5 Countries with Lowest Student Visa Fund Requirements

As a Nigerian student who wants to study in another country but worried about money? In 2025, some countries are making it easier for students by asking for less money as proof when applying for a student visa. 

This means you don’t need to show a huge bank balance to get permission to study there. In this list, you’ll find 5 countries where you can study abroad by showing less than $10,000 USD per year. 

These places offer good education, friendly visa rules, and a chance to follow your dreams without spending too much.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, you need to show just about US$1,600 per year in a bank account to qualify for a student visa. That low requirement reflects the country’s overall affordability: rent for a student room in Prague or Brno can run as little as US$200–300 per month, while a monthly public transit pass costs under US$25.

Nigerian applicants benefit from straightforward document checks, simple bank statements or a sponsor letter usually suffice, and a range of English‐taught degree programs. Once enrolled, students enjoy cheap campus cafeterias, low‑cost healthcare, and lively cultural scenes without breaking the bank.

China

China asks for around US$2,500 per year as proof of funds, making it a top choice for those seeking quality degrees at lower expense. Leading universities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer competitive tuition fees, often under US$4,000 annually for international students.

Numerous government and university scholarships further cut costs, some covering full tuition plus a monthly stipend. Living costs remain reasonable: a student meal might cost US$2–3, and shared dorm rooms start at US$100 per month. For Nigerians, studying in China also means access to booming job markets in technology, finance, and manufacturing.

Poland

Poland’s proof‑of‑funds threshold sits at about US$2,328 per year. On top of low visa requirements, Poland permits international students to work part‑time,up to 20 hours weekly, without a separate permit. Cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław feature monthly rents of US$150–250 for shared flats, and a student meal can cost less than US$3.

Universities there offer a growing selection of English‑language programs in fields from engineering to the arts. The chance to earn extra income on campus or nearby helps Nigerian students balance their budgets and gain local work experience.

Italy

Italy’s proof‑of‑funds range starts at roughly US$3,375 for law or humanities programs and can go up to US$7,930 for professional degrees, still under the US$10,000 mark. Prospective students find Italy attractive for its world‑renowned art, history, and food culture.

Public universities charge modest tuition, sometimes as low as US$1,000 per year, and offer merit‑based scholarships for international applicants. While living in Rome or Milan can be pricier, smaller university towns like Bologna and Siena provide far cheaper housing (US$200–300 monthly) and low‑cost student meal plans. For Nigerians seeking a rich cultural experience on a budget, Italy remains a top pick.

Singapore

Singapore requires about US$6,175 per year in your bank to secure a student visa. Though higher than some European peers, this amount still falls below US$10,000. Singapore’s universities rank among the world’s best, especially in science, technology, engineering, and business.

Living costs can be higher; shared dorms start at US$400 per month, but many campuses offer subsidised housing and meal plans. The city‑state also allows full‑time students to work part‑time during semesters and full‑time during vacations, helping to offset expenses. Graduates often find job opportunities in finance, biotech, and IT, making the initial investment worthwhile.