Introduction

The Government of Nepal has introduced the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) to establish a more accountable, transparent, and quality-oriented regulatory framework for educational consultancy institutions operating in Nepal. The regulation introduces comprehensive standards relating to registration, licensing, financial security, infrastructure, consultant qualifications, operational responsibilities, digital financial transactions, student protection, monitoring, grading, and administrative penalties.

Educational consultancy institutions play a significant role in assisting Nepali students who intend to pursue higher education, language training, or other academic programmes abroad. Due to the growing number of students seeking foreign education, the Government considered it necessary to strengthen regulatory oversight to reduce fraudulent practices, improve service quality, and enhance the protection of students and their families.

The new regulation substantially changes the legal and operational requirements applicable to educational consultancy institutions. Every existing consultancy and every person intending to establish a new consultancy must comply with the updated legal standards. Failure to comply may result in suspension of services, cancellation of the operating licence, forfeiture of the security deposit, monetary penalties, or other administrative action prescribed by law.

This article explains the newly introduced requirements under the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026). It discusses registration requirements, financial obligations, consultant qualifications, office infrastructure, operational responsibilities, monitoring mechanisms, and the legal consequences of non-compliance. Niti Partners Is leading law firm in Nepal.

Legal Framework Governing Educational Consultancy Services in Nepal

Educational consultancy institutions in Nepal operate under the legal framework established by the Government of Nepal through the Ministry responsible for education. The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) provides detailed standards governing the establishment, operation, renewal, monitoring, and regulation of consultancy institutions.

The regulation supplements the existing legal framework governing education and administrative regulation. It authorises the competent government authority to grant operating licences, monitor consultancy services, conduct inspections, evaluate institutional performance, and impose administrative sanctions where institutions fail to comply with prescribed standards.

The regulation also establishes obligations intended to safeguard students who seek educational opportunities abroad. Institutions must provide accurate information, maintain proper records, disclose service fees, process financial transactions through authorised banking channels, and continue providing support to students throughout their study period abroad.

By introducing detailed operational standards, the Government seeks to promote responsible educational consultancy practices while reducing deceptive advertising, financial irregularities, and misleading counselling.

Objectives of the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026)

The new regulation establishes a comprehensive regulatory system intended to improve the overall quality of educational consultancy services throughout Nepal. Rather than merely regulating business registration, the regulation focuses on service quality, consumer protection, institutional accountability, and financial transparency.

The principal objectives include ensuring that consultancy institutions employ qualified counsellors, maintain suitable office infrastructure, provide accurate educational information, and conduct financial transactions transparently. The regulation also aims to reduce fraudulent recruitment practices, protect students from financial exploitation, and establish mechanisms for compensation where students suffer losses due to negligent or misleading advice.

Another objective is to strengthen government supervision through institutional grading, regular inspections, licence renewal requirements, and administrative enforcement measures. These mechanisms enable regulatory authorities to evaluate the performance of consultancy institutions based on objective criteria.

The regulation further encourages greater public confidence in educational consultancy services by requiring institutions to disclose service charges publicly, maintain student records, and provide continuous online counselling to students studying abroad.

Who Can Establish an Educational Consultancy in Nepal?

Any person or institution intending to establish an educational consultancy must satisfy the legal conditions prescribed by the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026). Compliance with these requirements is mandatory before an operating licence may be issued.

The consultancy must operate through a legally recognised business entity established under the laws of Nepal. The institution must maintain either ownership of its office premises or a valid lease agreement for the prescribed minimum duration. It must also satisfy the financial, administrative, and physical infrastructure standards introduced by the regulation.

The regulation further requires consultancy institutions to operate with domestic investment only. Existing consultancy institutions having foreign investment are required to restructure their ownership within one year in accordance with the regulation.

Only after satisfying the prescribed conditions relating to infrastructure, financial security, consultant qualifications, documentation, and operational standards may the competent authority issue permission to commence consultancy services.

Domestic Investment Requirement

One of the notable changes introduced by the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) is the requirement that educational consultancy institutions must operate exclusively through domestic investment.

The regulation does not permit foreign investment in educational consultancy institutions established under the new regulatory framework. Where an existing consultancy has foreign ownership or investment, the institution must transfer ownership into compliance with the regulation within one year from the commencement of the regulation.

This provision reflects the Government’s policy of ensuring that educational consultancy services remain under domestic ownership and regulatory control. Consultancy operators should therefore carefully review their shareholding structure, investment arrangements, shareholder agreements, and corporate documents to ensure compliance within the prescribed timeframe.

