunded to me because I got a fully funded scholarship.  

You mentioned having some work experience. What did you do in Nigeria before you left?

I was working in the international development space. I was also a community and programs consultant, also running some of the communities I built.

How would you advise people looking to come to Morocco via the study route?

If they鈥檙e undergraduates, I鈥檇 tell them to focus on getting good grades because it goes a long way. Try to get at least a 2:1 grade. I studied Structural Engineering for my bachelors and even though I didn鈥檛 love the course, I worked hard to get a minimum of a 2:1 grade because I knew I wanted to do my master鈥檚 abroad and that I鈥檇 like to do that with a scholarship. You can still get a scholarship with a 2:2 grade, but it鈥檒l be more difficult.

You also need to have all your documents intact before you start applying for this scholarship. You can鈥檛 be interested in a scholarship without having your diploma, transcripts, and recommendation letters ready. Before I started applying, I went back to my department and got some of the lecturers I was friendly with to write me academic recommendation letters and also got other people to write professional recommendation letters. Some schools require two academic recommendation letters for further studies, while others allow one. But it鈥檚 best to have both. 

I was also not randomly applying to scholarships just to escape Nigeria, and I don鈥檛 advise people to do this. I knew what I wanted within the context of my vision for my career, so I chose the school that best suited me. This intentionality will also come in handy when you鈥檙e trying to convince a school to select you for a scholarship. The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, for instance, had over 90,000 applications last year and only accepted 1,300 applicants.

Additionally, it鈥檇 help to find a community of people also applying, so you can help each other out.

Do you plan to stay back in Morocco after your studies?

I might stay back, but I鈥檓 still undecided. Morocco is a really nice country. There are lots of lovely places to visit, it has a lot of culture, a lot of character, and it鈥檚 also pretty affordable.

How do you cope with studying in a French-speaking country?

The university has French and English-taught courses. During your application process on the website, you鈥檙e asked to indicate whether or not you鈥檙e fluent in French. The English taught options are not as many as the French taught options, but there鈥檚 still a considerable number of them to pick from. 

I also don鈥檛 have any issues communicating with people in school because a lot of people here speak English. I also don鈥檛 have many issues outside of the school environment. On the few occasions that I encounter people who can鈥檛 speak English, I use Google Translate. I鈥檓 trying to learn French and the local language so I can be well-rounded.

Is there racism in Morocco?

I spend a lot of time on campus, and I don鈥檛 experience that here. You might meet one or two people who act a bit weird, but it’s not a constant thing.

I also haven鈥檛 experienced it much outside of the school environment. Morocco is a tourist country, so they鈥檙e used to having foreigners among them.

They鈥檙e unproblematic for the most part and will give you no trouble if you mind your business and don’t go around causing trouble.

My answers are not given to invalidate anyone鈥檚 experience. I just haven鈥檛 experienced a lot of racism here. It鈥檚 been a good experience so far.

Any culture shocks so far?

There have been quite a few. One of the first ones was the level of liberalism I saw here. Coming in, I knew Morocco was a Muslim country, so I was expecting everyone to be all covered up, but that was not the case. You can wear whatever you want on campus; nobody cares.

I was also surprised to see that they wash the roads. They literally use machines to wash the road; I hadn’t seen that before, so it was quite shocking in a good way.

Another culture shock for me was the affordability of life here; I don鈥檛 know what I was expecting, but I wasn鈥檛 expecting that.

What鈥檚 your favourite thing about Morocco?

The affordability I just mentioned. Things are so affordable here, and it鈥檚 really great.

I also love the fact that systems work here. I don鈥檛 have to worry about basic things and low-quality problems. There鈥檚 constant power, the internet is great, the trains and buses are mostly efficient, and things just work.

Love it for you. So what’s your least favourite thing about Morocco?

The cold is my least favourite thing. I fell sick for a couple of months because of it. But I鈥檓 used to it now, and it makes my skin glow.

On a scale of one to ten, how do you like studying in Morocco?

