UK Student Route Visa for Nepali Students
Complete guide to obtaining a UK Student Route visa from Nepal, including CAS, IHS, financial requirements, and the 28-day rule.
If you are planning to study in the UK from Nepal, the Student Route visa is the document that makes it possible. This visa replaced the old Tier 4 system in 2020 and is now the standard pathway for all international students heading to British universities. Understanding the requirements, financial rules, and step-by-step process before you begin will save you time, stress, and potentially thousands of rupees in avoidable mistakes.
Every year, thousands of Nepali students successfully secure their UK Student Route visa. In the 2024/25 cycle, 13,339 NOCs were issued to Nepali students heading to the UK. With the right preparation, your application can be one of the successful ones.
At Study Abroad from Nepal, we have guided over 1,500 students through study abroad visa processes across a decade of hands-on experience. This guide walks you through every step of the UK Student Route visa, from getting your university offer to collecting your visa at VFS Kathmandu.
What Is the UK Student Route Visa?
The Student Route visais the UK's visa category for international students enrolled in full-time courses at licensed institutions. It allows you to live and study in the UK for the duration of your program, plus additional time before and after your course.
You can apply for a Student Route visa if you are 16 or older and have been offered a place at a licensed Student Route sponsor in the UK. The visa covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and some pre-sessional English programs. Once your course ends, the visa gives you time to apply for the Graduate Route work visa or make other plans.
Your Student Route visa is tied to the specific institution and course listed on your CAS. If you change universities or programs, you will need a new visa.
Step 1: Get an Unconditional Offer from a UK Institution
Before anything else, you need an unconditional offer from a UK university or college that holds a Student Route sponsor license. An unconditional offer means you have met all academic and English language requirements, and the institution is ready to confirm your place.
If your offer is conditional -- for example, conditional on your IELTS score or final exam results -- you must meet those conditions first. The university will not issue your CAS until all conditions are satisfied.
- For postgraduate programs: Apply directly through the university's online portal. Most UK universities accept direct applications for master's and PhD programs.
- For undergraduate programs: Apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for most institutions, or directly for some.
- Academic requirements: For master's programs, UK universities typically expect a bachelor's degree with 55-60% or above from recognized Nepali universities (TU, KU, Pokhara University). For bachelor's programs, your +2 or A-Level equivalent results are assessed, with most universities requiring 60% or above.
If you need help selecting universities that match your profile and budget, our counselors can assess your options based on your academic background and career goals.
Step 2: Receive Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
The CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is the single most important document in your UK visa application. Without it, you cannot apply. The CAS is an electronic document with a unique reference number that your university issues after you accept your offer and pay any required deposit.
- The CAS is not a physical document -- it is an electronic record with a reference number you enter in your visa application.
- Each CAS is valid for 6 months from the date it is assigned. You must use it to apply for your visa within this window.
- Your CAS contains details about your course, tuition fees, any fees already paid, and the qualifications used for admission.
- A university can only issue a CAS after confirming you meet all entry requirements.
Your university will typically require the following before issuing your CAS: acceptance of the offer (usually through the university's online portal), payment of the tuition deposit (varies by university, often GBP 2,000-5,000), proof of English language requirements, copies of your academic transcripts and certificates, and a valid passport.
Step 3: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Every international student must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)as part of their visa application, which gives you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
| Course Duration | IHS Amount (GBP) | Approximate NPR |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year master's | GBP 776 | ~NPR 1,32,000 |
| 2-year program | GBP 1,552 | ~NPR 2,64,000 |
| 3-year bachelor's | GBP 2,328 | ~NPR 3,96,000 |
The current IHS rate for students is GBP 776 per year of your visa duration. You pay the full amount upfront when you submit your visa application online. The IHS is non-refundable if your visa is refused, though you can apply for a refund in certain circumstances. The IHS payment must be completed before you can submit your visa application.
Step 4: Prepare Your Financial Documents (The 28-Day Rule)
Financial evidence is where many Nepali students face problems. The UK Home Office has strict rules, and getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons for visa refusal.
You must prove you can cover your first year's tuition fees (minus any deposits or scholarships already paid) plus living costs for up to 9 months. The living cost requirement depends on where you will study:
| Study Location | Monthly Requirement | 9-Month Total | Approximate NPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | GBP 1,529/month | GBP 13,761 | ~NPR 23,40,000 |
| Outside London | GBP 1,171/month | GBP 10,539 | ~NPR 17,90,000 |
A real example: If you are studying a one-year master's program outside London with tuition of GBP 15,000 and you have already paid a GBP 3,000 deposit: remaining tuition is GBP 12,000, living costs are GBP 10,539, giving a total required of GBP 22,539 (~NPR 38,30,000).
You must show that the required funds have been held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you submit your visa application. The bank statement or letter must be dated within 31 days of your application date. If the funds dipped below the required amount on even one day during that period, your application could be refused.
Funds can be in your own account or your parent's account. If using a parent's account, you will need a relationship proof (birth certificate), their consent letter, and their bank statements showing 28-day rule compliance.
