Where to Invest Money in Nepal for Students (2025 Guide) ?

In Nepal, students are increasingly seeking ways to become financially independent and make the most of their savings. With growing access to financial tools and online education, investing isn’t just for adults anymore students too can begin their journey toward financial literacy and wealth creation.

Here are practical and legal ways students in Nepal can invest their money wisely.

1. Savings and Fixed Deposit Accounts

A savings account is the most basic and essential tool to start building wealth. Many banks in Nepal offer student-friendly savings accounts with:

Zero or low minimum balance
Mobile banking features
Annual interest between 4–6%

Once savings grow, students can shift part of their funds into Fixed Deposits (FDs), which offer higher returns (up to 12%) depending on the bank and term.

2. Stock Market (NEPSE)

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) offers students a legal and accessible way to build long-term wealth. With as little as Rs. 1,000, students can begin their investment journey through two key avenues: buying shares in the secondary market and applying for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

Types of Companies You Can Invest In:

Commercial and development banks
Hydropower companies
Insurance firms
Manufacturing and trading companies

How Students can Start ?

Open a Demat account and Meroshare account via a licensed broker or bank.
Apply for IPOs online through Meroshare (starting from 10 units at Rs. 100 each).
If shares are allotted, you can either hold for long-term growth and dividends or sell in the secondary market for potential profit.
Learn basic technical and fundamental analysis to buy and sell shares wisely on NEPSE.

Why IPOs are popular among students ?

Low entry barrier (Rs. 1,000 minimum).
Easy online application via Meroshare + ASBA
High demand and oversubscription often lead to short-term profits
Safe entry point compared to trading in the secondary market

3. Mutual Funds and SIP

If you’re not confident selecting individual stocks, mutual funds and SIP are a safer and smarter way to get started. These are professionally managed investment portfolios that pool money from multiple investors and invest across various sectors such as banking, hydropower, insurance, and manufacturing.

For students who prefer a low-risk, hassle-free investment option, mutual funds and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are excellent choices. Managed by professional fund managers, mutual funds invest your money across a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other assets helping reduce risk while offering steady returns.

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) allows students to invest a fixed small amount regularly — monthly, weekly, or quarterly instead of a lump sum. It’s one of the best ways to build investment discipline and benefit from compounding returns over time.

Popular Mutual Funds and SIP Plan for Students:

NIBL Samriddhi Fund
Siddhartha Equity Oriented Scheme
NIC Asia Balanced Fund
Global IME Samunnat Scheme
NIBL Sahabhagita Fund (NIBLSF)
Nabil Flexi Cap Fund ( NFCF)

By starting early with trusted funds like NIBL Sahabhagita Fund or Nabil Flexi Cap Fund, students can build strong financial habits and take advantage of long-term compounding. SIPs also reduce the stress of market timing, making investing easier and more sustainable. Whether your goal is to save for future studies, start a business, or simply grow your savings, now is the perfect time to begin your investment journey.

4. Invest in Learning and Skill Development

The best investment for students is often not in the stock market but in themselves. Developing skills that can generate income or improve career prospects is the most rewarding investment of all.

Areas worth investing in:

Digital marketing
Programming/coding
Design and video editing
Content writing and freelancing
Language and communication skills

Affordable platforms for Nepali students:

Udemy
Coursera
SkillShare
Local institutes and bootcamps

5. Start a Small Side Business

In today’s digital age, many Nepali students are turning to small-scale entrepreneurship to earn while they learn. Launching a micro-business from home or online is not only a great way to generate income but also a powerful opportunity to develop real-world skills in marketing, customer service, and finance

Some popular student-led business ideas in Nepal include:

Selling thrift or imported clothes via Instagram or TikTok
Creating handmade crafts or artwork and selling them on social media or local markets
Offering digital services such as graphic design, content writing, video editing, or online tutoring
Starting a blog, YouTube channel, or exploring affiliate marketing to earn passive income

With just Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000, students can test ideas and scale gradually. Social media platforms, free design tools, and digital payment gateways have made it easier than ever to reach customers and run a business without needing a physical store.

Quick Recap – Best Investment Options

Below is a quick overview of popular investment options available to students in Nepal, highlighting their risk, potential returns, and accessibility. This guide can help you choose the best way to start growing your money wisely.

Investment Type	Risk	Returns	Accessibility
Savings & Fixed Deposit	Very Low	Low to Medium	Very Easy
Stock Market & IPOs	Medium	Medium-High	Moderate
Mutual Funds & SIPs	Low	Moderate	Easy
Online Courses/Skills	None	Very High	Very Easy
Side Hustles / Small Business	Varies	High	Depends on idea

Conclusion

Investing as a student in Nepal is not only possible but also a smart way to build financial discipline and secure your future. Whether you choose low-risk options like savings accounts and mutual funds, explore growth opportunities through the stock market and IPOs, or invest in yourself with skills and side businesses, starting early will give you a significant advantage. Remember, consistent effort and learning are key — small investments today can lead to greater financial freedom tomorrow.