UK Student Visa from Nepal: Process, Requirements, Cost & Success Rate
The United Kingdom (UK) has long been a top choice for Nepali students who dream of earning a globally recognized degree, experiencing world-class education, and building an international career. Every year, thousands of students from Nepal choose the UK because of its prestigious universities, flexible courses, scholarships, and post-study work opportunities. But before packing your bags, the most important step is securing a UK Student Visa.
For many, this step can feel overwhelming - questions like “How much bank balance do I need?”, “Is IELTS compulsory?”, “How long does the process take?”, or “What documents are required?” often cause confusion. That’s why we’ve created this complete, user-friendly guide to the UK student visa process from Nepal.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know regarding the UK student visas and you’ll have a clear roadmap to apply for a UK student visa from Nepal - with practical tips that increase your chances of approval. Whether you’re a high school graduate planning your bachelor’s degree or a professional looking for a master’s program, this guide will help you take the right step toward studying in the UK.
Table of Contents
- UK Student Visa from Nepal: Overview
- UK Student Visa Requirements from Nepal
- UK Student Visa Document Checklist for Nepalese Students
- UK Visa Application Fee, IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge), & Additional Costs for Nepalese Students
- Is IELTS Required for a UK Student Visa from Nepal?
- How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa from Nepal?
- Processing Time for UK Student Visa from Nepal
- Conclusion
- Take the Next Step with Us
- FAQs - UK Student Visa from Nepal
UK Student Visa from Nepal: Overview
The UK Student Visa is the official permit that allows international students, including those from Nepal, to live and study in the UK. It is designed for students aged 16 or above who have been accepted into a recognized UK educational institution.
For Nepali students, this visa opens doors to:
- World-class universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and top modern institutions.
- Global exposure and cultural diversity.
- Work opportunities during and after studies (20 hours per week during term time + Graduate Route post-study work visa).
- A pathway to career growth and migration opportunities.
Key Highlights of the UK Student Visa
- Eligibility: You must have a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a licensed UK university or college.
- English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo (some universities offer waivers).
- Financial Proof: You need to show enough funds for tuition fees + living expenses.
- Visa Cost: £524 (approx. NPR 99,000) + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year.
- Processing Time: Usually 3 – 4 weeks from Nepal.
- Success Rate: Very high for Nepalese students - over 95% when documents are genuine.
Why This Visa Matters
The UK Student Visa doesn’t just let you study, it gives you the chance to gain international work experience, build a global career network, and explore one of the world’s most dynamic countries. With the Graduate Route (PSW Visa), students can stay in the UK after completing their degree to work or look for jobs.
UK Student Visa Requirements from Nepal
To apply for a UK student visa from Nepal, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide the correct documents. Missing even a single requirement may lead to delays or visa refusal. Below is a complete breakdown of the UK student visa requirements for Nepalese students in 2025:
1. Offer Letter & CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- You must first receive an unconditional offer from a licensed UK university or college.
- After accepting the offer and paying the required deposit, the institution issues a CAS letter.
- The CAS is a unique reference number that confirms your admission and is mandatory for your visa application.
2. Valid Passport
- A valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa.
- Must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in the UK.
3. Proof of Financial Support (Funds Requirement)
You need to prove that you can pay for both your tuition fees and living costs in the UK.
- Tuition Fees: Must show funds to cover 1 year’s tuition
- Living Costs (Maintenance Funds):
- £1,483 per month if studying in London (up to 9 months = £13,347).
- £1,136 per month if outside London (up to 9 months = £10,024).
- Funds must be held in your (or your sponsor’s) bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
- Bank statements, fixed deposits (FD), and educational loans are commonly used by Nepali students.
4. Academic Certificates & Transcripts
- Educational documents (SLC/SEE, +2, Bachelor, or Master transcripts/certificates).
- Must match the entry requirements of your chosen UK university.
5. English Language Proficiency
- Most UK universities require proof of English language ability.
- Accepted tests include:
- IELTS (Academic): Typically 5.5 – 6.5 overall band.
- TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test also accepted by many universities.
- Some universities grant IELTS waiver if you studied in English medium (must provide a Medium of Instruction letter).
6. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate
- Required for all Nepali applicants.
- Tests must be taken at a UKVI-approved clinic in Nepal (e.g., IOM in Kathmandu).
- The certificate is valid for 6 months.
7. Consent Letter (For Students Under 18)
- If you are under 18, you need parental/legal guardian consent and additional supporting documents.
With these requirements fulfilled, Nepali students stand a very high chance of approval, as the UK student visa success rate from Nepal is above 95% in 2025 when all documents are genuine.
UK Student Visa Document Checklist for Nepalese Students
Before applying for your UK student visa from Nepal, having the right documents prepared is crucial. A missing or incorrect document is one of the most common reasons for visa delays or refusals. To make the process smooth and stress-free, here’s a complete checklist of documents you’ll need for a successful UK student visa application.
