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You want a foreign degree. But you cannot leave Nigeria. Maybe you have a job, a family, or financial responsibilities that keep you home. Does that mean you cannot study abroad? No.
Today, hundreds of international universities offer part‑time, online, and hybrid programs that allow you to earn the same degree as on‑campus students—without ever stepping on a plane. You study from your laptop in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt. You pay lower tuition. And you graduate with a globally recognised qualification.
I am Samson, founder of Study Discovery. In this guide, I will show you how to find legitimate part‑time programmes, which universities offer them, and how to avoid diploma mills.
Let us go.
What Does "Part‑Time School to Study from Abroad" Mean?
It means you enrol in a foreign university's part‑time, online, or distance learning programme while living in Nigeria. You do not need a student visa. You do not need to quit your job. You study evenings, weekends, or at your own pace.
Key benefits:
Lower tuition (often 50–70% less than on‑campus).
No visa or proof of funds required.
Keep your current job and income.
Earn a degree that is identical to the on‑campus version.
Drawbacks:
No post‑study work visa (you cannot immigrate through this route alone).
Limited access to campus resources (library, labs, networking).
Requires self‑discipline.
Top Universities Offering Part‑Time Online Degrees for Nigerians
These are accredited, recognised universities that accept Nigerian students into their online programmes.
| University | Country | Popular Part‑Time Online Programmes | Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of London | UK | LLB (Law), BSc Business, MSc Computer Science | £5,000 – £15,000 total |
| University of Edinburgh | UK | MSc Data Science, MSc Public Health (part‑time) | £10,000 – £20,000 |
| University of Glasgow | UK | MSc Psychology, MSc Adult Education | £8,000 – £18,000 |
| University of Liverpool | UK | MBA, MSc IT, MSc Psychology | £12,000 – £25,000 |
| Coventry University | UK | MBA, MSc International Business | £9,000 – £15,000 |
| University of the People (UoPeople) | USA (accredited) | Associate & Bachelor's in Business, CS, Health | $0 tuition (exam fees only, ~$200 per course) |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | USA | Online Bachelor's in Business, IT, Psychology | $10,000 – $15,000 per year |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | South Africa | Various undergraduate & postgraduate | R2,000 – R15,000 per year (~₦50k – ₦400k) |
Samson's tip: The University of the People is tuition‑free. You only pay exam fees. It is accredited by the US DEAC. Many Nigerians have graduated from UoPeople.
ALSO READ:
How to Study in Canada, Work, and Immigrate: A Complete Guide for Nigerians (2026)
How to Get a Student Loan to Study Abroad From Nigeria (Complete Guide)
How to Choose the Right Part‑Time Programme
Before you apply, ask yourself these questions:
1. Is the University Accredited?
Do not waste money on a degree that no employer or embassy recognises. Check for accreditation from:
UK: Office for Students (OfS)
USA: CHEA or DEAC
South Africa: CHE (Council on Higher Education)
Avoid "diploma mills" that offer degrees for a flat fee with no exams or coursework.
2. Can You Study at Your Own Pace?
Some programmes have fixed live lectures (synchronous). Others let you watch recorded videos anytime (asynchronous). If you work full‑time, choose asynchronous.
3. What Is the Total Cost?
Online programmes often charge per module or per year. Calculate the full cost before enrolling. Do not forget technology fees, exam proctoring fees, and library access fees.
4. Is the Degree the Same as On‑Campus?
Many universities issue the same certificate for online and on‑campus students. Check the wording. If it says "Online" on the certificate, employers may question it.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process from Nigeria
Applying for a part‑time online degree is simpler than a full‑time visa application.
Step 1: Find Programmes
Use these search terms on Google or university websites:
"online part‑time master's [your field]"
"distance learning degree UK international students"
"accredited online bachelor's in Nigeria"
Step 2: Check Entry Requirements
Most online programmes require:
WAEC/NECO (minimum 5 credits).
Bachelor's degree for master's programmes (Second Class Lower may be accepted).
English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or WAEC English C6 – many UK universities accept WAEC).
Step 3: Apply Online
The application is usually free or costs a small fee (£20 – £50). You will need:
Scanned copies of your certificates and transcripts.
A personal statement (explain why you want to study part‑time).
Proof of English (if required).
Step 4: Pay Tuition (If Admitted)
Tuition is paid per module or per year. You can use a Nigerian debit card (dollar or pound-enabled) or bank transfer through a service like Paystack or Flutterwave if the university supports it.
Step 5: Start Studying
You will receive login details to the university's online learning platform. Lectures, assignments, and exams are all online. Some exams require proctoring (a webcam watches you).
Cost Comparison: Part‑Time Online vs. Full‑Time Abroad
| Expense | Part‑Time Online (from Nigeria) | Full‑Time in the UK (on campus) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | £5,000 – £15,000 | £15,000 – £30,000 |
| Living costs | ₦0 (you stay home) | £12,000 – £18,000 |
| Visa fees | ₦0 | £490 + IHS (£776/year) |
| Flight ticket | ₦0 | ₦800,000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Total (approx) | ₦5M – ₦15M | ₦35M – ₦70M |
You save millions of Naira. And you can work your Nigerian job while studying.
Can You Use a Part‑Time Online Degree to Immigrate Later?
No. A part‑time online degree does not qualify for a post‑study work visa. You cannot use it to get a student visa or stay in the country after graduation.
However, the degree itself can help you immigrate through other routes:
Skilled worker visa (UK): If you get a job offer from a UK employer, the degree counts.
Express Entry (Canada): The degree adds points for education, but you need work experience.
US H‑1B visa: Possible, but difficult without US work experience.
If your goal is to immigrate, a part‑time online degree is a stepping stone, not a direct path. Use it to boost your qualifications while you save money for an on‑campus program.
Red Flags: Diploma Mills and Scams
Scammers target Nigerians looking for cheap online degrees. Watch for:
"Get a degree in 30 days" – Real degrees take 1–4 years.
No exams, no assignments – Pay a flat fee and receive a certificate. That is a fake degree.
Accreditation from a fake agency – Verify accreditation on CHEA or UK government websites.
University name similar to a real university – "University of Lagos, USA" does not exist.
Requests for upfront payment without admission – Never pay before receiving an admission letter.
Samson's tip: If a university's website has poor grammar, no physical address, and no faculty list, run.
Your Next Step Today
Do not enrol anywhere yet. Do this first:
Visit the University of the People website (uopeople.edu). See how their tuition‑free model works.
Check the University of London's distance learning page – They have been doing this for over 150 years.
Search for your field – Type "online master's [your field] UK" into Google.
Make a list of 3 programmes that interest you.
You can do this. Many Nigerians before you have earned foreign degrees from their living rooms, and you will too.
Final Disclaimer
Study Discovery Disclaimer – All information on this site is for general and educational purposes only. I am not connected to any government, university, or online learning platform. Any decision you make based on this content is your personal responsibility. Always double‑check official sources before enrolling.
How I write on this blog: Everything you read comes from my own real‑life experience, my growing expertise, and – I'll be honest – AI‑assisted research. I use AI to help me find and organise information faster, but I personally fact‑check every claim, rewrite every sentence in my own voice, and add my unique Nigerian perspective.
— Samson (founder, Study Discovery)
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