The new consultancy rules, 2083
Nepal has replaced its old directive with a new regulation for education consultancies and language classes. Here is what it means if you are a student or a parent.
Last verified · how we check
Read this first. This summary comes from news reports and a law firm's guide, not from the official text. The regulation is on the ministry's page, but its PDF would not download for us. Consultancy groups are protesting and seeking amendments, so the rules may change (thepienews.com, checked 2026-11-07).
What is reported
- The Cabinet endorsed the regulation on 8 July 2026 (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- The ministry's notice of 19 Saun 2083 repealed the 2073 directive (moest.gov.np, checked 2026-11-07).
- A licence lasts one year. Firms pay a Rs 2.5 million deposit and a Rs 50,000 fee (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- Cash is barred, receipts are required and fees must be published (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- The ministry can blacklist high-risk foreign universities, and can take away a firm's licence and deposit (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- Investment must be domestic. Firms need a website, an email address and a phone number. They can be liable for compensation, and hidden benefits are barred (nitipartners.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- A licence can be revoked for unauthorised gifts (thehimalayantimes.com, checked 2026-11-07).
When firms must apply
Firms licensed by a province or local government were told to apply by 25 Asoj 2083, and others within 35 days (himalpress.com, checked 2026-11-07). That date has passed. We have not found a published list of who applied or who was approved, and we will add one here if the ministry publishes it.
Renewals go through the portal cims.moest.gov.np, handled by the Educational Consultancy and Certification Section (collegenp.com, checked 2026-11-07).
Where reports disagree
| Question | One report | Another report |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays the Rs 2.5 million deposit? | Central offices (thehimalayantimes.com, checked 2026-11-07) | Each branch (nitipartners.com, checked 2026-11-07) |
| Are foreign study fairs allowed? | Banned (edusanjal.com, checked 2026-11-07) | Daily fees are charged for events (thehimalayantimes.com, checked 2026-11-07) |
We will settle these when we can read the official text.
What this means for you
- Ask about this year, not just last year. A place on the 2082/83 list does not show a licence under the new rules.
- Expect fewer cash desks. If a firm asks for cash, that is the moment to stop and ask why.
- Ask for the fee list. If fees must be public, there is no reason to hide them from you.
- Keep your paperwork. Reports mention compensation liability, and receipts are how you would show what you paid.