I would rate it a solid seven. My university is one of the best in Africa and in the top 400 in the world. The facilities are great, and for the first time in my life, I actually like school; that鈥檚 such a big win for me. I鈥檝e also made some really good friends here, and it鈥檚 just such a beautiful country. It鈥檚 in proximity to Europe, so that鈥檚 a good thing for someone like me who loves travelling. I absolutely plan to maximise that. 

Love that for you. I wish you the best in your studies and future endeavours.

Thank you so much!

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Franca (20s) has always admired asian culture, so when she was looking for a scholarship, it felt natural to look in one of its countries. In this story, Franca shares how she landed a fully funded scholarship to her dream school in one trial, how she鈥檚 faring, and how others can replicate her success.

Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I currently live in South Korea. I left Nigeria in August 2024. 

What inspired your move to South Korea?

A huge part of my inspiration was the culture, really. I have always appreciated Asian culture, so when I was looking for a scholarship for my master鈥檚, it felt natural to look in Asia. I tried South Korea, and it worked for me. That鈥檚 how I ended up here.

What course are you studying now?

I did my bachelor’s in Mass Communication, and I鈥檓 currently doing my master鈥檚 in International Relations.

What鈥檚 the name of the scholarship, and how did you find it?

It鈥檚 a fully-funded program called , and I believe it鈥檚 quite popular amongst people who are into Korean culture or Korean dramas.

The scholarship is funded by the Korean government through the Ministry of Education and implemented by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). It opens up each year for graduates and undergraduates alike. Once opened, Korean embassies in various countries publicise the scholarship application period across their social media platforms. I follow and have done so for a long time. I first saw their post about the scholarship in 2023 during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year.

I started preparing my documents and requirements in 2023. By 2024, I was able to apply.

So, what was the application process like?

I wouldn鈥檛 say the application process was difficult, but I鈥檒l say it was complicated. Compared to Western countries with online applications, the GKS requires you to do a procedure called document legalisation and authentication. This means you have to take your education documents, like transcripts, degree certificates, and your birth certificate. To the Ministry of Education for legalisation. After that, you will have to take it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Korean Embassy for the same purpose. After that, you also have to take it to the High Court to get their stamp on it. It鈥檚 a long process with complicated steps.

There are actually two different application routes. You can either choose to do it through the Korean embassy, where documents are submitted at the  Korean Cultural Centre, or you may choose to apply via the university route.

How does the university route work?

If you happen to choose the university route, after legalising and authenticating all your documents, you send them via a courier service to the University you鈥檙e applying to in South Korea.

Can you list all the required documents?

The scholarship usually publishes something called the GKS Guideline. The guideline usually entails all the documents you鈥檙e expected to submit. Some universities also request specific documents outside of the ones listed in the guidelines. Some may ask you to submit things like IELTS, an English proficiency test, a portfolio, among other things.

Overall, the main documents which you must have to apply are your transcripts, degree certificates and birth certificate if you鈥檙e a master鈥檚 student. For undergraduate candidates, it鈥檚 usually a testimonial, a high school transcript and a birth certificate. Additionally, a personal statement and study plan are required for both categories. If you have other documents that show evidence of meaningful extracurricular activities, such as volunteering, that would also boost your chances.

Can the quality of a person鈥檚 personal statement mar their application?

It does. The embassy application route (which I used) is in three stages, namely document submission/evaluation, interview, and successful candidates selection. The personal statement and study plan are reviewed in the first stage alongside other documents. If you do not make it past this stage, you can鈥檛 make it to the second and third rounds.

Do you have any tips for strong personal statements and study plans?

Sell yourself as much as you can in your essay. The people reviewing your application will accept it only if they鈥檙e absolutely convinced you鈥檙e a qualified candidate. Korea spends a lot of money funding this scholarship, so you need to prove that you鈥檙e worth the investment.

You need to project confidence in your essay. You also need to demonstrate that you are skilled and have engaged in meaningful extracurricular activities like volunteering, among others. Most importantly, you need to demonstrate that you have excelled academically in your past studies. This is especially important because you need to score at least a 3.5 on a four-point scale.

That makes a lot of sense. How many times did you apply?

I applied once and got in on my first trial.

