Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel met Cyprus’s non-resident ambassador to Nepal, Evagoras Vryonides, at the Ministry of Education and Sports in Singha Durbar. The ambassador is based in New Delhi. The meeting was described as a courtesy call.
They discussed relations between the two countries, higher education cooperation and the welfare of Nepali students studying in Cyprus.
What was discussed
- Student support: The two sides talked about helping Nepali students at Cypriot universities and other higher- education institutions, protecting their interests and helping them with problems during their studies.
- Cooperation: They discussed continuing existing educational links and exploring ways to widen them.
- Study-abroad permits: Pokharel said the ministry is working to make it easier for Nepali students to get the No Objection Certificate (NOC) needed to study abroad.
- Degree recognition: He also discussed making it easier to establish the equivalence of qualifications earned overseas, for students who return to Nepal or need to use them here.
Pokharel said work on equivalence that used to be done by Tribhuvan University is now being done through the University Grants Commission (UGC). The UGC's mandate includes deciding the equivalence of foreign qualifications. The Education Ministry also runs an online NOC application system. He said the ministry is working on related policy improvements.
Ambassador Vryonides said he was confident the two countries would strengthen their relations and widen cooperation in higher education.
Why it matters
Nepal’s Foreign Ministry reported in March 2026 that about 17,000 Nepalis live in Cyprus, many working in hospitality and construction. It also described Cyprus as an increasingly popular destination for Nepali students.
Three practical points follow if the reforms happen. Students in Cyprus could get better help if the two governments communicate more. Returning graduates could find it easier to have their degrees recognised. And a simpler NOC process could make the paperwork before studying abroad less of a burden.
Who handles what
The ministry issues NOCs, while the UGC handles equivalence of foreign qualifications. That split was explained by the minister at this meeting, and it matters for students trying to work out where to apply.
