How to get a student loan in the UK as an international student from Botswana

Thapelo’s aunties were over the moon when he got into a university in the UK. Everyone brought out their best Setswana dance moves at the celebration. But once the music died down and the dust settled, reality hit “So, how are we paying for all this?”

It wasn’t that his family didn’t support him. They just didn’t have £30,000 lying around to send him off like royalty. The truth is, most Batswana families don’t. A UK degree is prestigious, yes but it also comes with a price tag that makes your eyes water.

Every year, hundreds of young Batswana dream of studying abroad, especially in the UK. The education is top-tier, the exposure is unmatched, and  saying “I studied in London” sounds really cool. But before you start packing your bags and planning your farewell party, there’s the money issue to sort out.

As a Motswana student dreaming of studying in the United Kingdom, you’re probably wondering how to afford it. Tuition fees alone range from £11,000 to £67,000 per year, and living costs can push that number even higher to over £12,000 annually just to survive and that doesn’t include things like visa fees, health insurance, or even your first flight out.

This guide is here to help you figure it all out from student loans to some lesser-known ways Batswana students are making it work.

Also read: Credit bureaus, credit scoring, and payments providers for lenders in Botswana

Eligibility criteria: are you ready academically and financially?

Studying in the UK is actually a big move but before the student loans and scholarships start rolling in, let’s talk about something important: are you eligible?

Academics first: does your Botswana certificate stack up?

Let’s start with your school results. UK universities don’t use the Botswana general certificate of secondary education  (BGCSE), so they’ll need to translate your qualifications into something they understand.

If you’re applying for an undergraduate course, most schools will look at your BGCSE results and compare them to UK A-levels. If you’ve done well in getting A to C grades in your core subjects that’s a good sign. But depending on the course, some universities might still ask you to do a foundation year first, especially if it’s a competitive field like medicine or engineering.

Already done your undergrad and want to go for a master’s degree? You’re in a better position. If you studied at a recognised uni like the University of Botswana, the UK generally sees your Bachelor’s degree as equal to their three-year undergraduate programs. Most master’s programs will accept a 2:2, but the top ones (especially in business or tech) might ask for a 2:1 or higher. Either way, always check directly with the school you don’t want surprises at the last minute.

Here’s how the grades usually line up:

• 80% and above – same as a UK First Class
• 70–79% – equal to a 2:1
• 60–69%  – about the same as a 2:2

What do banks look for?

You’ve got the grades and the ambition but can you actually get a loan to study abroad? Local lenders in Botswana aren’t just handing out money because you say “UK education.” They’ve got some requirements. Let’s break them down in real talk:

• You’ll need an admission letter: First, get that official acceptance letter from the UK university. It needs to be from a school that’s properly registered and recognized. If your school’s on the UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration) list of licensed sponsors, you’re good. If not, no bank will take you seriously.

• You’ll need a co-signer AKA guarantor: This is someone usually a parent or close relative who can vouch for you financially. Think of them like your safety net. Most banks want your co-signer to earn at least 600,000 BWP per year and have a stable job and they also ask for payslips or proof of income, an ID or bank statements and a clean credit record. If your co-signer has ever defaulted on a loan or is drowning in debt, your loan chances go down fast.

• You’ll probably need collateral: This part can feel a bit intense. Most loans here are secured, meaning you have to back the money with something like a property, land, fixed deposits, or even a car. The collateral has to be worth at least 100–150% of the loan amount. So if you’re borrowing 300,000 BWP, you’ll need to offer up something worth around 450,000 BWP. Some banks may ask for more, especially if your co-signer isn’t earning a lot.

• Credit checks are a thing: Even if you don’t have a loan history yet, your co-signer does and banks will definitely check it. Botswana has a Credit reference bureau, and they’ll pull up your co-signer’s full record where they’ll be looking for any missed payments or bad loans, outstanding debts and a  good overall credit score. If your co-signer’s record is messy, be ready to provide more collateral or find someone else to stand in.

What are the loan options for Batwana students?

Private student loans

One of the more popular routes for postgraduate students is taking out a private student loan from international lenders like Prodigy finance or Lendwise. These companies are specifically geared toward students from countries like Botswana who are heading abroad for school. The best part? Some of them don’t ask for a UK-based guarantor or collateral, which makes things way easier. As long as you have an admission letter to an approved university and meet their academic and future income potential requirements, you’re good to apply. Prodigy and MPower are especially flexible when it comes to repayment, usually giving you a grace period of six months after graduation before you start paying anything back.

