How to Study in Nepal for International Students
Nepal, despite being frequently overlooked, offers an excellent study destination for international students. With a holistic education system, expect a nurturing academic environment that you will thrive in. The country's vibrant cultural heritage and diverse mix of religions provide an immersive experience that will captivate you throughout your educational journey.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Nepal currently has 14 universities, from which 14 universities are a part of the public sector and 0 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Nepal you should definitely check out are Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, and Pokhara University.
Being able to study in Nepal as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Nepal, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Nepal
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Nepal, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 169,000 NPR to 1,940,000 NPR, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 163,400 NPR and 1,200,000 NPR.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Nepal
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Nepal, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Lumbini Buddhist University | 266,800 NPR | |
| Agriculture and Forestry University | 163,400 NPR - 190,800 NPR | |
| Pokhara University | 169,000 NPR - 178,800 NPR | |
| Kathmandu University | 705,000 NPR - 1,940,000 NPR | 198,000 NPR - 1,200,000 NPR |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Nepal
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Nepal, check out the Cheap Universities in Nepal!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Nepal for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Nepal might require you to complete an online application and submit your academic records, such as a transcript or diploma from your previous school.
On top of the general paperwork you need to complete, specific program levels might require you to prepare additional documents. For example, some master’s programs require applicants to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Other specialized programs, such as medicine and the MBA, might require you to pass an admission test before you can apply.
Finally, you’ll need to get your travel documents ready, like your passport and visa, in order to travel to Nepal.
Application Procedure to Study in Nepal
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Nepal have online applications available on their websites, like Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Nepal.
Tribhuvan University
Kathmandu University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Pokhara University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Nepal differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Nepal.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Nepal
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Nepal. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Nepal as an international student.
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Nepal. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Study Visa.
To start your student visa application in Nepal, you will need to present the following:
- Copies of valid passport
- Complete online application form for study visa application
- Proof of sufficient funds through bank statement
- Admission receipt from the university
- Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Nepal is 15 USD to 75 USD per month.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Prepare the documents for visa application.
- Complete the visa application procedure at the Nepal Department of Immigration website.
- Pay the visa fees.
- Print the receipt of your application.
- Contact the Immigration Authority and submit the receipt to acquire your visa.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Nepal. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!