Failure to comply with ownership requirements may expose the institution to administrative action under the applicable regulatory framework.

Registration and Licensing Requirements

Every educational consultancy institution must obtain an official operating licence before commencing consultancy services. Operating without a valid licence constitutes a violation of the regulatory framework.

The licensing authority examines whether the applicant satisfies all legal requirements before issuing permission. These include financial security, office infrastructure, qualified personnel, documentation, communication facilities, and operational readiness.

Applicants must submit all documents required by the competent authority together with payment of the prescribed application fee and security deposit. Only after successful verification of compliance may the authority grant permission to operate.

Consultancy institutions must continue complying with these standards throughout the validity of the licence. Obtaining an initial licence does not exempt institutions from future inspections or renewal requirements.

Financial Requirements for Educational Consultancy Registration

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) significantly increases the financial obligations applicable to consultancy institutions.

Every educational consultancy intending to establish a new office must deposit a security amount of NPR 2.5 million (Rs. 25,00,000) for each branch. In addition, the institution must pay a licence fee of NPR 50,000 for each branch seeking approval.

The security deposit serves as financial protection for students who may suffer losses resulting from unlawful conduct, negligent counselling, or violations committed by the consultancy. The deposit also strengthens institutional accountability by ensuring that consultancy operators maintain adequate financial responsibility throughout their operation.

Where a consultancy intends to establish multiple branches, the security deposit and licence fee apply separately to each approved branch office.

Applicants should therefore prepare adequate financial resources before applying for registration under the new regulatory framework.

Security Deposit for Additional Educational Services

Apart from educational consultancy services, the regulation prescribes separate financial requirements for institutions providing language testing, language instruction, and examination preparation services.

The required security deposits include:

• Language testing services: NPR 500,000
• Language teaching programmes: NPR 100,000
• Test preparation classes: NPR 100,000

Similarly, separate licence fees are prescribed for each service category:

• Language testing permission fee: NPR 15,000
• Language teaching permission fee: NPR 10,000
• Test preparation permission fee: NPR 10,000

The annual renewal fee for these services is NPR 5,000.

Institutions intending to provide multiple categories of educational services must comply separately with the financial and licensing requirements applicable to each service.

Licence Validity, Renewal, and Administrative Penalties

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) provides that every operating licence remains valid for one year. Consultancy institutions must renew the licence before its expiry to continue operating lawfully.

The regulation requires licence holders to apply for renewal at least two months before the expiry date. Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted operation and demonstrates continued compliance with the prescribed legal standards.

Where an institution fails to renew within the prescribed period but submits its application within three months after licence expiry, renewal may still be permitted upon payment of an additional penalty of NPR 10,000, subject to fulfilment of other renewal requirements.

If the institution fails to renew the licence even within this extended period, the operating licence is automatically cancelled under the regulation. Following cancellation, the institution cannot lawfully continue educational consultancy services unless a new licence is obtained in accordance with applicable law.

Financial Planning Before Registration

Prospective consultancy operators should conduct comprehensive financial planning before applying for registration. The substantial increase in security deposit requirements means that applicants must allocate sufficient capital not only for licensing but also for office infrastructure, staffing, information technology systems, operational expenses, and regulatory compliance.

Applicants should prepare a realistic financial plan covering security deposits, annual licence renewal, office lease obligations, employee remuneration, communication facilities, website development, insurance where applicable, digital payment systems, and other administrative expenses.

Proper financial planning also assists consultancy institutions in maintaining continuous compliance after registration and reduces the likelihood of administrative action arising from financial deficiencies.

Office Infrastructure Requirements Under the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026)

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) prescribes detailed physical infrastructure standards that every educational consultancy institution must satisfy before obtaining an operating licence. These requirements aim to ensure that students receive services in a safe, accessible, and professionally managed environment. Compliance with the prescribed infrastructure standards is mandatory not only at the time of registration but also throughout the period of operation. The competent authority may inspect the premises at any time to verify compliance. Where the institution fails to maintain the required standards, the licensing authority may initiate administrative action under the regulation. Every consultancy should therefore ensure that its office, facilities, communication systems, and safety measures remain consistent with the standards prescribed by law.

Office Ownership or Lease Requirement

Every educational consultancy institution must operate from a legally established office. According to the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026), the institution must either own the office premises or occupy the premises under a legally valid lease agreement having a minimum duration of three years. A short-term rental arrangement is not sufficient for obtaining permission to operate.

