Study in the United Kingdom from Nepal and India
Student visa
Apply with a CAS from a licensed sponsor, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and show maintenance funds held for 28 days. 20 hours of work in term; the Graduate visa drops to 18 months from 2027.
United Kingdom student visa at a glance
Short answer: To study in the United Kingdom you apply for the Student visa. The main visa fee is GBP 558 (about NPR 1.13 lakh). You must also show GBP 1,171 per month, up to 9 months: money that stays yours. You can work up to 20 hours a week during term. Eligible bachelor's and master's graduates can get a post-study work stay of up to 24 months (rules and longer stays for some degrees below).
Check before you start
- This guide is for Nepali and Indian citizens applying from Nepal or India.
- You need an offer from a recognised institution. Check it on the official register in the sources below.
- Rules change often. Use the official links on this page to confirm before you pay or apply.
How much does it cost to study in the United Kingdom?
Two different kinds of money: fees you pay (gone once paid) and funds you show as evidence (they stay in your account). Never add them together.
You pay
Fees. Not refunded.
- Visa application fee (outside the UK)GBP 558 one-off≈ NPR 1,13,190 · ₹70,678
- Immigration Health SurchargeGBP 776 per year≈ NPR 1,57,412 · ₹98,290
You show
Evidence. It stays yours.
- Maintenance to show (outside London)GBP 1,171 per month, up to 9 monthsLondon: £1,529 a month. Plus unpaid first-year fees shown on your CAS. Held for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of applying.≈ NPR 2,37,537 · ₹1,48,322
This money proves you can support yourself. It is not paid to anyone.
NPR and INR are estimates at Nepal Rastra Bank selling rates of 22 Oct 2026. Pay official fees only through the official channel.
What do I need for a United Kingdom student visa?
- Eligibility
- Age 16+, an offer from a licensed student sponsor (CAS), enough money and English (B2 for degree level, B1 below). Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
- Full financial evidence
- Neither Nepal nor India is on the "differentiated" list, so full financial evidence must be submitted with the application. Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
- TB test
- Required for applicants from Nepal and India staying 6 months or more (certificate valid 6 months). Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
- Processing
- Usually about 3 weeks from outside the UK. Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
- Dependants
- Only for postgraduate research students or government-sponsored students. Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
Can I work while studying in the United Kingdom?
- Work during study
- 20 hours a week in term at degree level (10 below degree); full-time outside term; no self-employment. Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
Can I stay and work after graduating?
- Graduate visa
- 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026; 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027; PhD 3 years. Fee £937 plus the health surcharge. Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
What is different for Nepali and Indian students?
From Nepal
- Nepal TB clinicsNepal
- IOM Kathmandu and Damak (USD 60 age 11+, paid in NPR) and Norvic International Hospital (NPR 7,800). Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- India is eligible; Nepal is not. Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
From India
- India TB clinicsIndia
- Approved clinics in 19 locations across India. Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- India is eligible; Nepal is not. Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
What are the top universities in the United Kingdom?
The 10 highest-placed universities in the United Kingdom in THE World University Rankings 2027, in that order. Rankings measure research and reputation, not whether a course suits you. Check entry rules, fees and the course on each official site. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
1. University of Oxford
Oxford · Public university · Full degrees in English
Strongest subjects in rankings: Medicine & Health · Computer Science · Engineering · Social Sciences · Education
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Subject rankings (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
1THE WUR 2027
2. University of Cambridge
Cambridge · Public university · Full degrees in English
Known for: Clinical Medicine · Biological Sciences · Physical Sciences · Technology · Arts & Humanities · Humanities & Social Sciences
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
5THE WUR 2027
3. Imperial College London
London · Public university · Full degrees in English
Known for: Engineering · Medicine · Natural Sciences · Business
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
8THE WUR 2027
4. UCL (University College London)
London · Public university · Full degrees in English
Strongest subjects in rankings: Psychology · Arts & Humanities · Medicine & Health · Education · Law
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Subject rankings (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
=17THE WUR 2027
5. University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh · Public university · Full degrees in English
Known for: Arts & Humanities · Law · Medicine · Veterinary Medicine · Informatics · Business
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
=29THE WUR 2027
6. King's College London
London · Public university · Full degrees in English
Known for: Medicine & Life Sciences · Psychiatry & Neuroscience · Dentistry · Nursing & Midwifery · Law
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
40THE WUR 2027
7. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
London · Public university · Full degrees in English
Known for: Economics · Finance · Management · International Relations · Government · Law
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
47THE WUR 2027
8. University of Manchester
Manchester · Public university · Full degrees in English
Known for: Biology, Medicine & Health · Engineering · Natural Sciences · Business (Alliance MBS) · Humanities
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
60THE WUR 2027
9. University of Bristol
Bristol · Public university · Full degrees in English
Known for: Medicine · Dentistry · Veterinary Science · Engineering · Law · Education
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
82THE WUR 2027
10. University of Glasgow
Glasgow · Public university · Full degrees in English
Known for: Medicine · Veterinary Medicine · Engineering · Business (Adam Smith) · Law · Arts & Humanities
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
83THE WUR 2027
Public colleges
Colleges offer diplomas and applied degrees, usually at lower cost. Listed alphabetically, not ranked.
