How to apply for NOC in Nepal? The ultimate guide

If any students wish to study abroad, they must register for NOC through the official MoEST portal, upload all the necessary documents, pay the necessary fees, and submit their NOC online application to apply for NOC in 2026.

After roughly 2- 5 business days, students can collect their certificate from the NOC office in Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal.

NOC, which stands for No Objection Certificate, is an official document issued by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MOEST) for Nepalese students planning to study abroad. It is a legal authorization document issued by the Nepal government stating that it has no objection to the student studying abroad. It is important because:

• Legal authorization: It is an official approval from the Government of Nepal, certifying that there are no objections to the student going abroad for study.

• Allowing financial transactions: Required for banks in Nepal to transfer tuition fees and other educational expenses abroad; banks will not allow the transfer of funds for education to other countries without this certificate.

• Student visa application support: It is an important document in many countries during visa applications because it provides consent from the home country for the student to study abroad.

• Student tracking: It helps the Nepalese government maintain accurate records of students studying abroad, which is important for demographic data, planning, and policy-making purposes.

Here is the list of documents required if you want to apply for an NOC in Nepal: 

• A copy of your citizenship certificate
• A valid passport
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Academic Transcript and Certificates (+2 or PCL, Diploma, Bachelor, and Master)
• Offer letter from the university

Note: Additional documents may be required depending on the specific course or country of study. Check the latest requirements on the official NOC Website or contact the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MOEST) for detailed information.

Now that you understand what NOC is, why it is important, and what the required documents are for an online application, it is time to understand the "HOW" part of the equation.

Let's dissect the step-by-step process of applying for an NOC online in Nepal:

STEP 1: Prepare the required documents: 

• Passport Copy
• Citizenship Certificate
• Guardian's Citizenship Certificate
• Offer Letter
• Academic Certificates and Transcripts
• English Language Test Certificate
• Passport-Sized Photograph 

STEP 2: Register online: 

• Visit the MoEST official website and register using your mobile number.
• You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP), and after that, you’ll need to provide an email address for verification. 

STEP 3: Complete the application form: 

• Log in to your account on the Website.
• Fill out the online application form with your personal details.
• Upload scanned copies of the required documents. 

STEP 4: Pay the NOC fee of NPR 2000 through online payment options  

STEP 5: Review all the information you have provided 

STEP 6: Submit your application 

STEP 7: Wait for the application processing time (processing time takes 2-3 business/working days) 

STEP 8: Collect NOC by going to the NOC office

• Once your application is approved, you will receive your notification through email or SMS.
• Visit the MOEST NOC office in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, with your original documents for verification.
• Collect your certificate from the designated counter. 

WAIT. Don't jump on the ship of applying for NOC just yet. Now that students understand how to apply for NOC online in Nepal, it is time to learn how to avoid making mistakes in the online application.

It is only natural that we make mistakes, because we are human after all. But as important as NOC is, students should avoid making mistakes by taking into account the following:

• Verify documents to avoid delays.

• Processing times can take longer than usual, so plan accordingly.

• Provide clear and sufficient financial evidence that you can support yourself while studying and living abroad.

• Make sure that you do not have any criminal records.

• Watch out for technical errors when applying online, including issues with the website or payment. Clear your cache and use an updated browser to avoid errors.

• Apply early to allow time for processing and avoid last-minute changes.

• Follow up on your application status regularly. Report complications or additional needs immediately.

Here are some of the simple steps you should follow if your NOC gets rejected:

• First, check the reason for rejection, such as incomplete information or failing to meet the requirements.

• If there is an error in your documents, such as incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated information, make the necessary corrections.

• Fulfill all the requirements set by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MOEST).

• If you’re confident that your documents are accurate and complete, get ready for the reapplication process.

• If you believe your application was rejected due to a misunderstanding or the fault of a government officer, then contact or visit the MOEST department immediately.

• Regularly check the status of your reapplication through the MOEST website or by contacting the office directly.

• Be patient and stay persistent, and avoid unnecessary stress, as processing can take longer than usual.

Now, let's answer some of the miscellaneous questions.

The NOC office is located at Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Office Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Normally, it takes 2-5 business days to get an NOC, depending on the office workload and the number of applications.

The NOC costs NRs. 2000, which has to be paid to the Ministry of Education (MOE) at Rastriya Banijya Bank for each application.