Cost to Study in UK from Nepal: 2025 Guide
Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many Nepali students due to its world-class universities, globally recognized degrees, and multicultural environment. However, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of studying in the UK from Nepal.
In this guide, we’ll explore every detail about tuition fees, living expenses, visa fees, travel costs, accommodation, part-time job opportunities, scholarships, and miscellaneous costs you should prepare for before applying to the UK for higher studies.
Table of Contents
- Why Study in the UK from Nepal?
- Total Costs of Studying in the UK from Nepal
- Tuition Fees in the UK for Nepali Students
- Living Costs in the UK
- UK Student Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Accommodation Costs
- Food and Daily Utilities in the UK
- Transportation Costs for Students in the UK
- Hidden and Miscellaneous Expenses
- Part-Time Jobs and Earning Opportunities
- Scholarships for Nepali Students in the UK
- 1. UK Government Scholarships
- 2. University-specific Scholarships
- 3. British Council Scholarships
- How to Increase Your Chances of Winning Scholarship
- Conclusion
- FAQs - Cost to Study in UK from Nepal
Why Study in the UK from Nepal?
Choosing to study in the UK is a life-changing decision for Nepali students. From high academic standards to career opportunities and multicultural exposure, the UK offers everything you need for a rewarding educational and personal journey.
Here are the top reasons that make the UK a leading destination for Nepali students in 2025:
1. Globally Recognized, World-Class Education
The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and London School of Economics (LSE). These institutions consistently rank in the global top 10.
- Degrees are internationally respected and accredited
- UK universities emphasize critical thinking, research, and real-world application
- Hundreds of degree programs in STEM, business, humanities, arts, and health sciences
2. Shorter Degree Duration
Unlike the US or Australia, UK degrees are typically shorter in duration.
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): 3 years
- Postgraduate (Master’s): 1 year
- PhD: 3 - 4 years (with full-time research opportunities)
This means lower tuition fees and reduced living costs, helping students complete their education faster and enter the workforce earlier.
3. Post-Study Work Visa: The Graduate Route
As of 2025, international students who complete bachelor’s and master’s degree in the UK can stay and work for 18 months after graduation (3 years for PhD students) under the Graduate Route.
- No job offer required
- Allows full-time work in any sector
- Opportunity to switch to the Skilled Worker visa or other long-term options
4. Work While You Study
UK student visas allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during holidays.
- Part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, admin, or on-campus roles
- Earn around £10–£15 per hour
- Build your soft skills, CV, and earn extra income
5. Affordable Study Options Outside Major Cities
Although London can be expensive, many excellent universities are located in more affordable cities like:
- Leicester
- Sheffield
- Sunderland
- Coventry
- Bangor
- Preston
Tuition fees in these areas often start from £9,000–£12,000/year, and rent is significantly lower than in the capital.
6. Globally Respected and Transferable Degrees
UK degrees are internationally accredited and recognized in Nepal, the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, and more. Whether you plan to work in Nepal, migrate, or pursue further education abroad, your UK degree gives you a competitive edge.
- Recognized by Nepal Medical Council, NMC, Engineering Council, and other professional bodies
- Aligned with international academic frameworks (e.g., Bologna Process)
7. Diverse, Inclusive, and Student-Centric Culture
The UK is a multicultural hub, welcoming over 600,000 international students annually, including a growing community of over 10,000+ Nepali students.
- Nepali student societies in most universities
- Temples, Nepali restaurants, and community events
- Friendly locals and university support services U
8. Scholarships and Financial Support for Nepali Students
The UK government and universities offer a wide range of scholarships for international students.
- Chevening Scholarships – Full government-funded
- Commonwealth Scholarships – Master’s and PhDs
- GREAT Scholarships – Offered by British Council and partner universities
- University-specific merit scholarships – Often auto-awarded at time of offer
9. Safe, Secure, and Student-Friendly Environment
The UK ranks among the safest European countries. Universities have dedicated support services, and students receive NHS health coverage via the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Access to free medical care under NHS
- 24/7 campus security and helplines
- Rights protected under UK student visa laws
Total Costs of Studying in the UK from Nepal
This is the brief overview of the total costs of studying in the UK from Nepal in 2025:
|
Categories |
Estimated Annual Cost (£) |
Estimated Costs in NPR |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
£11,000 - £22,000 |
NPR 2,042,000 - 4,083,000 |
|
Living Expenses |
£10,000 - £13,000 |
NPR 1,856,000 - 2,413,000 |
|
Visa Fee + IHS |
£1,300 |
NPR 241,260 |
|
Other Miscellaneous Costs |
£1,000 + |
NPR 185,000 + |
Tuition Fees in the UK for Nepali Students
Tuition fees vary depending on the university and course.
