Nepal is stepping into the global education spotlight with a bold new plan: free study visas for international students. Announced as part of the 2025/26 federal budget by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, the policy will allow students to stay for the full length of their academic program. Their parents or guardians will also be eligible for multiple-entry visas.
The initiative is part of a larger push to improve Nepal’s higher education system. The government plans to introduce legislation to streamline university governance, create academic consistency, and improve overall management. This comes amid criticism that Nepal’s education sector has lacked innovation and long-term planning.
Nepal’s move reflects an effort to reverse its status as merely a student-sending country. With an outbound mobility rate of 19%, the country saw over 112,000 students study abroad in 2023/24. Officials now hope to position Nepal as a peaceful, affordable, and culturally rich study destination.
“While student outflow won’t stop due to globalization, Nepal has a real chance to become a destination for others,” said Surya Pokhrel, executive director at Educable Consultancy Nepal.
Currently, Nepal hosts only a small number of foreign students, mostly from neighboring countries like India, China, and Bangladesh. But experts believe Nepal’s appeal is growing, especially for those interested in subjects like Buddhism, climate science, tourism, and Himalayan studies.
Prabha Thapa, international recruitment manager for ApplyBoard’s Nepal office, explained, “Nepal offers great immersion opportunities. Courses are often in English, and the cost of living is relatively low.”
She added that Nepal’s spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and friendly culture make it attractive for students seeking a meaningful academic experience.
Economically, the move could pay off. According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development, remittances accounted for 26.6% of Nepal’s GDP in 2023—over $11 billion. While this largely stems from outbound workers and students, international students in Nepal could provide new income streams through tuition, housing, and local spending.
“International students can play a real role in our economy,” Thapa said. “From tuition fees to groceries and transport, their contributions add up fast.”
However, the road ahead won’t be easy. Nepal still spends just 3.68% of its GDP on public education, falling below the global average of 4.4%. Issues like outdated courses, limited university seats, and uneven quality across institutions remain.
Pokhrel emphasized, “It’s a good policy, but implementation is key. Many universities lack international rankings, and the visa and admissions systems need streamlining. Some courses still rely on Nepali, which can deter international applicants.”
Challenges also include housing, cultural adjustment, and limited awareness of Nepal as a study destination. Experts say that unless these are addressed, the “free visa” policy won’t be enough to attract students from beyond the region.
“There’s a need for global outreach,” Thapa noted. “Students in East Africa or Central Asia looking for affordable education might not hear about Nepal unless we actively promote it.”
Experts also urge the government to provide strong support systems, including housing options, health care access, digital services, orientation programs, and consistent academic support.
“Nepal needs a unified, student-friendly approach,” said Pokhrel. “That means better infrastructure, transparency, and making sure that degrees are globally recognized.”
Despite these hurdles, Nepal’s initiative has been praised for its vision. With careful planning and focused improvements, it could shift from being a country of student emigrants to one of academic opportunity.
As the government works to modernize the education system and market the new visa policy, many are watching closely. If successful, free study visas in Nepal could be a game-changer for students from developing countries seeking quality education with cultural depth.
