Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) attestation for academic degrees in Nepal is required by Gulf countries, certain European nations, and other international employment authorities to verify that your Nepali educational qualifications are genuine. Before MoFA will attest your degree certificate or transcript, it must already carry the stamp of the issuing university and be notarized by a registered Notary Public. This guide explains the complete process for getting your academic degree attested by MoFA in Nepal, who needs it, and how to navigate the process efficiently.
Why Academic Degrees Need MoFA Attestation
When Nepali professionals apply for employment or professional licensing in Gulf countries, Germany, Japan, and certain other nations, the receiving authorities need to verify that the academic qualifications submitted are genuine — not forged or fabricated. MoFA attestation provides this verification by confirming that the degree certificate was issued by a recognized Nepali institution, notarized by a registered Nepali notary, and is considered authentic by the Nepali government.
The most common situations requiring MoFA attestation for academic degrees:
- Gulf employment — UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman require MoFA attestation on academic degrees for employment visas and professional licensing
- Professional licensing abroad — Medical, engineering, nursing, and education professions in many countries require degree attestation as part of the licensing application
- Foreign university enrollment — Some international universities (particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia) require MoFA-attested academic credentials
- Business visa applications — Some countries require attested degree certificates as proof of professional qualification for business visa purposes
- Skilled worker and work permit applications — Germany, Japan, and other countries with skilled worker programs may require MoFA-attested qualifications
Which Academic Institutions Issue Attestable Degrees in Nepal?
MoFA attests degrees from all recognised degree-granting institutions in Nepal, including:
- Tribhuvan University (TU) — Nepal’s largest university; degrees from all affiliated colleges
- Kathmandu University (KU) — Private university; degrees from KU departments and affiliated institutions
- Pokhara University (PU) — Western region university
- Purbanchal University (PuU) — Eastern region university
- Mid-Western University, Far-Western University, and other regional universities
- National Examinations Board (NEB) — For +2 (Higher Secondary) certificates
- Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) — Technical and vocational certificates
- Other recognised educational institutions registered with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Steps Before MoFA Attestation of Academic Degrees
Before MoFA will attest your degree, it must carry the signature and seal of the issuing institution (university registrar, examination controller) and must be notarized by a registered Notary Public. Here are the prerequisite steps:
Obtain the Original Degree Certificate from Your University
Collect your original degree certificate from your university’s Examination Controller or Registrar’s office. Ensure the certificate carries the official university seal, the Registrar’s or Controller’s signature, and the university’s stamp. Laminated or damaged certificates may be rejected by MoFA — if your certificate is laminated, discuss with us whether to de-laminate or obtain a fresh certified copy from the university.
Notarization at Hamro Notary
Visit Hamro Notary at Naramaya Bhawan, Chabahil (Sunday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM). We notarize your degree certificate — certifying a true copy of the original with our registered Notary Public’s stamp. If you also need a certified English translation of the degree, we produce this at the same visit. The notary seal is the prerequisite for MoFA attestation.
MoFA Submission
With the notarized degree, submit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Authentication Section at Singhdurbar. We can handle MoFA submission on your behalf, saving you the trip to Singhdurbar.
The MoFA Attestation Process for Degrees at Singhdurbar
The MoFA Authentication Section at Singhdurbar processes degree attestation as follows:
- Present the notarized degree certificate (and any other documents requiring attestation) at the Authentication Section counter
- Fill in the MoFA attestation request form (available at the counter)
- Submit your citizenship card or passport copy for identification
- Pay the government attestation fee (per document)
- Receive a token number for collection
- Return on the specified date (usually 1–3 business days) to collect the MoFA-attested document
What Happens After MoFA Attestation?
After MoFA attestation, the next step depends on your destination:
- Gulf countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia): Proceed to the relevant Gulf country’s embassy in Kathmandu for embassy attestation (the final step)
- Germany, Japan, other European/Asian countries: Many accept the MoFA-attested degree directly, combined with a certified English translation. Check with the specific employer or licensing authority
- Professional licensing bodies: Submit the MoFA-attested degree to the licensing body (SCFHS for Saudi healthcare, DHA for Dubai healthcare, Engineers Australia, etc.) alongside any other required documents
Need Notarization Before MoFA Attestation?
Hamro Notary provides same-day notarization and MoFA coordination for academic degrees. Chabahil, Sunday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM.
Get My Degree Notarized →Fees and Timeline
| Step | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization of degree — Hamro Notary | NPR 800 – 1,500 | Same day |
| Certified translation (if needed) | NPR 1,000 – 1,500 per page | 1–2 business days |
| MoFA attestation (government fee) | NPR 200 – 500 | 1–3 business days |
| Hamro Notary MoFA coordination | NPR 500 | Included above |
| Embassy attestation (if required) | Varies by embassy | 2–7 business days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send my degree certificate by post for MoFA attestation, or do I need to visit in person?
MoFA accepts document submission in person or through an authorized representative. You do not need to attend personally — an agent (such as Hamro Notary’s coordination service) can submit on your behalf. Postal submission is not the standard method for MoFA attestation. We handle MoFA submission on your behalf as part of our service.
My degree is from 15 years ago — will MoFA still attest it?
Yes. MoFA attests degree certificates regardless of the year of issue, provided the certificate is from a recognized Nepali institution and has been notarized by a registered Notary Public. The age of the certificate does not affect MoFA’s ability to attest it.
Does my transcript also need MoFA attestation, or just the degree certificate?
Some Gulf country employers and professional licensing bodies require MoFA attestation on both the degree certificate and the academic transcript. Others require only the degree. Check with your specific employer or the Gulf licensing authority whether the transcript also needs to go through the full attestation chain. If uncertain, attesting both at the same time is the safer approach.
I have a CTEVT technical certificate — can it be attested by MoFA?
Yes. CTEVT certificates (technical and vocational training certificates) can be notarized and attested by MoFA following the same process as university degrees. CTEVT certificates are particularly relevant for skilled trade worker applications to Gulf countries. Visit Hamro Notary with your original CTEVT certificate to begin the process.
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