Medical Examination for Student Visa from Nepal
Several destination countries require Nepali students to complete a medical examination as part of the student visa application. The exam must be conducted by a government-approved panel physician in Kathmandu. Missing this step, choosing the wrong clinic, or getting your timing wrong can delay your visa by weeks. This guide covers which countries require medical exams, where to get them done in Kathmandu, what the exam includes, costs, and timeline planning.
This page is part of our complete study abroad application process guide. The medical exam typically happens after you submit your visa application online and before (or alongside) your biometric appointment.
Which Countries Require a Medical Exam?
Not all countries require a full medical examination. Here is a country-by-country breakdown of medical requirements for Nepali student visa applicants.
| Country | Medical Exam Required? | Key Tests | Approx. Cost (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Yes — full health assessment | Chest X-ray, blood tests, urine test, general physical | 15,000 - 20,000 |
| Canada | Yes — upfront medical exam | Chest X-ray, blood tests, urine test, physical exam | 10,000 - 15,000 |
| UK | TB test required (Nepal is on the TB screening list) | Chest X-ray for TB screening | 8,000 - 12,000 |
| New Zealand | Yes — full medical and chest X-ray | Chest X-ray, blood tests, general physical | 12,000 - 18,000 |
| USA | Not required for F-1 visa | Vaccinations required by university | 3,000 - 5,000 (vaccinations) |
Nepal is listed as a high-risk country for tuberculosis (TB) by several immigration authorities. This means Nepali applicants are almost always required to undergo a chest X-ray as part of their medical examination, even for countries that do not require a full medical exam for other nationalities.
Panel Physicians and Approved Clinics in Kathmandu
You cannot visit just any hospital or doctor for your visa medical exam. Each country designates specific panel physicians or clinics authorized to conduct visa medical examinations. Here are the approved facilities in Kathmandu for each major destination.
Australia — Bupa Medical Visa Services
Australia uses Bupa Medical Visa Services (formerly known as HAMS) for all visa health assessments. In Kathmandu, the Bupa panel clinic is located in Lazimpat. After submitting your visa application through ImmiAccount, you will receive a HAP ID (Health Assessment Protocol ID). Use this ID to book your appointment directly with the Bupa clinic. The examination includes a chest X-ray, blood tests (including HIV screening), urine analysis, and a general physical examination. Results are uploaded directly to the Department of Home Affairs. The entire appointment takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Cost is approximately NPR 15,000 to NPR 20,000.
Canada — Designated Medical Practitioners (DMPs)
Canada maintains a list of Designated Medical Practitioners in Nepal. You can find the current list on the IRCC website by searching for panel physicians in Nepal. Multiple DMPs operate in Kathmandu, primarily in the Lazimpat and Maharajgunj areas. After submitting your study permit application, IRCC may send you a medical exam request letter. You can also submit an upfront medical exam before applying. The exam includes chest X-ray, blood tests, urine test, and a physical examination. Results are sent directly to IRCC. Cost is approximately NPR 10,000 to NPR 15,000.
UK — IOM Nepal (TB Test)
Since Nepal is on the UK's TB screening list, all Nepali students applying for a UK Student Visa must get a TB test certificate. The test is conducted at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) clinic in Kathmandu, located in Baluwatar. The test involves a chest X-ray to screen for active tuberculosis. If the X-ray is clear, you receive a TB test certificate valid for 6 months. If the X-ray shows abnormalities, you may need sputum testing, which takes an additional 2 to 8 weeks. Cost is approximately NPR 8,000 to NPR 12,000.
New Zealand — eMedical Panel Physicians
New Zealand uses an eMedical system where approved panel physicians upload your medical results directly to Immigration New Zealand. Panel physicians in Kathmandu are listed on the INZ website. The exam includes a chest X-ray, blood tests, and a general medical check. Book your appointment after submitting your visa application online. Cost is approximately NPR 12,000 to NPR 18,000.
What Does the Medical Exam Include?
While the exact tests vary by country, most visa medical exams include the following components. Here is what you can expect during your appointment.
Chest X-Ray
Screens for tuberculosis and other lung conditions. Required by almost all countries for Nepali applicants. You will be directed to the radiology department, and results are available within 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Blood Tests
Screens for HIV, Hepatitis B, and syphilis (VDRL). Australia and Canada require blood tests for all applicants. A small blood sample is drawn and sent to the laboratory. Results take 1 to 3 days.
Urine Analysis
Checks for kidney function, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions. You will provide a urine sample at the clinic. Results are usually available the same day.
General Physical Examination
The panel physician checks your overall health: blood pressure, heart rate, vision, hearing, and any existing medical conditions. The doctor may ask about your medical history, current medications, and previous surgeries.
Vaccination Records
Some countries require proof of specific vaccinations. The USA requires MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, and other vaccines as specified by the university. Bring your vaccination card if you have one.
