Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get an Internship in Nepal

What are Internships & Why Do They Matter in Nepal?

An internship is a short-term job opportunity by which students or new graduates gain work experience with a company, organization, or project that bridges the gap between the classroom and the professional world. Internships are now an important part of higher education in Nepal. They offer firsthand experience in different areas, including IT, business, finance, education, and many more. 

Internships in Nepal provide employees with job experience and also expose them to local work culture and industry requirements. They help individuals convert the academic knowledge that they have learned in college into practical skills and build professional networks. There are websites like Kumari Job that make it easier to find internships, giving students valuable experience to stand out in the job market.

In short, doing an internship in Nepal is a good decision for those who are looking to gain hands-on experience, company knowledge, and improved job opportunities. It’s an essential step toward a productive career in the country's changing job market. 

Popular Types of Internships in Nepal

In 2025, Nepal offers internships in a variety of sectors, including IT, business, finance, healthcare, NGOs, media, and more. Internship in Nepal can be paid or unpaid, remote or onsite, or sector-specific. Knowing these options can help you make the best choice. 

Here is a guide explaining some of the most common types of internship opportunities in Nepal, what to expect in terms of payments, and which industry is hiring the interns the most: 

1. Paid Internships

A paid internship in Nepal is one in which you can receive some money, usually a small stipend for your time and work. This is mostly common in industries like IT, finance, and marketing. The pay will not be that impressive (usually between NRs 3000 - NRs 5000 a month), but it's still worth it to earn a little while gaining real-life experience. Paid internships require a specific skill set. It will be a plus point if you have already done some related projects or training. 

2. Unpaid Internships

Internships are not always paid in Nepal, but that doesn't mean they are not worth it. Unpaid internships can be an opportunity to gain learning experience, especially in fields like NGOs, startups, or media. If you are seeking hands-on exposure, unpaid roles can still be worth it and can add value to your CV, helping you build strong networks. 

3. Virtual Internships (Remote)

Since COVID-19, remote internships have been widely popular. You can do these internships from home with your laptop and a stable internet connection. They are usually popular in the IT fields like digital marketing, web development, content writing, graphic design, and more. If you live far from the company or don't wish to work at fixed times, virtual internships can be a smart option. 

4. Sector-Specific Opportunities

Some of the common fields where Nepalese students are currently interning include:

• IT/Software: Coding positions, QA, UI/UX positions
• Marketing: SEO, Social Media Management, running paid campaigns
• Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, medical research
• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, or architectural positions
• NGOs: Social work, youth activities, environmental work
• Media & Content: Writing, graphic design, journalism, photography

These internships help you to acquire practical experience in your chosen profession and make you more employable in the future.

Where to Find Internships in Nepal?

You can find internships in Nepal through job portals like Kumari Job, university placements, company websites, networking on platforms like LinkedIn, and local job fairs. These are the most effective and reliable ways to discover internship opportunities in Nepal across various industries. Let’s explore these in detail:

1. Job Portals

Job portal websites are one of the easiest sources for internships. Popular Nepali portals like Kumari Job post internship opportunities in various industries from time to time. You can create an account, upload your resume, and apply online. If you're also looking to take internships online or overseas, portals like LinkedIn and Glassdoor are also worth exploring.

2. University Support & Campus Drives

The majority of Nepali universities and colleges offer their help through career counseling departments. These departments usually get their students placed in companies through campus placements, job fairs, or internships. 

Even universities have tie-ups (university–industry tie-ups) with companies, so it is easy for students to get an internship through their college. Don't hesitate to talk to your faculty or placement officer; maybe they have something that you don't know.

3. Networking & Company Websites

Some companies don't put internship openings on job boards. They place them only on their company website or post them on their social media. If there's a company you'd like to work for, visit their site and look at the "Careers" or "Internships" section.

Networking also comes into play. Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook job groups are excellent tools. You can network with professionals, follow company pages, and even ask for recommendations.

4. Job Fairs & Career Events

Attending local job fairs and career events can be a great way of meeting employers face-to-face. Most such events have companies that are actively hiring interns. Prepare a quick introduction of yourself, carry some photocopies of your CV with you, and talk to the people at the booths. Making a positive impression can help you get noticed even if there is no vacancy.

How Internships Help You Grow Professionally?

Internships help you grow professionally by providing real-world experience, enhancing skills, and increasing the chances of employment. Internships act as a bridge between what you learn in school and what the job market demands. It also provides future job opportunities through training and networking.

