The Government of Nepal has announced a transformative policy to provide free entry visas to foreign students enrolling in its educational institutions. This was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel during the presentation of the fiscal budget in the federal parliament on Thursday. The first-of-its-kind initiative will offer free visas for the entire duration of academic programs. Additionally, parents of these students will benefit from multiple-entry visa arrangements to facilitate visits.
This policy follows a remarkable 82.3% surge in the number of U.S. students studying in Nepal during the 2022/23 academic year, with 381 students recorded compared to 209 in 2021/22, according to the Open Doors Report. This increase marks a significant recovery from the drastic decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw numbers plummet to just 7 students in 2020/21—the lowest in over two decades.
Historical data from the Open Doors Report highlights a fluctuating trend in U.S. student enrollment in Nepal. Between 1999/00 and 2022/23, the numbers varied significantly. In 1999/00, Nepal attracted 389 U.S. students, with a slight increase to 395 in 2000/01. However, the early 2000s saw a decline, with numbers dropping to 214 in 2001/02, 142 in 2002/03, and a low of 98 in 2003/04.
This downward trend continued, reaching a nadir of 41 students in 2008/09. A resurgence began in 2009/10, with enrollment peaking at 581 students in 2016/17, likely driven by growing interest in South Asian studies, Himalayan culture, environmental science, development studies, and Buddhism. Post-peak, numbers fluctuated slightly, with 566 students in 2017/18 and 647 in 2018/19, before the pandemic-induced drop to 351 in 2019/20.
The recent 82.3% surge in 2022/23 reflects renewed interest and the easing of travel restrictions, positioning Nepal as an increasingly attractive study-abroad destination. The government’s new visa policy is expected to further boost these numbers. The budget emphasizes this goal, stating, “We will adopt a policy to attract foreign students to our universities. Free visas will be provided to international students throughout their academic calendar, and multiple-entry visa arrangements will be made for their parents.”
To enhance student opportunities, the government will launch a “work-and-study” program, allowing students to work up to 20 hours per week at minimum wage to promote entrepreneurship-friendly education. Internships in public institutions will also be offered based on service requirements, providing practical experience.
The government has allocated approximately USD 1.58 billion to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.
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Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist based in Kathmandu. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks in Nepal.
