Last updated: 5 November 2026 · Reviewed by ICCC UK counsellors · Facts checked against GOV.UK
Quick answer: To get a UK student visa from Nepal in 2026, you need a CAS from a licensed UK university, approved English test results, a TB test certificate from IOM Kathmandu, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from MOEST, and proof of funds held for 28 days in a row. The visa fee is £558, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 a year. From 30 November 2026, the living money you must show rises to £1,570 a month in London and £1,203 a month outside London.
This guide covers every step of the UK Student visa process for Nepali students: eligibility, documents, costs in GBP and NPR, the 28-day bank rule, the credibility interview, refusal reasons, and the Graduate Route changes coming in 2027. For a wider overview, see our guide to study in the UK from Nepal.
Key Takeaways
- Main visa: The Student Route visa is for Nepali students aged 16 and over on courses longer than 6 months.
- Core documents: CAS, English test, 28-day bank statements, TB certificate, NOC, and passport.
- Visa fee: £558 since 8 April 2026, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- New funds rates: £1,570 a month in London and £1,203 outside London for applications from 30 November 2026.
- Processing: About 3 weeks after your biometrics at VFS Global Kathmandu.
- eVisa: Approved students get a digital eVisa linked to a UKVI account, not a BRP card.
- Graduate Route: 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026; 18 months from 1 January 2027.
Why UK Student Visas From Nepal Get Refused
Nepal has a relatively low UK study visa refusal rate. Home Office data reported by The PIE News put it at 4.6% across Q4 2025 and Q1 2026. Most refusals still come from avoidable mistakes, not weak academics.
The four most common problems for Nepali applicants are unverifiable financial documents, a weak Statement of Purpose (SOP), a missing TB certificate or NOC, and a poor credibility interview. This guide shows you how to avoid each one. You can also read how ICCC counsellors guide students from application to arrival.
eVisa update: Successful UK Student visa applicants now receive a digital eVisa linked to their UKVI online account instead of a physical BRP card or passport sticker. Create your UKVI account during your application and keep your login details safe.
Types of UK Student Visas: Which One Do You Need?
| Visa type | Who it is for | Course length | Work allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Route visa | Age 16+, degree or diploma at a licensed UK institution | More than 6 months | 20 hours a week in term (degree level); full time in holidays |
| Short-term Study visa | English language courses | 6 to 11 months | No |
| Child Student visa | Age 4 to 17, independent schools only | Depends on course | Limited (age 16 to 17 only) |
Most Nepali students apply for the Student Route visa. It is also the visa that leads to the Graduate Route after your degree.
UK Student Visa Requirements for Nepali Students
For a UK student visa from Nepal, you need an unconditional offer and CAS, approved English results, proof of funds held for 28 days, a TB certificate, an NOC from MOEST, a valid passport, and the visa fee and IHS payment. Each item is explained below.
Academic Requirements
You must first receive an unconditional offer from a UKVI-licensed university. The university then issues your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), a unique reference number. You cannot apply without it.
- Bachelor’s degree: NEB +2 completion, usually with 45% to 55% overall depending on the university and course.
- Master’s degree: A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% to 55% or an equivalent CGPA. The UK’s one-year master’s is a top choice for Nepali students; see our guide to master’s programmes in the UK.
- PhD or research: A relevant master’s degree plus a research proposal.
Always confirm exact entry grades with your chosen university. Competitive courses such as medicine or law ask for higher scores.
English Language Requirements
| Test | Undergraduate (typical) | Postgraduate (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (UKVI) | 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| PTE Academic (UKVI) | 51 to 58 | 59 to 65+ |
| TOEFL iBT | 72 to 80 (some universities only) | 87 to 90+ (some universities only) |
| MOI certificate | Accepted by some universities if your previous degree was taught in English | |
The visa itself needs B2 level for degree courses, which means at least 5.5 in each IELTS skill. Universities often ask for more, so always follow the score in your offer letter. Your test result must be valid (usually within 2 years) when you apply. See the GOV.UK English language rules.
