Studying in the UK offers world-class education, diverse career opportunities, and a multicultural environment. However, before applying, understanding the cost to study in UK from Nepal is crucial for effective financial planning. From tuition fees to visa charges and living expenses, proper budgeting ensures a smooth academic journey.
In this guide, we will provide a total cost breakdown to study in UK from Nepal, covering tuition fees, living expenses, visa charges, scholarships, and budgeting strategies.
Table of Contents
Cost to Study in UK from Nepal
- Total Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
- Tuition Fees in the UK
- Bachelor’s Degree Tuition Fees
- Master’s Degree Tuition Fees
- Scholarships in UK for Nepali Students
- Living Costs in the UK
- Accommodation Costs
- Food and Grocery Expenses
- Transport Costs
- Miscellaneous Expenses
- Pre-Arrival Costs for Nepali Students
- Part-Time Job Opportunities in the UK
- Budgeting Tips for Nepali Students to Study in UK
- Cost Comparison: London vs. Other UK Cities
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Total Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
The overall expenses for your education in the UK vary based on factors like university, program, and location. Here’s a quick summary of the approximate costs involved:
Expense Category |
Estimated Cost |
Remarks |
Tuition Fees (Bachelor’s) |
£10,000 - £20,000 per year |
Varies by university & course |
Tuition Fees (Master’s) |
£11,000 - £25,000 per year |
Specialized programs like MBA may cost more |
UK Student Visa Total Cost from Nepal |
£490 |
Application fee |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) |
£776 per year |
Required for NHS healthcare access |
IELTS/PTE Test Fee |
NPR 31,500 (IELTS) / $227 (PTE) |
Required for English proficiency |
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Fee |
$70 |
Mandatory for visa applicants |
Flight Ticket (Nepal to UK) |
NPR 70,000 - 100,000 |
May vary based on airline and season |
Accommodation |
£3,600 - £12,000 per year |
On-campus is usually cheaper than private rentals |
Living Costs |
£500 - £1,200 per month |
Includes food, transport, and utilities |
Initial Settlement Expenses |
$2,500 |
Recommended for first few months |
Dependent Costs (if applicable) |
£6,120 - £7,605 per year |
Additional expenses for family members |
Key Takeaway: For a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, Nepali students should budget between NPR 18 to 30 lakhs per year based on location, lifestyle, and program choice.
We’ve provided a more detailed breakdown of each cost category below in this blog. Make sure to familiarize yourself with all the essential expenses, and feel free to come back to this blog whenever you need. For more details and budget planning assistance, you can Contact Us.
Tuition Fees in the UK
Bachelor’s Degree Tuition Fees
The average annual tuition fee for undergraduate programs in the UK ranges from £10,000 to £20,000.
However, fields like medicine, engineering, and business may have higher tuition fees. Popular universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London charge more than regional universities.
Master’s Degree Tuition Fees
Master’s tuition fees in the UK range from £11,000 to £25,000.
Again, specialized programs such as MBA or medical courses tend to have higher costs.
Scholarships in UK for Nepali Students
Most study programs in the UK provide full to partial scholarships to help international students financially, reducing their overall study fees. Some of the prestigious UK scholarships for international students including Nepali students are:
- Chevening Scholarships (Full tuition + stipend)
- Commonwealth Scholarships (For Master’s and PhDs)
- University-Specific Scholarships (Offered by UK universities)
- British Council GREAT Scholarships
Applying for scholarships can significantly reduce your tuition fees and lower the total cost of studying in the UK.
Living Costs in the UK
Your living costs while studying and living in the UK largely depend on the city you choose. London is significantly more expensive than other regions. Here’s a breakdown of the costs to familarize you with the estimated expenses:
Accommodation Costs
- University Halls: £3,600 - £7,200 per year
- Private Rentals: £400 - £1,200 per month (varies by city)
- Shared Housing: £300 - £600 per month (cheaper alternative)
Food and Grocery Expenses
- Home Cooking: £150 - £300 per month
- Eating Out: £5 - £20 per meal
Transport Costs
- Public Transport: £40 - £100 per month (student discounts available)
- London Underground Travelcard: £90 - £150 per month
Miscellaneous Expenses
- Entertainment: £50 - £100 per month
- Mobile & Internet: £15 - £30 per month
- Personal Items & Clothing: £50 - £100 per month
Pre-Arrival Costs for Nepali Students
Before moving to the UK, you’ll need to cover essential expenses:
Expense Category |
Estimated Cost |
UK Student Visa Total Cost from Nepal |
£490 |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) |
£776 per year |
Tuberculosis Test Fee |
$70 |
English Proficiency Test (IELTS/PTE) |
NPR 31,500 (IELTS) / $227 (PTE) |
Flight Ticket |
NPR 70,000 - 100,000 |
Initial Settlement Fund |
$2,500 (Recommended for first few months) |
Part-Time Job Opportunities in the UK
To manage expenses in the UK, Nepali students can work part-time for some additional income. Students are permitted to work in the UK for 20 hours per week during academic terms, and full time during holidays.
