Bala Chinda, 25, denies murdering 36-year-old Nkechi - also known as Jessica - McGraa at a flat in Union Terrace in Aberdeen in February.
Mr Chinda faces a separate accusation of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
It is claimed he stole two phones and disposed of them, as well as a handset he is said to have used to contact Ms McGraa.
At the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lady Rae set a trial for December.
A man is to stand trial charged with the rape and murder of a woman.