Study in the United Kingdom

UK universities offer focused degrees — many master's programmes take one year — and a number of universities run a January intake as well as September. Orbit is currently focusing on planning for the January 2027 intake.

• Shorter programmes

  Many taught master's degrees are completed in one year, which can reduce total time and cost.

• January intakes

  Selected universities and courses start in January, giving you a second chance in the year.

• Graduate route

  Eligible graduates may apply to stay and work after their studies under the Graduate visa.

Intakes: September is the main intake; many universities also offer January, and some offer May.

Currency: pound sterling (GBP). Amounts change — see the official figures and dates below.

Orbit offers financial guidance and bank-loan services; loan decisions are made by the lender. Plan your finances

• Chevening Scholarships

  UK Government (FCDO) · Master's

  Fully funded one-year master's degree in the UK. See Chevening for exactly what is covered.

  Deadline: 6 Oct 2026

  Chevening — Nepal(opens official source in a new tab)

Scholarships are competitive and eligibility varies. Search all scholarships

1. 01

   Choose courses

   Select universities and courses that match your academic profile and the intake you want.

2. 02

   Apply

   Apply directly or through UCAS for undergraduate courses; upload transcripts and a personal statement.

3. 03

   Receive an offer

   Meet any conditions on your offer, such as final results or an English score.

4. 04

   Deposit and CAS

   Pay any required deposit and receive your CAS from the university.

5. 05

   Prepare funds

   Hold the required maintenance funds for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply.

6. 06

   Apply for the Student visa

   Apply online, pay the fee and healthcare surcharge, and attend your biometrics appointment.

You need an unconditional offer and a CAS from a licensed student sponsor, enough money for your course and living costs, and English at the required level.

Admission, scholarship, loan and visa decisions are made by the relevant institution, lender or government authority and depend on each student's circumstances. Orbit guides and prepares you; it cannot guarantee an outcome.

Fees, funds and work rights change. Each figure shows its official source and the date Orbit last checked it. Where we couldn't confirm a figure, we send you to the official page instead of guessing.

Student visa fee (applying outside the UK)

£558

Checked 25 Sept 2026GOV.UK — Student visa(opens official source in a new tab)

Immigration health surcharge (students)

£776 per year

Checked 25 Sept 2026GOV.UK — Healthcare surcharge: how much you pay(opens official source in a new tab)

Living-cost funds for the visa

£1,529 per month in London or £1,171 per month outside London, for up to 9 months

Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application.

Checked 25 Sept 2026GOV.UK — Student visa: money(opens official source in a new tab)

When you can apply

Up to 6 months before your course starts (from outside the UK)

Checked 25 Sept 2026GOV.UK — Student visa(opens official source in a new tab)

Work during term time (degree level)

Up to 20 hours per week, depending on your course

Checked 25 Sept 2026GOV.UK — Immigration Rules: Appendix Student(opens official source in a new tab)

Graduate visa length

2 years if you apply on or before 31 Dec 2026; 18 months if you apply on or after 1 Jan 2027; 3 years for PhD graduates

Checked 25 Sept 2026GOV.UK — Graduate visa(opens official source in a new tab)

Official websites

• GOV.UK — Student visa(opens in a new tab)
• GOV.UK — Graduate visa(opens in a new tab)
• UCAS — International students(opens in a new tab)
• UKCISA — Advice for international students(opens in a new tab)