Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal: A Guide 2026
Studying in the UK is a dream for many Nepali students because of the country’s world-class education system, cultural diversity, and post-study opportunities. However, understanding the total cost involved is crucial for proper financial planning. This guide gives you a clear, structured overview of tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, and additional charges. It also highlights affordable universities and courses that help you study in the UK on a budget.
Table of Contents
- Why Study in the UK from Nepal?
- Total Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
- UK University Fees for International Students
- Living Expenses in the UK for International Students
- UK Student Visa Fee from Nepal
- Additional Expenses
- Low-cost Universities in the UK for International Students – Cheapest Options
- Affordable Courses in the UK for International Students – Cheapest Options
- Conclusion
- FAQs - Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
Why Study in the UK from Nepal?
Before diving into the costs, it’s important to understand why the UK remains one of the top destinations for Nepali students. Every year, thousands of students choose the UK for its excellent universities, flexible course structures, and welcoming environment for international learners. Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or vocational program, studying in the UK can be a life-changing experience — provided you plan your finances wisely.
Top reasons why Nepali students choose the UK:
- World-class education: Home to globally ranked universities with strong academic reputations.
- Global exposure: A Multicultural environment that helps students build international networks.
- Shorter course duration: Most master’s programs are just 1 year, reducing overall costs.
- Post-study work opportunities: Graduate Route Visa allows 2–3 years of work after graduation.
- Transparent visa process: Streamlined student visa application system with clear financial guidelines.
- Flexible part-time work options: Up to 20 hours per week during term time to support living expenses.
Total Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
The total cost to study in the UK generally includes: tuition fees, living expenses, visa application fees, healthcare and travel charges, and documentation and other costs.
On average, the total cost for the first year of study in the UK can range from NPR 25 to 45 lakhs, depending on the course, location, and lifestyle. Below is the complete breakdown:
UK University Fees for International Students
Tuition fees in the UK cover a significant portion of your expenses and can cost you around £10,000 – £35,000 per year (Approximately NPR 19 – 66 lakhs), based on the course level, type of program, and university.
- Undergraduate programs: £10,000 – £25,000 per year (Approx. NPR 19 – 66 lakhs)
- Postgraduate programs: £11,000 – £32,000 per year (Approx. NPR 20 – 60 lakhs)
- MBA and other Specialized programs: £17,000 – £35,000 per year (Approx. NPR 32 – 66 lakhs)
Living Expenses in the UK for International Students
Living expenses depend on location and lifestyle. London and big cities are costlier, while towns in Northern England or Wales are more affordable. The annual living costs in the UK, as per the UKVI Guidelines, 2025, are: £17,796 per year (for courses inside London) and £13,632 per year (for courses outside London).
Estimated Monthly Expenses:
- Accommodation: £400 – £800/month
- Food & groceries: £150 – £250/month
- Transport: £40 – £100/month
- Utilities, internet, mobile: £50 – £100/month
- Miscellaneous (entertainment, clothes, etc.): £100 – £150/month
UK Student Visa Fee from Nepal
The UK student visa fee from Nepal will cost you £524 (Approx NPR 99,200). In addition, you will need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year before your visa application submission.
Additional Expenses
Beyond tuition, living expenses, and visa fees, there are extra costs Nepali students should prepare for. They are listed below for your reference:
- TB Test (mandatory): USD 60 (Approx. NPR 8,500)
- Flight cost: NPR 90,000 – 150,000 (one way)
- Language Proficiency Test (preparation + exam): NPR 30,000 – 35,000
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): NPR 2,000
- Documentation (translations, notary, and others): NPR 5,000 - 10,000
- Initial settlement cost: NPR 1 – 2 lakhs for the first month before part-time work starts
These are often one-time expenses, but they significantly impact your first-year budget.
Low-cost Universities in the UK for International Students – Cheapest Options
Studying in the UK doesn’t always have to be expensive. Many public universities offer affordable tuition fees for international students, including those from Nepal, while still maintaining strong academic standards and global recognition. These low-cost UK universities are ideal for students looking to minimize expenses without compromising on quality education. Choosing the right university can help you save thousands of pounds annually, especially when combined with scholarships or early payment discounts.
Here are some of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students:
|
University Name |
Average Annual Tuition Fee (Approx.) |
Remarks |
|
University of Sunderland |
From £12,000 |
Budget-friendly, good employability record, multiple intakes |
|
Leeds Trinity University |
From £12,000 |
Small class sizes, personal academic support |
|
University of West London |
From £13,000 |
Located in London, but with relatively low tuition fees |
|
Teesside University |
From £14,000 |
Known for practical learning and good scholarship options |
|
University of Cumbria |
From £13,250 |
Affordable, scenic campus locations |
|
Staffordshire University |
From £14,000 |
Strong in IT, business, and creative courses |
These universities are a smart choice for Nepali students who want to balance affordability and academic quality, making the UK education dream more achievable.
