Nepal has become one of the most sought-after destinations for medical education among students from South Asia, particularly from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. Its affordable tuition fees, English-medium instruction, and medical universities recognized by global bodies such as the World Health Organization and the National Medical Commission have made it a popular choice.
However, before students can begin their MBBS studies in Nepal, they must clear the entrance examination conducted either by the respective university or by the central authority under the Medical Education Commission (MEC) of Nepal. Understanding the entrance exam fee structure for MBBS in Nepal is a key step for students who are preparing to apply.
This article provides an in-depth look at the entrance exam system, the structure of examination fees, variations among universities, eligibility criteria, payment procedures, and additional related costs that students should anticipate.
The MBBS program in Nepal typically lasts five and a half years, including one year of compulsory internship. The curriculum is designed in line with international medical education standards and is delivered in English, making it accessible to foreign students.
Medical education in Nepal is offered by both government and private institutions, many of which are affiliated with well-known universities such as Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, and BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.
To gain admission into these institutions, students must qualify for the Medical Education Commission Entrance Exam (MECEE-BL) or the university-level entrance exams for some private colleges. These exams serve as a gateway to all undergraduate medical courses, including MBBS, BDS, and related fields.
The Medical Education Commission (MEC) is the governing body responsible for managing admissions to all medical programs in Nepal. It ensures transparency, fairness, and uniformity in medical education and entrance testing.
For MBBS aspirants, MEC conducts the MECEE-BL (Medical Education Commission Entrance Examination for Bachelor Level). This exam is mandatory for both Nepalese and foreign students who wish to pursue MBBS in any recognized medical college in Nepal.
The fee structure and application process for this exam are standardized, although certain variations exist depending on whether the candidate is a domestic or international applicant.
There are mainly two categories of entrance exams for MBBS programs in Nepal:
National-level exam (MECEE-BL) – Conducted by MEC for all universities and colleges.
University-specific exams – Conducted by individual institutions like Kathmandu University for their affiliated colleges.
While MEC has made efforts to unify the entrance system under one examination, a few private universities still conduct their own tests. However, the MECEE-BL has become the primary and most widely accepted exam for MBBS admissions across the country.
The entrance exam fee varies based on the category of the student, their nationality, and the mode of payment.
In general, students can expect the following pattern:
Nepalese students: Pay a lower fee, as they fall under the domestic quota.
SAARC country students: Pay a moderate fee, slightly higher than local students.
Non-SAARC foreign students: Pay a comparatively higher entrance exam fee due to international administrative costs.
The examination fee is usually payable online during the application process, and it covers the cost of registration, administration, and examination services.
Let’s now explore this in detail.
The Medical Education Commission Entrance Examination for Bachelor Level (MECEE-BL) is the main route for admission into MBBS programs in Nepal.
The fee structure generally follows this format:
For Nepalese citizens: Around NPR 3,000
For SAARC country applicants: Around NPR 8,000
For non-SAARC foreign nationals: Around NPR 10,000 to NPR 12,000
These fees are indicative averages and may vary slightly depending on the academic year and changes announced by MEC.
Conversion to USD:
Nepalese students pay roughly USD 25
SAARC students pay about USD 60–70
Non-SAARC students pay between USD 80–100
This entrance exam fee is non-refundable and must be paid during the application submission through an online payment gateway or designated bank transfer.
In addition to MEC’s centralized test, some universities still conduct their own entrance exams for certain affiliated colleges.
Below is a breakdown of how the fee structure may differ:
Kathmandu University (KU):
The entrance exam fee for MBBS applicants at Kathmandu University is typically around NPR 5,000 for Nepalese candidates and NPR 8,000–10,000 for international students.
Tribhuvan University (TU):
Most colleges affiliated with TU now follow the MEC entrance exam system, so the separate exam fee has been discontinued.
B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS):
Earlier, BPKIHS conducted its own entrance exam, with fees around NPR 6,000–8,000, but it now also adheres to the MEC examination process.
The trend clearly shows that Nepal is moving toward a unified and standardized entrance examination system to maintain consistency and transparency in the admission process.
The payment process is straightforward but differs slightly for local and international students.
For Nepalese applicants:
Payment can be made via eSewa, Khalti, ConnectIPS, or direct bank deposit into the MEC account.
For SAARC and international applicants:
Payment is typically made through SWIFT bank transfer or international payment portals authorized by MEC.
Students must upload proof of payment, such as a bank slip or online transaction receipt, during the online application submission.
It is crucial that applicants use the correct payment reference and details as specified by the commission or university. Failure to provide valid payment proof may result in disqualification.
Apart from the exam fee, students may encounter a few additional minor costs related to the application process:
Document verification fees: Some universities charge a small fee (around NPR 500–1,000) for verifying academic documents.
Photo and document scanning expenses: Students may need to prepare and upload documents in a specific format, incurring minor costs for scanning or printing.
Courier charges: For international students sending hard copies of documents, courier costs may range from USD 20–30.
While these are not officially part of the exam fee, they contribute to the total cost of applying for MBBS in Nepal.
The entrance exam fee includes several components that cover administrative and operational costs.
