Cost of Studying in the UK from Nepal: 2026 Guide
Last reviewed: July 2026. The total cost of studying in the UK depends on your university, course, location, visa length and exchange rate. Use the figures below for planning, then verify the exact amount on your university offer, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and the official UK government website before paying.
UK study cost at a glance
| Expense | Current planning basis | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | The amount stated by your university and on your CAS | Official university course page and CAS |
| Student visa application | £558 per applicant | GOV.UK Student visa |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year for students; the final total depends on visa length | GOV.UK IHS rates |
| Financial requirement in London | £1,529 per month for up to 9 months: maximum £13,761 | GOV.UK money requirement |
| Financial requirement outside London | £1,171 per month for up to 9 months: maximum £10,539 | GOV.UK money requirement |
The financial requirement is evidence for a visa application, not a guarantee that it will cover every living expense. Your real spending may be higher or lower.
1. University tuition fees
Tuition is normally the largest expense. Fees vary by university, course and study level, and laboratory or clinical programmes may cost more. Treat figures on comparison websites as estimates. The fee on the official course page and your CAS is the amount that matters for visa planning.
Before accepting an offer, confirm the annual fee, required deposit, scholarship deduction, instalment plan, refund conditions and whether fees increase in later years.
2. Student visa fee
As of this review, the official Student visa application fee is £558 whether applying from outside the UK or extending or switching inside the UK. Fees can change, so check GOV.UK immediately before submitting the application.
3. Immigration Health Surcharge
Most students studying for more than six months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge during the visa application. The student rate is currently £776 per year. The payable period can be longer than the course because a visa may include additional time before or after study.
4. Funds required for living costs
UKVI currently requires eligible applicants to show £1,529 per month in London or £1,171 per month outside London, for up to nine months. Required funds normally need to be held for 28 consecutive days, and the evidence must meet the timing and format rules. Always check the official financial requirement before preparing bank documents.
5. English language test
The required test and score vary by university and course. Some institutions accept IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or other evidence, while particular visa situations may require a Secure English Language Test. Confirm the accepted test directly with the university before booking.
6. TB test and supporting documents
A tuberculosis test may be required depending on where you have lived and the length of your UK stay. Document translation, verification, courier, passport and Nepal education approval costs should be budgeted separately. Use current official instructions rather than relying on an old fixed NPR estimate.
7. Travel and initial accommodation
Plan for airfare, airport transport, temporary accommodation, rental deposit, bedding, winter clothing, a local SIM and food during the first few weeks. London is usually more expensive, but housing costs vary substantially in every city.
8. Convert GBP to NPR carefully
Exchange rates and bank charges change daily. Keep your main budget in GBP, convert it to NPR using your bank’s live selling rate, and add a contingency for exchange-rate movement and transfer fees. Do not treat a historic NPR figure as a guaranteed cost.
How to prepare a reliable budget
- Shortlist the course and obtain the official tuition fee.
- Subtract only confirmed scholarships or payments.
- Add the current visa fee and calculated IHS.
- Add the applicable UKVI maintenance requirement.
- Add tests, documentation, travel, accommodation deposit and emergency funds.
- Recheck every government fee immediately before payment.
Frequently asked questions
How much money must a student show for a UK visa?
The current maintenance requirement is £1,529 per month in London or £1,171 per month outside London, for up to nine months, plus the course fee shown on the CAS where applicable. Exemptions and detailed evidence rules can apply.
What is the UK Student visa fee in 2026?
The official fee shown at the time of this review is £558 per applicant. Check GOV.UK before submitting because immigration fees can change.
How much is the student IHS?
The published student rate is £776 per year, but the total is calculated from the visa length rather than tuition years alone.
Are tuition fees the same at every university?
No. Fees vary by institution, subject, level and intake. Use the official course page and CAS.
Next steps
Explore the Study in the UK from Nepal guide and compare the UK university list. MKS Education can help you review course options, application documents and the cost items relevant to your case.