Bachelor’s Degree
- Humanities & Social Science: £10,000 – £15,000/year
- Engineering & Technology: £13,000 – £20,000/year
- Medicine & Dentistry: £30,000 – £50,000/year
Master’s Degree (Taught)
- General MA/MSc: £11,000 – £20,000/year
- MBA: £15,000 – £30,000/year
- STEM Courses: £14,000 – £25,000/year
PhD/Doctoral Degree
- Arts & Humanities: £14,000 – £20,000/year
- Science & Engineering: £16,000 – £25,000/year
- Business & Management: £18,000 – £30,000/year
- Medical & Life Sciences: £20,000 – £35,000/year
Popular Universities for Nepali Students
|
University |
Average Tuition (UG / PG) |
|---|---|
|
University of Portsmouth |
£14,000 – £17,000 |
|
Teesside University |
£13,000 – £16,000 |
|
University of West London |
£12,500 – £15,500 |
|
University of Greenwich |
£14,000 – £18,000 |
|
Coventry University |
£15,000 – £20,000 |
Living Costs in the UK for International Students
The UK Home Office recommends a budget of £1,136/month (outside London) and £1,483/month (inside London) for students. This living cost may vary depending on your circumstances while in the UK.
Estimated Monthly Breakdown:
|
Expense Category |
Monthly Cost (Outside London) |
Monthly Cost (Inside London) |
|---|---|---|
|
Rent |
£400 – £700 |
£700 – £1,000 |
|
Food |
£150 – £250 |
£200 – £300 |
|
Transport |
£40 – £100 |
£70 – £150 |
|
Mobile / Internet |
£20 – £40 |
£30 – £50 |
|
Entertainment |
£50 – £100 |
£70 – £120 |
|
Total |
£660 – £1,200 |
£1,100 – £1,700 |
UK Student Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Student Visa Fee (as of 2025): £524 (NPR 97,260)
- IHS (Health Surcharge): £776/year (NPR 1,44,000)
Accommodation Costs
There are two main types of accommodation:
1. On-campus
- Halls of Residence: £400 – £800/month
- Includes bills, internet, security
2. Off-campus
- Private Housing: £300 – £600/month (shared flat)
- Bills often separate: electricity, gas, water, internet
Choose cities like Leicester, Sheffield, Leeds, or Bradford for lower rents.
Food and Daily Utilities in the UK
Managing your food and utility expenses is essential for maintaining a comfortable student life on a budget. Here’s how much Nepali students typically spend and how you can save:
|
Type of Food Plan |
Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
|
Home-Cooked Meals |
£100 – £150 |
|
Eating Out Occasionally |
£30 – £70 |
Grocery Shopping
- Affordable Supermarkets: Lidl, Aldi, ASDA, Tesco – great for budget groceries.
- International Stores: Nepali grocery shops are available in most student cities (London, Leicester, Birmingham, Leeds).
Transportation Costs for Students in the UK
Getting around as a student in the UK can be economical, especially with student discounts:
|
Transportation Type |
Monthly Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
|
Student Bus Pass |
£40 – £70 |
|
Train Travel (with Railcard) |
1/3 discount available |
|
Oyster Card (London) |
Student discounts apply |
- Student Bus Pass: Most cities offer discounted monthly or term passes.
- 16–25 Railcard: Save 1/3 on train fares – great for weekend trips.
- London Oyster Card: Use the 18+ Student Oyster for discounted tube/bus travel.
- Smaller Cities: Walking or biking is safe, practical, and free.