Love it for you. How long did the application process take?

For graduate programmes, applications usually open in February up until early July when the final results for successful applicants are released. Students begin to come to Korea in August.It鈥檚 a little different for undergraduate studies; the applications open up in September, and students start coming in by March.

I understand the scholarship is fully funded; does it only take effect once you’re in South Korea?

Not exactly. You have to cover your transportation from your house to the airport, and that is all.  They cover your flight to the country and every other thing you鈥檒l need during your studies. This includes our round-trip flight ticket to and after studies, tuition fee, and a monthly stipend. All you have to do is carry your bags to the airport, then study hard when you get to South Korea.

That鈥檚 so cool. So, how much did you spend on the process back in Nigeria?

I spent money only on getting myself to the airport, getting around to the Korean Embassy, and the two ministries I mentioned earlier for the preparation of my documents. I spent about 鈧�200,000, and that was in 2024. I know the price has increased now because the cost of preparing those documents was hiked after my time. Those ministries probably hiked it after they saw the demand for those services was increasing; services that cost 鈧�1,000 per page suddenly began costing about 鈧�4,000. Things may have increased, but I don鈥檛 expect general expenses to exceed 鈧�500,000 if you leave within Abuja. But if you have to travel to Abuja to get it done, then of course, travelling down to Abuja will definitely mean spending more.

Awesome. Are students allowed to work under the scholarship?

Yes and no. We鈥檙e not allowed to work in our first year in the country. This is mainly to enable students concentrate on the one-year Korean language programme they are required to do. This stage is particularly crucial because you can be sent back to your country if you don鈥檛 pass the programme.

Once you pass the language programme and get into undergraduate or graduate school, you鈥檒l be allowed to work during breaks. Working may distract you or make things tedious for you, and that鈥檚 the last thing you need because studying in another language is already hard enough. The sponsors of the scholarship, the NIIED, also emphasise the importance of good grades in keeping the scholarship. You are expected to maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 80% or higher on a 100-point scale.

You also need to maintain near-perfect attendance. The school keeps track of your attendance and will report to the NIIED if you miss class more than three times; you will get three warnings and will likely be sent back to your country after you鈥檝e exhausted all three warnings. There鈥檚 no need to risk it. I advise you put your head down and study.

Are students expected to leave after their studies?

Students are not required to leave, and I think it鈥檚 an advantage that South Korea has over Western countries, where it鈥檚 insisted that you return to your home country after a stipulated time. Things are much more flexible here in that aspect; the decision to stay back is usually up to you. You鈥檙e also not mandated to secure employment within a stipulated time. Of course, it鈥檚 in your best interest that you get a job so as to sustain yourself, but you鈥檒l not be sent packing if you don鈥檛 have one just yet.

So, what鈥檚 studying in South Korea like?

 It’s been an interesting experience full of new learning so far; however, I think the answer to that is highly dependent on who you ask. Some students attend universities where a majority of the courses are taught in complete Korean; I  imagine that wouldn’t be so enjoyable for them. My classes are taught in English, so I enjoy them.

What university do you attend? Would you recommend it?

My school is called , and I hundred per cent recommend it. This 

has always been my dream university, and I really enjoy studying here.

What would you say to Nigerians who are looking to study in South Korea?

Come ready to learn. I say this because things are a lot different here than they are back home. The culture is different, people鈥檚 behaviours are different, and things are done in an orderly manner. No one is pushing to get ahead of a queue or roughing their way into public transportation. 

My experience here has opened my eyes to new things, new experiences, and new cultures. Also, South Korea is becoming a little like the US in the way that international students flock here. I鈥檝e met so many people here, and I love it.

South Korea is also technologically advanced and a good place to do business. I encourage people to explore this place.

Is there racism in South Korea?

It depends on who you鈥檙e asking. I personally haven’t experienced racism here. It might be because I鈥檓 in the capital, where South Koreans are much more familiar with other races. You鈥檒l find that it鈥檚 the same in some other countries.

It has been easy for me to settle in here. The only difficult part has been the weather. It gets quite cold here during winter.

