Study and find schools in Nepal

Studying in Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia between India and China, stretching from the plains of the Terai in the south to the Himalaya in the north. Nepali is the official language. For international students, Nepal is a small and specialised destination: a few universities admit foreign students to programmes in fields such as engineering, pharmacy, health sciences, development studies and environmental science, and many visitors come for research, exchanges or volunteer work linked to its mountains, cultures and development challenges.

Nepal adopted a multi-university system in 1983, and today several universities teach both on their own campuses and through affiliated colleges. The University Grants Commission (UGC) distributes public funding to universities and promotes quality in higher education.

The education system in Nepal

Universities in Nepal are created by acts of parliament and run as autonomous institutions. Many of them do not only teach on their own campuses but also through affiliated private and community colleges, which award the university's degrees. The main levels are:

• Undergraduate (bachelor's) programmes
• Graduate (master's) programmes
• MPhil and PhD programmes

Nepal uses its own official calendar, the Bikram Sambat, which is several decades ahead of the Gregorian calendar. University documents are often dated this way: Kathmandu University, for example, publishes its fee structure for the fiscal year 2082/83. Check the Gregorian dates of deadlines and terms carefully.

The two universities on SpainExchange show the model:

• Kathmandu University (KU), Dhulikhel: an autonomous, not-for-profit, self-funding public institution established by an Act of Parliament in December 1991. It has seven schools (Arts, Education, Engineering, Law, Management, Medical Sciences and Science), offers more than 200 programmes and courses from intermediate to PhD level, and had produced 41,275 graduates by June 2023. It also runs a jointly awarded international master's programme in Energy Systems with IIT Madras.
• Pokhara University (PU), Pokhara (Kaski district): established in 1997 under the Pokhara University Act. It is a non-profit autonomous institution funded partly by the government and partly by its students and affiliated colleges, with programmes in engineering, health sciences, management and other fields.

Admission and recognition

You apply directly to the university or the affiliated college. At Kathmandu University the normal intake for undergraduate and most graduate programmes is the fall, from July to September. Selection can include an entrance test (paper- or computer-based), an analytical essay, a group discussion and a personal interview; each school publishes the eligibility criteria for its programmes. Foreign students should ask the university's international office how their secondary school diploma or bachelor's degree is assessed for equivalence, and should check before enrolling how a Nepali degree is recognised in their home country.

Pokhara University has an International Relation Center that supports foreign students and researchers, including help with suitable accommodation and airport pickup.

Study visa

Foreign students on degree or non-degree programmes and researchers need a study visa from Nepal's Department of Immigration. According to the department (checked October 2026):

• Required documents include a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education, the original admission receipt from the university or college, and a bank statement from the last week showing sufficient funds
• The visa is issued for a maximum of one year at a time, according to the recommendation or the length of study; a progress report card is needed to renew it
• The fee is listed as US$30 a month for degree programmes and US$75 a month for non-degree programmes
• US citizens have a separate reciprocity study visa: a 5-year visa for US$160, with stay limited to the study period

Most visitors enter on a tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival (with an online application up to 15 days in advance) and extended to a total of 150 days in a year, according to UK travel advice. A tourist visa is meant for short stays; for a full study programme, apply for the study visa through your university. Overstaying a visa is a serious offence in Nepal.

Costs

Each university sets its own fees and publishes them by fiscal year; fees for foreign students may differ from those for Nepali students, so ask the admissions office for the rate that applies to you. At Kathmandu University, which is self-funding, student fees are its main source of income, and about 10% of its students receive scholarships. There are no official figures on living costs for international students. Budget for the study visa fee, which is charged per month, and carry some US dollars, which are the preferred currency for visa payments on arrival.

Where to study in Nepal

• Dhulikhel, near Kathmandu: home to the central campus of Kathmandu University
• Pokhara, in Kaski district: home to Pokhara University and its international office

Practical life

Take out health and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, especially if you plan to trek. Check vaccination requirements before travelling: travellers from some countries need proof of yellow fever or polio vaccination. Confirm the language of instruction of your programme with the university before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners study at a university in Nepal?

Yes. Universities such as Kathmandu University and Pokhara University admit foreign students. You need an admission from the university and a study visa from the Department of Immigration.

What documents do I need for a student visa in Nepal?

A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education, the original admission receipt, a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds, the online application form and copies of your passport and latest Nepali visa. The visa is issued for up to one year at a time.

When does the academic year start in Nepal?

It depends on the university. At Kathmandu University the main intake for undergraduate and most graduate programmes is the fall, from July to September.

How much does a student visa for Nepal cost?

The Department of Immigration lists US$30 a month for degree programmes and US$75 a month for non-degree programmes. US citizens can apply for a 5-year study visa for US$160.