How to Study in Scotland from Nepal (2025)

Studying in Scotland, one of the UK’s most culturally rich and academically strong countries, is a dream for many Nepali students. With world-ranked universities, post-study work rights, and a supportive international student environment, Scotland offers great opportunities for your academic and career growth.

This blog will take you through every single step—from initial research to visa, travel, arrival, and beyond.

Why Choose Scotland for Higher Education?

Before jumping into the process, here’s why thousands of students choose Scotland:

• Globally Recognized Education – Home to some of the oldest and best universities in the world
• Post-Study Work Visa – 2-year Graduate Route available after completing a degree
• English-Medium Instruction – No need to learn a new language
• Welcoming to International Students – Strong support for visa, healthcare, jobs, etc.
• Beautiful and Safe – Scenic landscapes, friendly people, and safe environment

Step-by-Step Guide to Study in Scotland from Nepal (2025)

Step 1: Understand the Education System in Scotland

Scotland offers:

• Undergraduate Degrees: Usually 4 years

• Postgraduate Taught Master’s: Usually 1 year

• Postgraduate Research (PhD): 3–4 years

Major Intakes:

• September/October (Main intake)

• January/February (Limited programs only)

Step 2: Select the Right Course & University

Start with your interest and career goals. Common areas Nepali students choose:

• Business & Management
• Engineering & Technology
• Health Sciences
• IT & Computer Science
• Social Sciences
• Arts & Humanities

Top Universities in Scotland:

✅ Visit official university websites and filter by:

• Entry requirements
• Tuition fees
• Course modules
• Placement/internship options
• Student support

Step 3: Prepare Admission Requirements

Every course and university may have slightly different requirements.

A. Academic Documents

• SEE/SLC Certificate

• NEB (+2) Transcript/Certificate for Bachelor’s

• Bachelor’s Transcript/Certificate for Master’s

• Character Certificate

• Migration Certificate

B. English Language Proficiency

• IELTS: Common requirement is 6.0–6.5 overall

• PTE, TOEFL iBT, or Duolingo English Test (some accept)

• MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter sometimes accepted for waiver

C. Additional Documents

• Valid Passport

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• 2 Academic/Work References

• Work Experience Letter (if applicable)

Step 4: Apply to Universities

For Undergraduate:

• Apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
• You can choose up to 5 universities
• Application deadline: January 31, 2025, for September intake

For Postgraduate:

• Apply directly on university websites
• Application portal varies by institution
• Rolling deadlines: Best to apply by March–May 2025

✅ Application Fee: £20–£60 (varies by university)

Step 5: Write a Strong SOP (Statement of Purpose)

Your SOP must explain:

• Why you chose the course and university
• Your academic background
• Career goals

Why Scotland/UK

• Your intentions to return to Nepal after study
• Keep it personalized, clear, and plagiarism-free.

Step 6: Receive Offer Letter

You will receive:

• Conditional Offer – based on pending academic results or documents
• Unconditional Offer – when all criteria are fulfilled

Accept the offer on time. Most universities require a deposit (usually £2,000–£5,000) to issue a CAS Letter.

Step 7: Prepare Financial Documents

UKVI (UK Visa & Immigration) requires proof of sufficient funds:

Tuition Fee: Mentioned in offer letter (average: £12,000–£20,000/year)

Living Expenses: £1,023/month for 9 months = £9,207

Total funds to show: Tuition fee + £9,207

Financial Proof Options:

• Bank balance certificate
• 28 days old bank statement
• Education loan (approved by UKVI-recognized banks)

Parent/guardian sponsorship with relationship proof

Funds must be in the bank account for 28 consecutive days and issued no more than 31 days before visa application.

Step 8: Take TB Test (Mandatory for Nepali Students)

📍 Go to IOM Migration Health Centre, Kathmandu 📄 Bring: passport, appointment, and photos 💰 Cost: Approx. NPR 6,000–7,000 ⏳ Valid for 6 months

Step 9: Apply for UK Student Visa (Including Scotland)

Visa Type: UK Student Visa (previously Tier 4) Apply through: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

Required Documents:

• CAS Letter from university
• Visa application form
• Valid passport
• Financial evidence (as above)
• TB Test certificate
• Academic documents

IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge): ~£776/year

Visa Fee: £490

📍 Biometric at VFS Kathmandu 🔁 Processing time: 3 weeks (standard) / 5–7 days (priority)

Step 10: Book Your Accommodation

Options:

• University Halls of Residence

• Private Accommodation: via Student.com, Amberstudent, SpareRoom

• Shared Apartments: with Nepali/International students

💰 Rent: £350–£800/month depending on location Note: Book accommodation before flying for visa convenience and airport pickup.

Step 11: Prepare for Travel & Arrival in Scotland

✅ Book flight 3–4 weeks before course start 🛬 Nearest airports: Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA) Documents to Carry:

• Passport with visa
• University offer & CAS
• TB test certificate
• Academic documents
• Proof of funds
• Accommodation address
• Vaccination certificates (if required)

Step 12: After Arrival Checklist

✔️ Collect BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) within 10 days ✔️ Register with GP (doctor) for NHS healthcare ✔️ Open UK bank account ✔️ Register for university orientation ✔️ Get a student discount card ✔️ Know your visa rules: 20 hours/week work limit during study

Estimated Total Cost to Study in Scotland from Nepal (2025)

This is a rough estimate and can vary based on lifestyle, university choice, and other factors.

Scholarships for Nepali Students in Scotland

• Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships – Up to £8,000 (for PG only)

• Chevening Scholarships – Full scholarship for master’s

• Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – Full + stipend

• University Scholarships – University of Glasgow, Edinburgh, St Andrews, etc. offer partial to full scholarships

• Apply early for scholarship consideration!

