The UK is home to some of the world’s oldest universities and colleges having their roots in the 12th and 13th centuries. Coming from such a strong legacy, education in the UK has become a benchmark for other countries.
Big News for International Students: The UK Is Ready to Welcome You!
10 Reasons to study in the UK
When contemplating higher education abroad, the United Kingdom stands out as an exceptionally attractive destination for countless students around the globe. With a reputation for excellence in education, a diverse and inclusive student community, and a rich tapestry of culture and history, the UK offers a multitude of compelling reasons to choose it as your study destination:
World-Class Universities: The UK is home to some of the world's top-ranked universities, renowned for their academic excellence and research contributions.
Diverse Student Community: You'll be part of a diverse and multicultural student community, fostering cross-cultural understanding and lifelong friendships.
Rich Cultural Experiences: The UK's vibrant culture offers a plethora of opportunities to explore history, art, music, and diverse traditions.
Internationally Recognised Degrees: UK degrees are highly respected worldwide, enhancing your career prospects and global mobility.
Career Opportunities: The UK's strong job market and graduate employment prospects can help kick-start your career.
Language Proficiency: Studying in an English-speaking country like the UK enhances your English language skills, a valuable asset in today's global job market.
Historic Landmarks: Immerse yourself in the UK's rich history, with iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Stonehenge, and Edinburgh Castle.
Research Opportunities: The UK offers cutting-edge research opportunities and resources, particularly for postgraduate students.
Scholarships and Funding: Numerous scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students, making education more accessible.
Gateway to Europe: Being in close proximity to mainland Europe allows for easy travel and exploration of diverse European cultures and destinations during your studies.
Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:
Visa name | Who it’s for | When to apply | Arrival in the UK | Visa Fee |
Student Visa UK | Students aged 16 or over who have been offered a place in a course at a UK educational institution | Three months before the start of your course | Up to one week before if your course lasts six months or fewer. Up to one month before if your course lasts more than six months | GBP 490 |
*For detailed information, please visit the Gov.UK website
Read more about UK Student visa requirements
Your expenditure on tuition fees depends on the type of qualification and university or school you opt for. There are many high-ranking universities and colleges in the UK with their own fee structures. Here’s the basic cost of studying.
S.no. | Study Program | Average fee (in Euros*) |
1 | Undergraduate bachelor’s degree | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year |
2 | Postgraduate master's degree | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year |
3 | Doctoral degree | GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000 per year |
*Please note that: all figures are indicative and Ph.D. costs might differ as fully funded options are also available in the UK
If you want to bring down your educational expenses, it is best to apply for various scholarships available for Nepalese students.
The amount of money available and the type of award varies between institutions. Certain research programs may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee besides covering a part of your living expenditures.
Here are some popular government scholarship programs you can apply to study in the UK as a Nepalese student:
Here are some popular government scholarship programs you can apply to study in the UK as a Nepalese student:
S.no. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
1 | Chevening Scholarship | Supports talented professionals who have shown prior leadership skills and exceptional performance in their respective fields. With Chevening, you can apply for a scholarship or fellowship, the selection of which is done by the high commission and British embassies. |
2 | Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship | The Commonwealth scholarship aims to give international students from commonwealth countries a chance to pursue postgraduate degrees in the UK. Basically, the scholarship scheme caters to students from commonwealth nations to study in the UK. |
3 | GREAT Scholarship | This scholarship is jointly funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council under the Study UK campaign. This program includes 99 postgraduate scholarships from 36 UK universities in a variety of subjects. However, for Nepalese students, 12 of the UK higher education institutions are offering 13 postgraduate scholarships. |
4 | Scotland Saltire Scholarships | Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships is a scholarship program of the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities offered in the areas of creative industries, technology, science, medical sciences, healthcare, and renewable and clean energy. |
*This is an indicative list, speak with your IDP counsellor for details and the best available options suited to your profile
Colleges and universities in the UK offer two major intakes, but few of the universities also offer summer intakes for international students.
Intakes | Duration |
Autumn/Fall intake | September to December |
Spring intake | January to April |
Summer intake | April to June |
Explore more about Intakes in UK
If you intend to pursue higher education at the undergraduate or postgraduate level or work in a professional organisation in an English-speaking country, you are required to take the IELTS Academic exam. The IELTS score for UK universities ranges between band 6 -7.5.
Universities and educational institutions in the UK may have their own policies and preferences regarding gap years. Some universities may prefer students to take a gap year for personal development, work experience, or travel, while others may prefer students to enter their programs immediately after completing their previous qualifications. Mostly UK universities accept a gap of 2 years. However, it's essential to check the specific admission requirements and policies of the universities or courses you are interested in, as these can vary.
