Dhiraj Kandel
Sr. Student AdvisorSchedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
The cost to study in the UK can be higher than in your home country, especially for international students.
However, there are many other factors besides just tuition fees to consider when looking at how much it costs to study in UK from Nepal.
International students can access a wide range of courses at UK universities, and while tuition fees may be higher than in some countries, the UK offers world-class education and a wide range of scholarship opportunities to make living and studying more manageable.
In recent years, studying abroad has become increasingly expensive.
However, the UK continues to be a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education and globally recognized degrees, making the investment worthwhile for students from over 60 countries.
Goreto Education is the best consultancy in Nepal for UK study.
The cost of education in the UK is generally higher than in Canada but often lower than in the United States, depending on the course and university.
What Makes Up the Cost of Studying in the UK?
When planning your budget as a Nepali student, it’s important to look beyond just tuition fees. The overall cost of studying in the UK is made up of several components:
Main Expense Categories for Nepali Students in the UK
Tuition & Academic Costs
Course fees plus books, software, and lab materials.
Accommodation & Living
Rent, utilities, food, and daily expenses (higher in big cities).
Visa, Healthcare & Travel
Covers visa fees, IHS, medical needs, and flights.
Miscellaneous & Lifestyle
Mobile, clothing, entertainment, and personal care.
Tuition Fees in the UK for International Students
Tuition fees in the UK vary depending on your level of study, university, and chosen program.
While costs can differ across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, most international students pay higher fees than domestic students.
To support them, UK universities, the government, and private organizations also provide a range of scholarships.
Here’s a general overview of tuition fees for international students in the UK:
| Courses for International Students | Average Annual Fees (GBP) | Average Annual Fees (NPR) (1 GBP = 184 NPR) |
| Undergraduate courses | £10,000 to £25,000 | Rs 18,40,000 to Rs 46,00,000 |
| Postgraduate courses | £11,000 to £30,000 | Rs 20,24,000 to Rs 55,20,000 |
| PhD courses | £14,000 to £24,000 | Rs 25,76,000 to Rs 44,16,000 |
| Master of Business Administration | £25,000 to £45,000 | Rs 46,00,000 to Rs 82,80,000 |
Note: The conversion to NPR is based on approximate exchange rates and may vary. Always check the current rates and official university websites for precise figures.
While these figures give you a broad idea of tuition fees in the UK, the exact cost can vary greatly depending on your level of study, chosen course, and university.
To help you plan better, let’s look at the tuition fees separately for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs, along with some of the factors that make certain courses more expensive than others.
1) Undergraduate Tuition Fees in the UK
For international students, undergraduate fees typically fall between £10,000–£38,000 per year (avg. ~£22,000). Costs vary mainly by subject and the facilities a course requires:
- More affordable: humanities, social sciences, education (~£10,000–£15,000).
- Mid-range: business and management (~£15,000–£25,000).
- Higher cost: engineering, law, medicine/clinical courses (up to £38,000 due to labs/clinical placements).
A bonus to factor in: most UK bachelor’s are 3 years (4 in Scotland), which can reduce your total study cost compared with 4-year systems.
2) Postgraduate (master’s) tuition fees in the UK
Taught master’s degrees are usually 1 year, so even with higher annual fees the overall spend can be competitive. Typical fees are £17,000–£25,000 depending on subject and university.
- Regular MBA: £20,000–£35,000 (school reputation drives the spread).
- Executive MBA: around £45,000 (premium programs can be higher).
STEM or lab-heavy courses often sit toward the top end; arts/humanities can be lower. Always check if your course includes extras like placements, studio/lab charges, or fieldwork.
3) PhD tuition fees in the UK
Most international PhD programs charge £14,000–£24,000 per year for tuition.
- Lab-based disciplines (science/engineering) can reach £25,000–£30,000.
- Humanities/social sciences often start around £17,000.
Many PhD routes offer funded studentships (university scholarships, research council funding, or graduate teaching/research assistantships) that may cover tuition and a stipend; a few schemes even charge home-rate fees to eligible internationals. - For illustration: science/engineering PhDs at Imperial can be ~£25,000–£30,000; humanities at the University of Edinburgh may start ~£17,000.
Because funding models vary by project and department, always verify details on the program page before applying.
Total Cost to Study in the UK from Nepal
The UK remains one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world.
It is highly welcoming toward international students and offers a wide range of academic and professional opportunities.
UK universities consistently rank among the top globally.
Their programs are designed with a strong emphasis on real-world application, making their degrees highly valued and internationally recognized.
If you’re considering studying abroad, the UK is undoubtedly one of the best options.
It boasts some of the world’s best institutions and provides substantial support for international students through academic services, student societies, and career development centers.
