Kathmandu, 30 Baishakh 2082 – The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has announced an immediate temporary suspension on issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for undergraduate students applying to study in South Korea on D2 (Academic Study) and D4 (Language Training) visas. The decision, effective from 2082/01/28 (Nepali calendar), aims to address systemic issues affecting student welfare and academic integrity.
Key Reasons for the Suspension
The move follows reports of multiple challenges faced by Nepali students in South Korea, including:
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Employment Over Education: Students prioritizing part-time work from the outset, leading to academic discontinuation.
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Low Academic Engagement: Enrollment in universities offering insufficient study hours, compromising educational quality.
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Mental Health Struggles: Rising cases of depression and anxiety among students unable to secure employment.
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Blacklisted Institutions: Some students were placed in universities flagged by South Korean authorities for non-compliance.
Regulatory Overhaul Underway
The Ministry emphasized the suspension is a temporary measure to restructure the overseas study process, ensuring students focus on academics and attend reputable institutions. “This step is crucial to safeguard students’ futures and align with international educational standards,” an official stated.
Next Steps
Authorities are developing stricter guidelines for NOC issuance, expected to include vetting partner universities and monitoring student well-being. Updates will be shared once reforms are finalized.
Stakeholders, including educational consultancies and students, are urged to adhere to the directive while awaiting further instructions. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering safe and productive study abroad experiences.
