Three Routes
Which UK Degree Fits You?
Bachelor's
For NEB +2 graduatesDuration3 years
Gross costNPR 111-175L
Entry~60% in 3 subjects
Graduate Route18mo-2yr*
Master's
For Bachelor's holdersDuration1 year
Gross costNPR 33-58L
Entry50-55%+ Bachelor's
Graduate Route18mo-2yr*
Top-Up
For HND/Diploma holdersDuration1 year
Gross costLowest of the 3
EntryLevel 5 qualification
Graduate Route18mo-2yr*
*On the Graduate Route figure: duration depends on when you file your Graduate Route application, not your course start date. 2 years applies only to applications filed on or before 31 December 2026; applications filed on or after 1 January 2027 receive 18 months instead (PhD stays at 3 years regardless). Given typical UK course lengths and today's date, most students reading this now will file after the cutoff. Full Graduate Route guide →
Side by Side
Full Comparison Table
| Factor | Bachelor's | Master's | Top-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years (4 in Scotland) | 1 year | 1 year |
| Entry qualification | NEB +2, ~60% in 3 subjects | Bachelor's, 50-55%+ | HND/Diploma/CTEVT Level 5 |
| Application route | UCAS | Direct to university | Direct to university |
| IELTS alternative | MOI accepted widely | MOI accepted widely | MOI accepted widely |
| Graduate Route | 18mo-2yr* | 18mo-2yr* | 18mo-2yr* |
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Depends on your current qualification. Just finished +2? You need a Bachelor's. Already have a Bachelor's from TU/KU/Pokhara/Purbanchal? A 1-year Master's is usually faster and cheaper. HOA advises for free.
Three years full-time in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; four years for Scottish Honours degrees — one to two years shorter than Australia, Canada or the USA.
One year (12 months) full-time for most taught programmes — shorter than Nepal (2 years), Australia (1.5 years), Canada (2 years) or the USA (2 years).
A 1-year programme completing the final year of a Bachelor's for students who already hold an HND, Foundation Degree, or recognised CTEVT Diploma — graduating with a full BA/BSc (Hons).
Bachelor's: ~NPR 111-175 lakhs gross over 3 years. Master's: ~NPR 33-58 lakhs. Top-Up: typically the lowest of the three. All at NPR 195/£1 (NRB reference rate), before scholarships and part-time earnings.
Depends on your application filing date, not course start date: 2 years for applications filed on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months for applications filed on or after 1 January 2027 (PhD stays 3 years). Most students reading this now will fall under the 18-month rule.
Many universities accept an MOI letter from TU/KU/Pokhara/Purbanchal instead — saving up to NPR 35,000 and 2-3 months. Not generally accepted by Russell Group universities. HOA confirms eligibility free.
No. 100% free guidance for all three degree types — course selection, applications, personal statements, offers, and visa documentation (self-reported, internal tracking since 2016).
Explore Further
Related Guides
Last updated: 29 Jul 2026 · Author: Rahul Chhetri, Director, HOA