Studying in the UK is more than just earning a degree, it's about experiencing world-class education, exploring a multicultural society, and unlocking global career opportunities. But before packing your bags and booking that flight from Kathmandu to London, there’s one crucial question every Nepali student asks: “How much does it really cost to study in the UK?”
In this complete guide, we’ll break down the total cost to study in the UK from Nepal, including tuition fees, living expenses, visa charges, health insurance, airfare, and hidden costs, so you can plan smartly, budget right, and pursue your dreams with confidence in 2025.
Whether you're aiming for a Bachelor's, Master's, or professional degree, this blog is your one-stop resource for understanding the real financial picture of UK education.
Table of Contents
- Why Study in the UK from Nepal?
- Total Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
- Tuition Costs to Study in the UK from Nepal
- Living Expenses in the UK for Nepali Students
- Visa Fee and Immigration (IHS) Costs for UK from Nepal
- Scholarship Opportunities for Nepali Students in the UK
- Tips to Save Money as a Nepali Student in the UK
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs - Total Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
Why Study in the UK from Nepal?
Studying in the UK from Nepal offers more than just a degree, it opens doors to global exposure, academic excellence, and career-ready skills. Here's why thousands of Nepali students choose the UK every year:
World-Renowned Universities
The UK is home to prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London—globally ranked for innovation, research, and teaching excellence.
Globally Recognized Degrees
A UK degree is valued worldwide. Whether you return to Nepal, move to another country, or stay in the UK, your qualification carries international credibility.
Graduate Route Work Visa
Nepali students can stay and work in the UK for two years after graduation, gaining valuable international experience and boosting their career prospects.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Numerous scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and university-specific awards make UK education more affordable for Nepali students.
Cultural Diversity and Global Exposure
With students from over 150 countries, the UK offers a rich multicultural environment that broadens your worldview and enhances your personal growth.
No Language Barrier
The UK is an English-speaking country, and most Nepali students already have a good command of English, making learning, networking, and settling in much easier.
Strong Nepali Community
With a growing Nepali student population in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, you'll feel right at home with cultural support and familiar faces.
Total Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
Studying in the UK is a significant investment for Nepali students, and understanding the complete financial picture is essential before applying. From tuition fees and living expenses to visa, insurance, and unexpected costs, every rupee matters when planning your academic journey abroad. The overall cost can vary based on your university, course, and the city you live in. Here's a comprehensive breakdown to help you budget smartly and avoid surprises.
|
Categories |
Annual Costs (GBP) |
Approx. Costs (NPR) |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Costs |
£13,000 – £35,000 |
24.2 - 65.2 Lakhs |
Varies by course and university |
|
Living Expenses |
£9,000 – £15,000 |
16.7 - 27.9 Lakhs |
Higher in London; includes rent, food, transport |
|
Visa Fee & Immigration (IHS) |
£1,300 – £1,400 |
2.4 - 2.6 Lakhs |
Includes visa fee, IHS, TB test |
|
Airfare |
£500 – £900 |
93,150 - 1.67 Lakhs |
Flight tickets (may vary) |
|
Miscellaneous |
£500 – £1,000 |
93,150 - 1.86 Lakhs |
Books, emergency fund, medical, etc. |
Tuition Costs to Study in the UK from Nepal
Tuition fees make up the largest portion of the total cost to study in the UK from Nepal. The amount you’ll pay depends on your level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate), the course you choose, and the university’s global ranking and location.
The average tuition fee for Nepali students in the UK is:
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) - £10,000 – £20,000 (Approx. 18.6 - 37.2 Lakhs)
- Postgraduate (Master’s Degree) - £12,000 – £30,000 (Approx. 22.3 - 55.8 Lakhs)
- PhD / Doctoral Degree - £20,000 – £35,000 (Approx. 37.2 - 65.2 Lakhs)
Living Expenses in the UK for Nepali Students
Living expenses are a major part of the total cost to study in the UK from Nepal. These include accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, internet, clothing, entertainment, and personal items.
As per the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guideline, if you’re studying in London (including the City of London and its 32 boroughs), you must show you have at least £1,483 per month to cover living expenses, for up to 9 months, which totals £13,347.
For those studying outside London, the requirement is £1,136 per month, totaling £10,224 for 9 months. These figures are the minimum required, and your actual expenses may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle and location.
Visa Fee and Immigration (IHS) Costs for UK from Nepal
Applying for a UK student visa from Nepal involves several mandatory fees that every international student must be prepared for, primarily the Student Visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). These costs are non-refundable and are essential parts of your budget when planning to study in the UK.
