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If you are planning to study in the UK from Nepal in 2026, understanding the UK university intake system is the first step. 

UK universities offer multiple intakes throughout the year, giving Nepalese students flexibility in choosing when to begin their studies. 

This guide explains the September, January, and May intakes, along with application timelines and tips for selecting the right intake.

September Intake 2026

The September intake is the largest and most popular intake in the UK. 

Most universities open admissions for a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs during this period.

Because it marks the beginning of the academic year, this intake offers the maximum number of courses, scholarships, and university options.

Many Nepalese students prefer this intake since it provides the best opportunities and a full campus experience.

Typical timeline for the September intake

Applications usually start from November to March

Deadlines often fall between May and July

Classes begin around September or October

If you want the widest range of courses and universities, this is usually the best intake to target.

January Intake 2026

The January intake is the second most popular intake offered by UK universities.

It is a great option for students who may have missed the September intake or needed extra time to prepare for English tests, academic documents, or financial arrangements.

Although the number of courses is smaller than the September intake, many universities still offer several postgraduate programs and selected undergraduate degrees.

Typical timeline for the January intake

Applications usually open between June and September

Deadlines are generally around October to November

Classes start in January or February

For many Nepalese students, the January intake helps avoid waiting a full year to begin their studies.

May Intake 2026

The May intake is the least common intake in the UK and is offered by only a limited number of universities.

Course availability is smaller compared to the September and January intakes, but some universities still offer specialized programs during this period.

Typical timeline for the May intake

Applications usually open from October to February

Classes start around April or May

Students who missed the other two intakes or want to start their studies earlier sometimes choose this option.

Choosing the Right Intake

The best intake for Nepalese students depends on several factors, including preparation time, course availability, and personal plans.

September intake

Best for students who want the most program choices, scholarships, and university options.

January intake

Ideal for students who need extra time to prepare or missed the September application deadlines.

May intake

Suitable for limited courses or students looking for alternative start dates.

Final Thoughts

Studying in the UK is a great opportunity for Nepalese students seeking a world-class education and international exposure. 

Understanding the intake system helps you plan your application timeline, prepare your documents, and apply confidently.

Starting your preparation early gives you a better chance of securing admission to your preferred university and course.

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Introduction

The Home Office has recently announced an increase in immigration and nationality fees, which will take effect from 9 April 2025 onwards. These changes will affect international students and visitors coming to the UK for long-term and short-term studies and those seeking to stay in the UK after graduation. In addition, the UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme, which currently applies to visitors from countries that previously had visa-free access to the UK, will extend to European travellers starting from 2 April 2025. Understanding these updates is essential for international students and visitors to avoid delays and higher costs and ensure a smooth entry into the UK. This blog outlines the new study visa fees and the ETA application process.

New UK visa costs for students effective from 9 April 2025

Student visa (for students aged 16+ studying a course longer than 11 months, excluding independent schools): The fee will rise from £490 to £524.

Child Student visa (for students aged 4–17 studying a course at an independent school for over 11 months): The fee will rise from £490 to £524.

Short-term study visa (for studying the English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months): The fee will rise from £200 to £214.

Visitor visa (for studying a course for up to 6 months): The fee will rise from £115 to £127.

ETA (for short-term study for up to 6 months): The fee will rise from £10 to £16.

Graduate visa (for staying in the UK for at least 2 years after completing a bachelor’s and postgraduate degree (3 years for PhD graduates)): The fee will rise from £822 to £880.

*Note: The visa fees for Student and Child Student remain the same, regardless of whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.

Table 1. UK study-related visa fees increase from 9 April 2025

Sources: GOV.UK (2025a); GOV.UK (no date – a); GOV.UK (no date – b); GOV.UK (no date – c); GOV.UK (no date – d); GOV.UK (2025b); GOV.UK (no date – e).

Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) application guide

If you come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study, you will need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK. An ETA is not a visa but a digital permission to travel.

