What is the minimum IELTS score required to study in the UK?

Most UK universities require an overall IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5, depending on the program. Competitive courses like medicine or law may require higher band scores. It's best to check with the specific institution.

Can I work while studying in the UK?

Yes, international students on a Tier 4 student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. This allows you to gain practical experience and support your living expenses.

Is the UK safe for Nepali students?

The UK is considered safe for international students, including those from Nepal. Universities offer 24/7 campus security, international student services, and mental health support to help you feel secure and supported throughout your stay.

How much does it cost to study in the UK from Nepal?

Tuition fees range between GBP 10,000 and GBP 38,000 annually, depending on the course and university. Living costs are approximately GBP 12,000 per year. Budgeting carefully and exploring scholarships can help reduce your expenses.

What are the popular intakes for UK universities?

The major intakes are September/October and January/February. A few universities also offer April or May intakes for selected courses. Starting your application 12–15 months in advance is advisable.

What documents are required to apply for a UK student visa?

You will need a valid passport, CAS from a UK university, proof of financial support, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS), academic transcripts, and a TB test certificate (if required).

Can I stay in the UK after completing my studies?

Yes. Under the Graduate Route visa, you can stay and work in the UK for 2 years after completing your degree (3 years for PhD graduates), giving you valuable work experience in an international environment.

How can IDP Nepal support my UK study journey?

IDP Nepal provides end-to-end support, including personalised counselling, help with university applications, IELTS coaching, visa guidance, and pre-departure sessions to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Study in UK from Nepal – Top Universities, Courses, Cost & Scholarships

Study in the UK: A Life-Changing Opportunity for Nepalese Students

Aspiring to take a big career leap? Take the perfect chance to study in the UK and turn all your dreams into reality! Top-ranked universities, lucrative career prospects, and global exposure are among the reasons why students from Nepal prefer to study in the UK.

Helping you achieve all your ambitions is IDP Education, on your side, assisting you every step of the way in selecting. From choosing the best course and university to offering post-arrival support, IDP ensures a comfortable study experience for Nepalese students in the UK.

Why Study in the UK?

Why choose the UK for higher studies? Home to top-ranked universities and offering a post-study work route to graduates, the country is a popular destination for international students seeking to study abroad.

Here are some reasons why students choose to study in the UK:

The country is home to a culturally diverse population, with students from more than 150 countries studying in the UK.
You can find some of the world’s best universities in the UK - Cambridge, Oxford, and Imperial College.
The UK government allows international students to remain and complete their course by granting them a post-study work visa.

Top Universities in the UK for Nepali Students

The University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and Imperial College London are among the top UK universities for international students, home to many other notable institutions that rank highly in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Some top universities in the UK are:

University	QS World University Ranking 2026
Imperial College London	2
University of Oxford	4
University of Cambridge	6
University College London (UCL)	9
King’s College London	31
The University of Edinburgh	34
University of Manchester	35
University of Bristol	51
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	56
University of Warwick	74

Top Student Cities in the UK

International students in the UK often prefer to live in cities such as Edinburgh, London, and Manchester, among others, throughout the country. This is because these cities offer a fine blend of top-class academic learning and lucrative career prospects. Some of the best places in the UK for students are cited below for your consideration:

London
Edinburgh
Manchester
Glasgow
Coventry
Bristol
Birmingham
Nottingham

Popular Courses for Nepali Students in the UK

Some of the most popular courses among international students in the UK include Engineering, Business and Management, and Computer Science. Some of the most popular courses in the UK for international students are:

Undergraduate Courses

Masters in the UK for Nepali Students

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for Nepalese Students

All UK universities ask international students to submit their academic credentials, proof of English proficiency, and meet other requirements before admission. Some of the commonly accepted eligibility criteria to study in the UK include:

Parameters	Eligibility Criteria for a Bachelor’s in the UK	Eligibility Criteria for a Masters in the UK
Academic Credentials	Completion of 10+2 or an overseas equivalent from a recognised school with at least 65% aggregate	Completion of a three-year Bachelor’s in First Class from a reputed university with at least 60% aggregate
English Language Proficiency	IELTS 6.5; no less than 6.0 in any individual component	Generally in the range of 6.0-7.5

Application Process for Nepali Students to Study in the UK

Students aspiring to study in the UK must obtain a valid student visa before they can apply to UK universities. The exact university application process is defined below:

Research the various UK universities to identify the best one that aligns with your goals.
Prepare for UK university admissions by gathering the required documents.
Apply to your chosen program by completing the application form and submitting all required documents.
Once you receive a CAS from the university to which you have applied, start preparing to apply for the UK student visa.

Note: IDP Education provides complete assistance for applying for a study visa for the UK.

