If you've just finished your +2 or you're holding a degree from a university outside Nepal, you've probably run into one confusing question: how do you actually get that degree recognized here? The good news is that the process of how to submit equivalence certificate in Nepal online has become a lot simpler than it used to be. You no longer need to run around Kirtipur with a folder full of papers. Everything now happens through the University Grants Commission (UGC), Sanothimi, Bhaktapur — the body officially in charge of recognizing and granting equivalence to foreign degrees and qualifications from institutions other than Tribhuvan University.

Whether you're planning further studies, applying for a government job, or need your credentials verified for professional registration, this guide walks you through exactly what to do — including how to handle the equivalence certificate in Nepal online form, and what to expect if you're applying from abroad.

Why Degree Equivalence Matters for +2 Students and Graduates

Before jumping into the "how," let's quickly cover the "why." If your academic background includes a foreign board, a foreign university, or even a Nepali institution not affiliated with Tribhuvan University, your certificate technically isn't automatically valid for use in Nepal. You'll need equivalence for:

Admission into a Nepali university or college for further studies
Applying for government jobs or civil service exams
Professional licensing or registration (medical, engineering, teaching, etc.)
Submitting documents for scholarships or higher education abroad
General employment verification purposes

Skipping this step often causes delays later — sometimes right when you need the certificate urgently. It's smarter to handle it early, especially since the whole system is still settling into its new process.

Who Handles Equivalence in Nepal Now?

This is where a lot of students get confused, especially if they read older blog posts or forum threads that still mention Kirtipur. Previously, Tribhuvan University's Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) managed this process. That has changed.

Today, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is the sole authority responsible for degree recognition and equivalence in Nepal. This shift happened around July 2026, when TU CDC officially stopped accepting equivalence applications and handed the responsibility over to UGC by law. Applicants should no longer approach CDC or TU directly — everything now goes through UGC's dedicated online portal at ugcequivalence.edu.np.

You can also check UGC's main site, ugcnepal.edu.np, for official notices, but the actual application happens on the equivalence-specific portal linked above.

A Quick Honest Note Before You Apply

Because this system is genuinely new, a few things are still being finalized on the government side. Reports indicate that the formal Degree Recognition and Equivalence Regulations, 2081 were still pending approval from the Ministry of Education even after the online portal went live. In the meantime, UGC has been accepting applications and issuing interim letters to applicants who submit complete documentation, with formal certificates to follow once the regulations are approved.

What this means for you practically: don't panic if the process feels slightly "in progress" compared to older, more established systems. Just make sure your documents are complete and correct, and keep an eye on UGC's official announcements for any updates that might affect timelines or fees.

Types of Equivalence Under UGC

UGC classifies applications into two categories, and knowing which one applies to you helps set realistic expectations for timing.

Equivalence Type	Who It's For	Approx. Processing Time
Regular Equivalence	Universities/qualifications already evaluated and approved before	A few working days
Procedural Equivalence	New universities or programs being assessed for the first time	Around 1 month (subject committee review)

If your university has already been recognized in past cases, you'll likely fall under Regular Equivalence—faster and more straightforward. If it's a lesser-known or newer institution, expect procedural equivalence, since it needs review from a subject committee before a final decision.

How to Submit an Equivalence Certificate in Nepal Online—Step by Step

Here's the part everyone actually wants to know. The entire process is digital, and you can complete it without visiting any office in person for most requests.

Step 1: Visit the Official UGC Equivalence Portal
Go to ugcequivalence.edu.np — this is the only authorized platform for submission. Avoid third-party sites claiming to process applications on your behalf.

Step 2: Create Your Account
Use the Sign Up option, enter your details accurately, and verify your email address. This account becomes your dashboard for the entire application, so use an email and phone number you'll keep long-term — you'll need them for verification later.

Step 3: Log In and Access the Application Menu
Once verified, log in and head to the Application section of your dashboard.

Step 4: Fill Out the Equivalence Certificate in Nepal Online Form
This is the core of the process. The equivalence certificate in Nepal online form asks for your academic history, institution details, degree level, and subject. Fill it out carefully — a small mismatch between what you enter here and what's on your actual certificate can slow things down or trigger extra review.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Attach clear, properly scanned copies of all necessary certificates and supporting documents (full list below).

Step 6: Submit and Pay the Fee
After submission, go to the Payment tab and complete payment using the available online payment options.

That's the whole flow — no physical paperwork, no standing in line at Sanothimi for most applicants.

Documents You'll Need Before You Start

Getting your documents ready beforehand saves a lot of back-and-forth. Here's what to prepare:

Degree Certificate and Transcript for the level you're seeking equivalence for
Degree Certificate and Transcript of the immediate lower academic level
Passport, Visa, or Residence Permit (if your degree was earned outside Nepal or India)
Internship or clinical practice records, if relevant to your program
Any additional documents specific to your subject or degree type

Entry Qualification Requirements by Level

Equivalence Level	Required Entry Qualification
Bachelor's	+2 (Higher Secondary) certificate
Master's	Bachelor's degree
M.Phil. / Ph.D.	Master's degree

A quick note for +2 students: your SLC/SEE certificate usually isn't needed separately for bachelor's or higher equivalence, unless your lower-level qualification predates the +2 system—in that case, it may serve as proof of entry qualification instead.