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate South Korea, and why?

I鈥檒l rate it an 8.5. I haven鈥檛 been here that long, so I鈥檓 probably swayed by my good experiences. I haven鈥檛 had any dreadful moments here, and I鈥檝e met really nice people here. Overall, I鈥檒l say I鈥檝e been favoured a lot.

Sounds great. I wish you the best, Franca

Thank you.

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Toyyib (40) left Nigeria for the UK way before the japa wave was a thing. In his 18 years abroad, Toyyib has seen governments come and go, and immigration laws do the same. In this story, Toyyib shares his UK journey and dishes out the best immigration advice for Nigerians.

Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I live in London, United Kingdom (UK), and I left Nigeria in 2008

Wow! You鈥檝e been a while. What inspired your move?

It was the opportunity to study and work that inspired me. I am the first child of my family, and we were quite poor. I struggled through school and had to drop out twice, not because I wasn鈥檛 smart enough, but because of finances.

I was at home after I dropped out. Coincidentally, it was around that time that the internet was getting into Nigeria. Someone told me there was a scholarship exam (SAT Test) I could write to study abroad for free, and that was like a lightbulb moment for me; I saw the scholarship not just as an opportunity to study but also as an avenue through which I鈥檇 support my family.

So, how did you proceed?

The story doesn鈥檛 quite go the way you鈥檇 think. My discovery of the scholarship was only the beginning of the journey. I lived in Mushin, a poor and densely populated area in Lagos; at the time, there were hardly any opportunities in that area, so a handful of people and I formed a group aimed at finding tuition-free opportunities to study abroad.

There was no YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter at the time. Nobody was doing travel content either, so we only used Google. We鈥檇 buy overnight browsing tickets, and we鈥檇 email hundreds of schools in different parts of the world. We also found local institutions that could help us, and we spent a lot of time at the British Council and at the United States Information Service (USIS).

My numerous emails to various schools meant I was getting many prospectuses too, from the UK, US, St Kitts and Nevis, Germany, Sweden, and other countries. But they didn鈥檛 come with a scholarship, so that was an issue.

I finally did get a full tuition scholarship in the US, but the embassy denied my visa five times. I also tried the UK and other parts of Europe, but was denied. I kept trying and got the UK again on the eighth attempt. However, it wasn鈥檛 with a scholarship.

How did you fund your studies?

Unlike now, where you need to pay a lot of money to get admission, you didn鈥檛 need to pay any deposit to get admission at the time. That was how I was able to get into the country.

What advice would you give to people from a similar background looking to move?

Firstly, I鈥檇 like people to understand that every time period presents its own opportunities, so you have to be alert to know what the opportunities are in your time. This means you have to know every single thing about every country and almost every school. There are a lot more resources to do this now, too.

Another thing is that you should go for opportunities that best suit your condition, not necessarily the one you want. I met a student in Paris, for instance, who had to learn French because the tuition fees for French schools are much lower; it wasn鈥檛 an easy thing to do, but he had to, because it was the best way for him based on his situation.

What university did you attend, and would you recommend it?

I would refer to my advice about researching opportunities open to you; at the time I came in, there were a lot of colleges that had the license to sponsor students鈥� visas and also offered certificate programmes. So even though I had a science background, I studied Business Management, because that was the opportunity available to me at that time. Those colleges no longer exist; they were phased out by the government at some point.

Years later, at the age of 30, I went back to school to study Civil Engineering. I studied at , and I鈥檇 recommend it for anyone looking to study here. It’s a great school to go to.

I don鈥檛 expect the cost of your education to be reflective of the current cost

It certainly isn鈥檛.  But I can give you a recent price. One of my younger siblings just graduated, and I was at the forefront of raising the money for her studies. The school fees alone were 拢14,000, and that does not include living expenses.

You have to budget about 拢1000 a month for your living expenses, depending on which part of the country you are in. So if you鈥檙e studying for one year, your living expenses alone would cost 拢12,000; when you add that to the average school fees of 拢14,000, you鈥檒l be looking at 拢26,000.