Pro tip from Study Abroad from Nepal: Start building your bank balance at least 2-3 months before your planned visa application date. This gives you a comfortable margin and avoids last-minute financial stress. For detailed guidance, see our financial documents guide.
Step 5: Gather Your Documents
With your CAS, IHS payment, and financial evidence ready, compile the full document set for your visa application.
- Valid passport -- must be valid for the duration of your course with at least one blank page.
- CAS reference number -- the unique number from your university's Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
- Financial evidence -- bank statements or bank letter showing funds held for 28 consecutive days, covering tuition plus living costs.
- IHS reference number -- proof of Immigration Health Surcharge payment.
- English language test results -- IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or other accepted test. If you are still preparing, explore our IELTS preparation program.
- TB test certificate -- Nepal is on the UK's list of countries requiring a tuberculosis test. The certificate is valid for 6 months.
- Academic transcripts and certificates -- original or certified copies of your qualifications used for admission.
- Passport-sized photographs -- meeting UK visa photo specifications.
- Previous visa documents -- if you have studied or traveled abroad before.
- Sponsorship or loan letters -- if your education is being funded by a sponsor or through a bank loan.
Step 6: Apply Online and Pay the Visa Fee
Once your documents are ready, apply for the Student Route visa through the UK government's online portal (gov.uk). Fill in the application form with your personal details, passport information, travel history, course details, CAS reference number, financial information, and IHS reference number.
| Fee | Amount (GBP) | Amount (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application | GBP 490 | ~NPR 83,300 |
| IHS (1-year master's) | GBP 776 | ~NPR 1,32,000 |
| Priority processing (optional) | GBP 500 | ~NPR 85,000 |
| Super Priority (optional) | GBP 1,000 | ~NPR 1,70,000 |
| TB test | -- | ~NPR 5,000-8,000 |
Step 7: Visit VFS Kathmandu for Biometrics
After completing your online application, you visit the VFS Global Application Centre in Kathmandu for your biometrics appointment. Your fingerprints and photograph are taken digitally, and you submit your supporting documents. Your appointment typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Bring your printed appointment confirmation, passport (original), all supporting documents (originals and copies), visa application confirmation page, and IHS confirmation. VFS Kathmandu is the only biometrics collection center in Nepal for UK visa applications. Book your appointment well in advance, especially during peak application seasons (May-August for September intake).
Step 8: Wait for Your Visa Decision
After your biometrics appointment, your application is processed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
| Service Level | Timeline | Additional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ~3 weeks (15 working days) | Included in visa fee |
| Priority | 5 working days | + GBP 500 |
| Super Priority | Next working day | + GBP 1,000 (subject to availability) |
Once approved, you will receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport, valid for 30 days. You must enter the UK within this 30-day window. After arriving, you collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated Post Office, which serves as your full visa document for the remainder of your stay.
Common Reasons for UK Student Visa Refusal
Understanding why visas get refused helps you avoid making the same mistakes. Every one of these is avoidable with proper preparation:
- 28-day rule not met: Funds were not held for 28 consecutive days, or the bank statement was dated more than 31 days before the application.
- Insufficient funds: The total shown does not cover tuition plus living costs as required.
- Missing TB test certificate: Nepal requires a TB test for UK visas, and applicants sometimes forget.
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents: Missing transcripts, mismatched names on documents, or unsigned bank letters.
- Credibility concerns: Gaps in education without explanation can raise questions. For guidance, see our study gap explanation guide.
- Forged or misleading documents: This leads to an automatic refusal and can result in a ban from future applications.
A visa refusal goes on your immigration record and can make future applications to the UK and other countries more difficult. Getting it right the first time matters. This is where experienced guidance makes a real difference.
What to Do After Getting Your UK Student Visa
Once your visa is approved, prepare for your journey:
- Book your flights -- aim to arrive at least 1-2 weeks before your course starts for orientation and settling in.
- Arrange accommodation -- confirm your university housing or private accommodation booking.
- Register with your university -- complete any online enrollment steps before arrival.
- Collect your BRP -- within 10 days of arriving in the UK, collect your Biometric Residence Permit from the designated Post Office.
- Open a UK bank account -- you will need this for receiving wages if you work part-time and for managing your finances.
- Attend a pre-departure briefing -- at Study Abroad from Nepal, we host in-person briefings covering airport procedures at TIA, packing guidance, banking, accommodation, and cultural adjustment.
Get Expert Help with Your UK Visa Application
The UK Student Route visa process is detailed, and the financial requirements are strict. But with step-by-step preparation and experienced support, it is a proven pathway that thousands of Nepali students complete successfully every year.
At Study Abroad from Nepal, we have processed hundreds of UK student visas. We know exactly what the Home Office expects, how to prepare your financial documents to meet the 28-day rule, and how to avoid the common mistakes that lead to refusals. Our team walks beside you from your first university application all the way to your pre-departure briefing.