For many years, students who completed higher education abroad had to visit Tribhuvan University (TU) to obtain an equivalency certificate. Whether you graduated from Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, New Zealand, India, or another country, TU’s Curriculum Development Centre was responsible for evaluating your qualification and issuing the official equivalency certificate required for further study or many government jobs in own country.
That process has now changed.
From 17 July 2026, the Government of Nepal transferred this responsibility to the University Grants Commission (UGC), Nepal. TU is no longer accepting new applications for foreign degree equivalency. Students must now apply through UGC’s new system.
What Has Changed?
Before
Students applied to:
Tribhuvan University (TU)
- Curriculum Development Centre
- Degree Equivalency Section
Now
Students apply to:
University Grants Commission (UGC), Nepal
UGC is now the national authority responsible for:
- Foreign degree equivalency
- Academic credit transfer
- Recognition of international qualifications
- National quality assurance in higher education
This marks one of the biggest reforms in Nepal’s higher education recognition system.
Why Did the Government Transfer This Responsibility?
The decision was introduced to create a more transparent, standardized, and efficient national system.
For years, students reported challenges such as:
- Long waiting times
- Manual paperwork
- Lack of consistency
- Delays affecting university admissions and employment
- Confusion over recognition of foreign institutions
The new system aims to provide:
- Faster processing
- Better transparency
- A centralized national standard
- Online application facilities
- Improved quality assurance
Who Needs an Equivalency Certificate?
If you completed your education outside Nepal and want to use your qualification in Nepal, you will generally need an equivalency certificate.
Examples include graduates from:
- Canada
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- United States
- New Zealand
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- European countries
- Other recognized foreign institutions
Why Is Equivalency Important?
An equivalency certificate is often required for:
- Admission to higher education in Nepal
- Government service applications
- Professional licensing (where applicable)
- Scholarship applications
- Public sector recruitment
- Recognition of international qualifications
Without equivalency, your foreign degree may not be officially recognized for many academic or professional purposes in Nepal.
Who Will Issue the Certificate Now?
The answer is simple:
University Grants Commission (UGC), Nepal
Not:
❌ Tribhuvan University
This is one of the biggest misconceptions among students after the recent reform.
Will Previously Issued TU Equivalency Certificates Remain Valid?
Yes.
Students who already received an equivalency certificate from TU do not need to apply again. Certificates already issued remain valid; the change affects new applications moving forward.
Is the Application Process Online?
Yes.
UGC has introduced an online portal where students can:
- Create an account
- Submit required documents
- Upload academic records
- Track application progress
- Receive updates digitally
The move is intended to reduce physical visits and improve efficiency.
Documents Commonly Required
Although requirements vary depending on the qualification, applicants should generally prepare:
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcript
- Citizenship or passport
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of university recognition (if requested)
- Translation of documents (if applicable)
- Additional supporting documents requested by UGC
Always verify the latest checklist before applying, as requirements may change.
What Should Current International Students Do?
If you are studying abroad and plan to return to Nepal:
- Keep all original academic documents safe.
- Ensure your university is officially accredited in its home country.
- Retain transcripts and graduation documents.
- Follow UGC updates before graduation so you know the current equivalency requirements.
Final Thoughts
The transfer of foreign degree equivalency from Tribhuvan University to the University Grants Commission represents a significant modernization of Nepal’s higher education system. While students who already hold TU-issued equivalency certificates can continue using them, all new applicants should now follow the UGC process.
For anyone planning to study abroad—or returning to Nepal after graduation—understanding this change is essential. Staying informed and preparing the required documents early will make the recognition process much smoother.