The purpose of this requirement is to promote institutional stability and provide assurance that students can continuously access consultancy services from the registered office. During the licensing process, the competent authority may verify ownership documents or examine the lease agreement to confirm compliance. Consultancy institutions should ensure that their tenancy documents remain valid throughout the prescribed period and should immediately update the authority whenever there is any change in office location.

Official Communication Facilities

Every educational consultancy institution must establish proper communication facilities before commencing operations. The regulation requires every institution to maintain its own official email address, an active website, and a functioning telephone line. These communication channels must remain operational throughout the validity of the licence.

The official website serves as a primary platform for providing information regarding educational services, service charges, admission procedures, institutional policies, and student guidance. Students and their parents should be able to access reliable information directly from the consultancy without unnecessary difficulty. Similarly, the official email and telephone facilities allow continuous communication between the consultancy, regulatory authorities, educational institutions abroad, and students. Maintaining these communication systems also promotes transparency and improves institutional accountability.

Office Location Standards

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) specifies certain standards regarding the physical location of educational consultancy institutions. The office should not be situated within an industrial area or immediately adjacent to heavily congested main roads. At the same time, the office must remain easily accessible to emergency response services, including fire brigades and ambulance services.

The objective of this provision is to ensure that consultancy services operate in an environment that is safe, convenient, and suitable for students and visitors. Authorities may evaluate the accessibility of the office during inspection. Institutions planning to establish new offices should therefore carefully assess the surrounding environment before entering into lease agreements or purchasing property.

Earthquake-Resistant Building Requirement

Considering Nepal’s geographical vulnerability to earthquakes, the regulation requires educational consultancy institutions to operate only from buildings constructed using earthquake-resistant standards. The building should comply with applicable construction standards prescribed under Nepalese law.

Although the regulation does not prescribe specific engineering specifications within its text, the requirement places responsibility upon consultancy operators to ensure that their office premises provide adequate structural safety for employees, students, and visitors. Selecting a structurally secure building reduces safety risks and demonstrates compliance during official inspections conducted by the competent authority.

Fire Safety Requirements

Every educational consultancy institution must install appropriate fire safety equipment within its office premises. The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) specifically requires buildings to have fire-fighting arrangements capable of responding to fire emergencies.

Fire extinguishers and other applicable fire protection equipment should remain functional and readily accessible at all times. Consultancy institutions should regularly inspect safety equipment and replace expired devices where necessary. Employees should also receive basic orientation regarding emergency evacuation procedures and the proper use of fire safety equipment. Compliance with these standards contributes to a safer working environment and may reduce risks associated with unexpected emergencies.

Separate Administrative and Management Office

The regulation requires educational consultancy institutions to maintain a separate room or designated area for administrative and management functions. This requirement helps ensure efficient institutional management while protecting confidential records relating to students, financial transactions, and operational activities.

A dedicated administrative office enables consultancy staff to maintain organised documentation, conduct confidential meetings, process applications, and perform regulatory compliance activities without disrupting student counselling sessions. During inspections, authorities may verify whether adequate administrative facilities have been established in accordance with the regulation.

Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) places significant emphasis on accessibility. Every consultancy institution must ensure that its office infrastructure is accessible to persons with disabilities. The physical layout of the office should allow individuals with different forms of disability to enter, move within, and receive services without unnecessary barriers.

Accessible infrastructure promotes equal access to educational opportunities and reflects Nepal’s commitment to inclusive public services. Consultancy institutions should consider ramps, accessible entrances, wider passageways, appropriate signage, and other reasonable accommodations while designing or selecting office premises. Compliance with accessibility requirements also improves the quality of services delivered to all students.

Toilet Facilities

Every educational consultancy institution must provide clean and hygienic toilet facilities within its office premises. The regulation requires separate toilets for women, men, and persons with disabilities. These facilities should remain clean, functional, and properly maintained throughout the institution’s operation.

The requirement reflects the Government’s emphasis on maintaining minimum standards of hygiene and accessibility. Institutions should ensure regular cleaning, adequate water supply, and proper sanitation arrangements. Maintaining hygienic toilet facilities contributes to a professional office environment and enhances the experience of students, visitors, and employees.

Drinking Water Facilities

Educational consultancy institutions must provide free access to safe drinking water for students, visitors, and employees. The availability of clean drinking water forms part of the minimum infrastructure standards prescribed by the regulation.

Institutions should ensure that drinking water remains hygienic and regularly monitored. Where water purification systems are installed, periodic maintenance should be conducted to maintain water quality. Providing free drinking water demonstrates responsible institutional management and contributes to a comfortable environment for service recipients.

