To check that a UK university, offer or CAS is real, contact the university directly using the contact details on its official website, check the university is on the UK government’s list of licensed student sponsors, and never pay anyone who promises a guaranteed visa. A genuine agent is open about the university, the fees and who receives your money.
Common scams targeting Nigerian students
- Fake offer letters: a letter that looks official but was not issued by the university.
- Fake or sold CAS numbers: a reference number that is not linked to your real application.
- Guaranteed visa promises: no agent can guarantee a visa decision.
- Payments to personal accounts: requests to send tuition to an individual or an unrelated company.
- Fake university websites: copied pages with similar web addresses.
- Fake accommodation listings: advance payment for a room that does not exist.
How to verify a UK university
- Search for the university’s official website yourself. Do not rely on a link sent by someone else.
- Check the sponsor licence. The UK government publishes a register of licensed student sponsors on gov.uk. A genuine university or college should appear there.
- Email or call admissions. Use the contact details on the official site to confirm your application, offer and student ID.
- Compare details. The offer letter’s course name, fees, dates and sender should match the university’s records.
How to check an offer letter and CAS
- Ask the university to confirm in writing that your offer and CAS are genuine and are linked to your passport details.
- A real CAS is issued by the university into the sponsor system. The visa application asks for the CAS reference, and the university can confirm its status.
- Be careful if a CAS is offered before you have applied, paid or met conditions.
Read our guide to the CAS letter for UK student visa.
How to check a study abroad agent
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Registered business and physical office | You can visit and verify the company |
| Official relationship with the university | Ask the university to confirm the agent |
| British Council agent certification or training | Shows the agent has completed recognised quality training; ask for evidence. Learn about our British Council approved agent status |
| Clear written fees | No hidden charges and no demand for cash only |
| No visa guarantee | Visa decisions are made by the Home Office |
See also: how to choose a study abroad agent and free study abroad agents in Nigeria.
Red flags
- Pressure to pay immediately.
- Requests to send tuition to a personal account or via cash.
- Promises of visa guarantee or “no interview”.
- Offer letters with spelling errors or inconsistent logos or dates.
- An agent who refuses to let you contact the university.
- Requests for your email or portal passwords.
What to do if you suspect fraud
- Stop paying and keep all messages, receipts and documents.
- Contact the university’s admissions or international office.
- Tell your bank immediately if you made a transfer.
- Report to the relevant authorities in Nigeria, and in the UK if the scam involved a UK organisation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my UK offer letter is real?
Email admissions using the address on the official university website and ask them to confirm it.
Can I verify a CAS number online?
The university can confirm your CAS. Do not rely on third-party websites.
Is it safe to pay an agent for tuition?
Pay tuition only to the university’s official account or approved payment platform. See how to pay UK tuition from Nigeria.
Verify with NWC Education
Ask us to show you the university’s confirmation of our partnership. Visit our office or start your application.