Top 10 UK Cities for Nigerian Healthcare Workers 2025

Pengman; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading job consultancy is highlighting numerous opportunities for Nigerian healthcare workers in the UK, focusing on visa sponsorships and essential qualifications required for various healthcare roles. Applicants need caregiving certifications and experience, with a minimum IELTS score of 4.0. This role emphasizes compassion and teamwork, offering engaging careers in a supportive community environment.

Qualifications

• Nigerian applicants must have caregiving certification or nursing diploma.
• 6–12 months of caregiving or healthcare experience is required.
• Minimum IELTS 4.0 or equivalent for visa-sponsored roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide care to patients in hospitals or community health settings.
• Work collaboratively as part of a healthcare team.
• Document patient interactions and maintain medical records.

Skills

Compassion

Teamwork

Communication

Medical observation

Education

Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE)

Caregiving certification (NVQ Level 2/3)

Basic First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

Top UK cities for Nigerian healthcare workers 2025 offer transformative opportunities for professionals seeking career growth and stability abroad. With over 112,000 NHS vacancies and a growing demand for care professionals due to an aging population, these cities provide visa sponsorship, vibrant Nigerian communities, and clear settlement pathways.

Home to over 200,000 Nigerians, the UK blends professional advancement with cultural familiarity, making it ideal for healthcare assistants and nurses. Pengman recommends these cities as the best starting points for Nigerians looking to secure stable income, long-term residency, and meaningful healthcare careers.

Why Choose UK Cities for Nigerian Healthcare Workers?

The UK healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented demand, with over 112,000 projected vacancies in 2025, driven by an aging population and post-pandemic recovery. For Nigerians, this presents unmatched opportunities across roles like healthcare assistants, nurses, and support workers.

Many UK employers, including NHS Trusts and Bupa Care Services, actively offer visa sponsorship, creating a clear pathway to permanent residency.

• Job Surge: Over 68,000 new roles added since 2024, with healthcare leading recruitment.
• Nigerian Communities: Cities like London (Peckham’s “Little Lagos”) and Manchester offer strong Nigerian networks and support systems.
• Visa Advantages: The Health and Care Worker Visa provides fast approvals (3–8 weeks), no NHS surcharge, and dependants’ eligibility.

Pengman recommends these UK cities for Nigerian healthcare workers aiming to combine career advancement, affordable living, and community support.

Eligibility for Nigerian Healthcare Workers

Nigerians can qualify for UK healthcare jobs with accessible requirements designed for both entry-level and professional candidates.

Educational Requirements

• Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or equivalent.
• Caregiving certification (e.g., NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care) or nursing diploma.
• Basic First Aid/CPR certification adds value.

Experience and Skills

• 6–12 months of caregiving, hospital, or community health experience (volunteer work counts).
• Essential skills include compassion, teamwork, communication, and medical observation.
• Minimum IELTS 4.0 or equivalent required for most visa-sponsored roles.

Over 50% of new NHS nurses in 2023–2024 were international hires, signaling a strong demand for Nigerians in 2025.

Top 10 UK Cities for Nigerian Healthcare Workers

These top UK cities for Nigerian healthcare workers 2025 were ranked based on job availability, Nigerian community size, and cost of living.

1. London

• Jobs: ~350,000 healthcare vacancies; NHS Trusts like Imperial College Healthcare recruit actively.
• Notes: High salaries, high costs — best for ambitious workers.

2. Manchester

• Community: ~20,000 Nigerians; strong family support networks.
• Notes: Affordable housing and family-friendly living.

3. Birmingham

• Jobs: Bupa and NHS Trusts recruit actively.
• Community: ~15,000 Nigerians in Handsworth.
• Notes: Balanced costs and diverse opportunities.
• Jobs: NHS and Eden Care lead active hiring.
• Community: ~5,000 Nigerians in Toxteth.
• Notes: Budget-friendly with growing healthcare demand.
• Jobs: High demand for nurses and assistants.
• Notes: Balanced lifestyle and job stability.

6. Bristol

• Jobs: Growing health-tech opportunities (Care UK).
• Notes: Moderate cost of living, innovative work environment.

7. Edinburgh

• Jobs: NHS Lothian offers numerous sponsored roles.
• Notes: Competitive pay with scenic surroundings.

8. Glasgow

• Jobs: Community care and hospital support roles.
• Notes: Affordable, welcoming city for starters.

9. Nottingham

• Jobs: Entry-level and hospital support roles are growing fast.
• Notes: Student-friendly and affordable.

10. Newcastle

• Jobs: NHS Trusts recruit and sponsor assistants.
• Notes: Lowest cost of living among the top cities.

Pengman recommends prioritizing London and Manchester for job density, or Newcastle and Glasgow for affordability in 2025.

Salary & Cost of Living Breakdown

City

Avg. Salary (£)

Monthly Living Cost (Excl. Rent)

Notes

London 25,000–33,000 £958 High pay, high cost

Manchester 23,000–30,000 £746 Balanced lifestyle

Birmingham 22,000–29,000 £750 Affordable housing

Liverpool 21,000–28,000 £700 Budget-friendly

Leeds 23, 31,000 £720 Growing demand

Bristol 22,000–30,000 £780 Health-tech hub

Edinburgh 24,000–32,000 £800 Competitive pay

Glasgow 21,000–29,000 £680 Low cost

Nottingham 22,000–28,000 £710 Emerging hub

Newcastle 20,000–27,000 £650 Entry-level focus

Northern cities save £200–£300 monthly compared to London, allowing faster savings for Nigerian healthcare workers.

The Health and Care Worker Visa is the main route for Nigerians to work in the UK healthcare sector. It allows dependants, no NHS surcharge, and quick approvals.

• Search Jobs: Use NHS Jobs or Indeed with “visa sponsorship” filters.
• Tailor CV: Match Nigerian experience to UK healthcare standards.
• Apply to Sponsors: Target NHS, Care UK, and Agincare.
• Secure Offer: Highlight compassion and practical experience during interviews.
• Biometrics & Approval: Expect a decision within 3–8 weeks.

Pengman advises budgeting £500–£1,000 for application and relocation costs.

• Join Networks: Participate in Nigerian healthcare groups on LinkedIn and Facebook.
• Choose Wisely: London and Manchester for career growth; Glasgow or Newcastle for low costs.
• Upskill: Take free online courses in elderly care or health assistance.
• Avoid Scams: Only apply to Home Office-approved sponsors.
• Plan Ahead: Research schools in Birmingham and Manchester for dependants.

Conclusion

The top 10 UK cities for Nigerian healthcare workers 2025 present life-changing opportunities for career growth, cultural belonging, and permanent settlement. From London’s busy NHS hubs to Newcastle’s affordable lifestyle, each city offers unique advantages.

Pengman recommends researching your target city, preparing your application early, and choosing reputable sponsors to secure your visa-sponsored UK healthcare job today.

1. Which UK city has the largest Nigerian healthcare community?
London, home to ~50,000 Nigerians, offers extensive NHS opportunities and cultural support.

2. Are visa sponsorship jobs available in all cities?
Yes. NHS Trusts and private employers like Care UK provide sponsorship across all listed cities.

3. What’s the average salary for Nigerian healthcare workers in 2025?
Between £21,000 and £26,000, with higher pay in cities like London and Edinburgh.

4. Can families join Nigerian healthcare workers in the UK?
Yes, dependants (spouses and children under 18) can accompany workers under the Health and Care Visa.

5. How long until settlement in the UK?
After 5 years, healthcare workers can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).