Library Requirement

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) requires consultancy institutions to establish a library containing necessary educational materials. The library should provide students with access to reliable information relating to foreign universities, admission procedures, scholarship opportunities, language examinations, immigration requirements, and other relevant academic resources.

The availability of educational materials allows students to make informed decisions regarding overseas education. Institutions should regularly update their library resources to reflect current admission requirements and educational developments in destination countries. Digital resources may also complement printed materials where appropriate.

Classroom Standards

Consultancy institutions conducting language classes or examination preparation programmes must maintain classrooms equipped with appropriate furniture and sufficient space. The regulation requires classrooms to provide comfortable seating arrangements and allow students to move freely within the learning environment.

Proper classroom facilities contribute to effective teaching and learning. Institutions should ensure adequate lighting, ventilation, seating capacity, and classroom maintenance. Well-designed classrooms also improve student participation and create a professional educational atmosphere consistent with the objectives of the regulation.

High-Speed Internet Requirement

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) requires consultancy institutions to provide high-speed internet facilities that students may use conveniently. Reliable internet access has become an essential component of educational consultancy services because students frequently require online application systems, virtual interviews, university portals, document submission platforms, and digital counselling sessions.

Consultancy institutions should maintain stable internet connectivity capable of supporting these activities without interruption. The availability of high-speed internet also facilitates communication with foreign educational institutions and enables efficient online support throughout the student’s academic journey.

Maintaining Infrastructure Compliance After Registration

Compliance with infrastructure standards does not end after the institution receives its operating licence. Educational consultancy institutions remain responsible for continuously maintaining all prescribed facilities throughout their period of operation. Government authorities may conduct inspections to verify compliance with office standards, safety measures, accessibility requirements, communication facilities, and student service infrastructure.

Where deficiencies are identified, institutions should promptly undertake corrective measures to maintain compliance with the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026). Continuous compliance not only reduces the risk of administrative penalties but also strengthens public confidence in the quality and reliability of educational consultancy services provided by the institution.

Qualifications of Educational Consultants

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) establishes minimum qualification requirements for professionals providing educational counselling services. These standards aim to improve the quality of advice provided to students seeking higher education opportunities abroad. Every educational consultancy institution must ensure that its principal educational counsellor satisfies the qualifications prescribed by the regulation before providing consultancy services.

The regulation requires the Chief Educational Counsellor to be a Nepali citizen who has successfully completed at least a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution. In addition to academic qualifications, the counsellor must have completed professional training relating to educational counselling from a recognized institution or a diplomatic mission. These requirements seek to ensure that counselling services are delivered by competent and qualified professionals capable of providing reliable and accurate information to students.

Educational consultancy institutions should maintain documentary evidence of the academic qualifications, citizenship, and training certificates of their counsellors. These documents may be examined by the competent authority during inspections or licence renewal procedures.

Employment of Foreign Educational Counsellors

Although the regulation primarily requires consultancy services to be delivered by qualified Nepali professionals, it also recognizes situations where institutions may wish to employ foreign experts. In such cases, the consultancy must obtain the necessary approval under the applicable laws of Nepal before employing a foreign national.

The institution should ensure compliance with immigration, labour, and other applicable legal requirements governing foreign employment. Employment of a foreign counsellor without the necessary legal authorization may result in regulatory action against the consultancy. Institutions should therefore complete all statutory procedures before appointing any foreign professional to provide educational counselling services in Nepal.

Institutional Responsibility Towards Students

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) places substantial responsibility upon educational consultancy institutions for the services they provide to students. Institutions are expected to deliver accurate, transparent, and professional advice throughout the student’s educational journey.

Consultancies should provide complete information regarding educational institutions, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, living expenses, visa procedures, and academic regulations. Students should receive sufficient information to make informed decisions before accepting admission offers or making financial commitments.

The regulation promotes ethical counselling practices by discouraging misleading advertisements, false promises, exaggerated claims regarding employment opportunities, or inaccurate representations concerning foreign educational institutions.

Liability for Wrongful Advice and Student Compensation

One of the most significant features of the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) is the introduction of direct institutional liability where students suffer losses because of negligent or misleading counselling.

Where a consultancy provides incorrect advice that results in a student becoming stranded abroad, or where the consultancy recommends an educational institution that is subsequently found to be unauthorized or operating unlawfully, the consultancy itself becomes responsible for providing compensation.

