Foreign-Affiliated Institutions Announce ‘Stay in Nepal, Study in Nepal’ Campaign
Educational institutions running academic programs in Nepal through affiliation with foreign universities have announced plans to launch the “Stay in Nepal, Study in Nepal” campaign. Students considering this route can also refer to information on studying at a foreign-affiliated university in Nepal.
The International Education Providers Association of Nepal (IEPAN), the umbrella organization of these institutions, announced the campaign at a press conference held in the capital on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
According to the organizers, the campaign aims to provide quality education within Nepal and reduce the large amount of money leaving the country in the name of education.
IEPAN President Laxman KC said the association also plans to run a “Study in Nepal” campaign targeting regions including South Asia, East Asia, and Africa. Information for prospective overseas students is also available in the Study in Nepal for international students guide. Cooperation with national and international organizations is underway for this initiative.
Policy Reforms Sought from the Government
President KC said IEPAN has requested the Ministry of Education and Sports to introduce policy reforms and facilitate measures needed to make the campaign effective and sustainable.
The main demands presented by IEPAN at the press conference are:
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A “Study in Nepal Board” should be established at the government level.
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Through the same board, the academic and physical infrastructure of educational institutions seeking to enroll international students should be assessed, and institutions meeting the required standards should be granted permission.
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Immigration regulations should be amended to allow student visas to be issued through an e-visa system or through Nepali diplomatic missions abroad.
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An effective mechanism should be established to provide prompt services when required by international students and educational institutions.
Clarification on Legality and Quality
IEPAN has urged stakeholders to consider the provisions of prevailing laws, along with the approval status of educational institutions and academic programs, before raising questions about their legality or the quality of education they provide.
According to IEPAN, conclusions should be based on factors including the accreditation of the universities providing affiliation to institutions in Nepal, the credibility of their degrees, international recognition, academic reputation, and the opportunities and acceptance graduates receive in the employment market.
Data on Foreign University Programs in Nepal
According to data provided by IEPAN, the current status of foreign university programs operating in Nepal is as follows:
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Programs affiliated with 35 foreign universities from seven countries are currently operating in Nepal.
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58 institutions have received permission to operate these programs.
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A total of 37,208 students are studying at these institutions.
President KC said that studying for an international degree in Nepal allows students to remain with their families while also avoiding accommodation and daily living expenses associated with studying abroad. Readers comparing domestic study options can also see why students may choose to study in Nepal.
