Your Country Nigeria

Cityscape of Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria.Cityscape of Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria.

Entry Requirements

General entry requirements for each level are provided below. Some programmes do also have additional course-specific requirements which can be found on the individual course pages. Please ensure you are able to fulfil the programme requirements and meet the academic standards expected before submitting an application.

Foundation Year

  • Successful completion of West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate with grades 1-8 in 4 relevant subjects.

Undergraduate Study

  • International Foundation Programme from GEC Academy with 55% or above
  • Diploma/National Diploma from a recognised institution with GPA 2.5 out of 5 or 2.0 out of 4
  • Higher National Diploma with good grades may be considered for 3rd year entry

Postgraduate Study

  • Bachelor's degree with 2:2/50%/GPA 2.4 or above
  • Ideally applicants for the MBA should have 2 years work experience, although well qualified and motivated individuals without this will be considered

Study Gaps

Below is guidance for students applying with a study gap:

  • All applicants should have a maximum of 1 – 9 years study gap.
  • Students should apply with the following:
    • Details of work experience and a detailed CV
    • Evidence of work experience and gap in studies. This should include a write up and work/employer reference which confirms the start and end date of their employment, NYSC certificate/exemption, employment letters/contracts etc.
    • Degree certificate + statement of result OR official academic transcript.
    • Personal statements must cover why they wish to study the course they have chosen, how it complements their previous studies and/or work experience, how their chosen course fits into their future career plans/ambitions, what they hope to learn in their new course to push forward / improve their career prospects. It must also cover why they have chosen to study in the UK and particularly at University of Chester. Please ensure that personal statements refer to University of Chester, not other institutions.
    • A write up explaining why they now want to return to studies after a period of work experience.
    • WAEC/NECO/English language documentation, Passport, any previous visa refusals and all other standard documents for admission.

Applicants with significant gaps in the study are considered at higher risk for visa refusal, so will need to provide evidence demonstrating activities during this period and why returning to education is beneficial to their career. Applicants who have been out of education for 10 years or longer will be subject to a more in-depth assessment of their qualifications, employment history, and motivations.

Foundation and Undergraduate Applicants

  • We cannot accept anyone below the age of 17.
  • We will consider applicants with 4-5 years gap after WAEC but no more than this.

HND Applicants

  • HND must have been completed in the last 5 years (so no earlier than 2017).
  • Applicants must provide evidence of work experience and evidence of gap in studies. This should include a write up supported by work/employer reference which confirms the start and end date of their employment, NYSC certificate/exemption, employment letters/contracts, etc.
  • HND qualification must be similar/very closely related to the course they are applying for at Chester for top up. They may be accepted into Year 2 or 3 of the chosen course at Chester.
  • Applicants must have a generally acceptable profile for UG studies. *Remember that UG students cannot bring dependants.

Postgraduate Applicants

  • Applicants need to have been working in a field that is relevant/related to the course they wish to study. If they are considering a career change, they must state this clearly and justify it.

English language entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that they have an appropriate level of English language to be eligible to study one of our foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The level of English required depends on the course applied for.

We accept the following English Language qualifications:

  • WAEC, Neco:
    • Undergraduate: C or C6 or above
    • Postgraduate: C6 or above

More information can be found in the Entry Requirements section.

Local Representatives

International Officer

Kate Nwosu Aaron-Efe

Email: k.nwosu@chester.ac.uk