Nepal-Specific Requirements: TB Test and NOC
TB test certificate: Nepal is on the UK’s list of countries where a tuberculosis test is required. In Nepal, the approved clinic is the IOM (International Organization for Migration) clinic in Kathmandu. The certificate is valid for 6 months. Book early, because slots fill up from July to September. See the GOV.UK TB test page.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): Nepali students must get an NOC from Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) before going abroad. Apply online at noc.moest.gov.np, pay the small processing fee shown on the portal, and allow 1 to 2 weeks.
UK Student Visa Cost From Nepal: Full 2026 Breakdown
The UK Home Office sets the NPR amount you pay using its own exchange rate, which can change weekly. Check the exact rupee figure on the official UK visa fees calculator for Nepal on the day you apply.
Visa Application Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student Route visa (main applicant) | £558 (from 8 April 2026) |
| Child Student visa | £558 |
| Short-term Study visa | Check the GOV.UK fee table |
Applications made before 8 April 2026 were charged £524.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS gives you NHS access and is paid upfront for your whole visa. It costs £776 a year. Because your visa lasts a few months longer than your course, you usually pay for that extra time too (half the yearly rate for any period of 6 months or less).
| Course length | Typical visa length | IHS (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year master’s | About 16 months | £1,164 |
| 2-year master’s | About 2 years 4 months | £1,940 |
| 3-year bachelor’s | About 3 years 4 months | £2,716 |
Confirm your exact amount with the official IHS calculator. The IHS is often the largest visa-related cost, so plan for it early.
UK Student Visa Bank Balance From Nepal: Funds Required in 2026
You must show your unpaid first-year tuition plus living costs for up to 9 months. The amount depends on where you study and the date you apply (the day you pay the visa fee).
| Study location | Before 30 Nov 2026 | From 30 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| London, per month | £1,529 | £1,570 |
| London, 9 months | £13,761 | £14,130 |
| Outside London, per month | £1,171 | £1,203 |
| Outside London, 9 months | £10,539 | £10,827 |
Funds formula: unpaid first-year tuition + living costs = total to show. For example, if your tuition is £15,000 and you have paid a £5,000 deposit, you show £10,000 for tuition plus living costs. To estimate in rupees, multiply by today’s rate. At an example rate of NPR 180 per £1, £10,827 is about NPR 19.5 lakh. See the GOV.UK money you need page.
These are minimum visa figures. Real living costs are often higher; see our guide to living costs in the UK for international students.
The 28-Day Rule
- Hold the full amount for 28 days in a row.
- The balance must never drop below the required amount during those 28 days.
- The last day of the 28 days must fall within 31 days of your application date.
You can use your own account or a parent’s or legal guardian’s account. With a parent’s account, include a birth certificate as relationship proof and a signed consent letter. Avoid large, unexplained deposits, and keep proof of where the money came from, such as salary slips, business records, or property sale papers.
Priority Services
Standard processing takes about 3 weeks. Priority (about 5 working days) and super priority (next working day) services may be available in Kathmandu for an extra fee. Check current availability and prices on GOV.UK or the VFS Global Nepal site.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa From Nepal: Step by Step
Allow 4 to 6 months from offer to departure. You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
- Get your offer and CAS (months 1 to 2). Accept your offer, meet all conditions, and check every detail on your CAS. It is valid for 6 months and can be used once.
- Book your TB test (months 2 to 3). Use the IOM clinic in Kathmandu and book early.
- Apply for your NOC (months 2 to 3). Apply at noc.moest.gov.np at the same time as your TB test.
- Prepare your funds (month 3). Hold the full amount for 28 days in a row. Add sponsor papers if a parent is paying.
- Gather your documents (months 3 to 4). Passport, CAS, English results, bank statements, TB certificate, NOC, transcripts, and SOP. Translate any non-English documents.
- Apply online and pay (month 4). Apply on GOV.UK and pay the £558 fee and the full IHS.
- Give biometrics (month 4). Visit VFS Global Kathmandu with your passport and appointment confirmation.
- Get your eVisa and travel (months 5 to 6). A decision usually takes about 3 weeks. You can enter the UK up to 1 month before a course longer than 6 months.
The UK Credibility Interview: How to Prepare
A credibility interview is a short phone or video call in which a UKVI officer checks that you are a genuine student. Nepali applicants are often selected, so prepare for one.
