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A UK cover letter is not your CV in paragraphs. It explains why you fit this specific role by linking your experience to the job description. Keep it to one page, open with the role and your strongest match, give two or three evidence paragraphs and close with availability. House of Admissions (HOA) gives free guidance from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

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January 2027 UK intake: open at many universities for selected courses — see deadlines · February 2027 open at a few universities (as of 25 October 2026) Free service

Quick answer

Write one page for each job: say which role you are applying for, match two or three of your experiences to its requirements with evidence, and close with your availability and right to work.

Application Tips 3 min read

UK Cover Letter Guide for Nepali Students and Graduates

Your CV lists what you've done. Your cover letter explains why it matters for this specific role — and most Nepali applicants blur the two together.

Student writing a UK-style cover letter

What a UK Cover Letter Should Actually Do

A UK cover letter is not a summary of your CV in paragraph form — it should explain why you specifically are a strong fit for this specific role, connecting your experience directly to what the employer has asked for in the job description. Employers use it to assess communication skills and genuine interest, not just qualifications.

Structure of a Strong Cover Letter

  1. Opening paragraph — which role you're applying for and a brief, specific reason for your interest in this employer
  2. Middle paragraph(s) — 2–3 specific examples connecting your experience directly to the job description's requirements
  3. Closing paragraph — a confident statement of your availability and enthusiasm, with a clear call to action

Keep it to one page, ideally 250–400 words, in a clear, professional but natural tone.

Tailoring Every Application

Reusing the exact same cover letter across multiple applications is one of the most common mistakes. Reference the specific company and role by name, and pull language directly from the job description where genuinely relevant — this signals you've read and understood what they're actually looking for.

Common Mistakes Nepali Applicants Make

  • Repeating CV content verbatim instead of adding context or reasoning
  • Using overly formal or directly-translated phrasing that reads unnaturally in English
  • Not mentioning the specific company or role by name
  • Focusing on what you want from the job rather than what you can offer the employer

Keep reading: How to apply for a UK master’s · UCAS personal statement guide · Applying to UK universities page

Key Facts — 2026

UK Visa Fee
£558 (from 8 Apr 2026)
IHS (NHS Surcharge)
£776/yearA 1-year master’s is granted ~16 months leave, so you pay £1,164 (UKVI, 2026)
Bank Balance (Outside London)
£10,539/year£1,171/month × 9 months (NPR 20.5L). From 30 Nov 2026: £1,203/month, £10,827/year
Bank Balance (London)
£13,761/year£1,529/month × 9 months (NPR 26.8L). From 30 Nov 2026: £1,570/month, £14,130/year
HOA Guidance Fee
100% Free
Part-time Earnings
≈ £1,017/month (20 hrs × £12.71)

Which maintenance figure applies to you is set by the date you submit the visa application, not your course start date. The increase is in Statement of Changes HC 584. Full breakdown in NPR →

Frequently Asked Questions