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NOC Application Guide: What You Need to Study Abroad in 2025

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    Saurav
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Ministry of Education

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How to Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Studying Abroad from Nepal

If you're a Nepali student planning to study abroad, one of the first things you'll need is a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Government of Nepal. This document is essential for many courses, including engineering, language programs, and medical degrees.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining an NOC, the required documents, and what you’ll need based on your course and destination.

What is an NOC?

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is an official document issued by the Government of Nepal that confirms they have no objections to you studying abroad. This certificate is mandatory for Nepali students who wish to pursue education outside of Nepal. Without an NOC, you won't be able to obtain a student visa for most countries.

Who Needs an NOC?

If you're planning to study abroad, you’ll need an NOC depending on the type of course you're pursuing. Whether you’re going for undergraduate, graduate, or language studies, the NOC requirements may vary.

NOC Document Requirements Based on Your Course Type

The documents and requirements for your NOC application will vary depending on the course you're pursuing. To help you better understand what’s needed, we’ve broken it down based on course types.

If anything sounds confusing, don’t stress! Check the glossary of specialized documents at the end to understand the nitty-gritty of each required paper.

1. Engineering Students

If you're planning to study engineering, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (10+2 or equivalent)
  • Minimum GPA of 2.4
  • Grade C+ in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, or a C in other subjects
  • Aggregate: At least 50% overall, including 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
  • Provisional NOC (For students awaiting Grade 12 results)

Pro Tip: If you’re still in Grade 11, don’t worry—just apply for a provisional NOC and get started!

2. Language Course Students

Are you dreaming of mastering a new language? You’ll need an extra qualification for that! Make sure you apply for both language and academic courses’ NOCs (except for Japan).

a. Documents Needed for Japanese Language Students

If you’re planning to study the beautiful Japanese language, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (+2, PCL, or equivalent)
  • Certificate of Eligibility (Japanese Immigration requirement)
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter (This letter proves you’ve been accepted into the language course)
  • Invoice Letter (It’s your proof of payment for the course)
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign education)

Note: If any of these documents have multiple pages, combine them into a single PDF before uploading to save time and trouble.

b. Students Applying for Both Language and Academic Courses

For those tackling both language and academic courses, make sure you have:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (+2, PCL, or equivalent)
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter (This should clearly state the subject, level, and duration)
  • Invoice Letter
  • Equivalence Certificate (If your education was abroad)
  • Previous NOC Copy (If you’ve applied before)

3. Certificate III-V / Diploma / Advanced Diploma / Level 3-5 (Min 2-Year Diploma)

For those aiming for a Certificate, Advanced Diploma, or something similar, here’s what’s required:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (+2, PCL, or equivalent)
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter (Clearly stating subject, level, and duration)
  • Invoice Letter
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign studies)
  • English Language Test Certificate (For countries like New Zealand)
  • Previous NOC Copy (If applicable)

4. Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma / Postgraduate Diploma (1 Year)

If you’re stepping into postgrad studies, this is what you’ll need:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (Bachelor’s degree)
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter
  • Invoice Letter
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign studies)
  • English Language Test Certificate (For New Zealand students)
  • Previous NOC Copy (If applicable)

5. Advanced Diploma / Associate Degree / AP Degree (Min 2-Year Diploma)

If an Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma is what you’re after, make sure you’ve got:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (+2, PCL, or equivalent)
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter
  • Invoice Letter
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign education)
  • English Language Test Certificate (For New Zealand)
  • Previous NOC Copy (If applicable)

6. Bachelor’s Degree Students (Min 3 Years)

For those aiming for a Bachelor's Degree (minimum 3 years), these documents are a must:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (+2, PCL, or equivalent, or Diploma if applicable)
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter
  • Invoice Letter
  • Equivalence Certificate (If your education was abroad)
  • Korean University Business Registration Certificate (If applying to a university in South Korea)
  • NHPC Registration License (If you have a diploma)
  • NHPC Pre-Approval Letter (If diploma achieved, e.g., HA to Public Health)
  • CAAN Pre-Approval (If your course is in Piloting)
  • English Language Test Certificate (For New Zealand students)

7. Bachelor of Nursing Students

Nursing aspirants, here’s what’s needed:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Transcript Certificate (PCL Nursing/Bio-Group)
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter
  • Invoice Letter
  • Nursing Council License (If you’re applying with a PCL Nursing)
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign education)
  • NHPC Pre-Approval Letter (If diploma achieved)

8. Master of Nursing Students

For those looking to take their nursing career to the next level with a Master’s degree:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Transcript Certificate (Bachelor level or equivalent)
  • Nursing Council License
  • Graduation Certificate
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter
  • Invoice Letter
  • NHPC Pre-Approval Letter (If registered with NHPC for the undergraduate degree)
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign studies)

9. Master’s Degree Students

Here’s the deal for Master's Degree students:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (Bachelor level or equivalent)
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter
  • Invoice Letter
  • Council License (If your degree is professional, e.g., in engineering or medical)
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign education)
  • Degree Award Certificate (For foreign studies)

