UK Student Visa for Nepali Students
Nepal is a growing source of UK international students. This guide covers financial evidence in Nepali Rupees, TB testing, popular university choices, and the application process from Kathmandu.
- Section
- Student & Graduate
- Reading time
- 9 min
- Last checked
- 2 September 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- TB test is mandatory from an approved clinic in Kathmandu.
- Financial evidence must cover tuition plus maintenance in GBP equivalent.
- Applications processed through VFS centre in Kathmandu.
- IELTS for UKVI is the most commonly used English test in Nepal.
- Popular courses include business, IT, nursing, and engineering.
Nepali students are increasingly choosing the UK for higher education. This guide covers the specific requirements for Nepali applicants, including financial evidence in Nepali Rupees, the mandatory TB test, popular university and course choices, and practical advice for the application process.
Popular Universities and Courses
Nepali students study across the UK with concentrations at:
- University of the West of England, University of Sunderland, London Metropolitan University
- University of Bedfordshire, University of Northampton, University of Hertfordshire
- Popular courses: business and management, IT, nursing, engineering, and accounting
Financial Evidence in NPR
At approximately 172 NPR to £1, the financial requirements are:
- London maintenance (9 months): approximately NPR 23.7 lakh (£13,761)
- Outside London (9 months): approximately NPR 18.1 lakh (£10,539)
- Plus outstanding tuition fees
Nepali students commonly use family savings, education loans from Nepali banks, or scholarship funding. See our financial documents guide for tips on preparing your evidence.
TB Test and English Language
Nepal is on the TB-testing list. Get tested at an approved IOM clinic in Kathmandu. For English, IELTS for UKVI is the most widely available test in Nepal. PTE Academic is also an option. See our English language guide.
Applying from Nepal
Apply online on GOV.UK and attend biometrics at the VFS centre in Kathmandu. Standard processing takes 3-4 weeks. Priority service may be available — check with the VFS centre. For timing advice, see our processing times guide.
After Your Studies
Nepali graduates can apply for the Graduate route (2 years, 3 for PhD; 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027, with PhD graduates keeping 3 years) or switch to a Skilled Worker visa. See our switching guide for all options.
Next Steps
Related guides:
Questions and answers
How much do Nepali students need for a UK Student visa?
You need tuition fees plus living costs of £1,529 a month (London) or £1,171 a month (outside London) for up to 9 months. At approximately 172 NPR to £1, maintenance alone is around NPR 23.7 lakh (London) or NPR 18.1 lakh (outside London).
Do Nepali students need a TB test?
Yes. Nepal is on the TB-testing list. Get tested at an approved IOM clinic in Kathmandu before applying.
Where do Nepali students apply for a UK visa?
Apply online on GOV.UK and attend biometrics at the VFS centre in Kathmandu. Standard processing takes 3-4 weeks.
Can Nepali students work in the UK?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. After graduating, the Graduate route gives 2 years of full-time work rights, or 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.