Guide to Applying for the No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Nepal

Are you a Nepalese student planning to study abroad and wondering about the various requirements you must fulfill before your departure? Among these, an important document is the No Objection Certificate (NOC). Here, we provide a complete guide to applying for the NOC in Nepal.

What is the NOC?

NOC stands for No Objection Certificate.

The No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a crucial document for students aspiring to attend their favorite universities abroad. Issued by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Nepal, it serves as an official document that enables straightforward fee transactions between students’ bank accounts and their respective universities abroad.

Why Do You Need a NOC?

The importance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) when planning for higher education abroad is significant, considering the following key reasons:

Legal Requirement: An NOC is not merely a formality; it is a legal necessity in Nepal. This document is required by foreign universities as part of their comprehensive admission procedures. Without it, your application may not even be considered, regardless of your academic prowess or qualifications.
Visa Application Facilitator: The NOC acts as an instrumental document during your student visa application process. It not only provides solid proof that you have the necessary permissions from your home country to study abroad, but it also simplifies the visa issuance process, bolstering your chances of success.

Financial Transparency Enhancer: The NOC provides a clear lens into your financial standing for foreign universities. It elucidates the ways in which you will be managing the expenses for your overseas education. Universities appreciate this transparency as it helps them gauge your level of financial responsibility and readiness.
Regulatory Compliance and Support: An NOC opens the door to various support services that are crucial to students studying abroad. These services, offered by Nepal’s government or educational authorities, can include scholarships, study grants, or even counseling and preparatory resources.
Mitigates Risks: The NOC helps mitigate the risk associated with admitting foreign students. For institutions abroad, it provides an assurance that the student has no pending obligations in their home country that might hinder their academic progression overseas. Thus, a NOC makes you a safer bet for the institution you’re applying to.

Remember, the NOC isn’t merely a document; it is an invaluable tool that helps smoothen your pathway toward acquiring quality education abroad. Make sure it is part of your study abroad checklist.

Who Can Apply for an NOC?

Eligibility for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Nepal:

The No Objection Certificate (NOC) serves as an important document for students and professionals in Nepal who intend to pursue further education or training in foreign countries. Administered by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) in Nepal, here’s an overview of who can apply for the NOC:

Students with Valid Offers: Any student who has received a valid offer of admission from a foreign university can apply for an NOC. The student must have an official letter from the institution they plan to study at abroad.
Guardians of Students: A guardian can apply for the NOC on behalf of a student. The guardians may include parents, grandparents, elder siblings, or spouse. When a guardian applies, they must include proof of their relationship to the student and their citizenship documentation.
Working Professionals: Professionals who have received an opportunity to study or undergo professional training abroad are also eligible to apply for the NOC.

Research Scholars: Individuals who have received an invitation from a foreign institution to engage in academic or research work can also apply for the NOC.

It’s essential to ensure all required documents, such as academic records.

Documents required for NOC Application

Required Documents for Applying for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Nepal

Applying for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Nepal requires several key documents. These documents act as verification of your personal details, academic qualifications, and intent to study abroad. Here is a comprehensive list of the required documents:

Passport: Provide both the original and a notarized photocopy of your passport. This serves as a verification of your identity and citizenship.
Citizenship Certificate: Submit the original and a notarized photocopy of your Nepalese citizenship certificate. This document provides further proof of your Nepalese nationality.

Academic Transcripts: Include the original and notarized photocopies of academic transcripts from your most recently completed degree. These records give evidence of your academic qualifications and eligibility for further study.
Offer Letter or I-20: A valid offer letter or I-20 form from the university or college you plan to attend abroad is necessary. This document validates that you have been accepted into a program of study at a recognized institution abroad.
Eligibility and Registration Certificate: If you plan to study medicine or nursing, you will need to submit the original and notarized photocopy of your eligibility and registration certificate from the appropriate medical or nursing council.

Marriage Registration Certificate: If your last name has changed due to marriage, you must include your marriage registration certificate. This certificate confirms the name change legally and formally.

Remember to notarize all photocopies of original documents, as the notarization authenticates the copies for official use.

