Cost of Studying Abroad from Nepal: A Complete Budget Breakdown
One year of study abroad from Nepal costs very roughly NPR 30–75 lakh for Ireland, the UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, more for the USA without a scholarship, and much less for India or German public universities. On top of tuition and living costs, budget NPR 2–6 lakh or more for tests, applications, visa, health cover and flights, and plan separately for the bank balance you must show versus what you actually spend.
By Hub International Education counsellors · Updated
- Biggest costs
- Tuition and rent
- Before you fly
- Often NPR 2–6 lakh+ in fees and flights
- Proof of funds
- Set by each country, often above real spend
- Needed to pay fees
- NOC from Ministry of Education
Where the money goes
Most families think about tuition and forget the rest. The full cost of studying abroad from Nepal has four parts: costs before you apply (tests and applications), costs to secure your place and visa (deposit, visa fee, health cover), costs to get there and settle (flights, rent deposit, setup) and the yearly costs of tuition and living. Each country also asks you to show a certain amount of money for the visa, which is not the same as what you spend.
All NPR figures on this page are rough conversions for planning. Exchange rates, fees and visa rules change, sometimes mid-year, so confirm current figures on official university, embassy and test-provider websites.
Costs before you get an offer
| Item | Rough cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS test | About NPR 27,000–33,000 | Set by British Council and IDP; UKVI version costs more |
| PTE Academic | About NPR 25,000–32,000 equivalent | Set by Pearson, may be priced in US dollars |
| Preparation classes | Varies by institute | Separate from the test fee |
| University application fees | Free to about NPR 15,000 each | Many UK, Irish and Australian applications are free; US and Canadian ones often charge |
| Document attestation, translation, courier | A few thousand rupees | Transcripts, recommendation letters, notarisation |
| Credential evaluation (USA/Canada) | Often NPR 20,000–35,000 | Only if the university asks, e.g. WES |
Costs to secure your place and visa
- Tuition deposit: many universities ask for a deposit or part of the first year’s fee to confirm your place, from a few thousand to the full first-year fee depending on the country.
- Visa fee: varies widely, from a small fee for Ireland to much higher fees for Australia and the UK. Check the current fee on the official immigration website.
- Health cover: the UK charges the Immigration Health Surcharge per year of the visa; Australia requires OSHC for the whole stay; Ireland and others need private medical insurance.
- Medical exam and biometrics: required for some countries, paid to panel clinics or visa centres in Kathmandu.
- US-specific costs: SEVIS fee and visa application fee, plus travel to the interview.
- NOC and bank fees: small official fees and bank charges for fee remittance.
Yearly tuition and living cost by country
The table gives rough yearly ranges for mainstream non-medical courses, before scholarships. Living cost depends heavily on the city: capitals and big cities cost more. Multiply by the length of your course: one year for most master’s in Ireland and the UK, two years for many master’s elsewhere, three or four years for a bachelor’s.
| Country | Tuition per year | Living per year | Rough total (NPR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | About €10,000–€25,000 | At least €10,000 for the visa; more in Dublin | About 30–55 |
| United Kingdom | About £13,000–£25,000 | Set by UKVI per month; higher in London | About 35–65 |
| Australia | About AUD 25,000–50,000 | Set by Home Affairs per year | About 45–75 |
| Canada | About CAD 15,000–40,000 | Set by IRCC per year | About 35–65 |
| USA | About USD 20,000–50,000+ | Shown on the I-20 | About 40–90+ |
| New Zealand | About NZD 25,000–45,000 | Set by Immigration NZ per year | About 35–55 |
| Germany (public) | Little or none + semester fee | Blocked account amount per year | About 15–25 |
| India | Varies widely by college | Low compared with other options | About 3–12 |
Getting there and settling in
- Flights from Kathmandu: one-way fares often cost roughly NPR 70,000–1.5 lakh to Europe or Australia and more to North America, depending on season and how early you book.
- First-month setup: rental deposit (often one month’s rent or more), first rent, bedding, warm clothes, a local SIM and transport card.