You can apply using the UK ETA app on iPhone and Android. You will get a decision in minutes (as most applicants do) or within 3 working days, and you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

To apply, you need your passport, an email address and an online payment method (the fee is £10 or £16 if you apply on or after 9 April 2025). You also need to provide your contact information, passport details, biographic and biometric details (facial photograph and fingerprints), and answer a few questions on suitability and criminality. However, you do not need to give details of your travel plans.

Once you have successfully applied, your ETA is digitally linked to your passport. Your ETA will be valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can travel to the UK as often as you like during the validity period.

Sources: GOV.UK (2025b); GOV.UK (2025c).

Passport holders of the following locations (who previously had visa-free access to the UK) need an ETA to travel to the UK

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Australia

The Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Belize

Botswana

Brazil

Brunei

Canada

Chile

Costa Rica

Grenada

Guatemala

Guyana

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Israel

Japan

Kiribati

Kuwait

Macao Special Administrative Region

Malaysia

Maldives

Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Mexico

Federated States of Micronesia

Nauru

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Oman

Palau

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

Peru

Qatar

Samoa

Saudi Arabia

Seychelles

Singapore

Solomon Islands

South Korea

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Tonga

Tuvalu

United Arab Emirates

United States

Uruguay

Source: GOV.UK (2025d).

Passport holders of the following European countries will need an ETA to travel to the UK starting from 2 April 2025

Andorra

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Monaco

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

San Marino

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Vatican City

Sources: GOV.UK (2025d); GOV.UK (2025e).

Conclusion

The upcoming increase in UK study visa fees brings significant changes for international students and visitors (now including European travellers) from previously visa-exempt countries planning to come to the UK for long-term and short-term studies. These changes highlight the importance of early planning and staying informed about immigration policies.

View original post: https://www.aheadachiever.com/news/uk-study-visa-fees-rise-and-eta-application-guide

We are British Council Certified Counsellors with a proven track record of assisting many international students in obtaining their visas. Our dedicated team guides you through the complexities of the requirements and documentation, carefully preparing your visa application to increase your chances of success. Our UK Student Visa Application ensures a smooth, efficient, and stress-free process, allowing you to focus on other important matters.

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected] or reach us via WhatsApp and phone at +44 (0)7706 451515 or +853 6342 6532.

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The Labour Party won the 2024 UK General Election

On 5 July 2024, the Labour Party led by Keir Starmer won a majority in the 2024 General Election, taking over 411 out of 650 seats in the UK Parliament (see Chart 1 below). Keir Starmer becomes the new Prime Minister of the UK and marks a new era of British politics. Let’s take a look at the higher education backgrounds of the new Cabinet, which is made up of Keir Starmer and his top team in Parliament (26 members in total as below), shedding light on the UK universities they attended and the subjects they studied. This exploration intends to provide aspiring students with invaluable insights into potential academic paths, institutions, and subjects to consider for their educational pursuits.

Chart 1: Numbers of seats won by parties in UK General Election 2024

Source: UK Parliament (2024a).

Higher education backgrounds of the new UK Cabinet Ministers  

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

Undergraduate: University of Leeds, Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Postgraduate: St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, Postgraduate Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)

University of Leeds, Honorary Doctorate of Laws

Sources: Britannica (2024), Labour (2024a), University of Leeds (2024), Number 10 (2024).

Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Levelling Up Secretary

She did not go to university

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor

Undergraduate: New College, Oxford, Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Postgraduate: London School of Economics and Political Science, MSc Economics

Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary

Undergraduate: Balliol College, Oxford, Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Postgraduate: London School of Economics and Political Science & Harvard University, MSc Economics

Ed Miliband, Energy Secretary

Undergraduate: Corpus Christi College, Oxford, Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Postgraduate: London School of Economics and Political Science, MSc Economics

David Lammy, Foreign Secretary

Undergraduate: School of Oriental and African Studies, SOAS University of London, Law (LLB)

Postgraduate: Harvard Law School, Harvard University, Masters of Laws (LL.M)

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Undergraduate: University of Edinburgh, Politics (MA Hons)