This provision strengthens consumer protection by placing legal responsibility upon consultancy institutions for the quality of the advice they provide. Institutions should therefore conduct careful verification of foreign educational institutions before recommending them to students and should maintain proper records demonstrating due diligence during the counselling process.

Publication of Service Charges

Transparency forms a central principle of the new regulatory framework. Every educational consultancy institution must publicly disclose all service charges collected from students.

The regulation requires institutions to publish their fee structure in both the Citizen Charter maintained at the office and on the institution’s official website. Students should therefore be able to determine the exact charges applicable to consultancy services before engaging the institution.

Public disclosure reduces the possibility of hidden charges, unauthorized fees, or arbitrary pricing practices. Consultancy institutions should regularly update their published fee schedules whenever service charges change to ensure continued compliance with the regulation.

Maintenance of Student Records

Educational consultancy institutions must maintain comprehensive records relating to every student receiving consultancy services. The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) requires institutions to preserve information throughout the student’s period of study abroad.

These records should include application details, admission documents, correspondence, educational institution information, financial records, visa-related documentation where applicable, and other information necessary to monitor the student’s educational progress.

Maintaining complete records supports institutional accountability and enables consultancy institutions to respond effectively if regulatory authorities require information during inspections or investigations.

Continuous Online Support for Students

The regulation extends the responsibilities of educational consultancy institutions beyond the initial admission process. Institutions are required to continue providing online counselling and support to students throughout their period of study abroad.

This ongoing support may include guidance relating to academic issues, institutional communication, documentation, or other matters affecting the student’s educational experience. Continuous engagement helps ensure that students receive professional assistance even after departure from Nepal.

The requirement reflects the Government’s expectation that consultancy services should continue beyond admission and visa processing and should include reasonable post-departure support where necessary.

Mandatory Banking Channel for Foreign Payments

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) introduces strict financial transparency requirements for payments made to foreign educational institutions.

Students intending to pay tuition fees or other educational expenses to foreign colleges or universities must first obtain the required No Objection Letter (NOL) or applicable study approval from the competent authority. Following approval, payments must be made through authorized banking channels.

The regulation discourages informal payment methods and promotes lawful financial transactions capable of being verified through official banking records. Consultancy institutions should properly advise students regarding the applicable banking procedures and ensure compliance with foreign exchange regulations and other applicable financial laws.

Mandatory Digital Financial Transactions

The regulation requires educational consultancy institutions to conduct all financial transactions through digital systems. This provision strengthens financial accountability and promotes accurate record-keeping.

Digital transactions reduce opportunities for unrecorded payments, improve transparency during financial audits, and facilitate regulatory oversight. Consultancy institutions should implement reliable digital payment systems capable of maintaining secure transaction records.

Institutions should also maintain proper accounting records demonstrating compliance with applicable taxation requirements and other financial obligations imposed under Nepalese law.

Educational Fairs and Seminars

Educational fairs, exhibitions, and seminars provide opportunities for students to obtain information directly from educational institutions. The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) introduces specific approval and fee requirements governing these activities.

Where an educational fair or exhibition is organized within a municipality, the prescribed fee is NPR 25,000. Where the programme is organized within a rural municipality, the prescribed fee is NPR 10,000.

If the organizer is a foreign institution or foreign entity, prior approval from the Ministry is mandatory. In addition, the organizer must pay a prescribed fee of USD 1,500 before conducting the programme. Institutions should therefore obtain all required approvals before advertising or organizing educational events.

Ethical Standards for Consultancy Institutions

Educational consultancy institutions should maintain high ethical standards while interacting with students, parents, educational institutions, and regulatory authorities. The regulation discourages practices that may compromise fairness, transparency, or student welfare.

Institutions should avoid making unrealistic guarantees regarding admission, scholarships, visas, employment opportunities, or permanent residence abroad. All promotional materials should accurately reflect available educational opportunities based upon verified information.

Consultancies should also establish internal procedures for handling complaints, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring that students receive accurate and timely responses to their inquiries.

Compliance Management Within Consultancy Institutions

Compliance should form an integral part of the day-to-day management of every educational consultancy institution. Operators should regularly review regulatory requirements, maintain updated documentation, train employees, and monitor operational practices to ensure continuous compliance with the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026).

Internal compliance reviews may include verification of infrastructure standards, renewal schedules, publication of service charges, maintenance of student records, digital transaction systems, employment documentation, and communication facilities.

A structured compliance programme reduces regulatory risk, promotes efficient management, and supports the institution’s long-term credibility within Nepal’s educational consultancy sector.