Askham Bryan College (University Centre Askham Bryan)
York · Public college · Full degrees in English
Known for: Agriculture · Animal Science · Equine · Veterinary Nursing · Adventure Sport
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
Blackpool and The Fylde College
Blackpool · Public college · Full degrees in English
Known for: Maritime (Fleetwood Nautical) · Engineering · Aerospace · Digital · Health · Visitor Economy
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
Luminate Education Group (University Centre Leeds)
Leeds · Public college · Full degrees in English
Known for: Computer Science · Game Development · Creative & Media Arts · Biomedical Science · Engineering (HNC/HND) · Education
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
Warwickshire College Group (WCG) / Warwickshire College and University Centre
Royal Leamington Spa · Public college · Full degrees in English
Known for: Animal & Equine Science · Veterinary Professions · Engineering · Computer Networks & Cybersecurity · Business & Management
Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)Faculties and schools (opens the official website in a new tab)Register: Licensed student sponsor (Home Office) (opens the official website in a new tab)
Are there scholarships to study in the United Kingdom?
Yes: 8 we have checked on official pages. Eligibility can differ for Nepal and India. See all countries
8 of 8 scholarships
- Government· Master's
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK + UK universities
GBP 1,712 per month · Airfare, tuition, living allowance and thesis/travel grants for a master’s at a participating UK university.
- Nepal:
- Not eligible
- India:
- Eligible
Applications open 10 November 2026 and close 8 December 2026, 16:00 GMT. £2,000 a month in London.
Deadline
Official page (opens the official website in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026 - University· Bachelor's
International Undergraduate Scholarship 2027
University of Sheffield
GBP 2,500 per year · Kept each year with a 60% average, up to £10,000 in total. Excludes Medicine and Dentistry.
Applied automatically on admission — effectively a tuition discount, not a competitive award.
- Nepal:
- Eligible
- India:
- Eligible
Make Sheffield your firm or insurance choice by the deadline.
Deadline
Official page (opens the official website in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026 - University· Bachelor's, Master's
Chancellor’s International Scholarship
University of Hertfordshire
£500–4,000 off tuition.
Applied automatically on admission — effectively a tuition discount, not a competitive award.
- Nepal:
- Eligible
- India:
- Eligible
January 2027 intake.
Official page (opens the official website in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026 - Government· Master's
Chevening Scholarships
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Fully funded one-year master’s degree in the UK.
- Nepal:
- Eligible
- India:
- Eligible
The 2027/28 round ran August–October 2026 and has closed. The next round is expected from August 2027.
- University· Bachelor's, Master's
Coventry University Group Scholarship
Coventry University
GBP 2,000 per year of study · Self-funded students only; pay your deposit by the date in your offer letter.
Applied automatically on admission — effectively a tuition discount, not a competitive award.
- Nepal:
- Eligible
- India:
- Eligible
2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes.
Official page (opens the official website in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026 - University· Bachelor's, Master's
Global Excellence Scholarship
Ulster University
£5,000 for postgraduates; undergraduates £5,000 in year one then £3,000.
Applied automatically on admission — effectively a tuition discount, not a competitive award.
- Nepal:
- Eligible
- India:
- Check official page
Assessed at offer.
Official page (opens the official website in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026 - University· Master's
India–Leicester Anniversary Discount
University of Leicester
Master’s tuition fixed at £18,500 for India-domiciled students — shown in your offer.
- Nepal:
- Not eligible
- India:
- Eligible
January and April 2027 starts.
Official page (opens the official website in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026 - Government· Master's
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
GBP 1,712 per month · Airfare, full tuition, a monthly stipend and a study travel grant.
- Nepal:
- Not eligible
- India:
- Eligible
£2,000 a month in London. Indian applicants apply through the national nominating agency.
This round closed — check the official page for the next round
Official page (opens the official website in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
What has changed recently?
Graduate visa shortens from 2 years to 18 months (PhD stays 3 years). Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
Stricter sponsor compliance thresholds (visa refusal rate under 5%) — check your university is in good standing. Source: GOV.UK (opens the official website in a new tab)
Check these yourself
We could not confirm these on an official page when we last checked, so we do not state them as facts.
- Chevening eligibility dates for the next cycle.
Official sources for United Kingdom
Government and official pages we use for this guide, checked .
- 1Immigration Rules – Appendix StudentRules · Legal rules
- 2Student visaStudent visa · Eligibility, fee, processing
- 3IHS – how much to payHealth surcharge · IHS
- 4Money you needFunds · Maintenance + 28-day rule
- 5Student and Child Student v15.0 (9 Oct 2026)Caseworker guidance · Interviews, CAS checks
- 6Graduate visaPost-study · Length/conditions
- 7Register of licensed sponsors: students (updated 21 Oct 2026)Sponsor register · Licensed sponsors
- 8Student sponsor guidance – complianceSponsor compliance · BCA thresholds
- 9CheveningScholarship · 1-yr master's
- 10Commonwealth Master'sScholarship · Master's
- 11British Embassy KathmanduNepal mission · Lainchaur
- 12British High Commission New DelhiIndia mission · —
- 13Find a visa application centreVAC · → VFS visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/gbr/ · /ind/en/gbr/
- 14TB tests for visa applicantsTB · Who needs one
- 15Coming to the UK – NepalFee payment (Nepal) · Standard Chartered branches for fee payment
Planning to study in the United Kingdom?
Tell us your results, budget and intake. We reply with options and the official steps, free.
General information from official government sources — not legal or immigration advice, and not a guarantee of admission, scholarship, employment or visa approval. Rules change: always confirm on the official site before you apply.