Extra Documents for M.Phil. and Ph.D. Applicants

If you're applying at the research level, UGC also expects:

Enrollment or registration proof
Research progress reports
Thesis defense and approval evidence
Supervisor appointment letters
Viva voce documentation, where applicable

How to Submit an Equivalence Certificate in Nepal From Abroad

A lot of students studying overseas assume they'll need a family member or agent physically present in Nepal to handle this. That's no longer necessary. Since the entire equivalence certificate in Nepal online submission happens through UGC's web portal, you can figure out how to submit an equivalence certificate in Nepal from abroad using nothing more than a laptop and stable internet.

A few practical tips if you're applying internationally:

Scan your documents clearly, in the correct file format, before your academic records get harder to access
Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and residence permit ready, since these are required for degrees obtained outside Nepal
Confirm your payment method supports international transactions through the portal's payment gateway
Track your application status directly through your UGC account dashboard instead of relying on phone calls, which can be hard to coordinate across time zones

This makes the process genuinely workable whether you're in Kathmandu or studying halfway across the world.

Fee Payment: What to Know

Once your profile is complete and documents are uploaded, submit your application and move to the Payment tab. Fees are paid entirely online through the payment options available on the portal.

One important thing to remember: fees are non-refundable once paid, except in cases permitted by the Commission's decision or existing law. So it's genuinely worth double-checking your application type and documents before you pay — reapplying because of an avoidable mistake costs both time and money.

Common Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Uploading blurry or incomplete scans—this is the single biggest cause of delays
Mismatched names across passport, certificate, and transcript
Skipping the lower-level certificate—many applicants forget this is required alongside the main degree
Assuming CDC/TU still handles applications—always confirm you're using the UGC portal, not an outdated guide
Paying before checking the application category—verify Regular vs. Procedural equivalence applies correctly to your case first
Not keeping payment proof—save every receipt and confirmation screenshot

Getting Professional Help

If the process still feels overwhelming—especially with document translation, formatting, or figuring out which equivalence category fits your situation—working with an experienced education consultancy can genuinely save you time and stress.

Divya Gyan College is one such institution that supports students through academic guidance and documentation processes, including help understanding equivalence requirements for foreign and non-TU degrees. For +2 students unsure about their next academic steps, talking to a knowledgeable team before applying can help you avoid the kind of avoidable errors that slow down the UGC form.

Final Tips Before You Apply

Double-check every document and file format before uploading
Make sure translations and certifications are done by authorized personnel only
Keep copies of all documents and payment receipts for your personal records
Apply well ahead of any deadlines tied to admissions or job applications
Check UGC's official site occasionally for updates, since the regulations are still being finalized

Conclusion

Understanding how to submit an equivalence certificate in Nepal online doesn't have to be complicated once you know the right steps. With UGC now handling the entire process digitally—from the equivalence certificate in Nepal online form to final payment—students, whether based in Nepal or applying from abroad, can complete everything without stepping into an office. Prepare your documents, follow the steps carefully, and keep an eye on official UGC updates since the system is still new, and you'll have your equivalence sorted with far less hassle than the old system ever allowed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Who is responsible for degree equivalence in Nepal now?
The University Grants Commission (UGC), Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, now handles all degree recognition and equivalence applications. Tribhuvan University's CDC no longer processes these requests.

Q2: How to submit an equivalence certificate in Nepal online?
You submit it by creating an account on the official UGC equivalence portal (ugcequivalence.edu.np), filling out the application form, uploading required documents, and paying the fee online through the Payment tab.

Q3: Can I complete the equivalence certificate in Nepal online form without visiting any office?
Yes. The entire application, document submission, and payment process happens online, with no physical office visit required for most cases.

Q4: How to submit an equivalence certificate in Nepal from abroad?
Since the process is fully digital, you can apply from anywhere by logging into the UGC portal, uploading scanned documents, and completing payment through the available online options.

Q5: What documents are required for a Bachelor's-level equivalence?
You'll need your Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript, plus your +2 (Higher Secondary) certificate as proof of entry qualification.

Q6: How long does the equivalence process take?
Regular equivalence is usually processed within a few working days. Procedural equivalence, for new or first-time-assessed institutions, can take around a month.

Q7: Is the equivalence fee refundable?
No, fees are generally non-refundable once paid, except where permitted by the Commission's decision or applicable law.

Q8: Do +2 students need SLC/SEE certificates for equivalence?
Usually not, unless your lower-level qualification predates the +2 system, in which case it may be needed as entry qualification proof.

Q9: Is the UGC equivalence system fully finalized?
Not entirely—as of recent reports, the formal regulations governing this process were still pending Ministry of Education approval, so some applicants may receive interim letters before formal certificates are issued. It's worth checking UGC's official site for the latest status.