Students in the UK typically earn around £10 - £15 per hour from their part-time work. This can later total to around £800 per month, which helps cover living expenses. Some most common part-time job options include retail, hospitality, university assistant, freelance work.
Budgeting Tips for Nepali Students to Study in UK
Managing expenses smartly can make a significant difference in your financial stability while studying in the UK. Here are some practical strategies that can help:
- Apply for Scholarships: Tuition fees can be expensive, but scholarships help reduce the burden. Many universities offer financial aid, and applying for multiple options increases your chances of securing one.
- Choose Shared Accommodation: Rent is one of the biggest expenses. Living with roommates can cut down housing costs significantly, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
- Use Student Discounts: Many stores, restaurants, and transport services offer student discounts. Always carry your student ID to make use of these benefits and save money.
- Cook Your Own Meals: Eating out frequently can be expensive. Preparing meals at home can save £100 - £200 per month, which can be used for other essential expenses.
- Book Travel Early: Flight tickets and train fares are often cheaper when booked in advance. Planning ahead helps you get better deals and lower travel costs.
- Spend Wisely: Prioritize necessary expenses over luxury spending. Budgeting smartly helps you avoid unnecessary financial stress during your studies.
Cost Comparison: London vs. Other UK Cities
London, being the happening capital city it is, costs extensively more than other cities in the UK.
- London: Higher accommodation (£800 - £1,500/month) & transport costs
- Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow: Affordable housing (£400 - £800/month) & lower living costs
For budget-friendly options, consider cities outside London. They include equivalent quality of education and facilities at affordable expenses.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK is a valuable investment, but financial planning is essential. The cost to study in UK from Nepal varies by university, lifestyle, and location. With proper budgeting, scholarships, and part-time work, students can effectively manage expenses and focus on their studies.
Study the potential costs, and choose your university, location, and lifestyle wisely. As long as you keep track of your expenses and stick to your well-curated budget plans, you will not face any financial crisis, even while studying in the fascinating UK from our developing home country, Nepal.
Need personalized guidance on how much it will cost to study in UK? Contact us to book a FREE consultation with our experts!
FAQs
How much does it cost to study in the UK from Nepal?
For undergraduate programs, the total annual cost in the UK typically ranges from around £22,000 to £41,000 per year. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, plus visa fees and the healthcare surcharge. For postgraduate courses, you can expect costs between roughly £24,000 and £55,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.
How much GPA is required to study in the UK from Nepal?
Generally, to study in the UK from Nepal, a minimum GPA of 2.6 is required for undergraduate programs, while postgraduate programs may require higher GPAs. Admission requirements for the UK differ among universities and programs. It's advisable to check the specific entry requirements of each university.
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa from Nepal?
Applicants must show they have enough funds for tuition and living expenses. For living costs, you need:
- London: £1,334 per month for up to 9 months (£12,006 total)
- Outside London: £1,023 per month for up to 9 months (£9,207 total)
These funds must be in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the final balance dated within 31 days of your visa application.
How much is the UK visa fee from Nepal?
The fee for applying for a Student visa from Nepal is £490.
How much money can I take to the UK as a student?
There is no specific limit on the amount of money a student can bring to the UK. However, students must declare cash amounts of €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies) when entering the UK. It's advisable to carry sufficient funds to cover initial expenses, including accommodation deposits and living costs.
What is the minimum salary of a student in the UK?
Students often take up part-time jobs to support their living expenses. The National Minimum Wage for students aged 18-20 is £7.49 per hour, and for those aged 21-22, it's £10.18 per hour. Students aged 23 and over are entitled to the National Living Wage, which is £10.42 per hour. These rates are subject to change, so it's advisable to check the latest figures.
Also Read
Study in UK from Nepal: A Comprenshive Guide 2025
Study in USA from Nepal 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
MBA in USA for International Students - KTM Alliance