That鈥檚 a lot of money

Absolutely. Studying in the UK now is a very expensive thing to do without a scholarship. The problem is that a lot of people assume they can gather that money when they get here, but they forget they鈥檙e only allowed to work 20 hours a week; the only expenses you can cover with those working hours are your living expenses. I strongly recommend that people who cannot afford the cost of studying here up front apply for scholarships instead. Scholarships like the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, the Turkish government scholarship, Switzerland government scholarship, the Stefan Banach scholarship in  Poland and many more.

Were you working when you were in school?

Yes, I was. There was an opportunity to work, and I worked as a cleaner at a nightclub. I worked behind the bar. I also cleaned the club鈥檚 toilet before. That job was good at the time because I got extra money from customers asides what I was paid, and I was able to float my bills. That’s the great thing about working in hospitality; people can give you tips which you share with your co-workers.

There were times when I cleaned car parks, but the nightclub job was really helpful.

This worked for me at the time, but the advice I currently give people is to find community. I cannot overemphasise the importance of community. It鈥檚 also particularly easier for us now because there is nowhere that you won鈥檛 find Nigerians.

You can find the Nigerians around you through Facebook, religious communities, and ethnic communities. As you network within your community, also network outside of it. It鈥檚 people that鈥檒l help you, tip you off on opportunities, and so much more.

You also have to be open to those opportunities. Some people let things like shyness and ego stop them, but they don鈥檛 realise that you need to put those aside and put your head down. Abroad can make you suffer even if you were already big in Nigeria. It鈥檚 a reality that you鈥檇 have to embrace if you鈥檙e coming here. You must be like water, ready to adapt. Do not mind what people would say because it鈥檇 hinder you from taking necessary actions to find the people who will help you.

Some mosques and churches help new arrivals find jobs. If you tell them what you鈥檙e open to, they will rally round to support you. 

Once you get a job from those communities, work hard at it because that鈥檒l get you a good reference, and references matter more here than qualifications. Also, volunteer for charities; that鈥檇 give you the reference you need for a head start.

You鈥檝e been in the UK for a while now. Are there any dos and don’ts you think people should know?

I鈥檓 not sure there are necessarily dos and don鈥檛s, but I鈥檇 say you should definitely learn how to drive before you leave Nigeria, because you might meet an opportunity that requires you to drive. It鈥檚 also important because it鈥檚 expensive to learn it here; at the moment, it costs circa 拢30 per hour for an instructor, and much more in some places.

Also, learn a craft; it could be barbing of hair, braiding, or anything at all. One of our brothers here makes money from tying gele for people during weddings. Some people also get health and safety certifications, and they start cooking for people. Your school certificate might not immediately earn you money, so try to be as solid as possible before coming.

Also, bring all your transcripts with you from home. You might need to evaluate them when you are looking for a job.

Another thing you should do is to start reaching out to people in your field early enough. It鈥檚 good to focus on your education once you get here, but you should also connect with people. Find out the people who already work in the industry you aspire to; find out if there are any Nigerians there, and if you can network with them. Also, find out the events that the people in that industry go to and plan to attend.

Don鈥檛 wait till your visa is near expiration to do all these. Once you get here, build publicly and share your knowledge publicly. Talk about the things you鈥檙e already doing and talk like someone already in employment, not a student.

What visa are you currently on?

I鈥檓 a permanent resident now.

Have you been back in Nigeria since you left?

I come home regularly. I was home last year. It鈥檚 usually family time when I鈥檓 in Nigeria, unless I have official engagements.

That鈥檚 nice. Do you have any plans to come back to Nigeria permanently?

That might be in the works, and it鈥檇 be mainly to help out. We are an ever increasing young population, and all hands need to be on deck. I can鈥檛 say for certain now, but I might split my time between Nigeria and the UK.

Nigeria has a huge youth population; we are projected to be the third largest population in the world in the next 20-30 years. We need to invest heavily in our young people so that we can be a strong pipeline for the global economy to grow; that will, in turn, help Nigeria to grow as well. And since everything I do is mainly to encourage personal development among other people, I might do some work here in the future, but we鈥檒l see.