Government Monitoring and Inspection of Educational Consultancy Institutions

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) authorizes the Ministry and other designated authorities to regularly monitor educational consultancy institutions operating in Nepal. Monitoring is intended to verify whether institutions continue to comply with legal, financial, administrative, and operational requirements after obtaining their licence. Government inspections may include examination of office infrastructure, student records, financial transactions, consultant qualifications, published service charges, communication facilities, and overall compliance with the Regulation.

Educational consultancy institutions should cooperate fully during inspections by producing all requested documents and allowing authorized officials to examine their facilities. Regular internal compliance reviews and proper record management help institutions remain prepared for inspections and reduce the likelihood of regulatory action resulting from non-compliance.

Institutional Grading System

For the first time, the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) introduces a formal grading mechanism for educational consultancy institutions. The Ministry will evaluate consultancy institutions based on their service quality, operational performance, compliance with legal obligations, and the educational outcomes of students receiving consultancy services.

The grading system classifies institutions into the following categories:

• Grade A
• Grade B
• Grade C

The grading process encourages institutions to improve professional standards and maintain high-quality services. Institutions demonstrating consistent compliance, transparent operations, qualified personnel, and positive student outcomes are more likely to achieve higher grades. Although the Regulation establishes the grading framework, detailed evaluation procedures may be prescribed through administrative guidelines issued by the Ministry.

Circumstances Leading to Cancellation of an Operating Licence

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) identifies several situations in which the competent authority may cancel an educational consultancy’s operating licence. Cancellation represents one of the most serious administrative actions available under the Regulation and prevents the institution from lawfully continuing consultancy services.

An operating licence may be cancelled where an institution:

• Fails to renew its licence within the period prescribed by the Regulation.
• Continues operating after automatic expiry or cancellation of its licence.
• Provides services in violation of the requirements established under the Regulation.
• Repeatedly fails to comply with lawful directions issued by the competent authority.

Licence cancellation may also be accompanied by other administrative measures where the institution has committed serious violations affecting students or the integrity of the educational consultancy sector.

Forfeiture of Security Deposit

The Regulation authorizes the Government to forfeit the security deposit maintained by an educational consultancy institution in specific circumstances. The security deposit serves not only as a licensing requirement but also as a financial safeguard to encourage legal compliance and responsible business practices.

Where the institution commits serious violations of the Regulation, the competent authority may decide to confiscate all or part of the deposited security amount in accordance with applicable legal procedures. Institutions should therefore treat the security deposit as an ongoing compliance obligation rather than merely an initial registration requirement.

Maintaining transparent operations, complying with all regulatory obligations, and protecting student interests significantly reduce the likelihood of forfeiture.

Sending Students to Prohibited Countries

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) prohibits consultancy institutions from providing services for sending students to countries where the Government of Nepal has imposed restrictions or prohibitions relating to foreign study.

If a consultancy knowingly facilitates student admission or educational services for destinations prohibited by the Government, the institution may face administrative penalties, cancellation of its licence, or forfeiture of its security deposit. Consultancy institutions should therefore remain updated regarding official government notices and ensure that counselling services comply with current governmental policies concerning foreign education destinations.

Financial Transparency and Banking Compliance

Financial transparency is a fundamental requirement under the Regulation. Consultancy institutions must maintain accurate financial records and conduct transactions through authorized digital and banking systems. Failure to maintain transparent financial practices may constitute grounds for regulatory action.

Institutions should preserve receipts, accounting records, bank statements, digital payment records, invoices, and supporting financial documents for verification during inspections. Proper accounting practices also assist institutions in complying with taxation laws and other financial reporting obligations applicable in Nepal.

Transparent financial management strengthens public confidence and reduces disputes concerning consultancy fees and service payments.

Prohibition on Receiving Hidden Benefits from Foreign Educational Institutions

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) expressly discourages consultancy institutions from secretly accepting donations, gifts, commissions, or financial benefits from foreign educational institutions in exchange for sending students without proper disclosure or in violation of the Regulation.

This provision seeks to eliminate conflicts of interest that may influence educational advice. Consultancy institutions should recommend educational institutions based on the student’s academic interests and eligibility rather than undisclosed financial incentives.

Maintaining professional independence enhances the credibility of educational counselling services and protects students from biased recommendations.

Protection Against Financial Exploitation and Fraud

The Regulation places significant emphasis on protecting students from financial exploitation, fraudulent conduct, and deceptive business practices. Consultancy institutions must avoid charging unauthorized fees, making false promises, withholding material information, or engaging in misleading advertising.

