Moving to the UK as a Nigerian teacher comes with exciting opportunities, but it’s essential to budget for the expenses involved.
From visa fees to accommodation and daily living costs, proper financial planning will make your transition smoother.
In this guide, we’ll break down the relocation cost for Nigerian teachers moving to UK, including visa expenses, flights, housing, and potential financial support available.
1. Visa Application Costs
To work in the UK, you’ll need a Skilled Worker Visa which requires specific fees:
- Visa Application Fee: £610 – £1,408
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year.
For a three-year visa, expect to pay around £2,482 (visa fee + IHS). If bringing dependents, additional fees apply.
2. Flight Costs from Nigeria to the UK
Your one-way ticket from Nigeria to the UK will depend on the airline, time of booking, and season.
- Economy Class Ticket: ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 (£320 to £530).
- Premium Economy or Business Class: ₦700,000 to ₦1,500,000 (£750 to £1,600).
💡 Tip: Book your flight in advance to get the best rates.
3. Accommodation Costs in the UK
Housing is one of the biggest expenses for Nigerian teachers moving to UK.
Costs vary based on city and type.
Short-Term Accommodation (First Few Weeks)
- Hotel or Airbnb: £50 to £150 per night.
- Temporary Rentals: £500 to £1,500 per month.
Long-Term Accommodation
- London: £1,200 to £2,000 per month (one-bedroom apartment).
- Manchester, Birmingham, and Other Cities: £600 to £1,200 per month.
- Shared Housing: £300 to £700 per month.
💡 Tip: Many UK schools offer support in finding housing. Consider staying in shared housing or renting outside major cities to reduce costs.
4. Monthly Living Expenses in the UK
Apart from rent, Nigerian teachers should budget for daily expenses:
| FOOD £150 – £300 |
| TRANSPORT £80 – £150 |
| UTILITIES £150 – £250 |
| PHONE & DATA £20 – £50 |
| OTHERS £100 – £300 |
🔹 Total Living Expenses (excluding rent): £500 – £800 per month
5. UK Government Support
To help overseas teachers, the UK government offers a £10,000 International Relocation Payment (IRP).
Who is Eligible?
✔ Non-UK teachers moving to England for a teaching job.
✔ Teaching physics or languages in a state school.
✔ Employment starting in the 2024–2025 academic year.
✔ Relocated to UK no more than 3 months before the job starts.
🔹 How Is the £10,000 IRP Paid?
- First £5,000 after your first term
- Second £5,000 after 1 year of teaching
📌 See more on: UK Government Website
6. Additional Costs to Consider
- Professional Registration: Some teachers may need to apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) (£0–£1,500 depending on qualification route).
- Shipping Personal Belongings: Air freight costs vary (£200–£1,000).
- Travel Insurance: Recommended for initial months (£50–£200).
7. Total Estimated Relocation Cost for Nigerian Teachers
| VISA & IHS £2,482 |
| FLIGHT TICKET £320 – £530 |
| HOUSING £1,200 – £4,000 |
| LIVING EXPENSES £500 – £800 |
| ADDITIONAL £300 – £1,500 |
| TOTAL £4,802 – £9,312 |
🔹 With the £10,000 IRP support, many teachers can cover most of their relocation costs.
📌 Next Steps:
✅ Search for UK Schools Offering Visa Sponsorship UK SCHOOL JOBS LIST
✅ Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa UK WORKER VISA GUIDE
✅ Learn More About UK Teacher Salaries & Benefits
GOOD LUCK.
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