How much does it cost to study in the UK?

Tuition for international students typically ranges from £12,000 to £38,000 per year, depending on the course and university. On top of tuition, you must show living costs of about £1,483 per month for London and £1,136 per month outside London (up to nine months) when you apply for your Student visa.

How long is the post-study work visa in the UK?

The Graduate Route lets you stay and work in the UK for 2 years after a bachelor's or master's degree, and 3 years after a PhD. You can work in almost any job, for any employer, and you don't need a sponsor during that time.

What IELTS score do I need for a UK student visa?

Most courses require IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall with no individual band below 5.5–6.0. For some visa routes a UKVI-approved SELT is needed, but many universities can assess your English directly. We'll confirm the exact requirement for your chosen course.

When are the main intakes for UK universities?

The UK has a large September/October intake, a smaller January/February intake, and a limited May intake at some universities. September offers the widest choice of courses and scholarships, so we recommend starting your application 9–12 months ahead.

Can I work while studying in the UK?

Yes. On a Student visa you can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled holidays, as long as your course is at degree level with a licensed student sponsor.

Is the UK or Study Square's help expensive for Nepali and Indian students?

Study Square's counselling, course matching and visa guidance are free for students — we're funded by our university partners. You only pay official university and government fees. We'll give you a transparent, line-by-line cost estimate before you commit to anything.

UK | Study Square New

Study in the
UK

Centuries-old universities. One-year master's. A two-year Graduate Route to stay and work. We've guided 760+ students to Britain — and 92% get their visa the first time.

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Talk to a UK Counselor

Where the world comes to learn.

The UK is home to four of the world's top ten universities and a degree that's respected in every country on Earth. For South Asian students who want a fast, globally recognised qualification, it's hard to beat. Here's why students keep choosing Britain.

World-leading universities

Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and UCL all sit in the global top 10. 17 UK universities rank inside the QS top 100 — more per capita than anywhere else.

One-year master's

Most taught master's degrees take just 12 months. You save a full year of tuition and living costs versus the US or Australia — and start your career sooner.

The Graduate Route

Stay 2 years after graduating (3 after a PhD) to work in any job, for any employer, with no sponsorship needed. One of the simplest post-study routes anywhere.

History meets industry

Study where Newton, Hawking and Adam Smith did — then walk into London, Europe's largest finance and tech hub, for placements and graduate roles.

Recognised everywhere

A UK degree carries weight from Kathmandu to New York. The teaching is research-led, independent, and built around critical thinking employers value.

A gateway to Europe

From London you're a short flight or train from Paris, Amsterdam and beyond. A multicultural campus life with students from 200+ countries.

Short, focused, specialist.

UK qualifications follow the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). Degrees are shorter and more specialised than most countries — you choose your subject early and go deep. Here's how the levels map to what international students usually study.

01

Foundation / Pathway year

1 year. Bridges school results or English gaps into year one of a UK bachelor's degree.

02

Bachelor's degree

3 years in England, Wales & NI (4 in Scotland). BA, BSc, BEng — often with an optional placement year.

03

Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma

4–9 months. A shorter qualification used to upskill or bridge into a full master's.

04

Master's degree

1 year taught (MA, MSc, MBA) or 1–2 years by research (MRes). The most popular level for our students.

05

Doctoral degree (PhD)

3–4 years of original research. Many UK PhDs come with funded studentships for international candidates.

Funding that's worth chasing.

The UK government and its universities run some of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. We help students target 3–5 at once and write competitive applications. Last year, 35% of our UK-bound students won at least one award.

Government

Chevening Scholarships

The UK government's flagship award for future leaders. Fully funds a one-year master's — tuition, stipend, flights and visa.

Full ride · tuition + living

Government

Commonwealth Scholarships

For students from Commonwealth countries. Covers master's and PhD study with full tuition, airfare and a monthly stipend.

Full ride · master's & PhD

JOINT

GREAT Scholarships

British Council awards of at least £10,000 toward tuition on one-year postgraduate courses at participating universities.