- Registration after arrival: some countries charge a fee, such as Ireland’s immigration registration fee for the IRP card.
- Emergency buffer: keep a reserve for the first two or three months, before any part-time income starts.
Bank balance proof vs what you actually spend
Proof of funds is what the embassy wants to see before issuing a visa: usually the unpaid tuition plus a set living-cost amount, sometimes held for a minimum period (the UK, for example, asks for 28 consecutive days). It is a minimum standard, not your real budget. Some students spend less than the living figure by sharing rooms and working part-time; others spend more in expensive cities.
Funds must come from a clear, legitimate source. Embassies look at bank statements, income sources (salary, business, rent, agriculture, remittance), tax clearance, property valuation and the relationship between you and your sponsor, usually shown with a ward office relationship certificate. Sudden large deposits without an explanation are a common reason for refusal. Never use borrowed money that is shown for a day and then withdrawn.
Education loans from Nepali banks
Many Nepali commercial banks offer education loans for study abroad, usually secured against land or a house and based on a valuation of the property. Interest rates are generally linked to the bank’s base rate and change over time, so compare offers. The loan sanction letter and disbursement can be used as part of your proof of funds for some countries. Start early: valuation, legal checks and approval can take several weeks.
NOC and sending money abroad
To pay tuition abroad through a Nepali bank, you normally need a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, which you apply for online after receiving your offer letter. Banks then remit tuition directly to the university and can send approved amounts for living costs within Nepal Rastra Bank rules. Keep every receipt: universities, embassies and banks may ask for proof of payment. Rules can change, so confirm the current NOC and remittance process before paying your deposit.
Plan your budget with us
Hub International Education has helped Nepali families plan study abroad budgets since 2006, from our head office in Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu. Counselling is free: we will build a year-by-year cost estimate for your course and country, including the proof of funds you need to show.
Step by step
- 1
Set a total budget
Work out what your family can fund for the whole course, not just year one.
- 2
Compare countries
Compare tuition, living cost, course length and proof-of-funds rules.
- 3
Plan the funds
Organise savings, sponsor income documents and any education loan early.
- 4
Pay deposit with NOC
Get your NOC and pay the tuition deposit through your bank.
- 5
Budget for arrival
Keep money for flights, rent deposit and the first months abroad.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study abroad from Nepal?
Very roughly NPR 30–75 lakh per year for Ireland, the UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, more for the USA without a scholarship, and much less for India or German public universities. Add NPR 2–6 lakh or more for tests, visa, health cover and flights.
What is the total cost to study in Canada from Nepal?
Roughly NPR 35–65 lakh per year for tuition and living, depending on college or university and city, plus visa, biometrics, medical, flights and setup costs. You also need to show the living-cost amount set by IRCC.
What is the total cost to study in the UK from Nepal?
Roughly NPR 35–65 lakh for a one-year master’s including living costs, more in London. Add the visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, a TB test and flights.
How much bank balance is needed to study abroad from Nepal?
Usually the unpaid first-year tuition plus each country’s living-cost amount, held according to its rules. For example, Ireland currently expects at least €10,000 per year for living costs on top of fees.
Is the bank balance the same as what I will spend?
No. Proof of funds is the minimum the embassy wants to see. Your real spending depends on your city, accommodation and lifestyle, and may be higher or lower.
Can I get an education loan in Nepal for study abroad?
Yes. Many Nepali banks offer education loans, usually against property collateral. Compare interest rates and fees, and start early because valuation and approval take time.
Do I need a NOC to pay tuition abroad?
Usually yes. A No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is normally needed for Nepali banks to send tuition abroad. Confirm the current process for your destination.
How much are visa fees for students from Nepal?
They vary from a small fee for Ireland to much higher fees for Australia and the UK, where health cover is also charged. Fees change, so check the official immigration website before applying.
Can part-time work cover my living costs abroad?
It can help with part of your living costs, but not usually tuition. You must show funds up front for the visa and should not rely on finding a job straight away.
Get free counselling
Visit our head office at Hattisar, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu, any of our branches, or call 01-5342096.
Book a free session