UK Student Visa for Nepali Students: Complete 2026 Guide

The UK Student Visa (Student Route) is the visa Nepali students need for full-time study at UK universities and licensed institutions. It replaced the older 'Tier 4' visa in October 2020 as part of the UK's points-based immigration system. The Student Route covers degree programs (bachelor's, master's, PhD) at universities, plus longer English language courses and some independent school study.

Your university must hold a Student sponsor licence from the Home Office to issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — the document that allows you to apply for a Student visa. All major UK universities hold sponsor licences, but if you are considering a smaller or private institution, verify their sponsor status at gov.uk before accepting an offer. Without a CAS from a licensed sponsor, you cannot apply for a Student visa.

The Student Route gives you 70 visa points: 50 for the CAS (sponsorship offer to study), 10 for English language ability, and 10 for financial requirement. Meeting all three components is mandatory — the points are not 'tradeable.' Each requirement must be satisfied independently.

Mandatory documents: CAS reference number (issued by your university), passport, valid ATAS certificate if your course requires it (mostly for sensitive STEM programs at postgraduate level), tuberculosis (TB) test results (mandatory for Nepal applicants — must be from an IOM-approved clinic in Nepal), academic qualifications referenced in your CAS, English language test results (UKVI-approved IELTS, PTE Academic UKVI, or equivalent), and proof of funds.

Financial documents: Bank statements covering 28 consecutive days, fixed deposit certificates, education loan approval letter from a Nepali bank, sponsor's bank statements and relationship documents (if a family member is funding you), or scholarship award letter if applicable. The funds must be liquid and accessible — not locked into investments. The most recent statement must be no more than 31 days old when you submit your visa application.

Optional but helpful: Personal statement explaining your study and post-study plans (some VFS centres ask for this), evidence of ties to Nepal (property documents, family ties, future career plans), previous travel history, and any UK-related correspondence. Submit certified translations of any documents not in English.

The CAS is the central document of the UK student visa application. It is a unique reference number generated by your university through the Home Office system after you accept your unconditional offer and meet all university-specific conditions (typically including paying a deposit). The CAS is valid for 6 months — you must apply for your visa within this window.

Before issuing your CAS, your university typically requires: confirmation of an unconditional offer (all conditions of your initial offer met), payment of an enrolment deposit (often £2,000–£3,000), submitted financial evidence to the university, and sometimes a pre-CAS interview to verify your intent and English level. Pre-CAS interviews are increasingly common — they are typically 10–20 minute Skype/Zoom calls with a university admissions officer.

Your CAS contains: your personal details, your course details (name, level, duration, fees), the university's sponsor licence number, your tuition fees paid and outstanding, and any qualifications used as the basis for your acceptance. Verify all information on your CAS is correct before applying for your visa — errors can cause refusal.

Step 1 — Apply to your UK university. Submit your application through UCAS (for undergraduate) or directly to the university (for postgraduate). Receive your offer (typically conditional, then unconditional after conditions are met). Pay the enrolment deposit. Some universities require pre-CAS interview at this stage.

Step 2 — Receive your CAS reference number. Once all conditions are met and deposit paid, your university issues the CAS. This is sent by email — note the unique reference number (you'll need it for the visa application). Begin gathering your visa documents while waiting for the CAS.

Step 3 — Take your TB test. Tuberculosis testing is mandatory for Nepal applicants. Book an appointment at an IOM-approved clinic in Kathmandu. The test takes 15-30 minutes and the certificate is typically issued same-day. Keep the original certificate — you'll upload it with your application and present it at biometrics.

Step 4 — Pay the IHS and complete the online visa application at gov.uk. Application fee: £558 (paid online). IHS: £776 per year of study. Total upfront: approximately £1,266 for a 1-year master's, plus visa fees. Complete the online form at apply-uk-visa.gov.uk — be precise with your CAS reference and university details.

Step 5 — Book your biometrics appointment at the VFS Global centre in Kathmandu. The Visa Application Centre is in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. Bring your printed application form, supporting documents, and photo ID. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) take 15-20 minutes. You can pay for premium services like SMS notifications or document return courier.

Step 6 — Wait for the decision. Standard processing time from Nepal: 3 weeks (15 working days). Priority service: 5 working days for £500 extra. Super-priority: next working day for £1,000 extra. You'll be notified by email when a decision is made. If approved, your passport is returned with your 30-day vignette (entry sticker) — your full Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is collected after arrival in the UK.

The UK government introduced significant restrictions on student dependants in January 2024. Previously, all international students could bring their spouse and children as dependants. Under the new rules, only the following categories can bring dependants: students enrolled in postgraduate research programs (PhD or research-based master's), students sponsored by a government scholarship (such as Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarship).

If you are applying for a taught master's program (the vast majority of UK postgraduate programs) or an undergraduate program, you can no longer bring your spouse or children with you. They cannot apply for dependant visas. This is a permanent rule change affecting all new visa applications from January 2024 onwards. Even if you previously held a UK student visa with dependants, new applications are subject to the new rules.

If you absolutely need to be with your family during your UK studies, alternatives include: choosing a research-based master's or PhD program (which still allows dependants), applying for the Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarship (which allows dependants), or considering other countries (Australia, Canada, USA) which have less restrictive dependant policies for international students.

The Graduate Route is the UK's post-study work visa for international graduates. It allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years after completing a bachelor's or master's degree (3 years after completing a PhD). You can work in any job at any salary level — no employer sponsorship required. You can also be self-employed or set up a business during this time.

Eligibility: You must have completed an eligible UK degree (bachelor's, master's, or PhD) at an institution that holds a Student sponsor licence. You must apply from within the UK while your Student visa is still valid. Application fee: £880 (current rate as of 2025). IHS: £776 per year of Graduate Route. You apply online and your visa is typically issued within 8 weeks.

The Graduate Route was confirmed by the UK government in May 2024 to continue without changes, despite a Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) review. This is significant because there had been speculation that the route might be reduced or restricted. The 2-year (3 for PhD) duration is currently secure for the foreseeable future.

After your Graduate Route, you typically switch to the Skilled Worker visa to continue working in the UK long-term. This requires a sponsor employer and meeting the Skilled Worker minimum salary threshold of £38,700/year (most jobs) or £23,200 for some healthcare, education, and shortage occupation roles. After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR / PR).