UK Student Visa for Nepali Students: Complete 2026 Guide
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) is the standard visa for international students. You need a CAS from your university, IHS payment of £776/year, and proof of funds covering tuition + £10,539–£13,761 (from Nov 2025) living costs. Application fee is £558 (from Apr 2026), plus IHS. Processing typically 3 weeks from Nepal. After graduation, the Graduate Route gives 2 years of post-study work (3 for PhD), no sponsor required.
Understanding the UK Student Visa
The UK Student Visa (Student Route) is the visa Nepali students need for full-time study at UK universities and licensed institutions. It replaced the older 'Tier 4' visa in October 2020 as part of the UK's points-based immigration system. The Student Route covers degree programs (bachelor's, master's, PhD) at universities, plus longer English language courses and some independent school study.
Your university must hold a Student sponsor licence from the Home Office to issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), the document that allows you to apply for a Student visa. All major UK universities hold sponsor licences, but if you are considering a smaller or private institution, verify their sponsor status at gov.uk before accepting an offer. Without a CAS from a licensed sponsor, you cannot apply for a Student visa.
The Student Route gives you 70 visa points: 50 for the CAS (sponsorship offer to study), 10 for English language ability, and 10 for financial requirement. Meeting all three components is mandatory, the points are not 'tradeable.' Each requirement must be satisfied independently.
Documents You Need
Mandatory documents: CAS reference number (issued by your university), passport, valid ATAS certificate if your course requires it (mostly for sensitive STEM programs at postgraduate level), tuberculosis (TB) test results (mandatory for Nepal applicants, must be from an IOM-approved clinic in Nepal), academic qualifications referenced in your CAS, English language test results (UKVI-approved IELTS, PTE Academic UKVI, or equivalent), and proof of funds.
Financial documents: Bank statements covering 28 consecutive days, fixed deposit certificates, education loan approval letter from a Nepali bank, sponsor's bank statements and relationship documents (if a family member is funding you), or scholarship award letter if applicable. The funds must be liquid and accessible, not locked into investments. The most recent statement must be no more than 31 days old when you submit your visa application.
Optional but helpful: Personal statement explaining your study and post-study plans (some VFS centres ask for this), evidence of ties to Nepal (property documents, family ties, future career plans), previous travel history, and any UK-related correspondence. Submit certified translations of any documents not in English.
The CAS: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
The CAS is the central document of the UK student visa application. It is a unique reference number generated by your university through the Home Office system after you accept your unconditional offer and meet all university-specific conditions (typically including paying a deposit). The CAS is valid for 6 months, you must apply for your visa within this window.
Before issuing your CAS, your university typically requires: confirmation of an unconditional offer (all conditions of your initial offer met), payment of an enrolment deposit (often £2,000–£3,000), submitted financial evidence to the university, and sometimes a pre-CAS interview to verify your intent and English level. Pre-CAS interviews are increasingly common, they are typically 10–20 minute Skype/Zoom calls with a university admissions officer.
Your CAS contains: your personal details, your course details (name, level, duration, fees), the university's sponsor licence number, your tuition fees paid and outstanding, and any qualifications used as the basis for your acceptance. Verify all information on your CAS is correct before applying for your visa, errors can cause refusal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1, Apply to your UK university. Submit your application through UCAS (for undergraduate) or directly to the university (for postgraduate). Receive your offer (typically conditional, then unconditional after conditions are met). Pay the enrolment deposit. Some universities require pre-CAS interview at this stage.
Step 2, Receive your CAS reference number. Once all conditions are met and deposit paid, your university issues the CAS. This is sent by email, note the unique reference number (you'll need it for the visa application). Begin gathering your visa documents while waiting for the CAS.
Step 3, Take your TB test. Tuberculosis testing is mandatory for Nepal applicants. Book an appointment at an IOM-approved clinic in Kathmandu. The test takes 15-30 minutes and the certificate is typically issued same-day. Keep the original certificate, you'll upload it with your application and present it at biometrics.
Step 4, Pay the IHS and complete the online visa application at gov.uk. Application fee: £558 (paid online). IHS: £776 per year of study. Total upfront: approximately £1,266 for a 1-year master's, plus visa fees. Complete the online form at apply-uk-visa.gov.uk, be precise with your CAS reference and university details.
Step 5, Book your biometrics appointment at the VFS Global centre in Kathmandu. The Visa Application Centre is in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. Bring your printed application form, supporting documents, and photo ID. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) take 15-20 minutes. You can pay for premium services like SMS notifications or document return courier.
Step 6, Wait for the decision. Standard processing time from Nepal: 3 weeks (15 working days). Priority service: 5 working days for £500 extra. Super-priority: next working day for £1,000 extra. You'll be notified by email when a decision is made. If approved, your passport is returned with your 30-day vignette (entry sticker), your full Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is collected after arrival in the UK.
| Cost / requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £558 (from Apr 2026) |
| IHS per year | £776 |
| Living funds (London, 9 months) | £13,761 |
| Living funds (outside London, 9 months) | £10,539 |
| Standard processing | 3 weeks (15 working days) |
| Priority / super-priority | 5 days (+£500) / next day (+£1,000) |
January 2024 Dependant Visa Restrictions
The UK government introduced significant restrictions on student dependants in January 2024. Previously, all international students could bring their spouse and children as dependants. Under the new rules, only the following categories can bring dependants: students enrolled in postgraduate research programs (PhD or research-based master's), students sponsored by a government scholarship (such as Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarship).