10. M. Phil and Ph.D. Students

Planning to dive into research? Here’s what you’ll need for your Ph.D. or M. Phil:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (Minimum Master’s degree or equivalent)
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter
  • Invoice Letter
  • Previous NOC Copy (If applicable)
  • English Language Test Certificate (If required)
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign education)
  • Degree Awarded Certificate (For foreign education)

11. Bachelor/Undergraduate (MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BVMS) Students

Here’s the checklist for those aiming for a medical or dental degree:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Transcript Certificate (+2, PCL, or Diploma)
  • Eligibility Certificate (NMC/NAMC/NVC)—valid for 2 years
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter
  • Invoice Letter
  • Bridge Course Certificate (For students from non-science backgrounds)
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign education)
  • Degree Award Certificate (For foreign education)

12. USMLE Students (Postgraduate Level, USA Only)

For those looking to take the USMLE exam:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (MBBS/Undergraduate)
  • Eligibility Certificate (NMC/NAMC/NVC)
  • Internship Completion Certificate
  • Entrance Notice
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign studies)
  • Graduation Certificate (For foreign studies)

13. Postgraduate (MD/MS/MDS) Students

For MD, MS, or MDS students:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (MBBS/Undergraduate)
  • NMC/NAMC/NVC Registration License
  • Internship Completion Certificate
  • Entrance Notice
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign studies)

14. DM/MCH Students (Entrance Exam Only)

DM/MCH students (those who have passed entrance exams) need:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (MD/MS/MDS)
  • NMC Registration License
  • PG Specialization Letter
  • Entrance Notice
  • Equivalence Certificate (For foreign studies)
  • Degree Award Certificate (For foreign studies)

15. DM/MCH Degree Students

And for DM/MCH Degree students, submit:

  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Academic Transcript (MD/MS/MDS)
  • NMC Registration License
  • PG Specialization Letter
  • Degree Award Certificate (For foreign studies)

Glossary of Specialized Documents

If any of these documents confuse you, here's a glossary to clear things up:

  • Certificate of Eligibility: Needed for students applying to Japan, this confirms you're eligible to study there.
  • Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter: The official letter from the institution confirming your spot in the course.
  • Invoice Letter: A document from the institution showing the total fees required.
  • Equivalence Certificate: This certificate proves that your previous education is recognized by the Nepali educational system.
  • Previous NOC: If you've applied for an NOC before, you’ll need to submit a copy.
  • Council License: Required for medical or health-related courses abroad, proving your eligibility to practice in Nepal.
  • Pre-Approval Letter: A letter granting permission for certain professional courses abroad.
  • Bridge Course Certificate: A preparatory course certificate for students from non-science backgrounds applying for medical programs.
  • Degree Awarded Certificate: Proof that you've completed your degree (especially useful for those who studied abroad).
  • Tax Clearance Certificate: Proof that the institution has cleared its taxes.
  • Ministry Approval Letter: Issued by the Ministry of Education in Nepal, granting approval for studying abroad.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain an NOC

1. Collect All Required Documents

Gather the necessary documents based on your course type and destination country. Be sure to include any equivalence certificates if you studied abroad or from a foreign institution.

2. Submit Your Application

Visit the official NOC issuing office in Nepal. The key office for NOC applications is the Ministry of Education. You can also apply online, depending on the regulations in place at the time.

3. Wait for Verification

After submission, the Ministry will verify your documents. This process can take a few days to weeks, so plan accordingly.

4. Receive Your NOC

Once your application is processed, you will be issued the NOC. This certificate will be needed for visa processing.

Key Offices for NOC

The following offices are responsible for the issuance of NOCs depending on your field of study:

  • Ministry of Education – For general NOCs.
  • Nepal Medical Council (NMC) – For medical students.
  • Nepal Engineering Council (NEC) – For engineering students.
  • Nepal Nursing Council (NNC) – For nursing students.
  • Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) – For aviation-related courses.

Contact Information

Countries with Special Requirements

Some countries or specific courses might have additional requirements for students. For instance, countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mauritius have restrictions, and additional pre-approval might be needed for medical and health-related programs.

What if You’ve Studied Abroad Before?

If you have previously studied abroad, you may already have a previous NOC. In this case, you may need to submit a copy of your old NOC as part of your new application, depending on the type of course you're pursuing.

Additional Notes on Documentation:

  • Passport & Visa: You’ll need a copy of your passport and valid visa for the country you plan to study in.
  • Other Certificates: If you’ve previously studied abroad, be sure to submit any relevant certificates and degree awards from those institutions.
  • Language Test Results: If you’re applying for countries like New Zealand, you may need to submit English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).

Conclusion

Obtaining an NOC from the Government of Nepal is a crucial step in the process of studying abroad. By following the outlined steps, preparing your documents ahead of time, and submitting your application to the appropriate authorities, you can ensure that your study abroad journey begins smoothly. Be sure to check with your specific institution and the concerned authorities for any updated requirements, as these can vary from year to year.

Good luck with your studies abroad!

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