UK Student Visa Guide for Nepali Students 2025–26

What Is the UK Student Visa?

The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 General) allows international students to study at a UK-licensed institution for more than six months. As a Nepali student, this is the visa you will need for almost every undergraduate, postgraduate, or foundation programme in the UK.

The visa is issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and is tied to your specific university and course. You cannot switch institutions without applying for a new visa in most cases.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Receive your unconditional offer — your university must confirm your place before issuing a CAS.
2. Collect your CAS number — your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, a unique 14-character reference number.
3. Prepare financial evidence — bank statements showing 28 consecutive days of funds.
4. Book a TB test at an approved clinic in Nepal (required for stays over six months).
5. Complete the online application at gov.uk and pay the visa fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
6. Book your biometric appointment at VFS Global in Kathmandu or Birgunj.
7. Attend the appointment with all original documents.
8. Receive your decision — usually within 3 weeks from outside the UK.

Financial Requirements for Nepali Students

This is the area where most Nepali students face challenges. UKVI requires you to show:

• First year tuition fees (the amount listed on your CAS)
• Living costs — £1,334 per month for up to 9 months (£12,006 total) for courses outside London; £1,334/month for London (same rate from 2024 onwards)

The funds must have been in the account for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your application date. This is known as the 28-day rule.

Nepali rupees (NPR) in a Nepali bank account are acceptable. However, the UKVI conversion rate is checked on the date of your application, so account for exchange rate fluctuations.

Documents Checklist

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your course end date)
• CAS number from your university
• Bank statements (28-day rule — personal or parental/sponsor)
• TB test certificate from an approved clinic
• Academic qualifications (SLC, +2, degree certificates and transcripts)
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent)
• Passport-size photographs meeting UKVI specifications
• ATAS certificate (if your course requires it — mainly science/technology subjects)
• Parental consent letter if under 18

Visa Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge

As of 2025, the UK Student Visa application fee is £490 for applications from outside the UK.

In addition, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the NHS during your stay. The IHS rate for students is £776 per year (reduced rate). For a 3-year undergraduate course, this is approximately £2,328.

Total costs example for a 3-year degree: £490 (visa) + £2,328 (IHS) = approximately £2,818 upfront before you even buy your flight.

Common Reasons for UK Student Visa Refusal

Understanding refusal reasons helps you avoid them:

• Insufficient financial funds or funds not held for 28 days
• Inconsistencies between bank statements and the application
• Failure to demonstrate genuine student intent
• Missing TB test certificate
• CAS expired or cancelled by university
• English language certificate not meeting UKVI requirements

If refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. In most cases you can reapply immediately after addressing the issues, but you will need to pay the full fees again.