Additionally, the UK offers numerous scholarships for international students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Alongside its top-tier education, the UK is also known for the diverse job opportunities available to graduates.
The table below provides a general estimate of the total cost to study in the UK from Nepal:
| Category | Expenses (approx. GBP) | Expenses (approx. NPR) |
| On-campus accommodation | £4,000 – £7,000 per year | Rs 6,64,000 – Rs 11,62,000 per year |
| Shared apartment | £350 – £750 per month | Rs 58,100 – Rs 1,24,500 per month |
| University-arranged homestay | £400 – £800 per month | Rs 66,000 – Rs 1,32,000 per month |
| Student residence | £300 – £700 per month | Rs 49,500 – Rs 1,15,500 per month |
| Student visa application fee | £490 (standard) | Rs 81,300 |
| Mobile phone/internet | £20 – £30 per month | Rs 3,300 – Rs 5,000 per month |
| Books and study materials | £300 – £500 per year | Rs 49,500 – Rs 82,500 per year |
| Personal expenses | £250 – £500 per month | Rs 41,300 – Rs 82,500 per month |
| Health insurance (IHS surcharge) | £776 per year (for student visa) | Rs 1,28,800 per year |
Note: Currency conversion is approximate based on average exchange rates. Costs may vary based on lifestyle, city (e.g., London is more expensive), and university.
Expenses to Study in the UK
1. Book Materials
Depending on the course, books and supplies can cost £250–£350/year, with medicine and law going higher.
Many students save through libraries, e-books, or second-hand purchases.
2. Accommodation Costs
Housing varies by type and city. Expect around £300–£800/month for university halls or shared flats, while private studios in cities like London may exceed £1,000/month.
Utilities and internet add about £150/month.
3. Transportation Costs
Public transport is the go-to option. A one-way bus or tube ride costs about £2.50–£3.50, while monthly passes range £60–£120.
With a 16–25 Railcard, students save up to one-third on train fares.
4. Health Expenses and Insurance
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776/year, covering NHS services. Extra costs may apply for prescriptions or dental care.
Students can work up to 20 hours per week, with part-time earnings helping cover living expenses (though taxed above thresholds).
5. Taxes
Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term. Earnings above £12,570/year (UK tax-free allowance) are taxable.
A National Insurance Number (NIN) is required for legal employment.
You must prove intent to return to Nepal after completing your studies, as the student visa expires 90 days after your course ends.
You can work part-time while studying and full-time during vacations under the visa terms.
For more accurate guidance on studying in the UK, including cost breakdowns and visa support, you can reach out to a trusted consultancy like Goreto Educational Consultancy, one of the best in Nepal for UK study support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
PhD and doctoral programs in the UK typically take 3 to 4 years of full-time study to complete (or 6 to 7 years part-time).
These degrees involve independent, original research in your chosen field, culminating in a doctoral thesis that must be defended in a viva (oral examination).
Many students enter a PhD program after completing a relevant master’s degree.
PhD students in the UK who receive funding or stipends (usually through universities, research councils, or scholarships) typically earn between £16,000 and £20,000 per year (tax-free). After completing their PhD, graduates entering the job market may earn:
- £30,000 to £50,000 in academic or research roles
- £50,000+ in private sector roles, depending on the industry and expertise
The UK offers international PhD graduates potential post-study immigration routes, such as:
- The Graduate Route visa (allows you to stay and work for 3 years after PhD completion)
- The Skilled Worker visa, if you have a qualifying job offer
- The Global Talent visa, which fast-tracks highly skilled individuals in academia and research
While the UK doesn’t offer PR immediately after study, these pathways can eventually lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
Yes, most UK universities require proof of English language proficiency from international applicants. You’ll likely need to submit:
- IELTS Academic (usually a score of 6.5–7.0 overall with no band below 6.0)
- Alternatively: TOEFL, PTE Academic, or other UKVI-approved tests
Other common PhD application requirements include:
- A completed master’s degree (with strong academic performance)
- Research Proposal or Statement of Purpose
- CV/resume
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Interview (in some cases)
- Application fee, which varies by institution
No, there is no official age limit for pursuing a PhD in the UK. Mature applicants are welcome, provided they meet academic and visa requirements. However, you should consider factors like:
- Study gaps
- Relevance of your background to the research area
- Financial preparedness
- Long-term settlement plans
- Ability to handle rigorous academic work
In the UK, colleges typically don’t offer PhDs — these are almost exclusively awarded by universities. However, further education colleges may offer foundation degrees or postgraduate diplomas, which are more affordable than university degrees.
University PhD tuition fees for international students typically range from:
- £14,000 to £24,000 per year (Arts & Humanities)
- £20,000 to £35,000+ per year (STEM fields and Business)
UK students or those with “home fee status” usually pay lower fees, often around £4,500 to £6,000 per year.
