International Universities Target Nepal’s High Student Mobility

International universities are increasingly setting their sights on Nepal due to its high student mobility rates. With nearly 19% outbound student mobility, which is significantly higher than that of India and China, Nepal has become an attractive destination for international educational institutions. This surge in interest has led to visits from representatives of 16 universities from prominent study destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia.

Nepal’s demographic landscape, with over half of its population under 25 years old, has positioned it as one of the leading senders of international students globally. The recent visit by university representatives was part of Acumen’s Nepal Rising initiative, aimed at fostering educational partnerships and collaborations. The delegation included universities like Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Lincoln, and several others from the US and UK.

The interest from countries like Japan has also been notable, with the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University participating in Acumen’s initiatives in Nepal. This engagement has provided these international universities with valuable insights into Nepal’s education sector, K-12 market, and government regulations. Additionally, interactions with Nepali counselors and agents have further facilitated discussions on potential collaborations.

The US and the UK, in particular, have identified Nepal as a promising market for international students, driven by high visa approval rates and a growing interest in overseas education. The US witnessed a significant increase in Nepali student enrollment, while the UK emerged as the sixth largest source of students from Nepal. Favorable student visa conditions have contributed to the UK’s appeal as a study destination for Nepalese students.

Despite the popularity of traditional study destinations, changing trends in the global education landscape have influenced Nepali students to explore alternative options beyond the US and the UK. Countries like Australia, the UK, the US, and Canada have experienced a surge in student visa applications post-pandemic, leading to tighter visa regulations. Consequently, students are now considering destinations like the UAE, Europe, South Korea, and Thailand for their higher education pursuits.

Nepal’s outbound student mobility aligns with its economic landscape, where remittances from migrant workers play a significant role in the country’s GDP. This trend underscores the evolving study abroad market in Nepal, driven by factors like employability, financial considerations, and global mobility prospects. Nepali students are increasingly diversifying their study destinations, exploring countries like France, Norway, Sweden, Hong Kong, China, Israel, Thailand, and Singapore.

The rise in Nepali students seeking international education has brought forth challenges such as brain drain and the need for high-quality tertiary education within the country. Criticisms of Nepal’s education policies and the push for students to seek opportunities abroad have prompted discussions on enhancing local educational offerings. Efforts to establish franchise TNE campuses in Nepal and attract students from South Asia highlight the country’s endeavors to retain its talent and become a hub for quality education in the region.