Nepal has become a growing hub for medical education in South Asia, particularly for Indian students and those from neighboring countries. With affordable tuition fees, an education system aligned with international medical standards, and recognition by global medical councils, Nepal stands out as an attractive choice for MBBS aspirants.
Among the categories of students applying to study MBBS in Nepal are those holding permanent residency status in other countries. These students may belong to Indian-origin families who have migrated abroad, Nepali citizens with permanent residency in another nation, or foreign nationals who hold residency rights in a country but wish to pursue medicine in Nepal.
However, the rules governing MBBS admissions for permanent residency (PR) students in Nepal can sometimes be complex. Different universities and government bodies have specific guidelines, making it important for students and parents to understand the process thoroughly.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the entry rules for PR students seeking MBBS admission in Nepal, covering eligibility, documentation, admission exams, reservation policies, and other important aspects.
Before diving into entry rules, it is essential to understand what permanent residency means in this context.
Permanent Residency (PR) refers to a legal status where a person is a permanent resident of a country other than their home country. For example, a student of Indian origin with PR in Canada, or a Nepali citizen with PR in Australia.
PR students are not considered citizens of the country where they hold residency but enjoy long-term rights of living, education, and employment there.
When applying to Nepal for MBBS, PR students are categorized under foreign students unless they also hold Nepali citizenship.
This status affects how they apply, pay fees, and sit for entrance examinations.
For context, here are the standard requirements for all students applying for MBBS in Nepal:
Educational Qualification
Completion of 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Minimum of 50 percent marks in aggregate or equivalent GPA.
Entrance Exam Requirement
Students must appear for the Common Entrance Examination (CEE) conducted by the Medical Education Commission (MEC) of Nepal.
Language
MBBS programs in Nepal are taught in English, so students must have proficiency in English.
Age Limit
Students must be at least 17 years old by the time of admission.
Now let us examine the specific entry rules for PR students.
PR students are treated under the foreign student category, even if they are of Nepali origin but hold foreign PR or citizenship.
All foreign and PR students must qualify the CEE exam in Nepal.
Without clearing this exam, admission into MBBS is not possible.
In addition to standard academic documents, PR students need:
Valid passport of the country where PR is held.
PR card or residency permit.
Academic transcripts certified by their home country.
Equivalency certificate issued by the Education Board of Nepal (for foreign school certificates).
The Medical Education Commission reserves a certain number of seats for foreign/PR students in both government and private medical colleges.
Tuition fees are usually higher for foreign or PR students compared to Nepali citizens.
Payment is often made in US dollars or equivalent foreign currency.
PR students must have studied under recognized international or national boards such as IB, Cambridge, CBSE, ICSE, or equivalent.
Their certificates must be validated by Nepali authorities.
PR students must apply for a student visa to study in Nepal unless they are Nepali passport holders.
Immigration requires proof of admission, financial capability, and residency documents.
Nepali PR students who have foreign residency but hold Nepali citizenship may qualify under the domestic quota.
Non-Nepali PR students must compete under international quota.
PR students must present a medical fitness certificate, including vaccination records, as per university norms.
For underage PR students, parents may need to submit affidavits of financial responsibility and consent.
Application to MEC
Register for the Common Entrance Examination.
Submit Documents
Provide academic records, PR documents, and passports.
Sit for Entrance Exam
Qualify the CEE exam in Nepal.
Selection and Counseling
Based on merit, students are allotted seats in government or private colleges.
Fee Payment
Pay tuition fees in the currency specified for foreign students.
Visa Processing
Apply for a student visa with admission letter and financial proof.
Commencement of Classes
Join the MBBS program as per academic schedule.
Globally Recognized Degree – Recognized by NMC, WHO, and international medical councils.
Affordable Compared to Western Countries – Even with foreign student fees, Nepal is cheaper than Western universities.
Cultural Proximity for Indian-origin PR Students – Similar food habits, climate, and culture.
English-Medium Instruction – No language barrier.
Opportunities for Global Exposure – A diverse community of foreign students.
Higher Tuition Fees compared to domestic students.
Equivalency Certificate Requirement can delay admission.
Visa Processing may require additional time and financial proof.
Limited Seats reserved for foreign/PR students.
Competition in Entrance Exams can be tough.
The CEE exam is the biggest gateway for admission into MBBS in Nepal. PR students cannot bypass this requirement.
The exam tests Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and general aptitude.
It ensures merit-based entry, even for foreign or PR students.
Without qualifying, no admission is possible.
Tuition fees may range between 25,000 to 50,000 USD for the entire course, depending on the college.
Hostel and food costs are additional, usually 2,000 to 3,000 USD annually.
PR students must show proof of funds for visa and admission purposes.
Accommodation: University hostels are available, but many PR students prefer private apartments.
Lifestyle: Comfortable for Indian-origin PR students, as food and culture are familiar.
Safety: Nepal is safe for international students, with strict university rules.
Degrees earned in Nepal are valid globally.
PR students can appear for licensing exams like NEXT in India, USMLE in the US, PLAB in the UK, and AMC in Australia.
Q1. Are permanent residency students eligible for MBBS in Nepal?
Yes, PR students are eligible under the foreign student category.
Q2. Do PR students need to take the entrance exam in Nepal?
Yes, qualifying the Common Entrance Examination is mandatory.
Q3. What documents do PR students need for MBBS admission?
They need passports, PR cards, academic transcripts, and equivalency certificates.
Q4. Are tuition fees higher for PR students in Nepal?
Yes, PR students usually pay international student fees.
Q5. Can PR students of Nepali origin apply under local quota?
If they hold Nepali citizenship, they may qualify; if not, they fall under foreign quota.
Q6. Do PR students require a student visa in Nepal?
Yes, unless they hold a Nepali passport.
Q7. How many seats are reserved for PR students?
MEC reserves a percentage of seats in both government and private colleges for foreign and PR students.
Q8. What is the role of an equivalency certificate?
It ensures that foreign school certificates match Nepal’s 10+2 system.
Q9. Is NEET required for PR students from India?
Yes, Indian-origin PR students must clear NEET if they wish to return to India for practice.
Q10. Can PR students pay fees in foreign currency?
Yes, many universities accept payments in US dollars.
Q11. What is the age limit for PR students?
They must be at least 17 years old; no strict upper age limit is enforced.
Q12. Do PR students face cultural difficulties in Nepal?
Most adapt easily, especially those from Indian or Asian backgrounds.
Q13. Are scholarships available for PR students?
Limited scholarships may be available, but most pay full foreign fees.
Q14. Can PR students bring dependents to Nepal?
Yes, but they must follow immigration rules for dependent visas.
Q15. Are MBBS degrees from Nepal recognized internationally?
Yes, they are recognized by WHO and other medical councils.
Q16. How long does the MBBS course take for PR students?
The course duration is 5.5 years, same as domestic students.
Q17. Can PR students work part-time while studying in Nepal?
Work opportunities are limited; focus remains on academics.
Q18. Do PR students need medical insurance?
Yes, it is recommended and sometimes mandatory.
Q19. What is the main challenge for PR students in Nepal MBBS?
The main challenges are higher fees and limited seat availability.
Q20. Why should PR students choose Nepal for MBBS?
Nepal offers affordable, globally recognized medical education close to home.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English