That鈥檚 great. How would you rate the UK on a scale of one to ten?

In comparison to Nigeria, the UK would always be better, especially in terms of economy and other things available to everybody. There was a time I saw former UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, taking the same thing that I was taking when she suffered from a sore throat.

Former PM Boris Johnson was treated for COVID in the same hospital most people use.

The basics are available for everybody here, yes, but there is also the argument that this country has been here for thousands of years and has run the world for hundreds of years. So, you can鈥檛 really compare it to Nigeria in the real sense.

How would you rate the UK now compared to the year you came?

I鈥檒l say things are harder now than they were when I came. This is the reason I am out there sharing as much information as possible so that people do not suffer the same things I suffered.

There was someone, for instance, whom I  advised to go into Social work over another option of hers, and now, she called me five years down the line to tell me she had bought her first property. The UK is definitely harder now, so I鈥檒l continue to help people find the right path to ease things for them.

Want to share your japa story? Please reach out to me .

Politics affects your life every day and in so many ways. And you should have a say in who gets to decide things that affect you. Apathy only rewards bad leaders. Your silence only hurts you. So come, let your voice be heard at the second edition of The Citizen Townhall.

February 28, in Lagos, there won鈥檛 be a more important place to be. Come through and join the conversation. .

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Uzor* (31) left Nigeria through the study route in 2019 to escape the difficulties of Buhari鈥檚 Presidency. Now, seven years later, he has settled in and is working a stable job. In this story, Uzor explains why he believes the study route is no longer an advisable way of coming to the UK and what working in the country feels like.

Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?

I currently live in the UK. I first left Nigeria in 2013, but I returned and left again in 2019.

Curious鈥� Why did you come back to Nigeria before?

I thought I could come back and do something meaningful, but I thought wrong. Also, I didn鈥檛 like it in the UK at the time, mostly because of the weather; it gets dark very early in the winter, which gets very depressing. More importantly, I thought there’d be a lot more to do back home.

What inspired your second move to the UK, and what visa did you go with?

I went back to the UK as a student; It was Buhari鈥檚 Presidency that inspired me to go back. I just couldn鈥檛 bear being in Nigeria.

I understand. Did you get a scholarship for the studies?

Not really. I had a sponsor who paid for it.

Can you remember how much it cost you to leave?

Well, things have changed a lot since then. I know I had a 鈧�3.5 million budget at the time, which covered the flight I took for the visa application, the hotel I stayed at, a school fees deposit, a Tuberculosis test, and my flight to the UK. My memory is a bit rusty now, and I鈥檓 not quite certain, but I think this was what it cost.

What was your visa application process like?

The visa application took me about three weeks. My case wasn鈥檛 anything out of the ordinary. I don鈥檛 know how it works now, but when I applied, I got it within three weeks.

After I paid a deposit to the school, I got a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). It was after the CAS that I applied for my visa. 

I also needed proof of funds to demonstrate I could afford my education and welfare. The money also had to have been in the account for 28 days. I don鈥檛 know what the rules are currently, but this is what it was when I applied. I also needed to have my Tuberculosis certificate, as well as payment for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). I was eligible for the refund of my IHS, even though I never applied for it.

Why were they refunding the IHS?

They weren鈥檛 refunding everyone; I was eligible for a refund because I was in the health service. You can apply for a refund of the IHS if you work in the health service. People who work in social care are also eligible for it.

What university did you attend?

I had four offers from different schools, and I chose the University of Lancashire.聽

Why did you choose the university?

I had an offer from the University of Plymouth, one from Oxford Brookes, another from Hertfordshire, and, of course, the University of Lancashire, called the  University of Central Lancashire at the time. I chose the school because it offered me the most money.

Nice. How much were you offered?

Lancashire offered me 拢6,000, Oxford Brookes offered me admission, but with zero pounds, the University of Hertfordshire offered me 拢4,000, while the University of Plymouth offered me 拢2,000. Obviously, I went to the University with the highest offer.