Hidden and Miscellaneous Expenses
While tuition and living get most of the focus, don’t forget these essential extra costs:
|
Expense Type |
Annual Cost Estimate (£) |
|---|---|
|
Stationery & Printing |
£200 – £400 |
|
Clothings |
£100 – £200 |
|
Laptop (if needed) |
£500 – £1,000 |
|
Social Activities |
£300 – £600 |
|
Emergency Fund |
At Least £500 |
Part-Time Jobs and Earning Opportunities
Here’s a quick overview of how much you can earn as a full-time student in the UK:
|
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Limit (Term Time) |
20 hours/week |
|
Work Limit (Holidays) |
Full-time (40 hours/week) |
|
Average Hourly Wage |
£10 – £15/hour |
Common Part-time Jobs in UK for Nepali Students
- Restaurant or Kitchen Assistant
- Supermarket Staff (Tesco, Sainsbury’s)
- Warehouse Operative (e.g., Amazon)
- Delivery Rider (Uber Eats, Deliveroo)
- Campus Jobs (Library, IT Support, Events)
Note: While part-time jobs help with living expenses, you should not rely on them to cover tuition.
Scholarships for in UK for Nepali Students
For Nepali students, studying in the UK can be financially challenging, but scholarships can ease the burden. These awards range from partial tuition fee waivers to fully funded programs covering tuition, living, and travel costs.
1. UK Government Scholarships
Chevening Scholarship
- For: Master’s degree (any field)
- Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, visa fees
- Eligibility: Strong academic record, leadership experience, 2+ years work experience
- Apply: August–November
- More Details
Commonwealth Scholarship
- For: Master’s degrees in eligible UK universities
- Covers: Tuition, stipend, airfare, research support
- Eligibility: High academic performance, financial need
- Apply: December–March
- More Details
2. University-specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international or South Asian students.
|
University |
Scholarship Type |
Value |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Westminster |
Merit-based |
£1,000 – Full |
|
UWE Bristol |
PG Scholarships |
£2,000–£5,000 |
|
University of Dundee |
Automatic Tuition Discount |
£5,000 |
|
University of Sussex |
Postgraduate Global Scholarships |
£3,000–£5,000 |
|
Coventry University |
International Discounts |
Up to £3,000 |
|
University of Nottingham |
South Asia Excellence Award |
£2,000–£6,000 |
3. British Council Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships
- For: Master’s programs in various UK universities
- Amount: £10,000 toward tuition
- Eligibility: Academic merit + Nepali citizenship
- More Details
Women in STEM Scholarships
- For: Female STEM graduates from Nepal
- Covers: Full tuition, living costs, travel & visa
- Level: Master’s
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning Scholarship
- Maintain strong academic grades
- Write a powerful, tailored SOP
- Show leadership & volunteer experience
- Apply early (at least 6–8 months ahead)
- Secure strong recommendation letters
Conclusion
Studying in the UK from Nepal in 2025 can be a life-changing opportunity, but it requires thorough financial planning. While the average cost may range from NPR 39 to 65 lakhs per year, you can smartly manage and reduce expenses through part-time jobs, scholarships, and budgeting strategies. By understanding the costs beforehand, you can prepare well and make your dream of studying in the UK a rewarding experience.
If you need any assistance for your application to the UK, feel free to reach out to us!
FAQs - Cost to Study in UK from Nepal
1. How much money is required to study in the UK for Nepali students?
The total estimated cost ranges from £22,000 - £46,000 (per year). This amount excludes scholarship amounts. The breakdown of these costs under each category is explained above. These costs may vary depending on your university, location, and study programs.
2. How much does a Nepali student earn in the UK?
A Nepali student in the UK can earn £200–£300 per week by working part-time (up to 20 hours/week during term time) at an average wage of £10–£15 per hour. During holidays, students can work full-time and earn more.
3. How much is the UK visa fee from Nepal?
The current UK Student Visa (outside the UK) application fee increased from £490 to £524. In addition, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £776 per academic year, which covers your access to NHS healthcare.
4. How much GPA is required to study in the UK from Nepal?
For undergraduate programs in the UK, Nepalese students generally need a minimum GPA of 2.6 on a 4.0 scale. For postgraduate programs, a minimum GPA of 2.4 is typically required. However, specific requirements can vary by university and program, so it's crucial to check the website of your preferred university.
5. Can I study in the UK with low marks?
Most of the universities in the UK accept the student with low marks for the admission. Make sure to verify your marks with the requirements of your preferred university.
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