Guide to Study Visa Requirements for International Students in Nepal

Nepal welcomes foreign students and their dependent families to pursue education, teaching, or research at recognized institutions in Nepal.

International students planning to pursue their studies in Nepal must be aware of the country’s study visa requirements. This guide provides a detailed overview of the essential documents, financial criteria, and applicable visa fees, as outlined in the Immigration Regulations 1994 (Chapter 2, Section 7).

Who Can Apply for a Study Visa in Nepal?

As per Nepal’s Immigration Regulations, a study visa is eligible to:

For foreigners who come to Nepal for study, teaching, or research with approval from the Government of Nepal, a study visa will be granted to them and their accompanying family members.
International students who wish to study under a scholarship offered by the Government of Nepal,
Students enrolled in a government-approved program,
Students coming to study and research under an agreement between two universities,
Students from SAARC countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan).
Self-funded students (excluding those coming to study at the secondary level). For these students, a proof of financial capability, as evidenced by a deposit in their local bank account, is mandatory to secure a visa. They must show the bank statement as follows:

1. A minimum of USD 3,000 annually or monthly (or equivalent in Nepalese Rupees) for the students who wish to study or conduct research independently.
2. A minimum of USD 2,000 annually for the accompanying family members.

(This financial capability must be verified by presenting an official income source, a foreign currency exchange receipt, or documentation showing the equivalent amount in Nepali currency deposited in their local bank account.)

Study Visa Duration and Renewal

A study visa is issued for a period of one year at a time.
For extensions beyond one year, students must submit a progress report on their studies or research.
Ensure all documents are updated and meet the requirements for renewal.

Key Documents Required for a Study Visa in Nepal

To apply for a study visa in Nepal, one must submit the following documents:

Recommendation Letter from the Ministry of Education
College Admission Receipt
Bank Statement: A recent (at least one week old) bank statement showing a minimum annual deposit of USD 3,000 (or equivalent in Nepalese Rupees) for an academic/non-academic course
Online Application Form: Complete the form available at www.nepalimmigration.gov.np.
Passport and Visa Photocopies: Copies of the student's valid passport and the most recent visa.
No Objection Letter: Obtain this from the respective country's embassy in Nepal.

Study Visa Issuance or Extension Fees:

Visa fees depend on the type of program and the country of origin. Foreign students shall pay fees as follows while issuing and extending the study visa.

Degree Programs: Students enrolled in a degree program, along with their dependent family members, are required to pay a monthly fee equivalent to USD 20 in Nepali currency.
Non-Degree Programs: Students enrolled in a non-degree program, along with their dependent family members, are required to pay a monthly fee equivalent to USD 75 in Nepali currency.
SAARC Countries:
- Bangladesh: USD 15 annually for a multiple-entry study visa on a mutual basis.
- Maldives: USD 25 annually for students and their families on a mutual basis.
- Bhutan: USD 15 per month for a multiple-entry study visa.
- Sri Lanka and Pakistan: No visa fee will be charged for students when issuing a study visa based on reciprocity. However, their dependent family members will be required to pay the visa fee when obtaining a study visa.
Teacher Exchange Programs: For dependent family members of foreigners participating in teacher exchange programs between universities in Nepal and foreign universities, who are eligible to receive a free study visa, a study visa fee equivalent to USD 10 per month in Nepalese currency will be charged.
Other Teachers/Researchers: Foreigners coming for teaching or research, along with their dependent family members, are required to pay a monthly fee equivalent to USD 50 in Nepali currency.