Studying abroad is an option that Nepali students are fond of making and every year tens of thousands of them fly to such countries as Australia, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Japan. This process has an important regulatory and facilitative role that is played by the Nepali government whose main aim is to make sure that there is legal compliance, monitoring of outflow of students, controlling foreign exchange and safeguarding national interests. Major engagements are the issue of compulsory certificates, administration of foreign exchange releases and sometimes offering scholarships.

The following is described in detail, using 2026 regulations.

1.     No Objection Certificate (NOC)

The NOC is a formal document issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) which says that the Government of Nepal has no objection to a citizen studying outside of its borders.

     Why is it mandatory?

                          i.          Most student visa applications (particularly Australia, Canada, UK, and USA) require this.

                        ii.          Necessary to release foreign exchange to the banks in terms of tuition fees and living costs.

                      iii.          Assists the government in keeping records of the outbound students to use in policy making and in tracking demographics.

                       iv.          Legal grounds: Scholarships Act 2021, Scholarship Rules 2060, Guidelines to Approval Foreign Studies 2079.

                         v.          Eligibility and Restrictions

                       vi.          Bachelor, Master, PhD, and some special courses are available.

                     vii.          There are usually not offered separately in diploma or language courses (policy established to prevent capital flight and promote enrollment domestically; exceptions allowed in combined courses).

                  viii.          Conditional courses (e.g. nursing, medicine): Must pass entrance exams and get permission of Medical Education Commission.

       Required Documents

·       Legitimate Nepali passport and citizenship certificate.

·       Letter of admission/offer by the foreign institution.

·       Diplomas, mark sheets, and examinations.

·       Financial support evidence (bank balance, sponsorship letter).

·       Equivalence certificate (in case of previous education in foreign country or by foreign board).

·       Visa copy (in the case it is received; depends on the situation).

·       Passport-sized photos

     Application Process

·       You can apply through the official portal: https://noc.moest.gov.np

·       Create a Nepali mobile number (NTC) account and confirm using email

·       Scan documents and post.

·       Turnaround time: 2-5 working days (depending on the workload).

·       Ascertain digitally or by hand in the office of MOEST, Sanothimi, Bhaktapur.

2.     Equivalence Certificate

·       Published by the Tribhuvan University or other boards (not by MOEST itself, but by government-approved ones).

·       Uses your Nepali qualifications (e.g. +2, bachelor) as equivalent as the host country.

·       Sometimes necessary when NOC is used when previous research was not standard or was conducted overseas.

·       Submit by university curriculum development centers.

3.     Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

Issued by Nepal Police (not every visa is needed by all studying abroad but by selected universities/countries to allow a visa or entry, particularly in sensitive categories).

·       Verifies no criminal record.

·       Online application: opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np

·       Can be carried out overseas

·       The processing runs in a few days.

4.     Foreign Exchange Release

·       Controlled by the central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).

·       NRB decides on limits and guidelines of releasing USD/ other currencies in education.

·       Banks insist on a valid NOC to make payments to tuition, insurance or living costs.

·       2025 Limits: Depends on country/course; up to USD 50,000100,000 equivalent per year (with 3% education service fee/tax).

·       The payments should be made directly to the institution (through banking channels)

5. Government Scholarships and Support

·       Nepali government has very few direct scholarships to study abroad with bilateral agreements (e.g. with China, Russia, Bangladesh to study particular subject such as medicine).

·       MOEST announces nominated scholarships (merit, through entrance exams/interviews).

·       It is for those who are interested in foreign government/university scholarships.

Official sources for further information:

NOC Portal: https://noc.moest.gov.np

Ministry of Education: https://moe.gov.np

 (Email: info.noc@moest.gov.np)

Nepal Police PCC: https://opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np

Nepal Rastra Bank: https://www.nrb.org.np

Begin documenting (at least 2-3 months prior to visa application) and see authorized education consultants when necessary. These government positions can be used to find a smooth way to international schooling with adequate preparation!