The Nepal school admission fee rule has been tightened as the Ministry of Education directed schools to charge admission fees only once and stop early enrollment practices.
Schools across the country have been instructed not to collect repeated admission fees from students studying in the same institution. The ministry has also made it clear that student enrollment must not take place before the official start of the academic session.
Through an official letter signed by Joint Secretary Krishna Chandra Pokhrel, the directive has been communicated to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration. All 753 local governments have been asked to ensure strict implementation and monitoring of the new rule.
The decision follows growing complaints that some schools were enrolling students early, collecting advance payments, and charging fees beyond approved categories. Officials say such practices have created financial pressure on parents and raised concerns over transparency in the education system.
Legal Provisions and Warning of Action
Referring to Chapter 15 of the Education Regulations 2059, the ministry reiterated that student enrollment is not allowed before the academic session begins. It also clarified that fees can only be collected under approved headings after formal admission.
“Despite clear legal provisions, cases have been found where advance and excessive fees were collected, and admission fees were charged again when students changed classes within the same school,” the letter stated.
Based on a Supreme Court ruling, the ministry has ordered that any illegally collected fees must be immediately refunded to students or their guardians. Local governments have been authorized to take strict action against schools that fail to comply with the directive.
The Nepal school admission fee rule is expected to improve transparency and protect parents from unfair financial practices in schools.
