Quick answer: Yes, Nepali students can still start a UK degree in January 2027. In the entry criteria UK universities shared with us, 39 universities have a January 2027 intake. Most ask for IELTS 6.0 overall (5.5 in each band), postgraduate tuition is mostly £15,000–£20,000 a year, scholarships of £2,000–£5,000 are common, and many application deadlines fall in late October to November 2026. You then need a Student visa (£558 fee plus the £776 per year health surcharge) and proof of living funds of £1,171 a month outside London or £1,529 in London, for up to 9 months.
By Intandem Scholars Pvt. Ltd., a registered education consultancy in Kathmandu (Licence No. 213/082/083). University figures are from January 2027 entry criteria shared with us by the universities; visa and money rules checked on GOV.UK on 5 October 2026.
Is there a January intake in the UK for Nepali students?
Yes. Most UK universities start their main intake in September, but many also run a January intake, mainly for master’s degrees and some bachelor’s and top-up degrees. For January 2027, 39 universities in our data are open to Nepali applicants. One, the University for the Creative Arts, has closed its January 2027 intake.
January suits you if you have just finished your bachelor’s, missed September, or need a few more months to arrange funds. It also means fewer courses than September, so check your exact course early.
Which UK universities have a January 2027 intake?
These universities shared January 2027 entry criteria for Nepali students. Click a name to see its full fees, scholarship, CAS deposit and entry table.
| University | Open in January 2027 for |
|---|---|
| University of East London | Undergraduate, International Year 1, Foundation, Pre-master’s, Postgraduate |
| Middlesex University | Undergraduate, Adult Nursing MSc, Postgraduate |
| University of West London | Undergraduate, Nursing top-up, Postgraduate, Extended master’s |
| University of Hertfordshire | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Portsmouth | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Ulster University | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Bedfordshire | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Birmingham City University | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Edinburgh Napier University | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of the West of Scotland | Top-up, Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Sunderland | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Wolverhampton | Undergraduate, Postgraduate (plus pathway routes) |
| University of Lancashire | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Roehampton | Undergraduate, Nursing, Postgraduate |
| Ravensbourne University London | International Year One, Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Regent College London | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Buckinghamshire New University | Undergraduate, Nursing, Postgraduate |
| University of Winchester | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Wales Trinity Saint David | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, DBA |
| Arden University | Undergraduate top-up, Postgraduate |
| Leeds Trinity University | Undergraduate nursing, Postgraduate |
| University of Staffordshire | Undergraduate nursing, Postgraduate |
| University of Worcester | Postgraduate, Master’s by Research, Nursing (March 2027) |
| Aston University | Postgraduate (Birmingham and London) |
| University of Surrey | Postgraduate |
| University of Essex | Postgraduate |
| University of Brighton | Postgraduate |
| University of Chester | Postgraduate |
| University of Hull | Postgraduate |
| University of Plymouth | Postgraduate |
| University of Salford | Postgraduate |
| University of Bradford | Postgraduate |
| Bath Spa University | Postgraduate |
| Harper Adams University | Postgraduate |
| Health Science University | Postgraduate |
| University College Birmingham | Postgraduate |
| The University of Law | Postgraduate |
| York St John University | Postgraduate |
Pathway colleges such as International College Dundee, Greenwich, Kent, Bangor, Bradford and Edinburgh Napier international colleges also take January 2027 students. Their criteria are on each university’s page under “Pathway route”. Browse all 65 UK universities and colleges.
How much does it cost to study in the UK from Nepal in January 2027?
Your total cost has three parts: tuition, the visa and health surcharge, and the living funds you must show.
Tuition (January 2027, per year unless stated):
| University | Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of East London | £16,020 | £16,620–£19,500 | £2,000 a year (UG) · £3,000 (PG) |
| Middlesex University | £17,200 | MA/MSc £19,800 · MBA £22,500 | Up to £2,500 |
| University of West London | £16,750 | Master’s £17,250 · MBA £19,000 | £2,000 a year (UG) · £3,500 (PG) |
| University of Hertfordshire | £17,450 | £17,950–£22,450 | £6,000 total (UG) · £4,000 (PG) |
| Ulster University | £13,350 London · £12,750 Birmingham | MSc £16,200 London · £14,550 Birmingham/Manchester | 15% of total fees |
| Arden University | Top-up £13,500 London · £12,500 Manchester | £14,000 London · £13,000 Manchester | £3,000 early-bird discount |
| York St John University | — | MSc £11,800 · MBA £12,000 (1 year) | 5% early-payment discount |
| Aston University | — | £24,800 (London: £16,500 after scholarship) | Up to £4,000 (Birmingham) · £8,300–£9,000 (London) |
Across all January 2027 routes in our data, postgraduate tuition starts from about £11,800 and goes up to about £29,000, with most between £15,000 and £20,000. Undergraduate tuition is mostly £12,500–£20,300 a year.
Visa and health surcharge (GOV.UK): the Student visa costs £558 from outside the UK (GOV.UK: Student visa), and the Immigration Health Surcharge is £776 per year (GOV.UK: healthcare surcharge).
Living funds you must show (GOV.UK): £1,529 a month for courses in London or £1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months, so up to £13,761 in London or £10,539 outside London (GOV.UK: money you need). You also show any unpaid first-year tuition.
See the full breakdown in our UK study cost guide.
What are the entry requirements for the UK January 2027 intake?