Time and Cost for Acquiring a NOC in Nepal

When planning to study abroad from Nepal, it’s important to factor in the time and cost associated with obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Time Required: After the submission of all the necessary documents, it usually takes around 2-3 business days for the NOC to be issued. This timeframe may be subject to change depending on the volume of applications received or other factors. It’s advisable to apply well ahead of your planned departure to accommodate any potential delays.c
Cost: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Nepal charges a fee of Rs. 2000.00 for each NOC. Payment can be made via various methods, including a deposit at Rastriya Banijya Bank, through the Esewa platform, or by making an in-person cash deposit at the bank. Be sure to keep the receipt of the transaction, as it may be required during the application process.

Applying for a NOC Online and Offline

Students can apply for an NOC either online or offline.

Online Application

For online application, visit the official website of the Ministry of Education and locate the “Apply for NOC” section. Fill out the application form accurately and submit the required documents relevant to your chosen sector. After submitting, take note of your unique application ID number for future correspondence regarding your NOC application.

Online Application Process for NOC

To apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) online, follow these steps:

Sign up on the official website: Go to http://noc.moest.gov.np and create an account. Sign up using your email address or phone number to initiate the NOC application process.
Fill out the online application form: Follow the instructions provided and accurately fill out the online application form. Make sure to provide all the necessary details and upload the required documents. Ensure that the uploaded documents are clear and legible.
Document verification: After submitting your application, you will receive a notice regarding the verification of your documents. Typically, the verification process takes around 2-3 business days.

Application approval and payment: If your application is approved, you will be required to make a payment of Rs. 2000.00 for each NOC. This payment should be made to the Ministry of Education (MOE) at Rastriya Banijya Bank. Note that there may be instances where additional documents or information are requested for further verification.
Making a subject request: In some cases, you may not find the specific subjects or schools you intend to study in the online portal while applying for NOC. If this occurs, you will need to make a subject request.
Subject request approval: Provide all the requested information while making a subject request. The approval process for the subject may take 1 to 2 business days. If any information is missing, you may be asked to provide additional details.

Proceed with your application: Once your subject request is approved, you can continue with your NOC application. Upon logging in to the portal, you will find the approval notice in the notification tab.
Visit MOE for hard copy submission: Even though you applied online, it is mandatory to visit the Ministry of Education (MOE), specifically the Scholarship Wing at Keshar Mahal, to submit the hard copies of your application documents.

By following these steps, you can successfully complete the online application process for NOC. Remember to provide accurate information, adhere to the instructions, and submit all required documents to ensure a smooth application process.

Offline Application: Step-by-Step Guide

To submit an offline application, you can visit the Ministry of Education office in Nepal, obtain the NOC application form, fill it out, and submit it with all necessary documents.

The Simple Steps to Get Your No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Nepal

If you’re planning to study overseas from Nepal, you will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Here’s a straightforward guide to help you apply for the NOC offline:

Step 1: Get the Application Form Your first step is to get the NOC application form. You can get this form by visiting the Ministry of Education (MoE) office in Nepal. If you want, you can also check out their official website to download the form. Remember, it’s also a good time to ask about any additional documents you may need for the NOC process.

Step 2: Fill in the Form Next, take your time to fill out the form. Make sure you provide all the necessary information they ask for. This might include details about you, your educational history, the course you want to study, and the university you plan to join.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents After you’ve filled out the form, start gathering all the required documents. The MoE will provide you with a list of what they need. Make sure you have all of these documents ready.

Step 4: Visit the MoE Office Once you have all your documents and your completed form, head over to the Ministry of Education office. Ask them where you need to go to submit your NOC application.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Finally, hand over your completed application form along with all the required documents. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before you submit your application. It’s also a good idea to keep copies of everything for your records.

In the MoE Centre, different tasks are handled at different windows:

Get your Application Form at window number 2(a)
Verify your form and documents at window number 2(b)
Deposit your fee at window number 1

Register your application at window number 3
Pick up your NOC at window number 6

Important Note:

If you submit your NOC form before 12 PM on the day of registration, you can get your No Objection Certificate on the same day. If you hand in your form after 12 PM, you’ll have to wait until the next working day. You’ll be called up by your token number at window number 6 to get your NOC.

