Student visa guide for Nepali applicants

UK Student Visa from Nepal 2026 Complete Requirements and Process

Understand CAS, financial evidence, documents, fees, biometrics and the application sequence before submitting a UK Student visa application.

Quick answer:

A Nepali student normally needs an unconditional university offer, a valid CAS, acceptable financial evidence, English-language evidence where required, a passport, TB certificate and an online Student visa application. The correct evidence depends on the applicant and course, so always follow the current UKVI rules and the instructions on your CAS.

For applications from Nepal2026 planning guideVerify rules before submission
Overview

What is the UK Student visa?

The Student visa allows eligible international students to study with a licensed UK student sponsor. Admission from a university and immigration permission are separate decisions: an offer or CAS does not guarantee a visa.

1

University stage

Meet academic and English requirements, accept the offer, pay the required deposit and complete the university’s CAS checks.

2

Evidence stage

Prepare financial, identity, academic and health-related evidence exactly as required.

3

Visa stage

Apply online, pay the required charges, complete biometrics and respond promptly if UKVI requests more information.

Eligibility

Main UK Student visa requirements

  • A current passport or other valid travel document.
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies issued by a licensed sponsor.
  • Evidence that you meet the financial requirement unless an exemption applies.
  • English-language evidence at the level required for your course and visa route.
  • A tuberculosis test certificate when required for applicants applying from Nepal.
  • Parental consent and relationship evidence for applicants under 18.
  • ATAS approval for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects where applicable.
Do not submit a visa application using a draft CAS or incorrect course information. Check your name, passport number, course dates, tuition fee and payments recorded on the CAS.

What is a CAS?

A CAS is an electronic reference issued by the university after it is satisfied that you are ready for the visa stage. It contains course, fee and sponsor information used by UKVI. A CAS is normally valid for one visa application, so errors should be corrected before submission.

Financial evidence

Bank balance and maintenance requirement

You generally need to cover the outstanding first-year tuition fee shown on your CAS and the applicable living-cost requirement. Current guidance distinguishes study in London from study outside London and normally calculates maintenance for up to nine months.

London

For applications under the guidance effective from 31 December 2025, the maintenance figure is £1,529 per month for up to nine months.

Outside London

Under the same guidance, the maintenance figure is £1,171 per month for up to nine months.

Funds normally need to be held for the required consecutive period, and the evidence must fall within the permitted date window. The account holder, financial institution and document format must be acceptable. Read our UK study cost and visa-funds guide and the official UKVI financial-evidence guidance.

Documents

UK Student visa document checklist

Core documents

  • Passport
  • CAS reference
  • Financial evidence, if required
  • TB certificate
  • English evidence where requested
  • Academic evidence referenced by the CAS when required

Case-specific documents

  • Official sponsorship evidence
  • Education-loan evidence
  • Parent’s funds and consent documents
  • Certified translations
  • ATAS certificate
  • Evidence requested by the university or UKVI
A document used successfully by another student may not be correct for your case. Use your own CAS, circumstances and current official checklist.
Application process

How to apply from Nepal step by step

Confirm the course and offer

Check the university, campus, course level, duration, tuition fee and intake.

Complete CAS requirements

Pay only through official channels and provide the university’s requested documents.

Prepare visa evidence

Check financial timing, TB certificate, translations and passport validity before applying.

Submit the online application

Complete the form accurately, pay the Student visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and book biometrics.

Attend biometrics and monitor the case

Follow appointment instructions and respond to any request for an interview or additional evidence.

Student visa fee in 2026

The Home Office fee table effective from 8 April 2026 lists £558 for an overseas Student visa application. The Immigration Health Surcharge is separate and depends on the visa duration. Fees can change, so confirm the amount shown in the official application before payment.

See the official Home Office fee table.

Avoid mistakes

Common reasons applications run into difficulty

Good practice

  • Use consistent information across offer, CAS and form.
  • Explain course choice honestly.
  • Keep a clear source-of-funds trail.
  • Read every document before submission.

Risks to avoid

  • Insufficient or incorrectly timed funds.
  • Unexplained transactions or altered documents.
  • Wrong course or sponsor details.
  • Answers copied from another applicant.
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Does a CAS guarantee a UK Student visa?

No. UKVI makes the immigration decision after considering the application and evidence.

Can parents provide the required funds?

Parental funds may be acceptable when the evidence and relationship/consent documents meet the rules.

Is a visa interview compulsory?

Not every applicant is interviewed, but you should be ready to explain your academic plan, finances and course choice truthfully.

When should I apply?

Apply only after receiving a valid CAS and preparing compliant evidence, while staying within the visa route’s permitted application window.

Plan carefully

Get support with your UK application

Explore the complete Study in UK from Nepal guide or contact MKS Education to discuss course selection, university documents and application planning. Visa decisions remain with UKVI.

MKS Education support

Plan your application with MKS Education

MKS Education is a study abroad consultancy opposite Shankerdev Campus in Putalisadak, Kathmandu. We help Nepali students review profiles, shortlist universities and courses, prepare applications, organise documents, research scholarships, and plan CAS and visa-file stages using current official sources. Universities and immigration authorities make all admission and visa decisions.