Requirements (Documents) to Apply for the UK Study Visa

To apply for the UK student visas, the key document required is a valid passport. Some of the other essential documents that you must submit when applying for a UK visa for Nepali students are:

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the applied UK university
Proof of sufficient finances to study in the UK
Proof of guardianship for students under 18
Test results of Tuberculosis

It is recommended to apply for a UK study visa at least 6 months before the intended start date of your study program in the UK. This would help keep sufficient time for document gathering and visa processing.

The visa application fees for Nepali students are estimated at NPR 1,01,758 (approx. GBP 542).

Cost of Studying in the UK for Nepali Students

The average UK university fees for international students are estimated to be between GBP 11,400 and GBP 30,000 (approximately). This may vary from one institution to another, as well as for different undergraduate and postgraduate programs (UG and PG). The table below shares a complete breakdown of the cost of studying in the UK, including living expenses for international students:

Parameters	Total Cost (Approx.)
UK university tuition fees	UG courses - GBP 11,400 - GBP 38,000 PG courses - GBP 9,000 - GBP 30,000
Student halls	GBP 664 - GBP 848
Private accommodation	GBP 554 - GBP 750
Groceries	GBP 116 - GBP 155
Public transport	GBP 54 - GBP 103
Gym	GBP 15 - GBP 20
Utilities	GBP 80 - GBP 140
Dining	GBP 80 - GBP 150

UK Scholarships for Nepali Students

Commonwealth and Chevening scholarships are the two main scholarships that the UK offers to international students aspiring to pursue further studies. Additionally, some university-specific scholarships are also available. The table below shares the top UK scholarships for international students

Top UK Scholarships	Amount Offered
Glasgow Caledonian University	GBP 10,000 each
University of Essex	GBP 10,000 each
Aston University	GBP 10,000 each
Oxford Brookes University	GBP 10,000 each
Ulster University	GBP 10,000 each
University of Reading	GBP 10,000 each

Work Opportunities in the UK for International Students: During and After Studies

International students can only seek part-time work opportunities in the UK (up to 20 hours per week) during their program in the country. They can work full-time only during holidays and school breaks.

Below are some of the top jobs in the UK that you can apply for upon course completion. The role would vary depending on the field of study you chose to pursue:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (Approx)
Doctor	GBP 56,480
Data Scientist	GBP 52,526
Financial Analyst	GBP 39,936
Construction Manager	GBP 61,214
Pilot	GBP 61,129

Related Sources: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/doctor-salary-SRCH_KO0,6.htm

https://uk.indeed.com/career/data-scientist/salaries

https://uk.indeed.com/career/financial-analyst/salaries?from=top_sb

https://uk.indeed.com/career/construction-manager/salaries?from=top_sb

https://uk.indeed.com/career/pilot/salaries?from=top_sb

Tips for a Smooth Transition

The move to a new country can be overwhelming. To help make a smooth transition, practice addition as well, along with your academic preparations. These include:

Making sufficient arrangements for comfortable and cost-effective housing options, health insurance coverage, and banking

Familiarising yourself with the UK education system and working on improving your English language skills

Networking and connecting with people in the UK, making friends, seeking support, and feeling at home

IDP Student Essentials Services for Studying Abroad

The good thing is that IDP Education can help you with most of the practical arrangements in the UK (defined in the section above) and ensure that you have nothing to worry about in the new country. Our Student Essentials Services (SES) are designed to assist you in the UK with:

FAQs on Study in the UK from Nepal

Is studying in the UK worth it for Nepali students?

A: Of course! Studying in the UK unlocks pathways to rewarding career prospects globally. It also provides easy access to a diverse variety of courses and top-ranked universities in the country.

2. What is the best time to apply for the UK from Nepal?

A: Begin your visa application at least six months prior to the start date of your program in the UK.

3. Is a gap year accepted to study in the UK?

A: Yes, many UK universities generally accept a study gap year, provided the student has a valid reason to support the gap.

4. Can I get a full scholarship to study in the UK from Nepal?

A: Yes, the UK does provide full scholarships to international students through its government-funded schemes, such as the Commonwealth or Chevening.

5. Can I change my course after arriving in the UK from Nepal?

A: Yes, it is possible to change your study program upon arrival in the UK; however, the final decision lies in the hands of the university where you are studying. If they have a policy in place to change the study program, then you can go ahead.

6. How many intakes are there for UK universities yearly?

A: Most UK universities generally offer three intakes - Fall, Winter, and Summer. The September intake in the Fall is usually considered the most popular among international students.

7. How many hours can I work on a UK student visa?

A: International students are permitted to work only part-time, i.e., up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time (40 hours per week) during holidays and breaks.

Updated on 7 Aug, 2025