Students should receive complete and accurate information regarding tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, visa requirements, institutional recognition, and other relevant matters before making financial commitments.

Any conduct involving fraud, misrepresentation, or financial exploitation may result in administrative penalties, compensation liability, cancellation of the operating licence, or forfeiture of the security deposit.

Prohibition on Providing Misleading Information

Educational consultancy institutions have a legal responsibility to provide accurate, current, and verifiable information to prospective students. The Regulation prohibits the dissemination of false, exaggerated, or misleading information concerning foreign educational institutions, admission opportunities, employment prospects, or immigration benefits.

Before recommending any institution, consultancies should verify its legal status, accreditation, programme availability, tuition fees, and admission requirements. Maintaining documentary evidence of this verification process demonstrates professional diligence and reduces institutional risk.

Providing reliable information also enables students to make informed educational decisions based upon objective facts rather than promotional claims.

Documents Generally Required for Educational Consultancy Registration

Although the competent authority may prescribe additional documentation during the application process, applicants should generally be prepared to submit documents such as:

• Application in the prescribed format.
• Company registration documents.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) registration.
• Office ownership certificate or a minimum three-year lease agreement.
• Details of shareholders or promoters.
• Citizenship certificates of responsible persons.
• Academic qualification certificates of the Chief Educational Counsellor.
• Professional training certificates of the counsellor.
• Evidence of payment of the prescribed licence fee.
• Evidence of the required security deposit.
• Office photographs and infrastructure details.
• Official email address, website, and telephone information.
• Any additional documents requested by the licensing authority.

Applicants should verify the latest documentary requirements with the Ministry before submitting their application.

General Registration Process

The registration process generally consists of the following steps:

1. Establish a legally recognized business entity in Nepal.
2. Secure office premises through ownership or a qualifying lease agreement.
3. Develop the office infrastructure required by the Regulation.
4. Appoint a qualified Chief Educational Counsellor.
5. Deposit the required security amount.
6. Pay the prescribed licence fee.
7. Prepare all required supporting documents.
8. Submit the application to the competent authority.
9. Facilitate inspection of office infrastructure where required.
10. Obtain the operating licence before commencing consultancy services.

Applicants should not begin providing educational consultancy services until the competent authority formally grants permission.

Compliance Checklist for Educational Consultancy Institutions

Educational consultancy institutions should periodically verify that they continue to satisfy all regulatory requirements. A practical compliance checklist includes:

• Valid operating licence.
• Timely renewal of the licence.
• Required security deposit maintained.
• Qualified Chief Educational Counsellor employed.
• Domestic ownership structure maintained.
• Official website, email, and telephone operational.
• Published service charges displayed in the office and on the website.
• Digital financial transaction system implemented.
• Student records properly maintained.
• Continuous online student support provided.
• Safe office infrastructure maintained.
• Fire safety equipment operational.
• Accessible facilities available for persons with disabilities.
• Library, classrooms, and internet facilities maintained where applicable.

Regular compliance reviews reduce legal risks and support long-term institutional credibility.

Conclusion

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) introduces one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for educational consultancy institutions in Nepal. The Regulation strengthens licensing standards, increases financial accountability, establishes detailed infrastructure requirements, prescribes minimum qualifications for educational counsellors, promotes transparency in financial transactions, and provides greater protection for students seeking education abroad.

Educational consultancy institutions should carefully review every provision of the Regulation before commencing operations or renewing existing licences. Continuous compliance with legal, financial, administrative, and operational requirements is essential for maintaining authorization to operate and avoiding administrative penalties. Institutions that adopt transparent governance, qualified personnel, ethical counselling practices, and effective compliance systems will be better positioned to provide reliable educational consultancy services while meeting the standards established by the Government of Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026)?

The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) is a regulation issued by the Government of Nepal to regulate the establishment, operation, monitoring, and renewal of educational consultancy institutions. It introduces updated requirements relating to licensing, financial security, infrastructure, counsellor qualifications, digital transactions, student protection, institutional grading, and administrative penalties.

2. How much security deposit is required to register an educational consultancy in Nepal?

Under the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026), an educational consultancy institution must deposit NPR 2.5 million (Rs. 25,00,000) as a security deposit for each branch office. In addition, the institution must pay a licence fee of NPR 50,000 for every branch before obtaining operating permission.

3. How long is an educational consultancy licence valid?

An educational consultancy licence remains valid for one year from the date of issuance. The institution must apply for renewal at least two months before the expiry date. Failure to renew within the prescribed period may result in penalties and automatic cancellation of the licence.