£10,000+ · postgraduate

UNIVERSITY

Manchester Global Futures

Automatic tuition discounts of up to £6,000 for eligible international students across many master's programmes.

Up to £6,000 · automatic

UNIVERSITY

Warwick Chancellor's Scholarship

Fully funded PhD scholarships covering fees and a generous stipend for outstanding research candidates.

Full PhD · top applicants

September is king — but you have options.

The UK runs a large autumn intake in September/October, a useful January/February intake, and a small May intake at some universities. The earlier you apply, the better your shot at top courses and scholarships — UK Student visa decisions usually land within 3 weeks.

Primary Intakes for UK

September

All courses, all universities, full scholarship pool
Apply from the previous autumn onward
Best window for Sep 2027 starts

January

Many postgrad and some undergrad courses open
Apply by Sep–Oct of the prior year
Great second chance if you missed September

May

Select business and pathway courses only
Apply by Feb–Mar same year
Useful for pathway and top-up students

Key Deadlines: What International Students Must Do Before Each Intake

UK typically follows three critical deadlines per intake season. International students are strongly advised to:

Step 1 — Begin the Admission Process at Least 6 Months Prior

Start researching universities, shortlisting courses, and gathering documents (transcripts, language scores, references) well in advance. Early applicants have better access to preferred courses and scholarship rounds.

Step 2 — Dedicate 3 Months to Completing Application Forms

Spend dedicated time accurately filling out university applications, personal statements, and financial documentation. Errors or incomplete applications are a leading cause of rejection or delays.

Step 3 — Complete Aptitude or Language Tests at Least 3 Months Before

Tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or GRE/GMAT must be completed and scores submitted before the application deadline. Most universities require a minimum of IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent for undergraduate and postgraduate entry.

Show you're here to study.

Australia replaced the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement with the GS — Genuine Student — requirement in March 2024. It's a series of short, targeted questions you answer as part of your visa application. We help you draft these.

Your current circumstances

Where you live, what you study or work today, and ties back home.

required

Why this course, this provider

A clear, specific reason — not generic. Reference real subjects, faculty, or research.

required

Course benefit to your future

How this degree slots into your career plan, with realistic next steps.

required

Past study & employment record

Education history with dates, plus any work — gaps explained briefly and honestly.

required

Any other relevant information

Sponsorship, family in Australia, prior visa refusals — declared upfront.

Conditional

What you'll need to submit.

The subclass 500 is the standard student visa. It lets you study full-time, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and bring eligible family members. We pre-check every document before submission — last year that caught 1 in 4 applications with a fixable issue.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Issued by your Australian provider once you accept your offer and pay deposit.

required

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0+ overall (no band below 5.5), or PTE 50+, or equivalent. Some pathways have lower minimums.

required

Financial capacity

Proof of ~AUD 29,710/yr living costs + tuition + return airfare. Bank statements or sponsor letter.

required

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

For the full duration of your visa. We help you compare BUPA, Medibank, and Allianz.

required

Health examination

Standard medical check by a panel doctor. Bookable through your nearest BUPA centre.

required

Character documents

Police certificate from every country you've lived in 12+ months over the last 10 years.

Conditional

In addition, students maybe required to come for an interview at the Australian High Commission/Consulate along with supplementary documents.

What comes after graduation.

Most of our Australia graduates take the 485 post-study work visa, build 1–3 years of experience, then weigh PR through skilled migration. Here's what the data looks like.

2–4yrs

Post-study work visa (485)

Stay and work full-time after graduation. Length depends on your qualification level and where you studied.

~80k AUD

Median graduate salary

For full-time roles in IT, engineering, nursing, and accounting. Higher for niche specialisations.

31%

Convert to PR within 5 yrs

Across our 2019–2021 cohorts, roughly a third transitioned to permanent residency through skilled migration.

48hrs/fn

Work rights during study

You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited during scheduled breaks.

Visa Process

Step-by-step guide to application and visa process

Australia follows a rigorous and stringent set of rules for its visa process — but there's nothing for you to worry about. With our expert guidance and assistance, Study Square gives you the best chance of success. All you need to do is: