Introduction

In a surprising move, the Government of Nepal has temporarily suspended the issuance of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for students planning to pursue undergraduate and language studies in South Korea. This decision, which took effect from Baishakh 28, 2082 (May 10, 2025), has sparked concerns among aspiring students and educational consultancies alike.

Why Has the NOC Been Suspended?

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST) outlined several reasons for this temporary halt:

·        Misuse of Student Visas: Many students were found to be prioritizing part-time employment over academics, compromising the purpose of their studies.

·        Low Academic Standards: A significant number of students enrolled in institutions that did not meet adequate academic criteria or provided insufficient study hours.

·        Mental Health Concerns: Reports indicated rising levels of depression and anxiety among students, especially those struggling to find employment while studying.

·        Blacklisted Institutions: Some students were admitted to universities flagged by South Korean authorities for non-compliance, raising serious concerns about the quality and legitimacy of the education being offered.

Furthermore, the Nepali Embassy in South Korea highlighted that some students, after completing language courses, moved on to enroll in institutions listed on Korea’s “blacklist,” further aggravating the situation.

Who Is Affected?

The suspension mainly impacts:

·        Language Course Students (D-4 Visa) – Students intending to study Korean language in South Korea.

·        Undergraduate Students (D-2 Visa) – Especially those with limited qualifications or insufficient Korean language proficiency.

However, it’s important to note that postgraduate programs and students with strong academic credentials and language proficiency are not currently affected. The government has also clarified that NOCs for students with IELTS or equivalent Korean language skills remain valid for now.

What’s Next?

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has formed a special task force, headed by the Higher Education Division, to investigate an issue further in South Korea. This task force is tasked with looking into issues related to higher education, such as the rapid expansion of universities, the government's policies on university evaluations, and the impact of these policies on the development and changes within higher education institutions. 

Here's a more detailed look at what the MoEST is involved in: 

·     University Evaluations:
The MoEST regularly evaluates universities and provides government-funded projects.

·     Policy Implementation:
All national, public, and private universities in South Korea are expected to follow the policies set by the MoE.

·     Centralized Decision-Making:
The MoE plays a central role in the reform of the national higher education system, determining the direction of development and change for all higher education institutions.

·     Financial Incentives and Penalties:
Universities that do not follow MoE policies may face exclusion from future government support, highlighting the MoE's power and influence.

Conclusion

The temporary halt on NOC issuance for certain categories of students heading to South Korea is a clear message from the Government of Nepal: student safety, academic integrity, and well-being come first. While the decision may pose immediate challenges, it also presents an opportunity to restructure and regulate the system for more sustainable and beneficial educational pathways.

For now, students, parents, and consultancies should remain vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and be prepared to adapt to upcoming changes.