Study in Nepal

Higher Education Structure in Nepal

Study In Nepal

Nepal is home to 17 Universities, all of which are funded by the Government. The Higher Education System of Nepal includes both National and Provincial Universities. National Universities are vast in size; for example, Tribhuvan University is home to more than 300,000 students, and has over 60 locations.

More than 30 million people live in the mountainous Himalayan Republic of Nepal. Many of them live in the capital and largest city Kathmandu. Tourism is a major contributor to Nepal’s economy, with visitors from all over the world flocking to the country in summer, either to enjoy the natural beauty of the hill stations in Nepal, or to attempt to climb the major Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest. Nepal has a large influx of international visitors, and hence offers a safe environment for foreign students who pursue their University studies in the country. After a recent push to kickstart the economy, the GDP growth rate of Nepal is currently one of the highest in the world.

The Perks of Studying in Nepal

Nepal is ranked in the top 50% in the world on several important indices for students and residents. Some highlights include:

  • Nepal is ranked #125 in the “Best Countries for Education” by WiseVoter.
  • The country is ranked #72 in the world in the “Safest Countries in the World” ranking by the World Population Review.
  • The country is ranked #94 in the world according to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report.
  • The country is ranked #141 in the world by GDP per capita (PPP).

Higher Education Framework in Nepal

There are two main kinds of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Nepal.

1. National Universities: These are funded directly by the Central Government of Nepal, and include the highest ranked HEI in Nepal (Kathmandu University) and the largest HEI in the country (Tribhuvan University). They typically have several college campuses within one or multiple cities, and offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, while conducting advanced research in multiple disciplines. Though the parent HEI is Public, private colleges can also apply for inclusion within the main University. The best Universities in Nepal are national.

2. Provincial Universities: There are six Provincial Universities in Nepal; they are located in the smaller regional cities of the country, unlike National Universities, which have their campuses in the largest cities of Nepal. For example, Manmohan Technical University focuses on vocational education, and and is located in Koshi Province.

 

Certificate and Diploma Programs

Public Universities in Nepal offer a wide range of Certificate and Diploma Programs. Most of them are either short term (3 months to 2 years) or taught in the virtual mode. For example, Kathmandu University offers Diplomas in Higher Education to aid in Teacher Training. Other Diplomas and Certificates are related to language learning and skills needed by working professionals to upgrade their skills alongside their jobs.

Undergraduate Programs

Universities in Nepal offer four year Bachelor’s degree programs. These are offered in a wide range of subjects, from Media Studies to Chemical Engineering and Sociology. Degrees in Medical and Dental Science are integrated, and may last up to six years. Undergraduate degrees are less intensive than Master’s programs, and involve a basic understanding of different key subjects within the overall major chosen.

Postgraduate Programs

There are two Postgraduate program types in Nepal: Master’s and M.Phil. Master’s degree programs. Master’s degrees require two years of full time study, and candidates must complete 5-6 intensive courses per semester, with both internal assessments and regular assignments to be completed. The degree is awarded after a research report or project called the Master’s Thesis. The M.Phil degree is intended as a one or two year bridge to the Doctoral degree.

Doctoral Programs

The most advanced degree awarded by Nepalese Universities is the PhD. It lasts for three years in Nepal, and students are expected to conduct high level research relatively independently, under the guidance of a senior faculty member. Applicants must have a Master’s or M.Phil degree in a relevant discipline, and a successful defense of the Doctoral thesis is required before the student can be awarded the PhD degree.

Disciplines Available in Nepal

The country has various universities that offer approximately all the disciplines of study. Some of the popular disciplines available in Nepal are-

Civil EngineeringInformation TechnologyCraft & Design
Fine ArtsUrban StudiesMedia Studies
Asian StudiesBuddhist StudiesDisability Research
Indigenous Education & DevelopmentLeadership and ManagementPhilosophy
STEM EducationStructural EngineeringHealth Informatics

Popular Cities with Most number of Universities in Nepal

Here are some popular cities that have the most universities in Nepal.

The name of the city No. of Universities 
Kathmandu2
Pokhara2
Lalitpur1
Birgunj1
Biratnagar1

Average Monthly Expenses in Nepal for International Students

Tuition fees for international students in Nepal are different for SAARC nationals and candidates from outside the SAARC region. For example, in Kathmandu University, Nepali nationals pay 850,000 NPR per year for Electrical and Electronics Engineering. SAARC nationals (including Indian students) pay 1.28 million NPR, and students from outside the SAARC region must pay 1.7 million NPR per year.

The average cost of living in the capital of Nepal (Kathmandu) is very affordable for international students. Even though students must budget for accommodation, food, travel, and technical infrastructure, it is still likely to be lower than in most countries in Asia.

Students Visa Requirements

Here is the list of documents students need to have to apply for a student visa in Nepal.

Applicants for a long term Visa to study in Nepal must complete the steps listed below, and submit the following documents:

  • A Letter of Recommendation from the Ministry of Education of Nepal.
  • A Letter of Admission from a University or College located in Nepal.
  • A recent bank statement showing that the student has access to sufficient funding.
  • Filled up online visa application form.
  • A copy of a valid international passport, issued in the country of citizenship of the student.
  • Latest academic transcripts (for students who are applying for the annual visa renewal).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Nepal student visa application fees vary by country and type of program. For example, applicants from most countries must pay USD 360 for a one year visa (for a Bachelor’s or Master’s program), and research students must pay USD 600 per year. Applicants from certain countries (e.g. Pakistan and Sri Lanka) do not need to pay for a student visa. Students from India do not need a visa to enter Nepal as long as they have a valid Indian passport.

The photograph scan submitted with the Nepal student visa application must show the face of the student clearly, and have a 2:3 aspect ratio. The background color must be light, and the applicant should not wear any covering on his/her head.

Applicants for a Nepal Student Visa must fill the application form carefully, and make sure that all the required documents are attached. If the application is rejected for a minor reason, the candidate can supply the missing documents with no issue. If there is a major problem (e.g. a criminal record), the student should contact his/her University for further instructions.

International students in Nepal are allowed to do part time work; most choose to complete virtual jobs e.g. data entry or software development. Because of the lack of tracking in this sector, there is no formal limit on how many hours students can work per week.

Kathmandu University is the most prominent Higher Education Institution in Nepal. It is ranked in the top 200 in the world for International Trade according to the latest QS Rankings.

The World Population Review safety ranking places Nepal in the top 35% of countries in the world, approximately on par with other South Asian countries. There is a large floating population of foreigners due to the country's flourishing tourism sector, and international students can study and travel safely within Nepal, as long as they take basic safety precautions.

The cost of medical studies in Nepal for international students is lower than that in most private colleges in India. Therefore, if an Indian student can secure admission in a highly ranked University in Nepal, it is a good option to pursue medical studies. Similarly, many students choose to study in India from Nepal.

The major Universities in Nepal have multiple scholarships and financial aid options based on academic merit and need. For example, Kathmandu University has a flagship scholarship in each School, named after a notable teacher or alumnus, to help international students study in Nepal.

Nepal’s industrial sector is less developed than that of its neighbors e.g. India, and the job opportunities for graduates are limited. However, students who have a strong academic performance and are from one of the highly ranked Universities in the country can take advantage of the best placements, and can also apply to jobs abroad, primarily in India.