United Kingdom

Study in United Kingdom

Overview

Why Study in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom offers Russell Group universities, NMC-accredited nursing programs, and a thriving tech industry. English Council specialises in placing students in IT and Health programs with a clear route to settlement.

Key advantages:

  • Graduate Visa: 2 years post-study work (3 for PhD) — still active April 2026
  • Skilled Worker Visa: path to ILR after 5 years
  • Health and Care Worker Visa: fast-track, reduced fees for NHS roles
  • Immigration Salary List (ISL): 20% salary discount for shortage occupations
  • IT and Health roles frequently on the ISL

[2025-2026 UPDATE] Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was abolished in April 2024 and replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL). Graduate Visa still active but subject to ongoing policy review.

Overview Graphic

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Education System & Courses Available

The UK education system offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at world-renowned institutions. English Council partners with Russell Group universities and modern universities across England, Scotland, and Wales.

IT Programs: Computer Science, Software Engineering, AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Cloud Architecture

Health Programs: Nursing (NMC-accredited), Midwifery, Digital Healthcare, Pharmacy, Healthcare Science

Tuition Costs:

  • IT: GBP 14,000–25,000/year
  • Nursing/Health: GBP 14,000–20,000/year
  • NHS bursaries available for some programs

Living Costs: GBP 12,000–15,000/year (London 20-30% more)

Additional: IHS surcharge GBP 1,035/year

UK Visa Types for Nepali Students (2025-2026)

Complete breakdown of all visa categories and pathways

Visa Type Purpose Key Features Duration
Student Visa

Full-time study at licensed sponsor

CAS required; 20 hrs/week during term; unlimited in holidays
Course + up to 4 months
Graduate Visa

Post-study work

Work in the UK after graduating; no sponsorship needed; full work rights

[UPDATE] Still active April 2026 but subject to ongoing policy review
2 years (3 for PhD)
Visa Type Purpose Key Features Duration
Skilled Worker Visa

Employment in the UK

Licensed sponsor + job offer; path to ILR after 5 yrs; salary £41,700 general (new entrants £33,400)
Up to 5 years (renewable)
Health and Care Worker

NHS/health sector

Fast-track; reduced visa fees (~GBP 284 vs GBP 1,769); family included
Up to 5 years
Scale-up Worker Visa

Fast-growing UK firms

Endorsed employer + high-skilled job; no employer tie after 6 months
Initial 2 years
Visa Type Purpose Key Features Duration
Family Visa

Join UK partner/spouse

Sponsor must be settled/citizen; income threshold GBP 29,000 from 2025
Temporary to ILR

UK ILR / PR Pathway

Your route from Student Visa to British Citizenship

Skilled Worker Visa → ILR

ILR after 5 continuous years. British Citizenship eligible 1 year after ILR. Current threshold: £41,700 general or £33,400 for new entrants.

Health and Care Worker Visa

Same ILR route after 5 years. Lower salary thresholds via ISL. NHS roles (NMC/HCPC registered) qualify — faster and cheaper processing.

Graduate Visa Limitation

Graduate Visa does NOT count toward ILR — must switch to Skilled Worker or another qualifying visa before it expires.

ISL Salary Discounts

ISL roles: £33,360 (20% discount on standard). IT roles: Software engineers, cybersecurity, data scientists frequently on the ISL.

Family Considerations

Family Visa income threshold raised to GBP 29,000 in 2024 — advise students planning to bring dependants.

British Citizenship

Apply 1 year after receiving ILR. Must pass Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirement (B1 IELTS Life Skills).

UK IELTS / English Requirements

Minimum English language requirements for different visa types and courses

Purpose IELTS Overall Each Band Notes
Student Visa (most courses) 5.5 5.5 CEFR B2; check per institution
Student Visa (degree level) 6.0-6.5 6.0 Russell Group: 6.5; post-1992: 6.0
Nursing / Midwifery (NMC) 7.0 7.0 NMC requires 7.0 in ALL four skills — non-negotiable
Medicine / Dentistry (GMC/GDC) 7.0-7.5 7.0 PLAB exam required; check GMC requirements
Skilled Worker Visa B1 / IELTS 4.0+ -- Depends on job and salary level
Settlement (ILR) B1 Life in the UK Test -- IELTS Life Skills B1 + Life in UK Test
Graduate Visa No test needed -- English requirement met at Student Visa stage

Key UK Occupations — ISL Status (April 2026)

Health
Registered Nurse (General) — NMC, IELTS 7.0 all bands, On ISL — 20% salary discount
Health
Mental Health Nurse — NMC, IELTS 7.0, On ISL — critical shortage
Health
Midwife — NMC, IELTS 7.0, On ISL
Health
General Practitioner — GMC, IELTS 7.5 (PLAB), On ISL — IMG via PLAB 1 & 2
Health
Pharmacist — GPhC, IELTS 7.0, On ISL in community pharmacy
IT
Software Developer/Engineer — SOC 2136, GBP 35,000-45,000+, Often on ISL — very high demand
IT
Cybersecurity Specialist — SOC 2136/2139, GBP 38,000-50,000+, On ISL — growing rapidly
IT
Data Scientist / Analyst — SOC 2425, GBP 35,000-45,000+, Often on ISL
IT
Cloud Architect / Engineer — SOC 2136, GBP 40,000-55,000+, On ISL — Azure/AWS/GCP valued
IT
AI / ML Engineer — SOC 2136, GBP 45,000-65,000+, On ISL — fastest growing 2024-26

TOP UNIVERSITIES IN UK

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