Visa Uncertainty and Rising Costs Force Nigerian Students to Rethink Study Abroad Plans
Nigerian students are rethinking their study abroad plans due to tightening visa rules and rising costs, according to a recent survey by Navitas. The uncertainty surrounding visa approvals has made it increasingly difficult for international students from emerging markets like Nigeria to pursue higher education in traditional destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
The Navitas survey found that 80% of agents believe awareness of visa rejection rates is discouraging applications, even from academically strong students. Moreover, 76% said students with strong academic and financial profiles are choosing destinations where visa approval is perceived to be more certain.
Rapid changes in immigration policy have forced students to reconsider their study abroad plans, according to Sanjay Laul, founder of MSM Unify. 'Visa policy has become one of the biggest variables in a student's study-abroad decision, and it now changes faster than a student can complete a degree,' he said.