4. What happens if the licence is not renewed on time?

If an educational consultancy fails to renew its licence before expiry, it may still renew within three months after expiry by paying an additional NPR 10,000 penalty, subject to compliance with applicable requirements. If renewal is not completed within that period, the licence is automatically cancelled.

5. Can foreign investors own an educational consultancy in Nepal?

No. The Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) requires educational consultancy institutions to operate with domestic investment only. Existing institutions with foreign investment must restructure their ownership within the period prescribed by the Regulation to remain compliant.

6. What qualifications must the Chief Educational Counsellor possess?

The Chief Educational Counsellor must be a Nepali citizen holding at least a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. The individual must also complete educational counselling training from a recognized institution or a diplomatic mission recognized for that purpose under the Regulation.

7. Can an educational consultancy employ a foreign counsellor?

Yes. A consultancy may employ a foreign educational counsellor only after obtaining the necessary approvals required under the applicable laws of Nepal. The institution must comply with immigration, labour, and other legal requirements before employing a foreign national.

8. Is a website mandatory for an educational consultancy?

Yes. Every educational consultancy institution must maintain its own official website, official email address, and telephone service. The website must remain active and should publish information relating to services, institutional details, and service charges as required by the Regulation.

9. What office infrastructure is required for educational consultancy registration?

The Regulation requires an office with either ownership or a minimum three-year lease, earthquake-resistant construction, fire safety equipment, separate administrative space, accessible infrastructure for persons with disabilities, separate toilets, safe drinking water, a library, classrooms where applicable, and high-speed internet facilities.

10. Are consultancy service charges required to be publicly disclosed?

Yes. Educational consultancy institutions must publicly display all service charges through their Citizen Charter and on their official website. This requirement promotes transparency and enables students to understand the fees before receiving consultancy services.

11. Are digital financial transactions mandatory?

Yes. The Regulation requires educational consultancy institutions to conduct financial transactions through digital systems. Maintaining digital transaction records improves financial transparency, facilitates regulatory inspections, and supports proper accounting and record management.

12. How should students pay tuition fees to foreign educational institutions?

Students must first obtain the required No Objection Letter (NOL) or other applicable study approval before making tuition payments. Payments to foreign educational institutions must be made through authorized banking channels rather than informal or unrecorded payment methods.

13. Is an educational consultancy responsible if a student receives incorrect advice?

Yes. If a consultancy provides misleading or incorrect advice that causes a student to become stranded abroad or enroll in an unauthorized institution, the consultancy may be legally responsible for compensating the affected student under the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026).

14. How are educational consultancy institutions graded?

The Ministry grades educational consultancy institutions into Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C based on service quality, institutional performance, regulatory compliance, and student outcomes. The grading system encourages higher professional standards and continuous service improvement.

15. What activities may result in cancellation of an educational consultancy licence?

Licence cancellation may result from failure to renew the licence, operating after cancellation, sending students to countries prohibited by the Government, maintaining non-transparent financial practices, receiving undisclosed financial benefits from foreign institutions, committing fraud, providing misleading information, or violating other provisions of the Regulation.

16. Can the Government confiscate the security deposit?

Yes. The competent authority may forfeit the security deposit where an educational consultancy commits serious violations under the Regulation. The security deposit serves as a financial safeguard to encourage compliance and protect the interests of students receiving consultancy services.

17. Is a library mandatory for educational consultancy institutions?

Yes. The Regulation requires consultancy institutions to maintain a library containing educational materials that assist students in obtaining reliable information regarding universities, admission procedures, scholarships, language tests, and other academic opportunities available abroad.

18. Are educational fairs and seminars regulated?

Yes. Educational fairs and seminars require payment of prescribed fees. Foreign organizers must obtain prior approval from the Ministry and pay the applicable fee before conducting educational exhibitions, seminars, or promotional programmes within Nepal.

19. Why should educational consultancy institutions maintain student records?

Educational consultancy institutions must maintain complete records throughout the student’s study period abroad. Proper record management supports regulatory compliance, improves institutional accountability, facilitates post-departure support, and enables authorities to verify compliance during inspections when necessary.

20. Why is compliance with the Educational Consultancy Service Regulation, 2083 (2026) essential?

Compliance enables educational consultancy institutions to operate lawfully while protecting students through transparent business practices, qualified counselling services, safe infrastructure, and accountable financial management. Failure to comply may result in penalties, licence cancellation, forfeiture of the security deposit, compensation liability, and other administrative actions prescribed by law.