Bank loans in the UK

Some students also look into getting loans from UK banks like HSBC bank  or Barclays. Now, this option is a bit trickier, especially if you’re applying before arriving in the UK. These banks typically require a local UK guarantor with income, and sometimes even proof of UK residency. But if you’re already in the UK for your studies, maybe after your foundation year or during your second year and have a local connection or part-time job, this could open up some opportunities.

Loans from Botswana banks

Back home in Botswana, several banks offer education loans for students heading overseas. Banks like, , FNB bank, Standard chartered bank etc all have loan products tailored for international studies. You’ll need to go in and speak to someone at the branch, but generally, they’ll ask for your university admission letter, proof of costs, a guarantor (usually a parent or close relative with a strong income), and sometimes collateral like property or fixed deposits. These loans are a more traditional route but still very much worth exploring if you’ve got family support.

Also read: How to get a lending license in Botswana

Beyond loans: alternative funding 

Scholarships and grants

Now let’s talk about scholarships, the holy grail of funding. If you can secure one of these, you’re winning. Scholarships like the Chevening scholarship and the Commonwealth scholarship are open to Botswanan students and can cover everything from tuition and flights to living expenses. They’re competitive, yes, but totally doable with the right grades, leadership background, and personal statement. Most UK universities also offer their own bursaries and grants for international students. It’s always worth checking your school’s website or speaking with their admissions team to find out what’s on offer. You’d be surprised how many options go unclaimed.

Part-time employment

International students on a Tier 4 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. This can help offset living expenses, but it’s important to balance work commitments with academic responsibilities.The UK Tier 4 visa, now called the Student Route visa, is for international students who want to study in the UK

Crowdfunding and community support

Crowdfunding platforms like BackaBuddy and GoFundMe can be a great way to raise extra funds for your education when traditional loans or scholarships fall short. You create a campaign, share your story, and set a target amount based on your expenses (tuition, living costs, etc.). Friends, family, and even strangers can contribute small amounts, which add up over time. The more personal and heartfelt your campaign, the more likely people will connect and want to help. 

Tuition payment plans

If none of the above work out or only cover part of your costs, many universities in the UK let you pay your tuition in installments instead of dropping the full amount at once. This setup makes it easier to manage your money, especially if you’re waiting on funds from home or planning to work part-time once you settle in. Just make sure to confirm this option early, as not all schools offer it and some have deadlines before your visa is processed.

The loan application process

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the loan application process and secure the funding you need for your education.

Secure admission

Before you can even think about applying for a student loan, the first thing you need to do is gain admission to a UK university.  Once you’ve been accepted, the university will issue a Confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) document. This document is essential for both your visa application and your loan application. Essentially, the CAS serves as proof that you’ve been accepted into a legitimate program and is required by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office to process your visa application. It’s also something that lenders will need to see when considering your loan eligibility.

Prepare financial documents

This is the step where you’ll need to gather all your financial documents. These documents will serve two purposes: to support your loan application and to demonstrate to UKVI that you have enough funds to cover your living expenses while studying in the UK.

• 6 months of bank statements (from your co-signer): Lenders will want to assess the financial health of your co-signer, typically a parent or relative who will be guaranteeing your loan. They’ll want to see that the co-signer has a stable income and can afford to cover the loan if you’re unable to.
• Property valuation reports: If you’re using property as collateral for your loan, you’ll need to provide official property valuation reports. These reports help lenders determine the value of your assets and assess how much they can lend you based on your collateral.
• University cost breakdown: Lenders will also require a detailed breakdown of your university’s fees. This breakdown includes tuition costs, accommodation, and any other expenses like textbooks or materials that are part of your education costs. It helps lenders get a clear idea of how much money you will need and how much they’re willing to lend.

Submit loan applications

Once you have all your documents in order, it’s time to start submitting loan applications. Depending on whether you’re applying for a loan with a Botswana bank or international lenders, the processing times can vary:

• Botswana banks: Loan processing at local banks can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. Be prepared for some back-and-forth as the bank verifies your documents and evaluates your eligibility. It’s a good idea to start the process well in advance of your intended departure to the UK.
  
