A key component of the admissions process for African and Nigerian students hoping to study in the UK is proving their English language skills. Several UK colleges recognize the results of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) as evidence of English competence, even though standardized tests like the TOEFL and IELTS are frequently required. For African students who have received satisfactory scores on these tests, this can streamline the application process.
Students from nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, where English is the official language, will primarily benefit from this.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
What is WAEC?
WAEC: WAEC administers the internationally known West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which is used as a standard to evaluate pupils’ preparedness for college. In UK universities, it is also regarded as a WAEC equivalent for English language competency.
What is NECO?
NECO: With an emphasis on national educational standards, the National Examinations Council administers the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) alone in Nigeria as an alternative to WAEC.
The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or A-levels, which have a similar purpose in verifying completion of secondary education, would be the Bangladeshi equivalent of the WAEC.
Read Also:
- Call for Applications: Fully Funded 6 Months KWI International Fellowships in Germany 2026
- Top Scholarships and Awards for International Students at the University of British Columbia in Canada 2025
- King Abdullah University $1000 Internship (VSRP) for International Students in Saudi Arabia 2025
- Applications Are Open for the NNPC/Chevron Undergraduate Scholarship for Nigerian Students 2025
UK Universities that Accept WAEC NECO
WAEC and NECO results, especially the English Language component, are accepted as proof of English competency by a number of UK universities. A list of universities that accept these credentials may be seen below:
| University | Acceptance Criteria | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| University of Dundee | Accepts WAEC/NECO English at C6 or above | ~76% |
| University of Southampton | Accepts WAEC English at minimum C6 | ~84% |
| University of Sheffield | Accepts WAEC WASSCE English at grade C or above | ~75% |
| University of Edinburgh | Considers WAEC/NECO; may require foundation year | ~46% |
| University of Kent | Accepts WAEC/NECO English at grade C6 or above | ~87% |
| University of Birmingham | Accepts WAEC/NECO English at grade C6 or above | ~74% |
| University of Leeds | Accepts WAEC/NECO English at grade C6 or above | ~77% |
| University of Portsmouth | Accepts WAEC/NECO English at grade C6 or above | ~79% |
| University of Westminster | Accepts WAEC/NECO English at grade C6 or above | ~72% |
| University of Essex | Accepts WAEC/NECO English at grade C6 or above | ~82% |
Keep in mind that most colleges waive the IELTS requirement if students receive a minimum grade of C6 in WAEC or NECO English Language. An extra English test might still be necessary for some classes with greater language skill requirements, though.
FAQs
Can you get admission to UK universities with only WAEC?
Yes, as long as you fulfill other academic entry requirements, a lot of UK universities will accept your WAEC results as evidence of your English proficiency.
Do I need an original WAEC certificate for a UK student visa?
You might need the original WAEC certificate when applying for a UK student visa, even though universities might accept WAEC result printouts for admission.
Does the UK accept WAEC and NECO results?
Yes, a number of UK universities accept WAEC and NECO scores as adequate evidence of English language competency.
Will WAEC and NECO results be needed in the UK?
Nigerian applicants to UK universities must submit their WAEC and NECO results, primarily for the purpose of verifying their English language proficiency.
Can I use WAEC to study in the UK?
Yes, as long as the university accepts it, WAEC can be used to study in the UK, especially for English proficiency requirements.
Start With Us
Do you want to study abroad? Note that obtaining a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in this field helps to improve your chances in the labor market. Studying abroad is no joke for international students due to the cost. However, you can achieve your dreams without breaking the bank by applying for student loans, which you can pay for as long as 10 years.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. Reach out to us today, and let’s help you get started.
