How to Study Nursing in the UK from Nigeria with No GCE or A-Levels

Discover how to study nursing in the UK from Nigeria without GCE or A-Levels. Learn about the International Foundation Programme (IFP), Top-Up degrees, and universities accepting WAEC for nursing.

Your Nursing Dream Is Still Possible — Even Without GCE or A-Levels

If you’ve dreamed of becoming a Registered Nurse in the UK but lack GCE or A-Levels, you’re not alone. Many Nigerian students face this same challenge — finishing secondary school with only WAEC or NECO results, unsure how to meet the UK’s strict entry criteria.

Here’s the truth: you can still study nursing in the UK without A-Levels.
The key is understanding the alternative routes, like the International Foundation Programme (IFP) or the Nursing Top-Up degree if you already have prior nursing education from Nigeria.

This guide walks you step-by-step through how to study nursing in the UK from Nigeria with no GCE or A-Levels, outlining what documents you need, which universities to apply to, and what financial expectations to prepare for.

The Direct Pathway Alternative: The International Foundation Programme (IFP)

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) — sometimes called a Pre-Sessional or Foundation Year — is the most popular route for Nigerians who want to study nursing in the UK without A-Levels.

It’s a one-year academic preparation program designed to bridge the gap between your WAEC/NECO and the UK university entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you move straight into the Bachelor of Nursing (BN or BSc Nursing) program.

How It Works:

Apply directly to a UK university offering a Foundation Year in Health or Nursing.
Present your WAEC/NECO results instead of A-Levels.
Complete the foundation year (usually 9–12 months).
Progress into the first year of the nursing degree at the same university.

Example:
A Nigerian student with WAEC credits in English, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics can enroll in a Health Science Foundation Year at the University of South Wales, then progress into BSc Adult Nursing upon completion.

Minimum Entry: WAEC/GCE Requirements for the IFP

To qualify for the International Foundation Programme, you must have:

Five (5) O-Level credits (WAEC, NECO, or GCE) including:

English Language (C6 or above)
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry or Physics
Any other relevant subject

Note: Some universities may require a minimum of C5 in English and Science subjects, depending on the course competitiveness.

Language Requirement:
If your WAEC English grade is C6 or better, most universities accept it as proof of English proficiency, meaning you don’t need IELTS for foundation-level admission.

The Cost Factor

The Foundation Year adds one extra year to your total study duration — typically costing £10,000–£15,000 depending on the university. However, this investment guarantees your eligibility to progress into a full nursing degree, which opens direct employment and migration opportunities in the UK healthcare system.

Tip: Some universities offer combined packages (Foundation + Bachelor’s) under one CAS letter — simplifying your visa process.

Option 2: The Nursing Top-Up for Diploma or HND Holders

If you already have a Nursing Diploma, RN, or HND in Nursing from a recognized institution in Nigeria, you may not need a Foundation Year at all.
Instead, you can apply directly for a Nursing Top-Up Degree (BSc) in the UK.

What Is a Nursing Top-Up?

A Top-Up is a one-year program that converts your Nigerian nursing qualification into a UK Bachelor’s degree — typically BSc (Hons) Nursing or Health Studies.

Eligibility Requirements:
Diploma or HND in Nursing or related field.
Registered Nurse (RN) status with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
IELTS or WAEC English with strong grades (many universities accept WAEC as English proof).

Duration:
Usually 12 to 18 months (depending on university structure).

Advantages:

You bypass A-Levels entirely.
You study for a shorter time (1 year instead of 3–4).
You become eligible for UK RN licensing through the NMC (UK) after graduation.

Universities Offering the Foundation Route into Nursing

Many UK universities understand the challenges faced by Nigerian students without A-Levels. The following institutions are known for accepting WAEC/NECO results and offering foundation pathways into nursing or related health degrees:

University	Foundation Program Name	Progression Pathway	Location
University of South Wales	International Foundation Year in Health Science	Progress to BSc Nursing (Adult/Child/Mental Health)	Pontypridd, Wales
University of Sunderland	Foundation Year in Health Sciences	Progress to BSc Adult Nursing or Mental Health Nursing	Sunderland, England
University of Bedfordshire	International Foundation Programme (Science)	Progress to BSc Adult Nursing	Luton, England
University of Derby	International Foundation Programme	Progress to BSc Nursing or Allied Health	Derby, England
University of Roehampton	Foundation Programme in Life and Health Sciences	Progress to BSc Adult Nursing	London, England

Pro Tip: When applying, ensure the university’s foundation year guarantees progression to a Nursing degree upon successful completion — not just “Health Studies.”

Alternative Pathway: Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing Pathway)

Another growing route for Nigerian students without GCE/A-Levels is the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health or Nursing Pathway) offered by select UK colleges.

This qualification is recognized across UK universities and accepted in place of A-Levels.

Duration: 9–12 months
Entry Requirements:

WAEC or NECO results with 5 credits
English proficiency (WAEC English accepted)

Examples:

University College Birmingham (Access to HE in Health Professions)
Cambridge Education Group (ONCAMPUS UK) Foundation Pathway

This route is ideal for students who prefer smaller college settings before transitioning to a full university degree.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about becoming a nurse in the UK, not having GCE or A-Levels shouldn’t stop you. You have two practical options:

Foundation Year (IFP Route): Start with an International Foundation Programme in Nursing or Health Science using your WAEC/NECO results.
Nursing Top-Up Degree: For students with a Nursing Diploma or HND, go directly into a one-year Top-Up program.

Both options can lead to professional nursing registration and permanent residency opportunities in the UK healthcare sector.

Next Step: Identify a UK foundation or Top-Up program that partners with your preferred university, gather your WAEC/NECO documents, and begin your application early.

Your nursing career in the UK can start today — even with no GCE or A-Levels.