Planning to Study Abroad from Nepal? Must-Have Language Skills & Top Training Centers in Kathmandu

Sandeep Chaudhary

Sun, 11 May 2025

If you're planning to go abroad from Nepal for higher education—to countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, the USA, or South Korea—the first and most important step is to improve your language skills. Without meeting the language proficiency requirements, you won’t be able to get a student visa or admission to universities. Each country has its own preferred language and corresponding exams that you must pass with a minimum score. Let’s break it down country by country.

For Australia, Canada, and the USA, English is the main language of communication. To study in these countries, you need to prove that you can read, write, speak, and understand English well. The most common test for this is IELTS(International English Language Testing System), which is accepted by almost all universities and visa processing centers. Other accepted tests include TOEFL and PTE Academic. These tests are standardized and designed to assess your ability to survive and succeed in an academic environment where everything is in English. Usually, you need a score between 6.0 to 7.5 bands in IELTS depending on your course and institution. TOEFL scores are usually between 80 to 100, and for PTE, 50 to 65 is a common requirement. These scores also influence your visa approval chances.

For Japan, the language of instruction at most universities is Japanese—especially for undergraduate and vocational courses. Some international programs are in English, but most require a Japanese language certification. You’ll need to pass the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) or NAT test, where you’ll be tested on grammar, vocabulary, listening, and reading skills. Most institutions demand N5 to N2 level depending on the course. If you're applying to a language school or technical course in Japan, you need at least JLPT N5 or NAT Level 5.

For South Korea, the government and universities expect international students to know Korean unless you’re applying for an English-taught program. You need to pass the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), and the minimum level required is usually TOPIK Level 3 or 4. The test includes grammar, reading, writing, and listening. Knowing Korean also helps you adapt to daily life in Korea, apply for scholarships, and take part-time jobs.

Now, to prepare for these tests, you have two options—attend a physical language institute or learn online. Kathmandu has several well-known institutions that provide expert training for IELTS, JLPT, TOPIK, and other language exams. These centers offer classroom training, mock tests, personal feedback, and visa counseling.

Here are the Top 10 Language Institutes in Kathmandu offering physical classes:

• • AECC Global Nepal (Kamalpokhari) – One of the most trusted names for IELTS and abroad counseling.
• • Education Tree Global (Kamalpokhari) – Offers IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and visa services.
• • Edwise Foundation (New Plaza) – Known for IELTS excellence and strong study-abroad network.
• • Nepal Education Consultancy (Putalisadak) – Offers full support from language training to visa preparation.
• • Dolphin Education Consultancy Center (Pradarshani Marg) – IELTS-focused center with certified trainers.
• • Aus Studies (Kantipath) – Ideal for students targeting Australia; known for results-driven IELTS classes.
• • Sky Education Consultancy (Kamaladi) – Offers IELTS and TOEFL with student support services.
• • ICCC (Putalisadak and Chabahil) – High IELTS success rates and excellent trainer quality.
• • Ezara Japanese Language School (Samakhusi) – Best for JLPT and NAT preparation.
• • Korean Language & Culture Center (New Baneshwor) – Best for preparing for the TOPIK exam.
1. However, if you prefer flexibility, or live outside the city, online learning is the smarter choice. One of the most trusted online learning platforms in Nepal is LearnWithOpen.ai. It offers expert-led courses for IELTS, Japanese, Korean, and other language tests. The platform provides video lessons, live classes, study materials, mock tests, and one-on-one guidance—all from the comfort of your home. It is especially helpful for those who want to prepare at their own pace or have a busy schedule.

To sum it up, building strong language skills is not just about passing a test—it’s about surviving and succeeding in a new country. Whether you’re attending a physical institute in Kathmandu or learning online from LearnWithOpen.ai, the key is consistency and practice. Choose the right course, follow the best methods, and keep testing yourself until you're confident. With the right preparation, your dream to study abroad can become a reality.