If you are applying for a taught master's program (the vast majority of UK postgraduate programs) or an undergraduate program, you can no longer bring your spouse or children with you. They cannot apply for dependant visas. This is a permanent rule change affecting all new visa applications from January 2024 onwards. Even if you previously held a UK student visa with dependants, new applications are subject to the new rules.
If you absolutely need to be with your family during your UK studies, alternatives include: choosing a research-based master's or PhD program (which still allows dependants), applying for the Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarship (which allows dependants), or considering other countries (Australia, Canada, USA) which have less restrictive dependant policies for international students.
After Graduation: The Graduate Route Visa
The Graduate Route is the UK's post-study work visa for international graduates. It allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years after completing a bachelor's or master's degree (3 years after completing a PhD). You can work in any job at any salary level, no employer sponsorship required. You can also be self-employed or set up a business during this time.
Eligibility: You must have completed an eligible UK degree (bachelor's, master's, or PhD) at an institution that holds a Student sponsor licence. You must apply from within the UK while your Student visa is still valid. Application fee: £880 (current rate as of 2025). IHS: £776 per year of Graduate Route. You apply online and your visa is typically issued within 8 weeks.
The Graduate Route was confirmed by the UK government in May 2024 to continue without changes, despite a Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) review. This is significant because there had been speculation that the route might be reduced or restricted. The 2-year (3 for PhD) duration is currently secure for the foreseeable future.
After your Graduate Route, you typically switch to the Skilled Worker visa to continue working in the UK long-term. This requires a sponsor employer and meeting the Skilled Worker minimum salary threshold of £38,700/year (most jobs) or £23,200 for some healthcare, education, and shortage occupation roles. After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR / PR).
Popular fields of study in United Kingdom
Explore programs by subject area — tuition costs, entry requirements, and top universities.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the UK student visa take from Nepal?
Standard processing time is 15 working days, about three weeks, from Nepal. Priority service costs an extra £500 and processes in five working days, while super-priority costs an extra £1,000 and processes the next working day. Apply at least three to four weeks before your course start date if you use the standard service, and allow extra time for your TB test and NOC beforehand. Once approved, your passport is returned with a 30-day visa vignette, an entry sticker that gives you a window to travel to the UK. After arrival, you collect your full Biometric Residence Permit from a designated Post Office or your university within ten days. Submit your biometrics at the VFS Global centre in Lazimpat, Kathmandu.
What is the TB test requirement for Nepali students?
Tuberculosis (TB) testing is mandatory for all Nepali applicants applying for a UK visa of more than 6 months. You must use an IOM-approved clinic in Nepal, the main one being the IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre in Kathmandu. The test includes a chest X-ray and, if needed, a sputum test, and costs approximately £100 to £150. Results are typically issued the same day and the certificate is valid for 6 months. Book your appointment early during peak visa season (May to July and November to December), as slots fill quickly, and keep the original certificate to present at your biometrics appointment.
What happens if my UK student visa is refused?
If your application is refused, you receive a decision letter explaining the reason. The most common cause is insufficient or incorrectly presented financial evidence, for example funds not held for the full 28 consecutive days or a statement that is more than 31 days old. Other reasons include incomplete documents, doubts about your intent under the Genuine Student requirement, or problems with your TB test or English certificate. There is generally no formal right of appeal for student visa refusals, so reapplication with stronger and properly dated documentation is the standard remedy. Review the exact refusal reason carefully, fix that specific issue, and reapply, and consider an administrative review only if you believe a clear factual error was made.
Can I switch from Student visa to Skilled Worker visa during my studies?
As of January 2024, there are restrictions on switching from a Student to a Skilled Worker visa before completing your studies. You generally cannot start a Skilled Worker visa until you have finished your course, which protects the integrity of the student route. The main exception is certain shortage occupation roles that may allow earlier switching. For most students, the Graduate Route, which gives two years of open post-study work (three for PhD), is the standard bridge between the Student visa and the Skilled Worker visa. You apply for the Skilled Worker switch from inside the UK once you have a sponsoring employer, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and a salary meeting the £38,700 general threshold or a lower threshold for healthcare and shortage roles.
Do I need to register with the police as a Nepali student in the UK?
No. As of August 2022, the UK abolished the police registration requirement for international students. Nepali students no longer need to register at a UK police station within seven days of arrival, a rule that previously caused a lot of confusion. It is no longer needed at all. Instead, follow the current standard requirements: enrol at your university during the official registration window, collect your Biometric Residence Permit within ten days of arrival from your designated collection point, register with a local GP for NHS access, and apply for a National Insurance number if you plan to work. Keep your contact and address details updated with your university's international student office to stay compliant with your visa conditions.
Need help with your specific situation?
Our counselors have helped hundreds of Nepali students choose the right university, program, and visa pathway for their specific goals.