These typically include:
Application form processing and database management
Examination center arrangements and invigilator expenses
Printing of admit cards and question papers
Evaluation, scoring, and publication of results
Maintenance of online examination portals
The exam fee ensures that all applicants receive fair access to standardized testing facilities and that the examination process remains transparent and efficient.
It is important to note that the entrance exam fee is non-refundable, regardless of the applicant’s decision to withdraw or failure to attend the test.
However, if a technical error or transaction issue occurs during the payment process, students may contact the MEC or university’s finance department for a resolution. Refunds are only possible in exceptional cases where the commission officially cancels the exam or changes the schedule.
If a candidate fails to appear for the exam or wishes to reapply in the next academic session, they must pay the fee again and complete a fresh registration.
One key observation is the difference in exam fees between domestic, SAARC, and non-SAARC applicants.
This variation exists because:
Domestic students already contribute through local education taxes and infrastructure funding.
SAARC students enjoy partial benefits under regional cooperation policies.
Non-SAARC students are classified under international categories that involve additional administrative costs such as document verification and visa processing.
This tiered system ensures fairness in distribution and sustains the quality of examination services.
When compared with other MBBS destinations such as India, Bangladesh, and Russia, Nepal’s entrance exam fees are relatively moderate.
For instance:
In India, NEET registration fees can range from INR 1,000–1,600, while management quota exam fees may go much higher.
In Bangladesh, medical entrance exams and processing fees for international students often exceed USD 100.
In Russia or Ukraine, most universities charge USD 100–200 for registration and application.
Hence, Nepal offers a more economical and accessible pathway to medical education, both in terms of entrance exam fees and overall tuition costs.
Several factors determine how entrance exam fees are structured in Nepal:
Administrative costs: Conducting an exam on a national scale requires staff, resources, and logistics.
Currency value fluctuations: Exchange rate changes can affect how foreign fees are set.
Digital infrastructure: Maintenance of online exam portals and payment systems adds to operational costs.
Inflation and policy revisions: Annual government revisions may cause slight adjustments in fees.
University autonomy: Some institutions retain the right to set their own exam or application fees for specific programs.
To participate in the MBBS entrance examination in Nepal, applicants must follow a defined procedure:
Visit the official MEC website or respective university portal.
Register online with personal and academic details.
Upload required documents such as mark sheets, passport-size photos, and identification proof.
Pay the exam fee through the designated payment channel.
Download the admit card after the payment confirmation.
Appear for the entrance test at the assigned examination center.
Candidates must ensure that all information and payments are submitted before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
While the entrance exam fee is a one-time payment, students should include it in their overall financial planning.
Other associated costs before enrollment include:
Application fee: USD 25–100 depending on category
Visa and travel documentation: USD 50–150
Initial hostel booking: USD 200–300
Pre-departure expenses (if international): USD 100–200
Considering these, students are encouraged to prepare a budget that covers not only the tuition and hostel fees but also pre-admission and examination-related costs.
The entrance exam is a critical element of the admission process, ensuring that only capable and qualified students pursue MBBS in Nepal.
It serves several purposes:
Maintains the quality and standards of medical education
Promotes merit-based selection
Ensures fairness across domestic and international applicants
Provides equal opportunity under transparent guidelines
The fee collected supports these processes and ensures smooth functioning of the examination system.
Students should take care to avoid common errors that may cause problems during application:
Entering incorrect payment details or references
Using unofficial payment channels
Submitting incomplete documents
Missing the application deadline
Applying under the wrong nationality category
To prevent such issues, students should carefully read the official instructions provided by MEC or their chosen university before paying the entrance exam fee.
Although the entrance exam fee itself is not typically covered by scholarships, several Nepali medical universities offer merit-based scholarships for top-ranking students after the exam.
For Nepalese students, the government reserves a certain number of free or subsidized seats in public colleges.
Foreign students who score high in the entrance exam may also receive partial tuition discounts or academic merit awards in private institutions.
Thus, investing in the entrance exam not only opens doors to medical education but may also lead to financial benefits through scholarships later on.
The Medical Education Commission of Nepal is continuously modernizing its systems. With increased use of digital platforms and computer-based testing, the fee structure may undergo slight adjustments in the future.
However, it is expected that Nepal will continue to maintain a cost-effective and student-friendly fee policy, especially for SAARC candidates, to promote regional educational collaboration.
Some students attempt the entrance exam more than once. While the exam fee remains the same for repeat applicants, they must pay it again each year they reapply.
This ensures uniform treatment of all candidates and supports the recurring costs of organizing the test annually.
The entrance exam fee structure for MBBS in Nepal reflects the country’s commitment to maintaining affordable and transparent access to quality medical education. The Medical Education Commission has established a fair system that accommodates both domestic and international students, ensuring that fees remain reasonable across all categories.
Nepalese students pay the lowest exam fees, while SAARC and non-SAARC students pay slightly higher amounts to cover administrative and processing costs. Despite these variations, the overall expense of applying for an MBBS in Nepal is modest when compared to other countries offering similar standards of medical education.
By understanding the fee structure, payment methods, and related costs, students can plan their applications efficiently and focus on what matters most — performing well in the entrance examination and securing their place in a reputable medical college in Nepal.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English