Nepal's Higher Education Challenges and Transformation

Current Challenges in Nepal's Higher Education System

The latest data from the University Grants Commission reveals that out of the 1,432 campuses currently operational in the country, 505 have fewer than 100 students enrolled. If this trend continues, the country's higher education sector will undoubtedly face even more critical challenges. Responsible individuals and institutions seem to be insufficiently reflecting on the crisis we are experiencing and whether we can manage it.

Government statistics show that in just six months, Nepali students have spent nearly 5.683 billion rupees on overseas studies. Another statistic indicates that approximately 300 students are leaving the country daily for higher education. Meanwhile, the establishment of federal and provincial universities continues unabated. There appears to be no debate about how many more universities are necessary or for how long.

The existing universities require thoughtful sustainability and clear operational guidelines. Otherwise, this could lead to future problems. The state must consider this matter. The notion that simply opening more universities will automatically improve education, prevent student exodus, broaden knowledge and skills, enhance educational quality, or create an educational breakthrough could be misguided. The focus should be on how to make existing universities excellent and high-quality.

A recent controversy involving a Nepali student at the KIIT University in Odisha remains unresolved. Justice must be served for the deceased student, and strict legal action must be taken against the perpetrators while ensuring the safety of other students. Unverified data suggests approximately 1,500 Nepali students are studying at this university. It is reported that many other Indian universities also host more than a thousand Nepali students.

The underlying question is: Why are so many students pursuing education in nearby Indian educational institutions when Nepali universities and campuses are facing student scarcity? What aspects of Indian educational institutions attract Nepali students, and what reasons discourage them from studying in Nepal? A thorough investigation is needed. If we aim to improve the quality of higher education, the discussion should begin with such an inquiry.

The ongoing trend of establishing domestic universities while students increasingly seek education in India, America, Australia, and other countries, coupled with declining campus enrollments, clearly indicates the uncertain future of our higher education providers. If this continues, campuses might eventually need to merge or close – a truly unfortunate scenario.

A primary reason for this situation is the lack of comprehensive studies about the nation's workforce requirements. The National Planning Commission should conduct extensive research and accordingly determine the establishment of universities and educational institutions, including student admission quotas. Currently, universities are expanding vertically (arbitrarily admitting students) while the state lacks plans and statistics about required human resources.

To retain students, education must become knowledge-oriented, life-oriented, research-oriented, society-oriented, technology-friendly, quality-driven, and practical. An environment must be created where students can monetize their knowledge after graduation. Education should teach students that "work is worship." Every student should have opportunities to learn skills and acquire core knowledge, not just to become educated but employable.

Technical education should be emphasized to ensure students can earn a living. Post-education employment must be guaranteed, and additional activities should be integrated to make higher education promising and reliable. To truly make higher education student-friendly, academic calendars should precisely define dates for admission, registration, examinations, result publications, and graduation ceremonies.

Enrollment of students in higher education

Seven recognized university-like institutions

Source: University Grants Commission

Recommendations for Transforming Nepal's Higher Education

Currently, Nepalese universities have a lengthy admission process involving waiting for results, taking entrance exams, and passing them. Students can only enroll after completing a long procedure. In contrast, foreign universities operating programs in Nepal allow direct admission after completing +2 examinations. Additionally, while Nepalese universities have only one admission cycle per year, foreign university programs permit two annual admission cycles. Many foreign university-affiliated programs are three years long, whereas Nepalese university programs are four years. These disparities must be eliminated by standardizing the entire higher education curriculum and schedule.

Several key recommendations for reforming the higher education system include:

1. Admission and Visa Policies

   • Replace tourist visas with proper student entry permits

   • Provide scholarship packages for international students

   • Design curricula that allow students to earn while studying

   • Collaborate in knowledge economies

2. Curriculum Flexibility

   • Provide opportunities for students to pursue postgraduate studies in any field, regardless of their 10+2 subject

   • Emphasize professional knowledge

   • Restructure curricula to incorporate professional skills

   • Collaborate with educational institutions and corporate houses to provide practical implementation opportunities and employment

3. Infrastructure and Research

   • Expand innovation centers

   • Establish well-equipped laboratories

   • Create Centers of Excellence

   • Focus on producing workforce capable of global market competition

   • Prioritize skills, employment, and entrepreneurship over final year academic focus

4. Budgetary and Research Considerations

   • Increase budget allocation for education and research

   • Create an environment encouraging student research

   • Prioritize education in budget allocations

5. Examination and Evaluation Reform

   • Transform the traditional examination system

   • Move away from measuring an entire year's study in 3-4 hours

   • Implement a 40-60 evaluation model:

     • 40% end-of-year/semester examination

     • 60% teacher-based evaluation

   • Ensure timely result publication

   • Provide supplementary examination opportunities annually

   • Allow students to retake exams if unsatisfied with their scores

6. Administrative Streamlining

   • Implement a single-window service system through the Dean's office

   • Consolidate admission, examination, registration, result publication, and certification processes

   • Eliminate separate examination control offices

7. Strategic Vision

   • Reposition universities as knowledge production centers

   • Make education research-centric

   • Address national critical issues through research

   • Create an environment attracting Nepali students to study domestically

   • Develop opportunities for international students

   • Design curriculum according to contemporary needs

   • Establish easy credit transfer mechanisms

   • Ensure employment opportunities for graduates

The fundamental philosophy is that a nation cannot progress without education, and only by improving education can a country become prosperous. Comprehensive discussions involving parliament, University Grants Commission, university officials, intellectuals, student organizations, and stakeholders are crucial to creating a hopeful and trustworthy environment in higher education.

Universities should function as think tanks, producing graduates who are themselves innovative thinkers. The goal is to transform the prevailing narrative of scarcity and hopelessness into one of abundant opportunities and potential. This transformation must be demonstrated not just through language, but through tangible actions and systemic changes.

Key Takeaway:

Nepal's higher education system requires holistic reforms focusing on flexibility, practical skills, research, and creating an ecosystem that retains and nurtures talented students.