Conclusion

Studying in Scotland in 2025 can be life-changing if you plan well. From world-class education and scholarships to friendly people and career opportunities—Scotland offers everything you need for a global academic experience. ✅ Start your process at least 9–12 months in advance ✅ Be organized with your documents and financials ✅ Choose the right course, not just the most popular one ✅ Seek help from a trusted education consultant (if needed)

FAQs – Study in Scotland from Nepal

1. Can I work part-time while studying in Scotland as an international student from Nepal?

Yes, international students on a UK Student Visa are allowed to work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during academic terms
• Full-time during holidays and semester breaks

You can work in restaurants, retail, campus jobs, or internships. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or full-time self-employed during term time. Tip: Always check your visa sticker and BRP card for work restrictions before starting a job.

2. What are the English language requirements to study in Scotland from Nepal?

Most Scottish universities require proof of English proficiency through standardized tests:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0–6.5 overall (with no band less than 5.5 or 6.0 depending on the university)

• PTE Academic: 59–65

• TOEFL iBT: 78–90

• Duolingo English Test: Some universities accept it (e.g., Glasgow Caledonian University)

Some universities may waive IELTS if you have:

• Completed your recent education in English
• Provided a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous school/college Always confirm the specific requirements from your chosen university.

3. Can I get scholarships to study in Scotland from Nepal? Yes, several partial and full scholarships are available:

• Saltire Scholarships: Offered by the Scottish Government, £8,000 for master’s students
• Chevening Scholarships: Full scholarships for one-year master's (highly competitive)
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Fully funded for postgraduate students from developing countries
• University Scholarships: Based on merit, financial need, or course-specific

Deadlines are usually between January and April, so apply early. 4. Can I bring my dependents (spouse/children) with me while studying in Scotland? As of 2025, only research postgraduate students (e.g., PhD, MRes) are generally allowed to bring dependents. Taught postgraduate (Master’s) students cannot bring dependents, as per the latest UK immigration rules. This may change again in future years, so always check official UKVI guidelines. If eligible: You must show extra financial proof (e.g., £680/month for each dependent for 9 months) Dependent spouse can work full-time, and children can attend UK public schools

5. How long can I stay in Scotland after finishing my studies? After graduation, you can apply for the Graduate Route Visa (Post-Study Work Visa):

• 2 years stay for undergraduate and master’s graduates
• 3 years for PhD graduates

You can work full-time, switch jobs, or look for skilled employment. After this, you may switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, which leads to Permanent Residency (PR) after 5 years of continuous legal stay. 6. Do I need to pay the full tuition fee before applying for a UK visa? No, you are not required to pay the full tuition fee upfront. You only need to: Pay a deposit (usually £2,000–£5,000 depending on the university)

The rest of the tuition can be paid in installments during your course

After paying the deposit, the university will issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter, which is essential for your visa application.

7. What documents are required for a UK student visa from Nepal? Here’s a list of key documents you need for a UK Student Visa:

• Valid Passport

• CAS Letter from your university

• Academic documents (Transcripts, Certificates)

• Proof of funds (bank statements, loan letter, etc.)

• TB Test Certificate (IOM, Kathmandu)

• English proficiency certificate (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)

• Visa application form

• Visa fee payment receipt (£490)

• IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) receipt (~£776 per year)

  Your bank statement must show the required funds for at least 28 continuous days.

8. What is the process of getting a TB test in Nepal for UK visa?

All Nepali students must take a Tuberculosis (TB) test before applying for a UK student visa.

Where to go:

• IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre, Kathmandu
• Appointment required (can be booked online)

What to bring:

• Original passport
• Passport-sized photo
• Appointment confirmation

✅ Cost: Around NPR 6,000–7,000 ✅ Validity: 6 months from the date of issue

You’ll receive a TB clearance certificate needed for your visa application.

9. How do I find accommodation in Scotland as a Nepali student?

You can choose from:

A. University Accommodation:

Halls of residence on or near campus

Easy for international students

Rent: £350–£600/month

Apply early after getting your offer

B. Private Student Housing:

Purpose-built student apartments

Book via AmberStudent, Student.com, etc.

Shared kitchens, private rooms or ensuite options

C. Shared Flats:

Cheapest option

Rent a room in a shared house with friends or locals

Platforms: SpareRoom, Facebook groups, local agents

Tip: Check your rental contract, know your rights as a tenant, and avoid sending money to unverified sources.

10. What is the CAS Letter and why is it important for my UK Student Visa?

The CAS Letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a mandatory document issued by your chosen university in Scotland, and it is essential for applying for a UK Student Visa.

This letter confirms that:

• You have been accepted into a specific course

• Your tuition fee and deposit payment has been received

• The university is sponsoring you for a Student Visa

What does the CAS letter include?

• Unique CAS number (you’ll enter this in your visa application)

• Course title, duration, and start/end dates

• University’s sponsor license number

• Tuition fee details and deposit paid

• Your personal details (as per your passport)

• English language assessment

• Address of study location

  Why is CAS so important? Without a CAS, you cannot apply for a student visa. The UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) uses the CAS to: Confirm your student status Ensure the institution is recognized Validate your financial and academic preparedness

  When and how do you get it? You receive the CAS after accepting the offer and paying the required deposit (usually £2,000–£5,000) It is emailed to you, usually 90 days before your course start date.

  Key things to check in your CAS:

• Your name and passport number must match exactly

• Tuition fee and amount paid should be correctly mentioned

• English language requirement marked as “met” if IELTS is submitted Tip: If there's any error in your CAS, inform your university immediately to get it corrected before applying for a visa.