Everything About Finances Before You Apply to Study in the UK (For Nepali Students 2026 Guide)
Before applying to study in the UK, financial planning is the MOST important step. Many students receive offers but cannot proceed due to poor financial preparation.
This guide explains all costs, funds, bank requirements, and budgeting tips before applying.
Total Cost Overview
Studying in the UK includes two major expenses:
|
Category |
Estimated Cost per Year |
|
Tuition Fee |
£13,000 – £25,000 |
|
Living Cost |
£9,200 – £12,000 |
|
Total Yearly Cost |
£22,000 – £37,000 |
In NPR: approx 37–60 lakh per year
Tuition Fees in the UK
Bachelor’s Degree
- £13,000 – £18,000 per year
Master’s Degree (1 year)
- £15,000 – £25,000 total
High-cost courses
- Medicine / MBA: £25,000 – £40,000+
Scholarships can reduce fees by £2,000 – £10,000.
Living Cost Requirement (Visa Rule)
For a UK student visa, you must show 9 months living expenses.
|
Location |
Funds Required |
|
London |
£12,000 |
|
Outside London |
£9,200 |
This money must stay in your bank for 28 days before visa application.
Bank Balance Required for UK Visa
You must show funds for:
- First-year tuition (remaining amount)
- 9 months living expenses
Example Calculation
If your tuition = £16,000
Paid deposit = £4,000
Remaining tuition = £12,000
Living cost (outside London) = £9,200
Total funds required = £21,200
Acceptable Bank Documents
UK visa accepts:
- Personal bank account
- Parent’s bank account
- Education loan sanction letter
- Fixed deposits (FD)
Funds must:
- Be in your account for 28 consecutive days
- Be liquid (withdrawable anytime)
Education Loan for UK
Many Nepali students use education loans.
Typical loan range:
- NPR 20–50 lakh
Accepted banks:
- Nabil Bank
- Global IME Bank
- Nepal Investment Mega Bank
- NIC Asia Bank
Loan sanction letter can be used for visa.
Initial Money Needed Before Visa
Before visa, you must pay:
|
Expense |
Amount |
|
University deposit |
£2,000 – £5,000 |
|
Visa fee |
£490 |
|
NHS health surcharge |
£776/year |
|
TB test |
NPR 6,000–8,000 |
|
Flight ticket |
NPR 90k – 120k |
Initial cost before visa ≈ £3,500 – £6,000
Part-Time Earnings in UK
Students can work:
- 20 hrs/week during study
- Full-time during holidays
Typical pay:
- £10 – £12/hour
Monthly earning potential:
- £800 – £1,000
This helps cover living expenses, not tuition.
Hidden Costs Students Forget
Many students forget these expenses:
- Winter clothes
- Deposit for accommodation
- Kitchen setup
- Travel & trips
- Emergency savings
Always keep a £1,000 emergency fund.
Scholarship Impact
Scholarships can reduce total cost:
|
Scholarship |
Reduction |
|
£3,000 scholarship |
Save ~5 lakh NPR |
|
£5,000 scholarship |
Save ~8 lakh NPR |
|
£10,000 scholarship |
Save ~16 lakh NPR |
Applying early increases scholarship chances.