How to open a school in Nepal
Opening a school in Nepal means planning the education you will offer, securing permission from the right authorities, and preparing premises, staff and curriculum. Rules change, so check current requirements with the authorities before you commit to a site or spend money.
1. Know who regulates schools
School education in Nepal is overseen by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and under the federal structure local governments (municipalities and rural municipalities) play a major role in school permission and management. Start by contacting your local government's education section to learn the current process for your area.
2. Decide what kind of school you will open
Choose the levels you will teach (early childhood, basic or secondary), whether the school will be community or private (institutional), and how you will register the organisation that runs it. Each choice can change the approval route, so confirm it with the authorities.
3. Prepare premises, staff and policies
Authorities typically look at the building and land, classroom space, safety, sanitation, and teacher qualifications. Ask for the current checklist rather than relying on older guidance.
4. Choose your curriculum
Most schools follow the national curriculum from the Curriculum Development Centre. Schools can enrich their programme with additional materials; see the IPC curriculum for early years and primary activities, lesson plans and assessment tools.
5. Plan enrollment and operations
Plan how families will enquire, visit and enroll. Our preschool enrollment guide walks through the usual steps.
More guides
This page is general information, not legal advice. Check current requirements with the authorities.
Frequently asked questions
- Who approves new schools in Nepal?
- Under Nepal's federal system, local governments (municipalities and rural municipalities) have a central role in school education, alongside the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Check current requirements with the authorities before you apply.
- Which curriculum can a school in Nepal use?
- Schools generally follow the national curriculum developed by the Curriculum Development Centre, and some private and international schools add other programmes. Confirm what your permission allows with the authorities.
- Is there a guide for opening a preschool in Nepal?
- Yes. Our Nepal start-a-preschool guide covers early-years settings in more detail.