Course-Level & Required Documents to Obtain NOC

Course Level	Required Documents
Certificate III-V /Diploma/ Advanced Diploma /Level 3-5 (Min 2 Year Diploma)	Academic Transcript (+2 or Equivalence) Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter/Acceptance Letter /I-20 letter Citizenship Certificate Copy of Previous NOC (If It has been issued before) English Language Test Certificate Equivalent Letter (If studied high school overseas) Invoice Letter
Bachelor Degree Student (Min 3 years)	CAAN Pre-Approval (for Piloting Training courses) English Language Test Certificate NHPC Pre-Approval Letter (If Diploma degree Achieved, Like HA to Public Health) NHPC Registration License (If Diploma degree Achieved)
Bachelor/Undergraduate (MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BVMS) Degree Students	Bridge Course certificate (for students from Non-Science Field, Like HA) Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter /Acceptance Letter /I-20 Letter Citizenship Certificate Invoice Letter Transcript Certificate (+2, PCL, Diploma/NHPC)
Graduate Certificate /Graduate Diploma/Post Graduate Diploma (1 Year)	Academic Transcript (Bachelor) Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter/Acceptance Letter /I-20 Letter Citizenship Certificate English Language Test Certificate Invoice Letter
Masters Degree Students	Academic Transcript certificate (Bachelor or Equivalent) Certificate of Admission/Offer Letter /Acceptance Letter /I-20 Letter Citizenship Certificate Council License (If Engineering, Medical, Nursing or Professional Degree is achieved) Invoice Letter Undergraduate Degree Certificate (If studied overseas)
Nursing Student	CAAN Pre-Approval (for Piloting Training courses) English Language Test Certificate NHPC Pre-Approval Letter (If Diploma degree Achieved, Like HA to Public Health) NHPC Registration License (If Diploma Degree Achieved)

Validity of the NOC

Duration to Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Nepal

The process of obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Nepal is relatively streamlined, but the exact duration can depend on a variety of factors, such as the accuracy of the provided information, the completeness of the submitted documents, and the workload of the processing office.

Here’s a general guideline:

Verification Process: After the submission of all necessary documents, it typically takes 2-3 business days for the verification process. This timeframe, however, is dependent on a variety of factors, including the volume of applications being processed and the availability of staff.
Post-Verification: Once the application has been verified and cleared, the Ministry of Education (MOE) needs to be paid a fee of Rs. 2000.00 for each NOC. This fee can be paid at Rastriya Banijya Bank.

Receipt of NOC: After the payment of the fee, you should receive your NOC. If any further information or documentation is required for verification, this could potentially extend the process.

It is important to plan ahead and allow extra time for potential delays when applying for your NOC. Also, keep in mind that the exact timeline may vary and it’s always a good idea to check with the official sources for the most accurate information.

How to Speed Up the NOC Process?

Efficiency in obtaining the NOC relies heavily on the following factors:

Clear Documentation: Prepare your documentation carefully. Each required document should be clearly legible and accurate.
Early Application: Start the application process as soon as you receive your admission letter from the university abroad.
Online Application: Applying online can be faster than offline methods, eliminating the need for physical visits and paperwork.

Payment Promptness: Ensure you pay the necessary fee promptly to avoid delays in the issuance of your NOC.

Common Reasons for Rejections of NOC Applications

Incomplete or inaccurate application: If the NOC application is incomplete or contains inaccurate information, it may be rejected. Ensure that all required fields are filled out correctly and provide all necessary supporting documents as per the guidelines.

A mismatch between course and academic background: If the chosen course does not match the applicant’s academic background or qualifications, the NOC application may be rejected. Select a course that is relevant to previous education and career goals.

Lack of financial proof: If the applicant or their sponsor fails to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover education and living expenses abroad, the NOC application may be rejected. Provide bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship award letters as proof of financial capability.

Invalid or expired documents: If the documents submitted with the NOC application are invalid or expired (e.g., passport, academic certificates, offer letter), the application may be rejected. Ensure that all documents are valid and up-to-date before applying for an NOC.

Course not recognized by Nepal Government: If the desired course of study abroad is not recognized by the Nepal Government or the Ministry of Education, the NOC application may be rejected. Check the list of recognized courses and institutions on the Ministry of Education website before applying for an NOC.

Course duration exceeding four years: If the duration of the chosen course exceeds four years, the NOC application may be rejected. Select a course with a duration of four years or less, unless special permission is obtained from the Ministry of Education.