Let's look at some of the most significant ways internships help you grow:    

1. Real-Life Experience

Internships place you in an actual company environment. You learn how projects get done, how teams communicate, and what a workday is like in your field. It makes you feel more qualified and confident when receiving full-time job applications.

2. Connecting Theory to Practice

College is where you learn the basics, which is essential, but actual work can feel a bit different. Internships enable you to do what you learn in classrooms on real tasks, tools, and scenarios. Thus, learning becomes more applicable, and you learn better about your subject.

3. Skill Development (Soft & Technical)

Internships help you build technical skills (like the use of software or equipment) and soft skills (like collaboration, scheduling, and communication). You learn by doing, which is the fastest method to grow. They are in the most significant demand by employers across all sectors.

4. Building a Professional Network

During an internship, you are exposed to professionals who can refer, guide, or mentor you. These professionals can link you to possible job opportunities or internships in the future. Most people are hired due to referrals from other individuals they encountered via an internship.

5. Improving Your Employability

Employers prefer to hire someone with some work experience. If you have an internship in your resume, it shows you're serious, capable, and prepared to join the labor market. It gives you an edge over others with just academic qualifications.

6. Internship-to-Job Opportunities

Companies in Nepal often offer permanent employment to the interns if they perform well. Most businesses consider internships as a trial period to select good employees. If you work well, have a positive attitude, and get along with the rest of the team, the company is likely to provide you with a full-time job after the internship is over. It's a great way to start your career in the market and enjoy long-term professional gains.

How to Apply for Internships in Nepal?

To apply for an internship in Nepal, you should set clear goals, research companies that offer internships in your field, prepare a strong CV, prepare for interviews, and apply professionally through online platforms like Kumari Job or company websites. Follow these steps and increase your chances of getting the perfect internship that matches your skills and interests: 

Step 1: Set Your Internship Goals

First, determine what are your expectations from an internship. Answer some questions like: Why do I want this internship? Do I want experience in a certain field or I just want to try a career path? Once you have clear goals, finding internships that actually fit your interests becomes a lot simpler. 

Step 2: Start Searching the Right Platforms

Once you understand what you’re after, start searching companies. Online job portals like Kumari Job update different internship opportunities on a daily basis. Also, have a look at LinkedIn, browse Facebook job groups, and visit company websites. Don't forget to talk to seniors, teachers, or friends who are already working. They often hear about these openings before any advertisements. 

Step 3: Write a Tailored Resume & Cover Letter

While applying, don’t use the same dull resume for every company. Instead, update your CV, drawing attention to your strengths, projects, or skills according to the internship opening. And always put a cover letter in there explaining why you want to join, what they can benefit from you, and what you want to learn. Keep it straightforward but real. 

Step 4: Prepare for Interviews

If you are shortlisted, it’s time to get ready for the interview. Don't get nervous. Practice possible queries from easy questions like “Tell us about yourself” to questions regarding the intern opening. Also, make sure you have read a little bit about that company. Look interested and don't be afraid to ask questions; they actually appreciate that. 

Step 5: Follow Up and Stay Consistent

After application and interview, send a short follow-up email or message thanking them and reminding them that you are still interested. If no one responds, don’t take it personally. Just keep applying. It takes effort to apply for an internship, especially in today's competitive market. But if you stay consistent, you will get a chance.   

Challenges Interns Face in Nepal 

Interns in Nepal face challenges such as limited paid internship opportunities, intense competition, unstructured arrangements, and few opportunities outside of major cities. These obstacles can make it difficult for students and new graduates to find worthy internship opportunities. But having prior knowledge regarding these challenges helps you to prepare better and make informed decisions:  

1. Limited Paid Internships

One of the biggest challenges is to find a paid internship in Nepal. Many companies offer unpaid internships or very minimal stipends. This impacts students who need money to do their work. As a result, some deserving candidates may miss out simply because they cannot afford the cost of working for free. 

2. Excessive Competition for Good Jobs 

Since there are only a limited number of high-quality internships, especially paid or well-structured ones, competition is high. Many students apply for the same roles, making it hard to stand out. You’ll need to put in extra effort with your resume, skills, and interview preparation.

3. Unstructured Internship Programs

Some Nepalese companies offer internship programs with no clear target, tasks, or learning outcomes. Interns may only do basic or repetitive work without real mentorship and personal development. This can lead to a disappointing experience that adds little value to your future career.

4. Less opportunity in rural areas

Most internships are based in the city and concentrated in urban locations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lalitpur. Rural students do not have much to choose from. This causes a lack of balance in exposure and experience opportunities. Unless they move to the city or get remote internships, most students are left out.