Study in the UK from Nepal: Student Visa Guide (CAS, Funds, Work, Graduate Visa)

If you want to study in the UK from Nepal, you will apply for the UK Student visa. This guide explains the CAS, how much money you must show and for how long, who can bring family, how many hours you can work, and the Graduate visa after your degree.

Checked against official sources in September 2026. Fees, fund amounts and work rules change often, so confirm every number on the official pages linked below before you apply. This is educational information, not legal or immigration advice.

Update (28 September 2026): for Student visa applications made on or after 30 November 2026, the living-cost amounts rise to £1,570 per month in London and £1,203 per month outside London. Read the news.

Step 1: Get a CAS from a licensed student sponsor

Your university must be a licensed student sponsor. Once you accept an unconditional offer, it issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), a reference number you use in your visa application.

Step 2: Show the money (and hold it for 28 days)

You must show your first-year course fees (minus any deposit already paid) plus living costs for up to 9 months:

• £1,529 per month for courses in London
• £1,171 per month for courses outside London
• The money must be in the account for at least 28 days in a row, and the end of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of your visa application date.

A common reason for refusal is funds that dipped below the required amount for even one day in the 28-day window. Keep the balance steady.

A step many Nepali students forget: the NOC

Students from Nepal usually need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology before banks will transfer tuition or living funds abroad. Apply for it once you have your offer letter, and check the current process on the ministry’s official website.

Step 3: Tuberculosis test and English

Applicants who have lived in Nepal must take a TB test at a UK-approved clinic and include the certificate. You also need to meet the English requirement set by your university and the visa rules.

Step 4: Apply and pay

• Apply online up to 6 months before your course starts.
• Application fee from outside the UK: £558.
• You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of your visa. Check the current amount on GOV.UK.

Can I bring my spouse or children?

For courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, only students on a PhD, doctorate or research-based postgraduate course, or government-sponsored students on courses longer than 6 months, can bring dependants. Most taught master’s students can no longer bring family.

Working while you study

• Degree-level students at a university can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full time during official vacations.
• Your exact limit is shown on your visa record. Check it before accepting a job.
• Self-employment, freelancing and working as a professional sportsperson are not allowed.

After graduation: the Graduate visa

• Bachelor’s or master’s graduates: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027.
• PhD and other doctoral graduates: 3 years.
• Fee: £937, plus the healthcare surcharge.

What may change

The UK government has announced several changes to student and graduate routes since 2024, including the shorter Graduate visa from 2027. Check GOV.UK again just before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in the UK

Official resources

• GOV.UK: Student visa
• GOV.UK: Money you need
• GOV.UK: Partner and children
• GOV.UK: Graduate visa
• GOV.UK: Healthcare surcharge

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