Another deciding factor for me was the affordability of Preston, the city where the University is domiciled. Compared to other cities like Oxford (Oxford Brookes University), Plymouth (Plymouth University), and Hartfield (University of Hertfordshire), Preston was the cheapest, and it was also close to Manchester. I like quieter cities as well, so all of these factors helped me decide.

What was it like studying at the University of Lancashire?

I don鈥檛 mean to be rude, and I can鈥檛 speak to the current time, but back then, the University was underwhelming. I say this because I had studied at a much better University for my undergraduate degree; lectures were recorded at the school, and people who couldn鈥檛 make it to class got access to them, whereas in Lancashire, the lectures were not recorded. The feedback time was also longer in Lancashire.

I should add that I didn鈥檛 consider my experience at Lancashire bad because the school I compared it with is much more expensive. I paid a lot less in Lancashire, so it was alright in its way. I encouraged other people to study there after my time, and I think they had a good time too.

Do you remember how much your tuition was at the time?

Yes. I think it was 拢9,950.

Did you have a job while you studied?

Yes, I did. I was a support worker.

What do you do now, and what perks do you enjoy?

I currently work as a neurodiversity clinician. In terms of perks, I don鈥檛 think there are any perks in particular, except that the sickness policy is very generous; if perhaps I got ill for six months, and wasn鈥檛 going to work, for about nine months or 12 months, I鈥檇 still be paid my full salary until I return.

I also like the stability of my salary, even though I鈥檓 in public service; My salary comes on the 27th of every month, no matter what.  I know it鈥檚 not the same in Nigeria, where public servants are owed for months, and have to protest for it.

What visa are you currently on?

I am currently on the Skilled Worker visa.

What鈥檚 the process of upgrading?

You first need to get a paying job, get your Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), and that鈥檚 it. It鈥檚 a straightforward process and shouldn鈥檛 take you more than five seconds.

What advice would you give to people looking to japa through the study route?

It鈥檚 no longer how it used to be. There have been a lot of changes to the immigration rules, so spending so much money to come here to study a course when you know you can鈥檛 stay back is pointless. Before, you鈥檇 get two years post-studies to secure a job, but now, they鈥檝e decreased it to 18 months and then you鈥檇 have to get a job that鈥檒l earn you a lot of money.

I wouldn鈥檛 say that coming to the UK via the study route will give people value for their money. A lot of people who came to study, especially in 2023/2024, are currently struggling because their visas are running out, and it鈥檚 been tough getting jobs.

Anyone who wants to come to the UK through the study route has to factor in the things I鈥檝e mentioned because it鈥檚 an investment, and you have to get the best out of every investment. With the current exchange rates and high school fees, people will be running into about 鈧�50 million to come here. Its not wise to spend that money just based on the hope you have about securing a job immediately after your studies.

Think long and hard before you do anything; what is the cost of study, and what is the employability of the course you intend to study? If you must use the study route, think of other options like Australia, because I can鈥檛 even suggest Canada now.

Do you have a support system in the UK?

Yes, I have a support system here. But I had to work for it, and I think that鈥檚 one thing that many people fail to understand; you have to be intentional about making friends in adulthood because they can no longer be thrust upon you.

Last year, when I moved to a new city, I joined a local church, even though I don鈥檛 describe myself as a Christian. I made friends through the church. I also made friends through an online community of Nigerians living in the UK. I attended events and involved myself in things. While I still lived in another city, I was a part of the community groupchat there, and I commented regularly.

Support systems don鈥檛 just happen; you have to be intentional about building one because you鈥檒l need it.

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the UK?

Living in the UK? Well, because I can only compare the UK with Nigeria, I would give it a seven. The UK is home, but I won鈥檛 lie, there have been times I wanted to move. I鈥檓 still harbouring that thought because I feel like my earning potential in other countries would be higher.

Want to share your japa story? Please reach out to me .

Politics affects your life everyday and in so many ways. And you should have a say in who gets to decide things that affect you. At the second edition of The Citizen Townhall, we鈥檒l be answering the big question: Who gets to shape our lives and what can we do about it?

February 28, in Lagos, there won鈥檛 be a more important place to be. Come through and join the conversation. .

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