Affordable Courses in the UK for International Students – Cheapest Options
For Nepali students aiming to study in the UK on a budget, choosing the right course is just as important as selecting an affordable university. Tuition fees in the UK vary significantly depending on the field of study, course duration, and university location. Opting for low-cost courses can help reduce overall expenses without compromising the value of your degree. These programs are often shorter in duration, more practical in nature, and still recognized worldwide — making them ideal for cost-conscious international students.
Foundation and Diploma Programs
Foundation courses and vocational diplomas are among the most affordable options, typically costing between £8,000 and £13,000 per year. These programs are perfect for students transitioning to UK education, providing academic and language preparation while keeping costs low.
Undergraduate Courses in Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor’s degrees in fields like Humanities, Education, Social Sciences, and Languages usually have lower tuition fees than STEM or medical programs. Annual fees often range from £11,000 to £14,000, especially at universities located outside London.
Undergraduate STEM Courses Outside Major Cities
If you’re interested in technology or science, studying Computer Science, IT, or Engineering at universities outside London can be significantly cheaper, averaging £12,000–£15,000 per year, while still offering strong employability prospects.
One-Year Master’s Programs
One of the biggest financial advantages of the UK is the one-year master’s structure, allowing students to complete postgraduate degrees faster and save on living costs. Tuition typically starts from £11,000 to £16,000, depending on the field and institution. Popular affordable options include Business, Management, Data Analytics, Education, and Public Health.
Short Professional and Vocational Courses
Short-term professional courses and diplomas in areas like healthcare support, business administration, IT, and hospitality are cost-effective choices for students looking to gain practical skills and enter the job market quickly.
By selecting affordable courses strategically, Nepali students can lower both tuition and living costs, making it easier to manage finances while still earning a globally respected UK qualification. Pairing these courses with scholarships or early payment discounts can help reduce costs even further.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK from Nepal can be a smart long-term investment if you plan your finances strategically. While tuition fees and living costs may seem high at first, selecting affordable universities, low-cost courses, and applying for scholarships can significantly lower your overall budget. The UK’s shorter course durations, post-study work opportunities, and high-quality education system make it one of the most attractive destinations for ambitious Nepali students.
With the right preparation — from estimating total costs to arranging necessary documentation — you can confidently start your UK education journey.
Ready to take the next step? Consult King’s Institute, Pokhara, a trusted education consultancy in Nepal to receive personalized guidance on university selection, application, scholarships, and visa processing for the UK. Start planning today and make your UK study dream a reality.
FAQs - Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
1. How much does it cost to study in the UK from Nepal?
The total cost usually ranges from NPR 25–45 lakhs for the first year, covering tuition fees, living expenses, visa fees, IHS surcharge, flights, and other initial costs. Actual expenses vary depending on the course, university, and location.
2. How much GPA is required to study in the UK from Nepal?
Most UK universities require a minimum GPA of 2.6 – 3.0 for bachelor’s admission and around 2.8 – 3.2 for master’s programs. Competitive universities may ask for higher scores, plus English language proficiency (IELTS/PTE).
3. What is the total cost to study in the UK?
On average, the total annual cost is:
- Tuition: £10,000 – £25,000
- Living expenses: £9,000 – £12,000
- Other costs (visa, IHS, flight, tests): £2,000–£2,500
This brings the total to roughly £21,000–£39,000 per year.
4. Can I study in the UK under 10 lakhs?
It’s challenging to cover the full first-year cost under 10 lakhs, as UKVI requires proof of sufficient funds. However, you can lower costs through scholarships, low-fee universities, affordable courses, and partial self-funding through part-time work once you arrive.
5. Is the UK too expensive to study?
The UK is relatively costly compared to some countries, but shorter course durations, high post-study work potential, and affordable options outside London make it financially manageable for many Nepali students.
6. How much bank balance is required to study in the UK?
You must show proof of funds covering:
- Tuition fees for 1 year, and
- Living costs: £1,483/month for up to 9 months if studying in London, or £1,136/month outside London.
This usually totals £20,000 – £30,000 (NPR 38 – 57 lakhs) in your or your sponsor’s bank account for at least 28 days before the visa application.
Also Read: UK Student Visa from Nepal: Process, Requirements, Cost & Success Rate