Nepal’s Higher Education System and Policy

Abstract

Development of modern higher education system in Nepal has crossed a century since it was started with the establishment of Tri- Chandra College in 1918 AD. Tribhuvan University the first university in the country was established in 1959, eight years after the historic political change in the country in 1951 that overthrew oligarchy and established parliamentary system. Rapid increase in the number of universities and colleges followed another major political change in 1990 that restored multiparty parliamentary system. University Grants Commission came into existence in 1993. Currently there are 15 autonomous degree awarding higher education institutions – 11 universities and 4 medical academies established by the government each with an independent act approved by the parliament. About 371,000 students are enrolled in 1408 university campuses (colleges). Most of the campuses in the country (1309) are independently established by private parties (777) or public communities (532) that run academic programs of the universities through affiliation; universities’ own constituent campuses are 99 only. An estimated number of over 65,000 students go abroad annually for higher education. Realizing the issues and challenges of improving equity and inclusiveness in access, efficiency, quality, and relevance of higher education, efforts were initiated through Higher Education Project (1997–2002), the Second Higher Education Project (2007–2014), and currently Higher Education Reform Project (2015–2020). Achieving academic culture, sustainability, and effectively responsive management are persistent challenges of higher education development in the country. Employability of graduates and accordingly professional studies that focus on skill competence and the world of work are now considered important aspects of higher education.