As of 2025, the UK Student Visa fee for applications from Nepal is £524, which is approximately NPR 98,000 depending on the exchange rate. This fee must be paid online at the time of visa application and is required for every international student applying to study in the UK for more than six months.
In addition to the visa fee, students must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. For students, the IHS is currently £776 per year (Approx. 145,000 per year).
Besides these, there are a few smaller but essential costs to consider during your visa process. The tuberculosis (TB) test is mandatory for Nepali students applying to study in the UK. This test must be taken at an authorized IOM center in Kathmandu and costs around NPR 8,000.
In summary, Nepali students planning to study in the UK should budget around NPR 2.4 to 2.6 lakhs in total for visa processing, IHS, and health screening. These are crucial expenses that must be paid before traveling, and proof of payment is typically required as part of the visa application package.
Scholarship Opportunities for Nepali Students in the UK
For many Nepali students, the cost of studying in the UK can feel overwhelming—but the good news is, there are numerous scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition fees and living expenses. Whether you're applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program, UK universities and government bodies offer a wide range of scholarships tailored to international students from Nepal.
- One of the most prestigious is the Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government. It covers 100% of tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and visa costs for one-year master’s programs.
- Another highly competitive option is the Commonwealth Scholarship, which is also fully funded and targets high-achieving students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nepal.
- If you're applying directly to a university, many institutions offer automatic or merit-based scholarships for Nepali students. For instance, the University of East London, Teesside University, Coventry University, and the University of West London regularly provide £2,000 to £5,000 discounts on tuition based on academic performance or early application.
- Additionally, the GREAT Scholarship, funded jointly by the UK government and partner universities, offers £10,000 towards tuition for selected master's programs. Some universities also offer regional scholarships specifically for South Asian or SAARC-country students, which Nepali applicants are eligible for.
These scholarships not only make UK education more affordable but also enhance your academic profile and career opportunities. Applying early, maintaining strong academic records, writing a compelling statement of purpose (SOP), and demonstrating leadership or community involvement can increase your chances of receiving funding.
Tips to Save Money as a Nepali Student in the UK
Studying in the UK can be expensive, but with smart financial habits, Nepali students can significantly reduce their monthly expenses without compromising on their experience.
- Share accommodation to reduce rent and utility costs.
- Cook at home instead of eating out—buy groceries from Aldi, Lidl, or Asda.
- Use student travel cards (e.g., 16–25 Railcard, Student Oyster Card) for discounted transport.
- Apply for university scholarships or fee waivers early.
- Use student discount platforms like UNiDAYS, TOTUM, and Student Beans.
- Buy used textbooks or use free library resources instead of buying new.
- Buy essentials in bulk with roommates to reduce per-unit costs.
- Track spending and create a monthly budget to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Final Thoughts
Studying in the UK from Nepal is a life-changing opportunity but it requires careful financial planning. From tuition fees and living expenses to visa charges, health insurance, and everyday costs, the total cost can range between NPR 45 to 80+ lakhs per year, depending on your course, university, and location.
The good news is, with the right budgeting, scholarships, part-time job opportunities, and smart money-saving habits, you can make this dream affordable and sustainable. Whether you’re aiming for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, investing in a UK education offers global recognition, post-study work rights, and long-term career benefits.
Start early, research your options, prepare your documents, and reach out to trusted education consultants if needed. With proper preparation, your UK study journey can be financially achievable and personally rewarding.
Feel free to reach out to us and take the further steps ahead!
FAQs - Total Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
1. How much money is required to study in the UK from Nepal?
On average, a Nepali student needs NPR 45 to 80+ lakhs per year to study in the UK. This includes tuition fees (NPR 20–50 lakhs), living expenses (NPR 18–28 lakhs), visa and health surcharge (around NPR 2.5 lakhs), and airfare, among other costs.
2. What is the total cost of studying in the UK?
The total annual cost to study in the UK ranges from £24,000 to £44,000 (approximately NPR 45 to 80 lakhs), depending on the university, course, and city. London is generally more expensive than other UK cities.
3. Can I study in the UK with 10 lakhs?
No, 10 lakhs is not sufficient to study in the UK. You need at least NPR 25–30 lakhs just to cover tuition and visa requirements. However, applying for scholarships and working part-time can help reduce the financial burden.
4. How much does a UK visa cost in Nepal?
The UK student visa fee is £524 (NPR 98,000), and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776 per year (NPR 1.45 lakhs). Additional costs include the TB test (~NPR 8,000) and optional service charges.
5. What is the salary of Nepali students in the UK?
Nepali students can legally work up to 20 hours/week during term time and full-time during holidays, earning £10 to £15 per hour. Monthly earnings typically range from £400 to £800, helping cover part of their living expenses.