What They Ask
- Course choice: Why this course and university, and how it links to your +2 or bachelor’s studies.
- Career plan: What you will do after graduating and how a UK degree helps.
- Finances: Who is paying, where the money comes from, and how long it took to save.
- Plans after study: Your realistic plans, including family and career links in Nepal.
How to Prepare
- Make sure your SOP and your answers tell the same story. Contradictions are a red flag.
- Know your CAS details: course name, university, start date, and tuition fee.
- Be ready to explain any study gap clearly and honestly.
- Do not memorise scripted answers. Speak naturally and consistently.
Can You Get a UK Student Visa From Nepal With a Study Gap?
Yes. A study gap does not stop you from getting a UK student visa, but you must explain it with real proof. There is no official maximum gap; universities and visa officers judge each case.
- Work experience letters and salary slips
- Certificates from courses taken during the gap
- Business registration papers
- Medical papers, if illness caused the gap
- A short, honest explanation in your SOP
Show how the gap led to your new course. Never submit fake documents; they can lead to a long UK visa ban.
UK Graduate Route: Why Your Timing Matters
The Graduate Route lets you stay and work in the UK after your degree without a job offer. Its length depends on the date you apply for it, not when your course starts.
| Qualification | Apply by 31 Dec 2026 | Apply from 1 Jan 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 2 years | 18 months |
| Master’s (taught) | 2 years | 18 months |
| PhD | 3 years | 3 years |
Most students who start a course in 2026 or later will finish in 2027 or after, so plan for 18 months. For example, a one-year master’s starting in September 2026 ends around September 2027, which falls under the 18-month rule. See the official Graduate visa page and our UK intakes 2026 guide.
Top Reasons UK Student Visas From Nepal Are Refused
| Refusal reason | What it looks like | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Unverifiable funds | Sudden large deposits; new fixed deposits; balance drops during the 28 days | Use savings with a clear history and keep source proof |
| Inconsistent SOP | Course does not link to your studies or career plan | Get your SOP reviewed before you apply |
| Weak credibility interview | Vague answers or answers that contradict your SOP | Practise with a counsellor and know your file well |
| Missing TB certificate or NOC | Application sent without IOM or MOEST papers | Book IOM early; start the NOC alongside it |
| Weak sponsor evidence | No salary slips, tax papers, or consent letter | Provide a complete sponsor document pack |
| Low English score | Below the university’s minimum | Retake the test before applying |
| Wrong statement dates | 28-day period ends more than 31 days before you apply | Count the dates carefully before paying |
What to Do After a Refusal
- Read your refusal letter closely and find the exact reason.
- Fix that reason with new, stronger evidence.
- Check whether your course choice needs to change.
- Always declare the earlier refusal in your new application.
- Reapply only when the problem is solved.
Most refused applications made from outside the UK have no right of appeal, and the visa fee is not refunded. The IHS is refunded after a refusal.
Pros and Cons of the UK Student Visa for Nepali Students
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shorter degrees: 3-year bachelor’s and 1-year master’s | High upfront IHS payment for the whole visa |
| Graduate Route to work after study | Graduate Route falls to 18 months from January 2027 |
| NHS access through the IHS | Strict 28-day funds rule |
| Large Nepali communities in London, Manchester, and Birmingham | Most taught master’s students cannot bring dependants |
| 20 hours a week work in term time | Credibility interviews are common for Nepal |
Example: Priya From Pokhara
This is an illustrative example based on a typical ICCC student file.
Priya, 23, completed a BBA at Pokhara University with a 3.4 GPA. She chose a one-year MSc in International Business in Manchester for September 2026.
- March 2026: Conditional offer received; IELTS booked.
- April 2026: IELTS 6.5; unconditional offer and CAS received; NOC applied for and IOM TB test booked.
- May 2026: TB test done and NOC received. Funds held for 28 days: £10,539 living costs + £8,000 unpaid tuition = £18,539.
- May 2026: Applied online and paid £558 visa fee + £1,164 IHS = £1,722. Biometrics at VFS Kathmandu.
- June 2026: eVisa approved.
- September 2026: Travelled to Manchester.
