UKVI Bank List for Nigeria, Ghana & Kenya (2025 Guide)

Every year, thousands of students from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya face heartbreak when their UK student visa applications are refused — not because they lack the money, but because their funds were kept in the wrong bank.

The UK Home Office (UKVI) requires students to submit proof of funds (POF) from reliable financial institutions. If your bank is on the UKVI non-accepted list, your application will be rejected automatically, even if your funds are genuine.

This guide explains why bank choice matters, reasons why some banks are blacklisted, and provides the updated UKVI-approved bank list for Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya in 2025.

Why Bank Choice Matters for UK Student Visas

When applying for a UK Student Visa, you must show financial evidence that proves you can pay tuition fees and living costs. Normally, this is done through a 28-day bank statement.

However:

• Correct Bank = Application processed normally
• Wrong Bank = Automatic refusal

This requirement is not about the amount of money you have; it is about which bank holds your money.

Why Some Banks Get Blacklisted

The UK Home Office regularly updates its non-accepted financial institutions list for certain countries. A bank may be blacklisted due to:

• Poor financial transparency
• History of document fraud
• Failure to meet international reporting standards
• Regulatory or compliance issues in their home country

UKVI Bank List for Nigeria (2025)

If you are applying from Nigeria, here are widely accepted banks for your UK visa proof of funds:

• GTBank (Guaranty Trust Bank)
• Zenith Bank
• First Bank of Nigeria
• Access Bank
• United Bank for Africa (UBA)
• Fidelity Bank
• Eco Bank Nigeria
• Keystone Bank
• Polaris Bank
• First City Monument Bank (FCMB)

UKVI Bank List for Ghana (2025)

For Ghanaian students, these banks are generally safe for UK student visa applications:

• Standard Chartered Bank Ghana
• Ecobank Ghana
• GCB Bank Limited
• Zenith Bank Ghana
• Access Bank Ghana
• Guaranty Trust Bank (Ghana) Limited

UKVI-Approved Banks for Kenya (2025)

Kenyan students should use these UKVI-recognised financial institutions:

• KCB Bank Kenya
• Equity Bank Kenya
• Co-operative Bank of Kenya
• Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
• Absa Bank Kenya
• NCBA Bank Kenya

Final Tips Before Submitting Your Bank Statement

• Always check the latest UKVI list before applying, as it changes frequently.
• Keep your funds in the account for at least 28 consecutive days.
• Make sure your statement includes the bank logo, official stamp, and signature.
• Avoid last-minute transfers; UKVI prefers stable, traceable funds.

Conclusion

Your dream to study in the UK should not be ruined by a simple mistake like using the wrong bank. Always cross-check whether your bank is UKVI-approved before submitting your proof of funds.

At Admission.Team, we guide students from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya through the entire visa process — ensuring documents are correct the first time.

Need help with your UK study visa application? Contact us today for free guidance.