Study levels · checked 20 October 2026
Postgraduate Study in the UK from Nepal: Master’s, MBA and PhD (2026–27)
Most Nepali students who go to the UK take a one-year taught master’s. Here is what the options cost, what you need to get in and what the visa asks for.
What Postgraduate Options Do Nepali Students Have in the UK?
A UK taught master’s usually takes one year. On the fee pages HOA checked, a typical master’s costs about £19,000 a year outside the Russell Group and about £35,000 at Russell Group universities. You need a recognised bachelor’s degree and usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5. Only PhD and research students can bring dependants.
A taught master’s (MSc, MA, MBA, LLM), a research master’s (MRes) or a PhD. Most students choose a taught master’s because it takes a year and leads to the Graduate visa.
Key facts
Checked against the sources cited on 20 October 2026.
- Taught master’s length
- Usually 12 months; some run 15 to 24 months with a placementUniversity course pages
- Typical master’s fee
- about £19,000 a year outside the Russell Group (most £16,000 to £26,000); about £35,000 at Russell Group universitiesUniversity fees pages, checked 20 October 2026
- Money to show
- Tuition still owed plus £1,203 a month outside London or £1,570 in London, up to 9 months (applications from 30 November 2026)UKVI; HC 584
- Dependants
- Only for PhD and other research degrees, or government-sponsored courses longer than 6 monthsGOV.UK
- After the course
- Graduate visa: 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027; 3 years after a PhDGOV.UK
Which UK Postgraduate Qualification Fits You?
| Qualification | Usual length | Can bring dependants? | Graduate visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taught master’s (MSc, MA, LLM) | 1 year | No | 18 months (from 1 Jan 2027) |
| MBA | 1 year | No | 18 months (from 1 Jan 2027) |
| Research master’s (MRes, MPhil) | 1 to 2 years | If research-based | 18 months (from 1 Jan 2027) |
| PhD | 3 to 4 years | Yes | 3 years |
| Pre-master’s | 1 or 2 terms | No | No (below degree level) |
How Much Does a UK Master’s Cost?
On the fee pages HOA checked for 122 universities, a typical master’s cost about £19,000 a year outside the Russell Group and about £35,000 at Russell Group universities. For the visa you show the tuition you still owe plus up to nine months of living costs: £1,203 a month outside London or £1,570 in London for applications from 30 November 2026 (£1,171 and £1,529 before).
Worked example. A £19,000 master’s outside London, nothing paid yet: £19,000 + £1,203 × 9 = £29,827 to show (about NPR 58.2 lakhs). Add the £558 visa fee and about £1,164 health surcharge.
Each university page shows its own published fees: see all UK universities.
What Do You Need to Get In?
- A recognised bachelor’s degree, for example from TU, KU or PU. Each university sets its own reading of Nepali grades; see how UK universities read a TU GPA.
- English: usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall, higher at many Russell Group universities. Some universities accept an MOI letter for some courses; see studying without IELTS.
- A statement of purpose and usually two references. MBAs often ask for work experience.
Popular subjects for Nepali students:
How to Apply for a UK Master’s from Nepal
Shortlist courses
Check the fee, entry rules and intake on each course page.
Apply on each university’s portal
Upload transcripts, English evidence, your statement and references.
Accept an offer and pay any deposit
Then the university can issue your CAS.
Get your NOC and hold the money
NOC from MoEST; tuition owed plus living costs for 28 days.
Apply for the Student visa
TB test, online application, biometrics in Kathmandu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually 12 months for a taught master’s. Some courses with a placement take 15 to 24 months.
About £19,000 a year at a typical university outside the Russell Group, and about £35,000 at Russell Group universities, on the fee pages HOA checked in October 2026.
No, not on a taught master’s. Dependants are allowed only on PhD and other research degrees, or government-sponsored courses longer than 6 months.
Usually 6.0 to 6.5 overall, with minimum scores in each part. Some universities accept an MOI letter instead for some courses.
September is the main intake. Some universities also start courses in January and a few in February or May.
Yes, up to 20 hours a week in term time and full time in holidays.
18 months on the Graduate visa for applications from 1 January 2027, or 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026.
No. HOA’s admissions and visa guidance is free for students.
Key Terms
- CAS
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies: the reference a licensed university issues so you can apply for a Student visa.
- Graduate visa
- Lets you stay and work after a UK degree without a sponsor: 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027.
- 28-day rule
- Visa money must stay in the account for 28 days in a row, ending no more than 31 days before you apply.
- Russell Group
- An association of 24 research-intensive UK universities.
Sources
Every figure on this page was checked against these sources on 20 October 2026. If an official page and this page disagree, the official page is right.
- UK Visas and Immigration, Financial evidence for Student and Child Student route applicants
- Home Office, Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 584
- GOV.UK, Student visa: your partner and children
- GOV.UK, Graduate visa
- GOV.UK, Student visa
- GOV.UK, Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application
About This Guide
Written by House of Admissions (HOA), a UK-only education consultancy founded in 2016 with offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. All 20+ HOA counsellors hold the British Council’s UK counsellor certification. HOA’s guidance is free to students. Reviewed by Rahul Chhetri, Director. This is admissions guidance, not immigration advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Related Guides
Choosing a UK Master’s?
A counsellor can shortlist courses that fit your grades, subject and budget. HOA’s guidance is free.