Frequently asked questions

NEC (Nepal Education Consultancy) helps Nepali students study abroad. We offer counselling, help choosing a course and university, applications, scholarships, visa guidance and pre-departure support. We have been helping students since 2001, from our offices in Putalisadak, Kathmandu and Bhanimandal, Lalitpur.

Yes. Counselling at NEC is free, so you can talk through your options with a counsellor without paying a fee.

Ideally 9 to 12 months before the intake you want. That leaves time for English tests, applications, scholarships and the visa. If your intake is sooner, talk to us anyway and we will tell you honestly whether it is still realistic.

The 5 Cs are the approach NEC counsellors use: Career, Country, Cost, Course and College, in that order. Be sure of the career you want, the country, and the budget before choosing a course and then at least three colleges. Read more in our guide for parents.

No. You are welcome at our Putalisadak or Lalitpur offices, but you can also do your counselling and application online, by phone, WhatsApp and video call.

Your academic transcripts and certificates, your passport if you have one, any English test results and a rough idea of your budget. Do not worry if you do not have everything yet.

Yes. Parents are welcome at every session, in person or on a video call. Our guide for parents explains how families can help at each stage.

There is no single best country. The right choice depends on the career you want, your budget, your course and the rules on work and staying after study. Compare countries on our study destinations pages, and your counsellor will help you weigh them up.

Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Germany, France, South Korea, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

Most countries have a main intake, often in September, and a second intake, often in January or February. Some have more. Each country page and our 2027 applications page show the intakes.

Often, yes. Many universities offer foundation, diploma or pathway programs that lead into a degree. Your options depend on your marks, English score and the country. Bring your transcripts and we will show you realistic choices.

Yes, many students do. Universities and visa officers will want to know what you did during the gap, so keep proof such as work experience letters or training certificates. The longer the gap, the more important it is to explain it clearly.

Sometimes, but it is not always simple. Changing course or college can affect your visa and may mean new fees or lost credits. Always get advice before making a change.

Most universities ask for an English test such as IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL. Some accept other proof in certain cases, but a good test score usually makes your application and visa stronger.

All three are widely accepted, but not by every university or for every visa. Check what your chosen country and university accept before you book. Many students then choose the test whose format suits them best.

It depends on the course, the university and the country. Scores are usually higher for master's degrees and for courses such as nursing. Your counsellor will tell you the score needed for each option.

Yes. We run IELTS, PTE and TOEFL preparation classes. See test preparation for details.

A full IELTS mock test at NEC Putalisadak for Rs 100: all four modules, a face-to-face speaking test, your band scores and a tips sheet. Book a mock test.

It depends on the country, course and city. Add up tuition for every year, rent, food, transport, insurance, visa fees and flights. Our country pages give an overview, and your counsellor will go through the full cost of each option with you before you apply.

Many universities offer scholarships or tuition discounts to international students, often based on your marks. NEC helps you find the ones you can apply for. See our scholarships page.

Most student visas ask you to prove you can pay tuition and living costs, usually with bank statements, an education loan letter or sponsor documents. The amount and rules depend on the country and change from time to time, so always check the current requirements with us.

Yes, many families use an education loan from a bank in Nepal. Banks usually ask for the offer letter and income and property documents. Talk to your bank early, as approval can take time.

Usually parents or close family. Your sponsor must be able to show their income and where the money comes from. The rules on who can sponsor differ by country.

Part-time work can help with living costs, but you should not rely on it to pay tuition. Visa officers want to see that you can afford your studies without working.

Usually your passport, an offer or confirmation of enrolment, proof of funds, English test results, academic documents and health insurance. Some countries also ask for a medical check or a statement of purpose. The exact list depends on the country.

Anywhere from a few days to several weeks or more, depending on the country and the time of year. Apply as early as you are allowed.

Many countries ask you to explain why you chose your course, university and country, and what you plan to do after you study. It must be honest, specific and written by you. Your counsellor will help you understand what to cover.

Often, yes. First understand the reasons for the refusal and fix them, rather than applying again with the same documents. Bring your refusal letter to NEC and we will go through it with you.

Some countries, such as the USA, interview every student visa applicant. Others may call some applicants for an interview. NEC helps you prepare.

Some countries allow partners or children to join students on some courses, but the rules differ a lot and have changed recently in some countries. Ask us for the current rules for your country and course.

Yes, within the limits set by each country's visa rules: usually part-time during term and more in holidays. Working over the limit can put your visa at risk, so we explain the exact rules for your country.

Many countries offer a post-study work visa, such as the UK's Graduate Route or Australia's Temporary Graduate visa. How long you can stay depends on the country and your level of study, and the rules change, so check the current rules before you choose.

Yes. Most countries require students to have health insurance, or to pay a health charge as part of the visa.

Most students live in university halls, private student housing or a shared house. Book at least your first few weeks before you arrive, so you have somewhere to stay while you settle in.

Most popular study destinations have large Nepali communities and Nepali student associations, which can help you settle in and make friends.

Yes. We give every student a pre-departure briefing on travel, arrival, accommodation, staying safe and who to contact for help.

Yes. You and your family can contact your NEC counsellor by phone or WhatsApp during office hours if you need help or advice.