These are typical ranges from the January 2027 criteria universities shared for Nepali students. Each university’s exact rule is on its page.
- Bachelor’s: Class 12 (NEB) of about 55%–70%, or a GPA of about 2.2–2.8. Some courses also check Class 10 or 12 Maths.
- Master’s: a 4-year bachelor’s of about 45%–65%, depending on the university and course. Some accept a 3-year bachelor’s with work experience.
- English test: IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band for 59 of the 78 direct-entry routes in our data; 15 ask for 6.5. PTE is usually 59 overall. Pathway and foundation programmes mostly ask for IELTS 5.5.
- Study gap: many universities accept a gap of 5 to 10 years with evidence of work or study; some allow only 2 to 4 years.
Read our UK entry requirements guide for Nepali students.
Can I study in the UK without IELTS in January 2027?
Often, yes. In our January 2027 data:
- 17 universities offer an English waiver based on your Class 12 English grade, commonly B, GPA 2.8 or 60%–75% (for example Middlesex, University of East London, Cardiff Metropolitan, Wolverhampton and Sunderland).
- 16 universities accept an MOI letter from Nepali universities such as Tribhuvan, Kathmandu or Pokhara University, with conditions (for example University of East London, The University of Law, Arden, Buckinghamshire New University, Birmingham City University and Surrey).
The UK Student visa still requires English at CEFR B2, which your university assesses (GOV.UK). Expect a pre-CAS or credibility interview in English, so your real speaking ability matters.
When should I apply for the UK January 2027 intake?
Start now. Deadlines that universities shared for January 2027 include:
| University | Deadline (January 2027 intake) |
|---|---|
| Regent College London | Course application 30 October 2026 · CAS submission 27 November 2026 · Course starts 18 January 2027 |
| Harper Adams University | Application deadline 6 November 2026 |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | Application 20 November 2026 · Deposit 4 December 2026 · Course starts 25 January 2027 |
| The University of Law | Applications between 2 November and 28 December 2026, depending on course |
A realistic timeline for most universities:
- October 2026: shortlist, apply and receive your offer.
- November 2026: meet offer conditions, pass the pre-CAS interview and pay the CAS deposit.
- Late November to December 2026: receive your CAS and apply for your visa.
- Mid to late January 2027: travel and start your course.
You can apply for the visa up to 6 months before your course starts and usually get a decision within 3 weeks from outside the UK (GOV.UK).
How much bank balance do I need for a UK student visa from Nepal?
You must show your unpaid first-year tuition plus living funds of £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months. The money must be held for at least 28 days in a row, and that 28-day period must end within 31 days of the date you apply (GOV.UK: money you need).
For a January start, that means your funds should be in place from about the start of November 2026 if you plan to apply for your visa in early December. Read our UK financial requirements guide.
How much is the CAS deposit for January 2027?
Most universities ask for 50% of the first-year tuition before they issue your CAS. Others ask for a fixed amount, usually £5,000 to £10,500, and a few ask for 60%–75%. Each university’s exact deposit is on its page. See how the CAS process works.
Is the January intake worse than September?
Not for your degree: the qualification is the same. The differences are practical:
- Fewer courses are open in January, and some universities do not offer it.
- Less time to prepare documents, so start immediately.
- Graduate Route: if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route is 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates (3 years for PhD) (GOV.UK). This applies to January 2027 starters, who will apply after graduating.
- Family: for postgraduate courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, only PhD or research-based degrees allow dependants, so most taught master’s students cannot bring a spouse (GOV.UK).
How does Intandem Scholars help with the January intake?
We start with your profile and tell you honestly which January 2027 universities you can realistically get into and afford. Then we confirm current fees and requirements with the university, prepare your documents, coach you for the pre-CAS and credibility interview, and check your funds against the GOV.UK rules before you apply. We never promise an outcome; admission is decided by the university and the visa by the Home Office.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UK January 2027 intake still open for Nepali students?
Yes. In the January 2027 criteria shared with us, 39 UK universities are open to Nepali applicants, but many application deadlines fall between late October and November 2026, so apply as soon as possible.
What is the last date to apply for the UK January 2027 intake?
It depends on the university. Examples include 30 October 2026 for Regent College London, 6 November 2026 for Harper Adams and 20 November 2026 for Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Which UK universities accept Nepali students without IELTS for January 2027?
In our data, 17 universities offer a waiver based on Class 12 English and 16 accept an MOI letter from Nepali universities, with conditions. Examples include Middlesex, University of East London, The University of Law, Arden and Birmingham City University.
How much does it cost to study in the UK from Nepal?
Postgraduate tuition for January 2027 is mostly £15,000–£20,000 a year. Add the £558 visa fee, the £776-a-year health surcharge and living funds of £1,171 a month outside London or £1,529 in London for up to 9 months.
Can I take my spouse to the UK on a master’s course?
For most taught master’s courses, no. Since 1 January 2024, only PhD or research-based postgraduate students can bring dependants.
How long is the UK Graduate Route for January 2027 students?
18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates who apply on or after 1 January 2027, and 3 years for PhD graduates.
Want your January 2027 shortlist? Book a free profile assessment · WhatsApp: +977 9801025694 · Compare all 65 UK universities.
Intandem Scholars Pvt. Ltd. — Registered education consultancy, Licence No. 213/082/083, Battisputali Marg, Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu. University figures are from entry criteria shared by the universities for the January 2027 intake and can change; we confirm current figures with the university before you apply.
