Study in the United Kingdom
The UK is home to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and UCL — four of the world's top 10 universities — and offers one of the most efficient routes to a globally recognized degree, with most master's programs completed in just one year.
Academic Heritage, 1-Year Masters & Graduate Route Work Visa
Academic Heritage, 1-Year Masters & Graduate Route Work Visa
1-Year Master's — Save Time & Money
Most UK master's programs are completed in just 12 months, compared to 2 years in the US, Canada, and Australia. This saves a full year of tuition fees and living costs while delivering an equally recognized qualification.
Graduate Route — 2 Years Post-Study Work
After completing a UK degree, international students can apply for the Graduate Route visa, allowing 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) of work in the UK at any skill level. No job offer is required to apply.
Major Intakes
September/October (Primary — almost all programs available), January/February (Secondary — select programs), April (Limited — mainly foundation and language courses)
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity — ideally valid for full course duration)
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) Number — issued by UK institution after offer and deposit payment
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates (Class 10, Class 12/NEB, Bachelor's Degree and Transcripts)
- IELTS for UKVI Academic Score (minimum 5.5–7.0 depending on course and institution)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation (2 — usually required by universities, not UKVI)
- Proof of Financial Maintenance Funds — Bank statement showing funds held for 28 consecutive days (Outside London: GBP 1,334/month; up to 9 months max = GBP 12,006)
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results from a UKVI-approved clinic (mandatory for Nepal)
- Passport-size Photographs (UK visa photo specifications)
- ATAS Certificate (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) — required for specific sensitive subjects
Eligibility for Nepali Students
Undergraduate / Bachelors
- 1
Completion of NEB +2 (12 years of schooling). Most UK universities accept NEB without a foundation year; some may require A-levels or a foundation program.
- 2
IELTS Academic (for UKVI) 5.5–7.0 overall (varies by institution and course level). Russell Group universities typically require 6.5–7.0; post-92 universities may accept 5.5–6.0.
- 3
Minimum 55%–65% aggregate in NEB +2 (varies by institution tier and course).
- 4
PTE Academic for UKVI is accepted as an alternative (score range 42–65+ depending on institution).
- 5
Duolingo English Test is accepted at a growing number of UK universities (score 95–120 typically).
Masters / Postgraduate
- 1
Bachelor's degree with minimum 55%–60% aggregate (Second Class Lower / 2:2 equivalent). Top universities (Russell Group) require 60%–70% (2:1 equivalent).
- 2
IELTS Academic (for UKVI) 6.0–7.0 overall with no individual band below 5.5–6.0. Standard requirement for taught master's is 6.5.
- 3
Relevant work experience (1–3 years required for MBA programs at most business schools).
- 4
GMAT: 550–680+ for MBA programs. GRE accepted at some universities as alternative.
- 5
Research Proposal (required for MPhil/PhD and research master's programs — must align with supervisor's research area).
UK Student Visa (Student Route) — Step-by-Step Journey
Step 1: Receive CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
After receiving your unconditional offer and paying the required tuition deposit, your UK institution will issue your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number — a 14-character reference number. Your CAS is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. It contains your course details, institution, start date, and financial requirements. You cannot apply for your Student visa without a CAS.
Step 2: Complete Mandatory TB Test at a UKVI-Approved Clinic in Nepal
Nepal is on the UK's list of countries requiring a tuberculosis (TB) test for visa applicants. You must attend a UKVI-approved clinic in Kathmandu for a chest X-ray and TB test. Approved clinics include IOM (International Organization for Migration) and selected government hospitals. Results are usually ready within 3–5 business days and are submitted directly to the UK Home Office. This certificate is required with your visa application and is valid for 6 months.
Step 3: Apply for No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal MOEST
Nepali students must obtain a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) before submitting their UK Student visa application. Apply online through the MOEST portal with your CAS, offer letter, passport, and academic documents. Processing takes 7–14 business days. Transit Education provides full assistance with the NOC application process.
Step 4: Submit Online UK Student Visa Application
Apply online at the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. The application fee is GBP 490 (approximately NPR 83,000) plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — currently GBP 776 per year of study. You will upload your CAS details, passport, financial documents, TB test results, academic transcripts, IELTS scores, and SOP. Biometrics are collected at VFS Global in Kathmandu at your appointment.
Step 5: Attend Biometric Appointment & Receive Visa Decision
Attend your biometric appointment at VFS Global in Kathmandu (Jawalakhel or Thamel centres). Provide fingerprints, photograph, and submit your supporting documents. UK Student visa decisions are typically received within 3 weeks for applications outside the UK. Priority service (additional fee) can reduce processing to 5 business days. Once approved, you will receive a vignette sticker in your passport valid for 30 days for entry, and collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. International students on a UK Student visa enrolled at a Higher Education Institution (university) can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacations and between semesters. Students at Further Education institutions (colleges) can work up to 10 hours per week. You may also undertake a work placement or internship if it is an assessed part of your course.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) gives international students access to the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK — the same healthcare access as UK residents. The current rate is GBP 776 per year of study. For a 1-year master's, you pay approximately GBP 776; for a 3-year bachelor's, approximately GBP 2,328. This is paid upfront as part of your visa application.
Yes. You must show that you have sufficient maintenance funds held consecutively for 28 days prior to your visa application. The required amount is GBP 1,334 per month, for up to 9 months of the course duration. For a 1-year master's: GBP 1,334 × 9 = GBP 12,006 (outside London). Your bank statement must be dated within 31 days of your application date, and the required funds must have been present in your account for the entire 28-day period.
The Graduate Route visa allows international students who graduate from an eligible UK institution to remain and work (or look for work) in the UK for 2 years after graduation (3 years for PhD graduates). No job offer is required to apply. You can work at any skill level — full-time or part-time — for any employer. During this period, many graduates secure skilled worker visa sponsorship from employers and transition to longer-term UK residency.
Key scholarships include: (1) Chevening Scholarship — fully funded by the UK Government for 1-year master's programs; applications open in August each year through the British Embassy Kathmandu; (2) GREAT Scholarships Nepal — partial scholarships (GBP 10,000) awarded by UK universities in partnership with the British Council; (3) Commonwealth Scholarships — for students from Commonwealth countries including Nepal; (4) University-specific merit scholarships — institutions like University of Bristol, University of Glasgow, Nottingham, and many others offer 20%–50% tuition fee waivers; (5) Research council funding (UKRI) for PhD students. Transit Education will review your profile and identify applicable scholarship opportunities.