Priya will finish around September 2027, so she should plan for an 18-month Graduate Route. If she applied from 30 November 2026 instead, she would need £10,827 for living costs.
Scholarships for Nepali Students in the UK
- Chevening: Fully funded one-year master’s awards.
- GREAT Scholarships: Often worth £10,000 towards tuition.
- University awards: Many universities offer merit discounts for international students.
A scholarship or discount lowers the unpaid tuition you must show in your bank balance.
Outdated UK Visa Information to Watch For
| Outdated claim | Current rule |
|---|---|
| “Tier 4 visa” | It is now called the Student visa. |
| Visa fee of £490 or £524 | £558 from 8 April 2026. |
| “You will collect a BRP card” | Approved students get an eVisa. |
| “Apply 3 months before your course” | You can apply up to 6 months before. |
| “2-year post-study visa for everyone” | 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. |
| Old living cost figures | £1,570 (London) and £1,203 (outside London) a month from 30 November 2026. |
How ICCC Helps Nepali Students Get UK Visas
ICCC Education has guided Nepali students since 2014, with offices in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal, and Dhangadhi. Our counsellors support you with:
- University shortlisting based on your grades, budget, and goals
- IELTS and PTE preparation
- SOP writing and credibility interview practice
- Financial document checks for the 28-day rule
- TB test and NOC coordination
- eVisa and pre-departure support
Start Your UK Application Now
The funds increase on 30 November 2026 and the Graduate Route change on 1 January 2027 make timing important. If you plan to study in the UK, start your documents now. Book a free consultation with ICCC Education and our counsellors will guide you from university choice to your eVisa.
FAQs: UK Student Visa From Nepal
What are the requirements for a UK student visa from Nepal?
You need a CAS from a licensed UK university, approved English test results, proof of funds held for 28 days in a row, a TB test certificate from IOM Kathmandu, an NOC from MOEST, a valid passport, and payment of the £558 visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
How much is the UK student visa fee from Nepal in 2026?
The Student visa fee is £558 from 8 April 2026. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 a year for your whole visa, which is about £1,164 for a one-year master’s. Check the exact NPR amount on the official UK visa fees calculator for Nepal.
How much bank balance do I need for a UK student visa from Nepal?
You need your unpaid first-year tuition plus living costs for up to 9 months. From 30 November 2026, living costs are £1,570 a month in London (£14,130) and £1,203 a month outside London (£10,827). The money must stay in your account for 28 days in a row.
What IELTS score do I need for a UK student visa from Nepal?
Most universities ask for IELTS 6.0 overall for bachelor’s courses and 6.5 for master’s courses. The visa itself needs B2 level, which is at least 5.5 in each skill for IELTS for UKVI. Always follow the score in your offer letter.
Do Nepali students need a TB test for a UK student visa?
Yes. Nepali applicants must take a TB test at the IOM clinic in Kathmandu. The certificate is valid for 6 months, so book early, especially between July and September.
Do I need an NOC for a UK student visa from Nepal?
Yes. Nepali students need a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Apply online at noc.moest.gov.np and allow 1 to 2 weeks.
How long does a UK student visa from Nepal take?
A standard decision usually takes about 3 weeks after your biometrics at VFS Global Kathmandu. You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. Priority services may be available for an extra fee.
What is the UK credibility interview?
It is a short phone or video call in which a UKVI officer checks that you are a genuine student. Expect questions on your course, university, finances, and career plans. Your answers must match your SOP and CAS.
Can I bring my spouse on a UK student visa from Nepal?
Only if you study a PhD or research-based postgraduate course, or have a government-funded scholarship. Undergraduate and taught master’s students cannot bring dependants.
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Yes. Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during official holidays. Students below degree level are usually limited to 10 hours. Self-employment is not allowed.
How long is the UK Graduate Route visa?
It is 2 years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates who apply by 31 December 2026, and 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. PhD graduates get 3 years.
Can I get a UK student visa from Nepal with a study gap?
Yes. You must explain the gap with real evidence such as work letters, salary slips, or course certificates, and mention it honestly in your SOP.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Fees, funds, and rules can change. Always check GOV.UK before you apply. No visa outcome is guaranteed.