- Valid Passport
- CAS Letter from University
- Financial Evidence (bank statements, sponsor letter, FD, education loan)
- Academic Certificates & Transcripts
- English Language Test Results (if applicable)
- Tuberculosis Test Certificate
- Completed Online Visa Application Form
- Visa Fee & IHS Payment Receipt
UK Visa Application Fee, IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge), & Additional Costs for Nepalese Students
Understanding the visa fee is essential for budgeting your study abroad journey. The cost includes not only the visa application fee but also the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and other related expenses like the TB test. Here’s a complete breakdown of the UK student visa fees for Nepalese students in 2025, so you can plan your finances with confidence.
1. Visa Application Fee
- £524 (Approx. NPR 99,000) for student visa applications submitted from outside the UK, including Nepal.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Mandatory for most student visa applicants (applies if your stay is longer than 6 months).
- It costs £776 (Approx. NPR 146,500) per year. For example, a 3-year course would require: £776 × 3 = £2,328 total IHS.
3. Additional Costs
While these aren’t visa fees, they are essential to consider:
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test: NPR 7,800 - 8,500
- Biometric Enrollment: Usually included in the visa application fee.
- Document Translation/Certification: If applicable, typically NPR 5,000 - 10,000 depending on the number of documents.
Is IELTS Required for a UK Student Visa from Nepal?
- Most UK universities require IELTS 6.0 – 6.5.
- Some universities accept TOEFL or PTE as an alternative proficiency test as well.
- If you previously studied in English medium (high school or bachelor’s degree), some universities may waive IELTS.
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa from Nepal?
To get a UK student visa from Nepal, you must show proof of funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. The exact amount depends on your university tuition fee and location (inside or outside London).
1. Tuition Fees
- You need to show 1 year’s tuition fees (as mentioned in your CAS letter).
- Example: If your tuition fee is £12,000 per year and you have already paid £4,000 to the university, then you must show £8,000 in your bank account.
2. Living Costs (Maintenance Funds)
- £1,483 per month if studying in London (up to 9 months = £13,347).
- £1,136 per month if studying outside London (up to 9 months = £10,024).
3. Total Bank Balance Requirement = Tuition Fee (1 year) + Living Costs
Example Calculation (Outside London):
- Tuition fee (1 year): £12,000
- Paid to university: £4,000
- Remaining tuition to show: £8,000
- Living cost: £10,024
- Total Bank Balance Required: £18,024 (Approx. NPR 3.4 million)
Note:
- Funds must be in your (or your sponsor’s) account for at least 28 consecutive days before application.
- The bank statement should not be older than 31 days at the time of visa application.
- Fixed Deposits (FDs) and Education Loans are accepted if they meet UKVI guidelines.
Processing Time for UK Student Visa from Nepal
- Standard Processing Time: 3 - 4 weeks.
- Priority Service (Optional): Within 5 - 10 days (extra fee).
The processing times may change. For the official processing times, please visit the official website: Visa processing times: applications outside the UK - GOV.UK
Conclusion
Applying for a UK student visa from Nepal may seem complex at first, but with the right guidance, preparation, and financial planning, your dream of studying in the UK can become a reality. From arranging the correct documents to preparing for the visa interview, every step matters for a successful application.
The UK offers world-class education, post-study work opportunities, and global career exposure - making it one of the best destinations for Nepali students in 2025 and beyond.
Take the Next Step with Us
If you’re planning to study in the UK, don’t take chances with your visa application. Our expert team will:
- Guide you in choosing the right university and course.
- Help you arrange your financial documents correctly.
- Provide visa filing support with the highest success rate.
- Prepare you for the UKVI credibility interview.
Book your free counseling session today and let us turn your UK study dream into reality. Contact us at King’s Institute, Pokhara - your trusted UK education partner in Nepal.
FAQs - UK Student Visa from Nepal
1. How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa from Nepal?
Nepali students must show enough funds to cover 1 year’s tuition fees (as per CAS letter) plus living costs. This amount varies significantly depending on your select university tuition fees and location (inside or outside of London). Read the above sections for detailed breakdown.
2. How much is the visa fee for Nepalese students in the UK?
The UK student visa application fee is £524 (~ NPR 99,000). In addition, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year, which allows access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
3. What is the success rate of a UK student visa from Nepal?
The UK student visa success rate from Nepal is very high - over 95% in 2025 - if documents and funds are genuine and students pass the credibility interview (optional). Most refusals happen due to insufficient funds, unverifiable documents, or poor interview performance.
4. Is IELTS required for a UK student visa?
Yes, in most cases. UK universities generally require IELTS 5.5 – 6.5 overall (depending on the course). However, some universities accept PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, or may grant an IELTS waiver if you studied in English medium.
5. How much GPA is required to study in the UK from Nepal?
- Bachelor’s programs: Minimum 2.4 GPA in +2 or equivalent.
- Master’s programs: Minimum 2.6 GPA in Bachelor’s degree.
- Entry requirements vary by university, but higher-ranked universities may ask for 3.0 GPA or above.
6. Is a UK student visa easy to get?
Yes, the UK student visa is considered straightforward and easier compared to many other countries, provided you meet the eligibility criteria, show the correct bank balance, and submit genuine documents. With proper preparation, Nepalese students enjoy a very high approval rate.
Also Read: Best Education Consultancy in Pokhara - Kings Institute