The country under travel ban: If the desired country of study is under a travel ban imposed by the Nepal Government due to security, health, or diplomatic reasons, the NOC application may be rejected. Check the list of countries under a travel ban on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before applying for an NOC.

Lost your No Objection Certificate (NOC)

If you have lost your No Objection Certificate (NOC), here are the steps you should follow:

Report the Loss: First, you should file a report about the lost NOC at your local police station. This is a necessary step in case your NOC was stolen and is misused.
Request a Duplicate NOC: Then, you should reach out to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. Inform them about the loss and provide them with the police report. They may ask for additional details about when and where the NOC was lost.
Submit a Written Application: You’ll likely need to submit a formal written application requesting a duplicate NOC. The application should detail the circumstances of the loss and the steps you took once you realized the NOC was missing.

Provide Necessary Documents: The Ministry may require you to submit certain documents to verify your identity and substantiate your request for a duplicate NOC. This could include a copy of your passport, academic transcripts, a letter from the foreign university, etc.
Pay the Fee: There might be a fee for the issuance of a duplicate NOC. Check with the Ministry office or their official website for the accurate fee and payment process.
Receive Duplicate NOC: After your request is processed and approved, you will receive a duplicate NOC. The time taken can vary, so it’s advisable to start this process as soon as you realize your NOC is missing.

Remember to always keep your documents in a secure place to prevent any such issues. In the future, consider having copies of important documents in a secure location as a backup.

Dealing with NOC Application Rejection

If your NOC application is rejected, don’t panic. Identify the reason for the rejection, rectify it, and apply again. Remember, persistence is key.

Understand the reason: Review the rejection notice or contact the relevant authorities to understand the specific reason for the rejection. Identify the issue or requirement that needs to be addressed.

Rectify the problem: Take proactive steps to rectify the issue that led to the rejection. Gather any additional documents, provide further evidence, or address any deficiencies in your application.
Seek guidance: Consult with an experienced advisor or consultant specializing in study abroad applications. Seek their guidance on how to rectify the issue effectively and improve your chances of success in the reapplication.
Update your application: Make the necessary updates or corrections to your NOC application based on the identified issue. Ensure that all required documents and information are accurate, complete, and meet the specified guidelines.

Reapply promptly: Once you have rectified the problem and updated your application, submit it again as soon as possible. Pay attention to any deadlines or timelines provided by the authorities and ensure all necessary steps are completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a No Objection Certificate (NOC)?
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a legal document issued by the Ministry of Education, Nepal. It indicates that the government has no objections to the student pursuing education abroad.

2. Where can I apply for an NOC?
You can apply for an NOC through the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology’s official website: https://moest.gov.np/.

3. What documents are needed to apply for an NOC?
Typically, you would need a completed application form, copies of academic certificates and transcripts, an admission letter from the university abroad, proof of financial sustainability, a copy of your citizenship certificate, and passport-sized photos. However, always refer to the official Ministry website for the most updated requirements.

4. How long does it take to get an NOC?
The processing time for an NOC can vary, so it’s advisable to apply as soon as possible after receiving your admission letter from the foreign university. Keep track of your application status on the Ministry of Education’s official website.

5. Is the NOC required for a student visa?
Yes, most countries require an NOC from your home country as part of the student visa application process.

6. What should I do if my NOC application is rejected?
If your NOC application is rejected, the first step is to understand the reason for rejection. This is often due to incomplete or incorrect documentation. Review your application, correct any errors, and resubmit it. If you have further queries, contact the Ministry of Education for guidance.

7. How much does it cost to get an NOC?
NPR 2000 per NOC. For the most accurate and current fee, refer to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology’s official website.

8. Can I apply for an NOC without an admission letter from the foreign university?
No, the admission letter from the foreign university is a crucial document when applying for an NOC. It serves as proof that you have been accepted to a foreign university.

Where Can I Get an NOC in Nepal?

To obtain an NOC in Nepal, apply at the Ministry of Education (MoE), located in Keshar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Why Do I Need an NOC?

An NOC is required for various purposes, such as studying abroad, seeking employment opportunities, applying for research and scholarships, migration, or gaining permanent residency.