UK Study Guide

UK Student visa: a Nepal-first overview

The Student visa lets you study a course with a licensed sponsor (your university). This guide gives a plain overview for Nepali applicants and points to the official rules for anything that changes. UK immigration rules can and do change — always confirm the current position on GOV.UK before you act.

Official 2026 figures at a glance

Item	Official figure	Source
Student route application fee (from outside the UK)	£558	GOV.UK — Student visa ↗
Immigration Health Surcharge	£776 per year of permission	GOV.UK — Health surcharge ↗
Living-cost funds to show — course in London	£1,529 per month, up to 9 months (maximum £13,761)	GOV.UK — Money you need ↗
Living-cost funds to show — course outside London	£1,171 per month, up to 9 months (maximum £10,539)	GOV.UK — Money you need ↗
How long the funds must be held	At least 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of the date you apply	GOV.UK — Money you need ↗
Course fees	Set by each university; first-year fees (or the unpaid balance) are shown in addition to living costs	GOV.UK — Money you need ↗
English level (degree courses)	CEFR B2 or above	GOV.UK — English requirement ↗
Work during term (degree level at a university)	Up to 20 hours per week; full-time outside term	Immigration Rules, Appendix Student ST 26.1 ↗
When you can apply	Up to 6 months before your course starts; decision usually within 3 weeks from outside the UK	GOV.UK — Student visa ↗
Graduate Route after a bachelor's or master's	2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027 (PhD: 3 years)	GOV.UK — Graduate visa ↗
Bringing a spouse or children	For postgraduate courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, only PhD/doctoral or research-based degrees qualify	GOV.UK — Family members ↗

Checked on GOV.UK on 5 October 2026. The Home Office can change these figures at any time — always confirm on the linked page before you pay or apply. Tuition and university deposits are set by each university.

Who is eligible?

In general you need an offer and a CAS from a licensed student sponsor, enough money for fees and living costs, and English at the required level. Full eligibility is on the GOV.UK Student visa page.

What is CAS and how does it fit in?

A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a reference number your university issues once you have an offer and have met its pre-CAS conditions. You need it to apply for the visa. See the CAS guide for the detail.

What documents are usually needed?

Commonly: your CAS, financial evidence, a valid passport, English evidence where required, and depending on your circumstances a TB test certificate and academic documents. The definitive, current list is on GOV.UK — check it for your case.

What is the Genuine Student requirement?

You must be a genuine student who intends to study — able to explain your course choice, how it fits your background, and how you will fund it. Some applicants are asked to attend a credibility interview. Answer consistently and honestly; your application, funds and study plan should all align.

I had a previous visa refusal — does that matter?

A previous refusal does not automatically prevent a new application, but you should understand why the earlier one was refused and address it properly. Get the specifics reviewed before reapplying.

TB test and biometrics

Applicants from Nepal generally need a TB test from an approved clinic as part of the application, and you will provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Check the current TB-test requirement and approved clinics on GOV.UK.

This guide does not publish visa success rates, and no university can promise a better visa outcome. Approval is decided by the Home Office on the facts of your application.