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Recognition guide ↓
Nigerian Qualification UK Recognition Checker
Check whether your Nigerian professional qualification is recognised in the UK. See the regulatory body, required exams or assessments, typical timeline, and costs for your specific profession.
Based on 2024 UK regulatory body requirements. Rules change. Always verify with the specific regulatory body before making decisions. Not immigration or professional advice.
Select the broad category that covers your Nigerian qualification.
How the Nigerian Qualification Recognition Checker Works
The checker holds recognition profile data for over 30 regulated and professional occupations. You select your profession category and specific role. The tool returns the UK regulatory body responsible for that profession, whether Nigerian qualifications are directly recognised or require a conversion process, the specific steps required, and an estimated timeline and cost.
There are two different types of recognition: academic and professional. Academic recognition (through ECCTIS/UK NARIC) tells you whether your Nigerian degree is equivalent to a UK degree for academic purposes. Professional recognition (through a regulatory body) tells you whether you can practise your profession in the UK. Most regulated professions need professional recognition, not just academic recognition. This tool focuses on professional recognition.
Recognition Status Summary Table
| Profession | UK Regulator | Nigerian qual. directly accepted? | Main requirement | Typical timeline | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor (MB BS) | GMC | No (PLAB required) | PLAB 1 and 2 exams | 12 to 36 months | £500 to £1,500 |
| Registered Nurse | NMC | Assessed case by case | OSCE or adaptation programme | 3 to 9 months | £300 to £800 |
| Dentist | GDC | No (ORE required) | ORE Part 1 and 2 | 12 to 36 months | £700 to £2,000 |
| Pharmacist | GPhC | No (OAB assessment) | Overseas Assessment Board exam | 12 to 24 months | £500 to £1,500 |
| Physiotherapist | HCPC | Assessed case by case | Application and possible aptitude test | 3 to 12 months | £200 to £600 |
| Accountant (ICAN) | ICAEW / ACCA | Partial (exemptions given) | Remaining ACCA or ICAEW papers | 6 to 24 months | £500 to £3,000 |
| Lawyer (Nigerian Bar) | SRA / BSB | No (SQE or QLTS) | SQE 1 and 2 plus 2yr QWE | 18 to 36 months | £4,000 to £12,000 |
| Civil/Struct. Engineer | Engineering Council | Assessed case by case | PEI assessment plus experience review | 6 to 24 months | £300 to £1,500 |
| Architect | ARB | No (Part 3 required) | Part 3 qualification or equivalence | 12 to 36 months | £1,000 to £4,000 |
| Social Worker | Social Work England | Assessed case by case | Application, assessment, interview | 3 to 6 months | £100 to £300 |
Healthcare roles have the clearest pathways for Nigerian graduates. The NMC, GMC, GDC, and GPhC all have established processes for international applicants, and the UK has been actively recruiting Nigerian healthcare professionals for NHS roles since 2021. Starting the registration process before arriving in the UK saves significant time and allows you to begin work sooner after arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Nigerian degree recognised in the UK?
For academic purposes, most Nigerian university degrees are recognised by UK universities for postgraduate study without an ECCTIS evaluation. For professional practice in regulated professions, recognition depends on the specific regulatory body for your profession, not on general academic equivalency.
Do I need ECCTIS (UK NARIC) evaluation?
Not always. ECCTIS is required for some UK visa applications, some university admissions, and some employer verification processes. For professional registration with regulatory bodies like the GMC, NMC, or SRA, the regulatory body typically does its own assessment, and a separate ECCTIS evaluation is usually not required or relevant.
Can a Nigerian nurse work in the UK NHS?
Yes. Nigerian nurses can apply to the NMC for registration. The NMC assesses the Nigerian nursing qualification and may require an OSCE or adaptation period. Many Nigerian nurses successfully register and work in the NHS. The NMC process typically takes 3 to 9 months.
What is PLAB and do all Nigerian doctors need it?
PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board) is the standard route for international medical graduates to register with the GMC in the UK. Most Nigerian doctors will need to pass PLAB Part 1 and Part 2. Alternative routes (such as the portfolio pathway) exist but have strict eligibility criteria. PLAB Part 1 can be taken in Nigeria at British Council centres.
Can a Nigerian lawyer practise law in the UK?
Not without additional qualification. Nigerian legal qualifications do not give the right to practise as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales. The most common route is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which requires passing two exam stages plus two years of qualifying work experience. Total cost for the SQE preparation and exams is typically £4,000 to £12,000.
Disclaimer: Recognition pathways and requirements change. This tool provides a general overview based on publicly available 2024 regulatory body guidance. Individual applications are assessed by the relevant regulatory body on a case-by-case basis. Timelines and costs are estimates. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant UK regulatory body before making any career or financial decisions based on this information. DeyWithMe is not affiliated with any UK regulatory body. This is not professional or immigration advice.
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