The University of Dundee, a renowned institution attracting a significant number of international students, is facing a financial crisis due to the recent devaluation of the Nigerian Naira and stringent UK visa restrictions. This situation has far-reaching consequences for students, the university, and the broader education sector.

Nigeria has long been a key source of international students for UK universities, with Dundee being a preferred choice for many. However, the drastic depreciation of the Naira has made tuition fees and living expenses unaffordable for many prospective and returning students.

As the exchange rate worsens, families struggle to meet financial obligations, leading to increased deferrals, dropouts, or reliance on high-interest loans. The reduced influx of Nigerian students significantly impacts Dundee University’s revenue, which heavily depends on international tuition fees.

In addition to financial struggles, tighter UK visa regulations have made it harder for students from Nigeria and other non-EU countries to secure study permits. Restrictions on dependents, stringent financial proof requirements, and longer processing times discourage applicants, further reducing international student numbers.

For Dundee University, this results in lower enrollments, potential faculty layoffs, and budget cuts in research and student services. Departments that rely on international student fees for funding face the risk of downsizing, affecting the institution’s overall reputation and ranking.

The financial crisis at Dundee is not an isolated case—other UK universities may experience similar downturns if policies and economic conditions remain unfavorable. The UK higher education sector must find sustainable ways to attract and retain international students, such as:

The combined impact of Naira devaluation and visa restrictions poses a serious challenge to Dundee University’s financial stability. Urgent action is needed from policymakers, educational institutions, and financial service providers to address these issues and ensure international students continue to access quality education without excessive financial burdens.