Shabana Mahmood, Justice Secretary

Undergraduate: Lincoln College, Oxford, Law

Wes Streeting, Health Secretary

Undergraduate: Selwyn College, Cambridge, History

Jonathan Reynolds, Business and Trade Secretary

Undergraduate: University of Manchester, Politics and Modern History

Postgraduate: BPP University Law School, Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)

Other qualification: BPP University Law School, Legal Practice Course (LPC)

Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary

Undergraduate: Queens’ College, Cambridge, History

John Healey, Defence Secretary

Undergraduate: Christ’s College, Cambridge, Social and Political Sciences

Louise Haigh, Transport Secretary

Undergraduate: University of Nottingham, Politics

Peter Kyle, Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary

Undergraduate: University of Sussex, Human Geography, International Development, and Environmental Studies

Postgraduate: University of Sussex, PhD in Community Economic Development

Hilary Benn, Northern Ireland Secretary

Undergraduate: University of Sussex, Russian and Eastern European Studies

Ian Murray, Scotland Secretary

Undergraduate: University of Edinburgh, Social Policy and Law

Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary

Undergraduate: Hertford College, Oxford, Modern History

Lord (Richard) Hermer, Attorney General

Undergraduate: University of Manchester, Politics and Modern History

Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary

Undergraduate: Newcastle University, Politics

Postgraduate: Birkbeck, University of London, MSc Public Policy

Alan Campbell, Chief Whip

Undergraduate: Lancaster University, Politics

Other qualification: University of Leeds, PGCE Education

Postgraduate: Newcastle Polytechnic (now named Northumbria University), MA History

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Undergraduate: Plymouth University, Human Biosciences (BSc)

Postgraduate: University of the West of England, Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL)

Other qualification: The University of Law, Legal Practice Course (LPC)

Source: The University of Law (2024).

Baroness (Angela) Smith, Lords Leader

Undergraduate: Leicester Polytechnic (now named De Montfort University), Public Administration

Lucy Powell, Commons Leader

Undergraduate: Somerville College, Oxford & King’s College London, Chemistry

Jo Stevens, Wales Secretary

Undergraduate: University of Manchester, Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Steve Reed, Environment Secretary

Undergraduate: University of Sheffield, English

Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Women and Equalities

Undergraduate: St Hilda’s College, Oxford, Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Postgraduate: University of Edinburgh, MA Social Policy

London School of Economics and Political Science, PhD in Government

Source: GOV.UK (2024a).

Note: The list of Cabinet members is based on the Labour and UK Parliament websites accessed on 25 August 2024.

Sources: BBC (2024), GOV.UK (2024b), Labour (2024c), Sky News (2024), UK Parliament (2024b). 

Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, high academic qualifications, and non-science subjects can be crucial factors for the political success of the new UK Cabinet Ministers

Significant patterns emerge in the tertiary educational backgrounds of the 26 new top team members in the UK Parliament. Except for the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, all pursued undergraduate degrees, with 8 earning master’s degrees, 2 attaining PhDs, and 1 receiving an honorary doctorate. Notably, 11 members (42%) studied at Oxbridge, while 15 members (58%) went to other Russell Group universities for either undergraduate, postgraduate or both. The findings underscore the remarkable academic qualifications and the strong preference for esteemed academic institutions among prominent Members of Parliament (MPs) and Leaders of the Houses of Lords and Commons.

The subjects that Keir Starmer and his senior Ministers studied were predominantly in the humanities and social sciences (non-science subjects), such as politics, philosophy, law, history, and economics. Only two members delved into scientific fields, specifically chemistry and human biosciences. This highlights the importance of non-science disciplines, often associated with lower-paying jobs (HESA, 2024), but can be just as valuable in building a successful career as science subjects. It emphasises the diverse pathways to success that different fields of study can offer.

View original post: https://www.aheadachiever.com/news/the-universities-attended-and-subjects-studied-by-uk-prime-minister-keir-starmers-new-cabinet

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For inquiries, please email us at [email protected] or reach us via WhatsApp and phone at +853 6342 6532 or +44 (0)7706 451515.

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