TB Test for UK Student Visa in Nepal: Approved Clinics, Cost & Booking Guide (2026)

You need a TB test for your UK student visa if you have lived in Nepal and are coming to the UK for six months or more. The test must be done at a UK Home Office–approved clinic — in Nepal, that means IOM in Kathmandu or Damak, or Norvic International Hospital in Kathmandu. It involves a chest X-ray, and the certificate is valid for six months, so you must apply for your visa within that window. A test from a non-approved hospital will not be accepted.
If you’re applying for a UK Student Visa from Nepal, one of the essential requirements is obtaining a Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate from a clinic approved by the UK Home Office. Every year, thousands of Nepali students complete this medical examination before submitting their visa application. However, many applicants are unsure where to take the test, what it costs, which documents they need, or how to book an appointment.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the TB test for a UK visa in Nepal — including approved testing centres, the booking process, fees, required documents, and important tips to help you avoid delays.
Is a TB test required for a UK student visa?
Yes. If you are applying for a UK Student Visa from Nepal and will stay in the UK for more than six months, you are generally required to provide a valid TB Test Certificate issued by a clinic approved by the UK Home Office. Without a valid TB certificate, your UK visa application may not meet the required documentary requirements.
Where can you take a UK TB test in Nepal?
The UK Government only accepts TB certificates issued by approved clinics. Currently, Nepali applicants can use the following approved centres:
1. International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Kathmandu
The IOM centre in Kathmandu is one of the primary UK-approved TB testing centres in Nepal. Many applicants from across the country choose this clinic because of its long experience with UK visa medical examinations.
2. IOM – Damak
To improve accessibility for applicants outside Kathmandu, IOM also operates an approved TB testing facility in Damak. This is especially convenient for students from eastern Nepal.
3. Norvic International Hospital (NICHE), Thapathali, Kathmandu
Norvic International Hospital, through its Norvic International Centre for Health Evaluation (NICHE), provides UK immigration medical examinations, including TB health assessments for eligible UK visa applicants. Appointments can be booked through Norvic’s official patient portal or by contacting the hospital directly. Always confirm the latest appointment availability and documentation requirements before booking.
Always attend an approved clinic — certificates from non-approved medical centres are not accepted for UK visa applications. The approved list can change, so check the current GOV.UK approved-clinic list for Nepal before you book.
How much does the TB test cost?
The TB test fee may change periodically, so always check the latest price when booking your appointment. In addition to the test fee, budget for possible travel expenses if you are visiting Kathmandu or Damak from another district.
How to book your TB test
Booking your appointment in advance is strongly recommended, especially during the peak UK intake season between June and October, when appointment slots fill quickly. The general booking process is:
- Step 1 — Visit the approved clinic’s official booking platform.
- Step 2 — Select your preferred appointment date.
- Step 3 — Complete the online registration.
- Step 4 — Upload or provide the required information.
- Step 5 — Attend your appointment on the scheduled date.
Avoid waiting until the last minute, as delayed appointments can affect your university admission timeline and visa application.
Documents required for the TB test
Before attending your appointment, prepare the following:
- Original passport
- Appointment confirmation (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs (if requested by the clinic)
- Previous TB medical records (only if applicable)
- A payment method accepted by the clinic
Always review the clinic’s latest instructions before your appointment, as document requirements may change.
Our UK team helps Nepali students time the TB test, CAS and finances so nothing holds up the visa application.
Book a free consultationWhat happens during the TB test?
The procedure is straightforward and usually completed within a short visit. It generally includes:
- Registration and identity verification
- Medical history review
- Chest X-ray (for eligible applicants)
If your X-ray does not show signs of active tuberculosis, you will usually receive your TB certificate after the clinic completes its review. If further assessment is required, the clinic will explain the next steps.
How long is the TB certificate valid?
A UK TB Test Certificate is generally valid for six months from the date it is issued. This means your UK Student Visa application should be submitted while the certificate remains valid. If your certificate expires before you apply, you will normally need to complete another TB test.
How long does it take to receive the certificate?
Most applicants with normal test results receive their TB certificate relatively quickly after the examination. However, if additional medical investigations are necessary, the process may take longer. Schedule your TB test well before your planned visa application date.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many applicants experience unnecessary delays because they:
- Book their TB test too late.
- Visit a clinic that is not approved by the UK Government.
- Attend without their passport.
- Apply for their visa after the TB certificate has expired.
- Fail to follow the clinic’s appointment instructions.
Planning ahead can help you avoid these common issues.
Tips for Nepali students
- Book your TB test as soon as you receive your university offer and begin preparing your visa documents.
- Double-check that your passport details match your appointment information.
- Keep both printed and digital copies of your TB certificate.
- Store the certificate safely until your visa application is submitted.
These simple steps can help prevent unnecessary delays during the busy admission season.
How Edwise Foundation helps
A TB Test Certificate is an important part of the UK Student Visa application process for most Nepali students. As Nepal’s first AIRC-certified and ICEF-screened education consultancy, Edwise Foundation has guided students through this step since 2005 — helping you book an approved clinic, time the test within its validity, and line up your CAS and finances so nothing holds up your application. With a 96% acceptance rate and 7,000+ students placed, our counsellors are here to help at every stage, from your university application and TB test to your UK student visa process. For the full picture of studying in the UK, requirements and intakes, see our complete guide to study in the UK from Nepal.
Book a free consultation with our UK team for step-by-step help with your TB test, documents and student visa.
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