Your trusted Canadian immigration partner

Canada study permit from Nepal: funds, sponsor documents and study plan

Since 1 September 2026 a single student needs CAD 23,448 for living costs plus first-year tuition, about NPR 2.54 million before tuition. IRCC’s instructions for Nepal also ask your financial supporter to prove where the money came from, and you must attach a one-page study plan.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:


Match programs to my grades

At a glance

IRCC processing time from Nepal5 weeks (Study permit (applying from outside Canada))IRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Living funds (single student, outside Quebec)CAD 23,448 per year plus tuition and travel (about NPR 2.54 million)Source: IRCC: Study permit, proof of financial support
Sponsor documents IRCC asks for (Nepal)Bank records, written source-of-funds explanation, proof of income, declaration of support, proof of relationshipSource: IRCC: Visa office instructions for Nepal, study permit (IMM 5819)
Study planWritten by you, no more than 1 pageSource: IRCC: Visa office instructions for Nepal, study permit (IMM 5819)
Nepal government letter for studying abroadNo Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, applied for onlineSource: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology: No Objection Certificate portal
Government feesCAD 150 study permit + CAD 85 biometrics (about NPR 25,500)Source: IRCC: Fee list

How much money do I need to show for a Canada study permit from Nepal?

For applications from 1 September 2026, IRCC requires CAD 23,448 for a single student’s yearly living costs outside Quebec, plus first-year tuition and travel. Each family member coming with you adds CAD 6,318. At CAD 1 = NPR 108.30, the living amount alone is about NPR 2.54 million.

IRCC’s instructions for Nepal add a warning: showing only enough to cover the cost of study may lead to refusal. Officers expect you or your family to be able to afford the studies easily.

What sponsor documents does IRCC ask for from Nepal?

All of these: bank books or statements in your supporter’s name, a written explanation of where the funds came from, documents proving that source (job letters, business registration, tax documents), a signed declaration that they will support you, and proof of your relationship, such as a birth certificate.

Large deposits with no evidence of where they came from are not treated as reliable. If money came from selling land, a loan or a gift, attach the deed, loan papers or gift evidence.

Property, shares and business papers can be added, but IRCC says they should not replace the documents above.

What should a study plan from Nepal include?

IRCC asks for a plan written by you, no more than one page, that explains why you want to study at this school and program in Canada, your overall education goal, and how the Canadian credential will improve your job chances. Generic plans copied from a consultancy template are easy for officers to spot.

Do I need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal?

Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology issues a No Objection Certificate for students going abroad, through its online portal. IRCC does not list it as a study permit document, but Nepali banks commonly ask for it before sending tuition or living money abroad. Apply once you have your letter of acceptance.

What education documents do I need from Nepal?

IRCC asks for copies of your most recent diplomas or certificates and your mark sheets, including school and university. If you are still studying, add your latest transcript and a letter confirming your completion date. Your +2 transcript comes from the National Examinations Board (NEB) system, and university transcripts from your university.

Do I need a PAL, and do I need a police certificate?

Most students need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from their school. Master’s and doctoral students at a public institution are among those exempt. IRCC’s instructions for Nepal ask for a police certificate only if you or a family member coming with you has a criminal conviction.

Why applications from Nepal get refused

These are the grounds IRCC officers most often write in refusal letters for this kind of application. They are typical grounds, not statistics. Fix them before you apply, not after.

  • The study plan does not explain why this program makes sense after your previous studies or work.
  • The funds only just cover the cost of study, or their source is not proven.
  • The officer is not satisfied you will leave Canada when your studies end.
  • Ties to Nepal, such as family, property or a job to return to, are not shown.
Study plan not reasonableInsufficient fundsNot satisfied you will leave CanadaFamily ties in Canada and at home
Already refused? Read what your refusal letter means

Study permit from Nepal: FAQ

No. Nepal was not part of the Student Direct Stream, and IRCC ended the stream for all countries on 8 November 2024. All students apply through the regular process.
Your spouse can apply to come with you. An open work permit for the spouse is limited to students in certain programs, for example master’s programs of 16 months or longer and doctoral programs.
IRCC does not set one test for all study permits; your school sets the admission requirement. A language test is required later for a post-graduation work permit.
See the IRCC processing time in the table above. Apply as soon as your letter of acceptance and PAL are ready.

Official sources

Get your study permit file checked before you apply

Tell us where you are in the process. A member of our team will tell you what is missing or weak in your Nepal application, before IRCC does.

We only use your details to reply to you. No spam.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.