Nepali Students on Educational Visas: Why Has Japan Become the Top Destination?
Image Source, Courtesy: Tirtha Bhandari
Officials have told us that Japan has been the leading educational destination for Nepali students on visas for the past six and a half years.
Statistics from the Immigration Department until the first week of August this year show that over 133,000 students from Nepal are expected to go abroad for studies by 2025, with more than 40,800 heading to Japan.
Since 2020, the top five countries with the highest number of Nepali students going abroad are Japan, Australia, the UK, the USA, and India, said Immigration Department spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal.
An educator explained that most students going abroad aim to improve their earnings and living standards and are deciding their overseas study options even before completing Grade 12.
Experts pointed out that Nepali students enrolling in Japan primarily for language education often prioritize employment over further higher education.
What the Statistics Show
From 2020 to the first week of August 2026, approximately 563,000 Nepalis have gone to 137 countries for education, according to the Immigration Department.
Spokesperson Dhakal stated that over 163,000 Nepali students have gone to Japan on student visas.
He added that by the first week of August 2026 alone, 31,000 students had departed for Japan.
Currently, more than 68,000 students have gone abroad to this destination, a number which is more than 48% lower than the previous year.
Professor Peshal Khanal from Tribhuvan University’s Faculty of Education stated that students nowadays start seeking overseas study options while completing their 10+2 level.
He explained, “Students believe that by obtaining a visa, they can earn income and live there. It was previously a trend to go abroad only after higher education, but now large groups leave right after Grade 12, which has impacted our higher education system.”
He further mentioned students make such decisions seeking both income and permanent residence opportunities abroad.
Education Ministry spokesperson Shriprasad Bhattarai highlighted that the growing trend of ‘global mobility’ among students is a sensitive issue for countries like Nepal facing economic challenges.
He noted ongoing reforms, saying, “From the very beginning of curriculum development, employer needs are being incorporated and relevant stakeholders included in the process. Legal arrangements have been made to allow foreign university programs to be completed here in Nepal through affiliations and collaborations.”
He added, “If job opportunities are not created, it will be difficult to retain students in Nepal. For this, targeted educational programs will be designed based on research.”
Why Is Japan So Attractive?
Image Source, Getty Images
Experts say that the new generation of students views overseas education with future prospects in mind; however, those going to destinations like Japan often participate in limited educational programs.
Professor Peshal Khanal notes, “Many are pursuing undergraduate levels, but most lack a definite long-term goal. They use education as a pathway to learn the Japanese language, familiarize themselves with local work and culture, and earn income.”
He added, “Students often choose these destinations for visas and employment opportunities. Only 5-10% of students genuinely pursue university-level education to acquire advanced knowledge and work in higher positions.”
According to educational consultancies sending students to Japan, those taking language courses there spend between NPR 1.5 to 1.8 million annually on tuition and related fees.
Students undertaking two-year programs may spend up to NPR 3 million, explained Tirtha Bhandari, former secretary of the umbrella association of Japanese educational consultancies, EKYAN.
He said, “For affluent families in Kathmandu and other urban areas, destinations like Canada, Norway, Australia, the USA, the UK, and Denmark are popular. Lower-middle-class families often prefer Japan due to its affordability and the opportunity for part-time work on a student visa.”
He also noted that while students do not need to take an English language test for Japan, proficiency in Japanese language is required.
Previously, Japan placed less emphasis on GPA for language class admissions, but now many colleges require a minimum GPA of 2.8.
He added, “Students can legally work up to 28 hours per week, which helps them earn some income. Those who complete undergraduate studies have easier access to work visas, which increases Japan’s appeal.”
Which Are the Top 10 Destinations?
Image Source, Department of Immigration
Government statistics indicate that over the past six and a half years, Nepali students have primarily traveled to Australia, the UK and Northern Ireland, and India for their studies.
Other top ten destinations during this period include Canada, Bangladesh, South Korea, the UAE, and China.
The COVID-19 pandemic and recent visa policy tightening have caused fluctuations in student departure rates.
The number of students going abroad had been steadily increasing since 2021 but decreased slightly this year.
According to Nepal Rastra Bank statistics, NPR 13.223 billion has been remitted abroad for higher education this year; in fiscal year 2081/82, NPR 13.848 billion was sent for the education sector.