Study abroad
Study in Nepal
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Nepal
Higher education in Nepal, in the Himalayas of South Asia, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in tourism, agriculture and healthcare, which is reflected in many study options. The main language is Nepali; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Nepal?
Students choose Nepal for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in the Himalayas of South Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Tourism, agriculture and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lalitpur each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Nepal means everyday contact with Nepali and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Nepal
If you are not sure where to start, these areas connect well with Nepal’s economy and higher-education offer. The list is a starting point rather than a ranking.
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Business & Management
- Computing & Information Technology
Because tourism, agriculture and healthcare matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Nepal on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Scholarships to Study in Nepal
If you need financial support to study in Nepal, it helps to know where funding usually comes from.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Nepal
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Nepal
Start dates in Nepal are set by each institution, and they can change from year to year.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Nepal
Before you commit to a course in Nepal, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Nepal
Most international students need permission to study in Nepal, such as a student visa or residence permit, before their course begins.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Nepal in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Nepal
How much you spend while studying in Nepal varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Kathmandu can differ noticeably from those in Pokhara or Lalitpur and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Nepal
Is Nepal a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Nepal offers programmes across many subjects, a location in the Himalayas of South Asia and study in Nepali (with some English-taught options). Students interested in tourism, agriculture and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Nepal?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Education, PGCE & Teaching. The subjects page for Nepal lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Nepal?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Nepal?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Nepal?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Nepal.
Are scholarships available for international students in Nepal?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Nepal?
Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lalitpur are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Nepal?
Many courses are taught in Nepali. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.