Skip the IELTS bill, save your nerves, and still bag a quality UK degree.
For 2025, at least seven universities will waive standard English-test scores for Nigerian students who earned a WAEC English grade C6 or better.
Below you’ll find the tuition ranges, application tips, and official links—everything you need to start an affordable study-abroad journey.
| University | Typical UG Tuition (£/yr) | WAEC Grade | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sunderland | £12 500 – 14 000 | C6 | Sunderland |
| Teesside University | £13 000 – 14 800 | C6 | Middlesbrough |
| University of Greenwich | ≈ £14 500 | C6 | London |
| University of Hertfordshire | £14 000 – 15 500 | C6 | Hatfield |
| Coventry University | £16 000 – 17 500 | C | Coventry |
| University of Portsmouth | £17 200 – 18 100 | C6 | Portsmouth |
| Ulster University | ≈ £15 840 | C6 | Belfast / Derry |
*Tuition figures are for 2025/26 intakes and exclude scholarships.
Always confirm the latest fees on the university’s website.
1 · University of Sunderland
Sunderland is a northern coastal city with one of the UK’s lowest living-cost indices.
International undergraduates pay from £12 500 per year, and the school expressly lists WAEC C6 English as proof of language proficiency.
An automatic International Scholarship (up to £1 500) drops that sticker price even further.
Official English-language requirements →
2 · Teesside University
Teesside, based in Middlesbrough, specialises in business analytics, digital art, and engineering.
Tuition averages £13 000 – 14 800.
Their admissions page explicitly accepts WAEC A1–C6 as an IELTS alternative, so long as the result is less than ten years old.
3 · University of Greenwich
Greenwich offers a London postcode without Zone-1 rent.
Undergraduate fees hover around £14 500, and the university waives IELTS if you have WAEC/NECO C6 in English.
Popular with Nigerians for Computing, its riverside campus and Docklands skyline give Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Greenwich English-language page →
4 · University of Hertfordshire
Just 25 minutes by train from central London, “Herts” blends a suburban cost-of-living with big-city job access.
International fees start at £14 000, and the Nigeria country page confirms that WAEC C6 satisfies English.
Bonus: a 20 % Early-Bird discount applies if you pay your deposit before 30 June.
5 · Coventry University
Known for automotive and aerospace programmes, Coventry sets fees between £16 000 and £17 500.
Their English matrix notes WASSCE English grade C as “equivalent to IELTS 6.0”, clearing you for a direct offer.
Look out for the Vice-Chancellor’s Africa Scholarship (£1 500) to shave costs.
6 · University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s coastal campus is beloved for its affordability and 90-minute train link to London.
For 2025, undergrad tuition sits at £17 200 – 18 100.
The university formally accepts WASSCE/WAEC English C6.
Added perks: free airport pickup and a £1 600 automatic merit scholarship.
Official English-language list →
7 · Ulster University
With campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry, Ulster combines tuition of roughly £15 840 with Northern Ireland’s famously low rent.
The Nigeria page lists WAEC C6 and NECO C6 as accepted English evidence.
What Next? Plan Your 2025 Application Roadmap
- 30 + Fully Funded Scholarships Nigerians Can Apply for 2025/26
- Canada Study-Permit Proof-of-Funds Calculator (2025)
- Poland Student Visa From Nigeria: Step-by-Step Process & Cost
- Cheapest Post-Study Work-Visa Pathways – UK vs Canada vs Germany
FAQs
Do I still need UKVI IELTS for my Student Visa?
Not if your university’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) lists WAEC English as proof of language ability.
Always check your CAS for accuracy before your visa appointment.
How recent must my WAEC result be?
Most UK universities honour WAEC English results that are 8 years old or newer.
Portsmouth caps validity at five years, so confirm with each admissions office.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO grades?
Yes. If you scored C6 in WAEC English but need stronger Maths, you can offset it with a better NECO grade.
Just meet the minimum subject requirements for your programme.
Conclusion
Choosing a university that accepts WAEC English can slice ₦100 000+ off your pre-departure budget by removing IELTS exam fees.
Start applications early, verify scholarship deadlines, and bookmark this guide—Autumn 2025 intakes fill up fast.
Have a question? Drop it in the comments and we’ll update the post with fresh data.