Pursuing MBBS in Nepal has become one of the most attractive choices for Indian students who seek a cost-effective, high-quality medical education close to home. With cultural similarities, shared borders, and affordable living costs, Nepal offers a practical alternative to expensive private medical education in India.
One of the most important aspects for students and their families while planning medical education abroad is tuition fee payment flexibility. Unlike many countries where students must pay large amounts upfront, Nepalese medical universities often allow fees to be paid through yearly installments.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of yearly installment payment options for MBBS in Nepal, explaining how they work, what students should expect, and how families can plan their finances efficiently.
Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1-year internship).
Medium of Instruction: English (ideal for Indian students).
Recognition: Degrees are recognized by NMC (National Medical Commission of India) and listed in WHO directories.
Admission: Requires NEET qualification for Indian students.
Since medical education in Nepal follows a similar structure to India, many families are relieved that payment schedules also resemble Indian models, especially in terms of installment-based fee systems.
Studying MBBS is a long-term financial commitment. Families often prefer to pay in yearly installments rather than one-time payments for several reasons:
Reduced Financial Burden – Instead of arranging 30–40 lakhs upfront, families can plan annual budgets.
Easier Loan Management – Education loans can be structured around annual installments.
Flexibility – Parents with yearly income cycles (like business owners, farmers, or salaried employees) find it easier to manage.
Security – Paying year by year ensures money is not locked in advance with the university.
The total MBBS course fee in Nepal usually ranges between 35 lakhs to 60 lakhs INR, depending on the university. While some colleges ask for a partial upfront payment (first-year package), most offer yearly installment systems for the remaining course duration.
Here is a general breakdown of yearly installment payment structures followed by many Nepalese medical universities.
Most universities ask for a higher fee in the first year compared to later years.
First year includes admission charges, registration fees, lab costs, and initial hostel deposits.
On average: ₹10 – 12 lakhs (varies with the university).
Fees reduce from the second year onwards.
Average: ₹6 – 9 lakhs per year.
Paid before or at the beginning of each academic session.
The internship year is usually free or requires a small administrative fee (~₹50,000 – 1 lakh).
Below is a hypothetical fee breakdown expressed in Indian Rupees to illustrate how installment payments may look:
| Year | Approx. Installment Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| 1st Year | ₹10 – 12 lakhs |
| 2nd Year | ₹7 – 8 lakhs |
| 3rd Year | ₹7 – 8 lakhs |
| 4th Year | ₹7 – 8 lakhs |
| 5th Year | ₹7 – 8 lakhs |
| Internship Year | ₹0.5 – 1 lakh (administrative) |
This system allows families to spread costs across the MBBS duration rather than facing a huge upfront burden.
Every Nepalese university has its own policy regarding installment payments:
Tribhuvan University Affiliated Colleges
Structured yearly payments with slight variations in first-year fees.
Hostel and mess charges often included separately.
Kathmandu University Affiliated Colleges
Require a larger first-year installment, but later years are evenly distributed.
Flexible for international students, including Indians.
Private Medical Colleges
Offer installment options but may require bank guarantees for the entire course fee to ensure commitment.
Besides tuition, students must budget for:
Hostel Charges: ₹1 – 1.5 lakhs per year.
Food/Mess Charges: ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 per month.
Examination Fees: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 yearly.
Insurance/Medical Costs: ~₹10,000 annually.
These are often excluded from installment packages and must be paid separately.
Financial Flexibility: Families only need to arrange one year’s fee at a time.
Risk Management: If a student transfers or discontinues, families don’t lose large prepaid amounts.
Loan-Friendly: Education loans are usually disbursed in yearly installments by banks, aligning with university payment cycles.
Reduced Pressure: Families can plan alongside income and savings.
While installment systems are beneficial, some challenges exist:
Higher First-Year Payment: The large initial fee can still feel heavy.
Currency Fluctuations: If families pay in USD or NPR, exchange rate changes may slightly affect amounts in INR.
Penalty for Late Payment: Universities may charge late fees if deadlines are missed.
Bank Guarantee Requirement: Some colleges may still demand security for the full fee upfront.
Some universities also provide one-time payment discounts. Families should compare both options carefully.
| Payment Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly Installments | Easier financial management, aligns with loans | Slightly higher cumulative cost if penalties or charges apply |
| One-Time Payment | May get 2–5% discount, no future payment worries | Heavy upfront burden, less flexibility, risky if student withdraws |
For most Indian families, yearly installments are the safer choice.
Payments can be made in Indian Rupees, Nepalese Rupees, or USD depending on the university.
Common methods:
Bank transfer via SWIFT.
Demand Draft.
Payment through partner agencies or university counters.
Parents should always keep transaction receipts for transparency.
Start Saving Early – Plan from 11th or 12th standard to reduce sudden burden.
Education Loans – Align disbursement schedules with yearly installments.
Emergency Fund – Keep at least 1 lakh aside for unforeseen expenses.
Exchange Rate Monitoring – If paying in USD/NPR, track INR rates.
Check for Scholarships – Some Nepalese colleges provide small merit-based waivers.
Suppose the total MBBS fee is ₹45 lakhs over 5 years.
Loan taken: ₹35 lakhs.
Parents contribute: ₹10 lakhs (first year).
Loan disbursed in yearly installments (~₹7 lakhs each year).
This ensures smooth financial management without burdening the family in one go.
Yes. Nepalese universities have been admitting Indian students for decades, and installment-based fee systems are transparent and well-established. Thousands of Indian students are already enrolled in this structure, proving its reliability.
Yearly installment payment options for MBBS in Nepal provide an excellent balance between affordability and flexibility. With average yearly fees ranging between ₹7–8 lakhs (after first year), Indian families can manage education expenses without overwhelming financial strain.
When compared to Indian private medical colleges charging ₹15–20 lakhs annually, Nepal’s yearly installment system makes MBBS not just affordable but also accessible for middle-class families.
The yearly installment payment system in Nepal MBBS colleges is one of the biggest reasons behind the growing popularity of the country among Indian students. By breaking down the tuition fee into manageable yearly payments, families can plan better, apply for loans systematically, and avoid heavy upfront costs.
With the right financial planning and awareness of additional costs, Indian students can complete their MBBS in Nepal smoothly, without financial stress.
For aspiring doctors, Nepal not only offers quality education but also a student-friendly fee payment structure that makes medical dreams achievable.