Timeline: When to Schedule Your Medical Exam
Timing your medical exam correctly is important. If you do it too early, the results may expire before your visa is granted. If you do it too late, it can delay your entire application. Here is the recommended timeline by country.
| Country | When to Schedule | Result Validity | Result Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | After receiving HAP ID from ImmiAccount | 12 months | 3 - 5 business days |
| Canada | Before or after applying (upfront recommended) | 12 months | 3 - 7 business days |
| UK | Before submitting visa application | 6 months | Same day (if X-ray clear) |
| New Zealand | After submitting visa application | 12 months | 3 - 5 business days |
Our recommendation: Schedule your medical exam within 1 week of submitting your visa application (or receiving your HAP ID for Australia). This gives you the maximum validity window while ensuring results are ready before the immigration authority requests them.
How to Prepare for Your Medical Exam
- Bring your valid passport (original) — this is mandatory for identification
- Bring your HAP ID letter (Australia), IRCC medical request letter (Canada), or visa application reference number
- Bring 2 passport-sized photographs with white background
- Bring your vaccination record or immunization card if available
- Bring any prescription medications you currently take and documentation from your doctor
- Fast for 8 to 12 hours before the appointment if blood tests are required (water is allowed)
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing as you will need a chest X-ray
- If you wear glasses, bring your current prescription
- If you have a history of TB or abnormal chest X-rays, bring previous medical reports
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early — the process can take 2 to 3 hours
TB Screening: A Special Concern for Nepali Students
Nepal has a relatively high incidence of tuberculosis, and most destination countries classify Nepal as a TB-risk country. This means Nepali students face additional scrutiny during the medical exam, particularly on chest X-rays. Here is what you need to know.
If your chest X-ray shows any abnormality (even an old, healed TB scar), the panel physician will likely require additional testing. This usually involves 3 sputum samples collected over 2 to 3 days. The sputum cultures are sent to a laboratory, and results can take 2 to 8 weeks. During this time, your visa application is put on hold.
If the sputum test comes back negative (no active TB), your medical clearance is granted, and the results are uploaded to the immigration system. If the test is positive, you will need to complete a course of TB treatment (typically 6 months) before you can reapply. This is rare, but it is important to be aware of the possibility.
Tip: If you have a history of treated TB, bring your complete treatment records, including the TB registration card, treatment completion certificate, and any follow-up chest X-ray reports. This documentation helps the panel physician make a faster assessment and can prevent unnecessary delays.
Cost Breakdown for Visa Medical Exam in Nepal
Medical exam fees are paid directly to the panel physician or clinic. These fees are separate from your visa application fee and VFS service charges. Here is a detailed cost breakdown.
| Item | Cost Range (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Full medical exam (Australia/Canada/NZ) | NPR 10,000 - 20,000 |
| TB test only (UK - IOM) | NPR 8,000 - 12,000 |
| Additional sputum testing (if required) | NPR 3,000 - 5,000 |
| Vaccinations (USA university requirements) | NPR 3,000 - 8,000 |
| Specialist referral (if needed) | NPR 2,000 - 5,000 |
Budget approximately NPR 15,000 to NPR 25,000 for the medical exam and any follow-up tests. Include this in your overall financial planning for study abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries require a medical exam for student visa from Nepal?
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK (for courses longer than 6 months) require a medical examination as part of the student visa application. The USA requires a medical exam only for immigrant visas, not for F-1 student visas. However, all US-bound students need proof of required vaccinations.
How much does the student visa medical exam cost in Nepal?
The medical exam costs approximately NPR 10,000 to NPR 25,000 in Kathmandu depending on the destination country. For Australia, the health assessment through a Bupa panel physician costs around NPR 15,000 to NPR 20,000. For Canada, the exam costs approximately NPR 10,000 to NPR 15,000. Additional costs apply if X-rays or specialist referrals are needed.
Where can I get the visa medical exam done in Kathmandu?
You must visit a panel physician approved by the destination country's immigration authority. For Australia, Bupa Medical Visa Services operates in Kathmandu. For Canada, designated medical practitioners (DMPs) are listed on the IRCC website. For the UK, you can get the TB test done at IOM Nepal in Kathmandu. You cannot use just any doctor — only panel-approved physicians are accepted.
How long is the medical exam result valid?
Medical exam results are typically valid for 12 months from the date of examination. For Australia, the health assessment validity is 12 months. For Canada, the upfront medical exam is valid for 12 months. Plan your medical exam timing so that the results remain valid through your visa processing and travel dates.
What if I fail the visa medical exam?
If the medical exam reveals a health condition, the immigration authority may request additional tests, treatment documentation, or a health undertaking. Common issues include inactive TB findings on chest X-rays (relatively common among Nepali applicants), which may require further sputum testing. A health condition does not automatically mean visa denial — many conditions can be addressed with proper documentation.
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