• International lenders: If you’re applying for a loan from international companies, such as Prodigy Finance or MPower Financing, the process tends to be faster. International lenders typically process applications within 2 to 3 weeks, especially if you’re submitting everything digitally. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions provided by the lender to avoid any delays.

Accept terms and disbursement

Once your loan application has been approved, you’ll receive the loan offer from the lender. At this point, you’ll need to review and accept the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees associated with the loan. Be sure to fully understand the terms before accepting the loan, as this will guide your repayment journey.

When it comes to the disbursement of funds, most lenders will send the tuition fees directly to the university. This is usually the case for international lenders. Living expenses, however, are typically disbursed to your UK bank account, which you should set up as soon as you arrive. Having access to your living expenses ensures you can cover rent, groceries, transportation, and other costs while studying in the UK.

Also read: Top 5 loan apps in Botswana to get a P5000 loan

Overcoming unique challenges

Visa financial requirements

One of the first and most important hurdles is proving that you can afford to live and study in the UK. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires international students to show that they have enough funds to cover tuition fees and living costs for at least 28 consecutive days before applying for a student visa. This can be a bit tricky, especially for Botswanan students who might not have access to UK-based accounts right away.

Blocked accounts are a common solution. Banks like Standard chartered offer UK Student Accounts where you can deposit your funds, and they’ll be “frozen” until your visa is approved. This ensures that your funds are accessible when you need them for living and tuition expenses but proves to the UK government that you can financially support yourself.

Another option is a sponsorship letter. This could come from an employer, NGO, or a trusted individual who agrees to cover your tuition and living costs while you study in the UK. You’ll need to submit the letter along with your visa application to prove that someone else is financially supporting your education.

Building credit in the UK

Once you’ve got your visa sorted and arrived in the UK, managing your finances, including building your credit score, becomes important. The UK operates on a credit system that can affect things like renting an apartment or applying for loans in the future.

One of the easiest ways to get started is by registering to vote (if you’re on a long-term visa, like a Tier 4 student visa). This may sound surprising, but being on the voter roll actually helps boost your credit score because it’s a way for the credit reference agencies to verify your address.

Another smart move is to apply for a student credit card, such as the HSBC Student Credit Card. With a credit limit of £500, it’s a manageable way to begin building your credit history. Make sure to use it responsibly, paying off your balance each month to avoid interest charges and keep your credit score in good standing.

Support systems for Batwana borrowers

The challenges of studying abroad are real, but so is the support you can access. You’re never truly alone,  there are resources and networks to help you manage your finances and adjust to life in the UK.

University resources

Many UK universities offer dedicated support for international students. Take Plymouth university’s international student advice team, for example. They host pre-departure webinars on budgeting and financial planning, giving you the tools you need to make smart financial choices before you even step foot on campus. These types of resources are available at many universities, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s student services team to find out what’s available.

Another great resource is Solent university’s financial hardship fund, which provides grants of up to £2,000 for students facing unexpected financial crises. If your finances take an unexpected hit whether from a personal emergency or a temporary issue with your loan or scholarship these funds can help you stay on track.

Peer networks

When you move to a new country, especially one as far as the UK, having a network of people who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference. That’s where peer networks like the Botswana UK Student Association (BUKSA) come in. BUKSA is a great way for Botswana students to connect with one another, whether it’s for finding shared accommodation, swapping textbooks, or just sharing tips on settling in. Being a part of a community like this can ease the loneliness that sometimes comes with being far from home.

Additionally, many universities have WhatsApp groups specifically for students from certain countries, like the Botswanan cohort at Aberdeen University. These groups often share advice on everything from managing loan repayments to navigating UK life. It’s a casual but invaluable way to get real-time, peer-driven support.

Also read: Lendsqr or ApPello: Which is the best loan management software in Botswana?

Time to pack your bags and paperwork

And that’s pretty much the journey to securing a student loan for your studies in the UK! It can seem like a lot at first:  gathering documents, dealing with visa requirements, and understanding loan terms but take it one step at a time, and you’ll be on your way. The key is staying organized and planning ahead. You’ve got options, whether it’s a local bank loan, international lenders, or even some help from family and friends through crowdfunding. Just remember: You’re not alone in this, and there are plenty of resources to help you make it happen.

So, take a deep breath, get everything in order, and before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new life in the UK, ready to take on the world. And when you do, don’t forget to send a little thank-you note to the people who helped you get there from your co-signer to your supporters. You’ve got this!