Nepal has launched a new initiative to position itself as a global education destination by offering free student visas to international students. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel as part of the 2025/26 federal budget, the policy allows foreign students to stay in Nepal for the entire duration of their studies. Parents or guardians of students will also be eligible for multiple-entry visas.
The move is part of a broader effort to reform Nepal’s higher education system, which has faced criticism for lacking innovation and long-term vision. Planned legislation aims to streamline university governance, enforce academic consistency, and improve overall institutional management.
Currently, Nepal is known for its high rate of student outmigration—over 112,000 students studied abroad in 2023/24, representing 19% of the student population. The government now hopes to reposition the country as a peaceful, affordable, and culturally rich study destination.
“Nepal can’t stop globalization, but it does have the potential to attract students from abroad,” said Surya Pokhrel, Executive Director of an education consultancy in Nepal.
At present, most international students in Nepal come from neighboring countries like India, China, and Bangladesh. However, experts believe that Nepal’s appeal is growing, especially in niche fields such as Buddhism, climate science, tourism, and Himalayan studies.
“Students can experience immersive learning in Nepal,” said Prabha Thapa, International Recruitment Manager at ApplyBoard Nepal. “Courses are typically taught in English, and the cost of living is low. Add to that Nepal’s spiritual heritage and natural beauty—it’s a compelling choice.”
From an economic standpoint, the plan could prove lucrative. In 2023, remittances made up 26.6% of Nepal’s GDP—over $11 billion—mainly from workers and students abroad. By attracting international students, the government aims to generate new income through tuition, accommodation, and daily spending.
Still, challenges remain. Nepal’s public education spending is just 3.68% of its GDP—below the global average of 4.4%. Many universities suffer from outdated curricula, inconsistent quality, and limited capacity.
“This is a great policy, but implementation will be key,” Pokhrel warned. “Few universities are internationally ranked, visa and admissions systems need to be streamlined, and some programs still rely on instruction in Nepali, which limits accessibility.”
Other barriers include limited housing, cultural adaptation issues, and low global awareness of Nepal as a study destination. Experts caution that without targeted outreach, the visa policy alone may not be enough to attract students from regions beyond South Asia.
“We need global marketing,” said Thapa. “Students from East Africa or Central Asia might never hear about Nepal unless we actively promote it.”
Experts also recommend the government create strong student support systems, including housing, healthcare, digital access, orientation programs, and ongoing academic support.
“Nepal needs a unified, student-friendly policy,” Pokhrel added. “That means better infrastructure, greater transparency, and international recognition of degrees.”
Despite the hurdles, Nepal’s initiative has drawn praise for its forward-looking approach. With careful planning and strategic improvements, the country could transform from a source of outbound students into a competitive academic destination.
If executed successfully, Nepal’s free student visa policy could become a game-changer for students from developing countries seeking high-quality, affordable education rooted in cultural richness.
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