Long regarded as a major source market, with an outbound student mobility ratio of 19%, Nepal is now eyeing an overhaul of its education system, which some have previously criticised for lacking a “forward-thinking policy”.
While presenting the 2025/26 budget, Nepal’s deputy Prime Minister and finance minister, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, announced that international students will receive free visas covering the full length of their academic program, with their parents and guardians also being eligible for multiple-entry visas.
The move, according to Paudel, is part of a broader effort to improve the quality and management of higher education in Nepal under overarching legislation aimed at streamlining university operations, governance consistency, and academic structures across institutions.
Although Nepal currently hosts a relatively small number of international students – primarily from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, China, and India – stakeholders believe it has strong potential to expand its appeal through a range of specialised programs.
“With growing international interest in subjects like medical studies, tourism, and Buddhism, the government wants to build Nepal’s image as an affordable, peaceful, and culturally rich place to study,” Surya Pokhrel, executive director of Educable Consultancy Nepal, told The PIE News.
Prabha Thapa, international recruitment manager for ApplyBoard’s Nepal division, echoed this, noting that for students interested in Himalayan studies, Buddhism, climate science, or development, Nepal offers unmatched immersion.
“From a practical standpoint, it’s relatively affordable, and many programs are taught in English, which helps a lot,” said Thapa.
“Culturally, Nepal has a lot to offer: it’s a peaceful, naturally stunning country with a rich heritage and spiritual traditions that many students find compelling.”
Nepal could appeal to students from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa – places where students are looking for affordable, quality education closer to home
Prabha Thapa, ApplyBoard
Although Nepal aims to curb student outflow, Pokhrel says this will be tough to achieve. Over 112,000 Nepali students went abroad in 2023/24 alone.
“Every year, hundreds of thousands of Nepali students go abroad for higher education. The government realises that while this trend can’t be fully stopped due to globalization, Nepal can also become a study destination for others,” commented Pokhrel.
“Nepal is also focusing on international partnerships, research, and student-friendly policies. Some universities already offer international-standard curricula, and English is widely used in higher education.”
Though more Nepali students are going abroad for better education, including to India, Denmark, Finland, France, and the UAE beyond the big four study destinations, the trend is also driving significant remittance inflows once they enter the workforce.
According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development, remittances from migrants accounted for up to 26.6% of Nepal’s GDP in 2023, amounting to an estimated $11 billion.
According to Thapa, free study visas not only benefit students from lower-income countries and signal that Nepal is a welcoming destination, but also allow international students to contribute to Nepal’s economy, just as outbound Nepali students do through remittances.
“Economically, international students can contribute significantly – not just through tuition but also through living expenses and broader engagement with local communities,” stated Thapa.
“I think there’s strong potential to attract students from neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and parts of India. Beyond that, Nepal could appeal to students from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa – places where students are looking for affordable, quality education closer to home.”
But Nepal’s ambitious plan to attract international students with free visas will not come without challenges.
Despite a slight increase from the previous year, Nepal allocated 3.68% of its GDP to public education, still below the global average of 4.4%, despite facing challenges like outdated courses and limited university seats.
While Nepal’s government is set to restructure university departments and faculties and strengthen higher education regulation by reorganising the current university commission, as per a report by the Kathmandu Post, there’s still work to be done.
“While the policy is promising, there are challenges: many Nepali universities are not yet globally ranked or well-known; some courses and daily communication still involve Nepali, which can be hard for foreign students; visa and admission processes need to be clearer, faster, and more digital; and adjusting to food, lifestyle, and healthcare access can be difficult for some,” noted Pokhrel.
According to Thapa, institutions and government authorities need to provide proper housing options, orientation programs, academic support, and pastoral care, among other services, if Nepal wants to attract more international students.
“There’s also the issue of quality and consistency. If the experience varies wildly from one university to another, or if degrees aren’t globally recognized, it’ll be hard to build a lasting reputation. Plus, awareness is key – without a solid global outreach or marketing plan, the “free visa” message may not reach the students who would benefit most,” she added.