When deciding which university to study at, it is crucial that you also look at the world university rankings. This helps you compare and understand where a university ranks and how your desired institution fares on the global map. Here are the top UK universities according to QS World University Rankings 2024
S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2024(Globally) |
1 | University of Oxford | 3 |
2 | University of Cambridge | 2 |
3 | Imperial College London | 6 |
4 | UCL (University College London) | 9 |
5 | The University of Edinburgh | 22 |
6 | The University of Manchester | 32 |
7 | King's College London | 40 |
8 | London School of Economics | 45 |
9 | The University of Warwick | 67 |
10 | University of Bristol | 55 |
Eligibility requirements to study in the UK for students from Nepal are generally similar to those for students from other countries. Here are the key eligibility criteria and steps you should consider:
Choose a course and university: Select the course and university you want to attend. Ensure that the university and the specific program you are interested in are recognised and accredited.
English language proficiency: Most UK universities require proof of English language proficiency, typically through standardised tests like IELTS. Check the specific English language requirements of the university and program you're applying to.
Academic qualifications: You'll need to provide evidence of your academic qualifications. This usually includes transcripts, certificates, and sometimes a diploma.
Funding: You'll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and any other related costs. The exact amount may vary depending on the university and your chosen location in the UK.
Visa requirements: You'll likely need a Student Visa (Tier 4) to study in the UK. To obtain a student visa, you'll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen university, proof of funds, and meet other visa requirements. Check the official website of the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) for the latest visa requirements and application procedures.
Health insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage while studying in the UK.
Personal statement: Many universities require a personal statement or statement of purpose as part of your application. This document should explain your motivation for studying in the UK and why you're a suitable candidate for the course.
References: Some universities may ask for references or letters of recommendation. Make sure to provide these as required.
Application deadlines: Different universities and courses have varying application deadlines, so be sure to check and adhere to them.
Interviews: Some universities or programs may require interviews as part of the application process.
Immigration rules: Stay informed about the latest immigration and visa rules and regulations, which can change over time.
With world-class universities experienced faculties, and multiple opportunities in different fields, the UK is a top choice among international students. Know all the popular courses at UK universities so you can make the best of your career choice
The UK is a hub of opportunities for international students. According to the data from the World Bank, the UK is the 5th largest economy in the world, which makes it a perfect place for building a successful career.
With a huge job market, UK universities offer some popular degree courses that are in demand in the job market, and professionals in the fields are paid well. Here are the highest-paying degrees in the UK.
MBA
Executive MBA
Masters in finance
LLM
Doctorate
There are various career opportunities post-graduation for international students studying in the UK. Here are the popular fields you can opt for higher education:
Technology and telecom | ||
Law | Apps, web, and e-commerce | Energy, Mining, Chemicals, Environmental |
Pharmaceuticals and Biotech | Consumer goods | Transportation and logistics |
Consulting and professional services | Retail and trade | Media and communication |
Public sector and education | Service, tourism, restaurants | Health care |
Charity and not profit | Sports, culture, and recreation | Construction and real estate |
Here’s a list of the minimum monthly amount you should expect for living expenses in the UK for International Students:
Expenses | Monthly cost |
Bills (electric/ gas/ water) | £40 - £50 |
Food and housekeeping | £160 - £200 |
TV license (mandatory with TV or watching BBC online) | £12.56 (or £150.50 per year) |
Mobile phone | £15 - £50 |
Clothes and shoes | £25 |
Leisure and sports | £10 - £20 |
Books and stationery | £21 |
Socialising | £120 |
Travel and transport | £32 |
Childcare (if needed) | £656 |
Please note that all figures are indicative
Ques 1: Is studying in the UK affordable?
Ans: British universities are known for their high tuition costs, but it's worth noting that there are several affordable options for students looking to pursue their education in the UK.
Ques 2: Is studying in the UK worth it for international students?
Ans: Actually, based on the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, graduates from the UK are some of the most in-demand employees globally. Plus, international students can stay in the UK for up to 2 years after they graduate (3 years if they did a PhD) to work or find a job.
Ques 3: How can I come to the UK to study?
If you are 16 years or older and meet the following criteria, you are eligible to apply for a Student visa to study in the UK:
Have received an offer for a course from an authorised student sponsor.
Possess adequate funds to sustain yourself and cover your course expenses, with the required amount varying depending on your situation.
Demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding the English language.
Ques 4: Is IELTS required for the UK?
Ans: Certainly, you can pursue studies in the UK without the need for an IELTS score. To do so, you can fulfil English language proficiency requirements in several alternative ways. These options may include demonstrating a high school English score of over 70%, participating in an online interview arranged by the university, or providing evidence that English was the primary medium of instruction at your previous school. But We suggest you check with the universities for an IELTS waiver, as some may require IELTS as a mandate.
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