Nepal, Cyprus Discuss Higher Education and Student Support

Education Minister Pokharel and Cyprus Ambassador Discuss Higher Education Cooperation and Nepali Student Welfare

Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel and Cyprus's non-resident Ambassador to Nepal, Evagoras Vryonides, held a courtesy meeting on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations, cooperation in higher education, and issues concerning Nepali students studying in Cyprus.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Education and Sports in Singha Durbar, focused on strengthening relations between Nepal and Cyprus, expanding cooperation in higher education, and safeguarding the interests of Nepali students enrolled in Cypriot educational institutions.

During the discussions, both sides addressed the need to provide necessary support to Nepali students studying at various universities and higher education institutions in Cyprus, protect their interests, and facilitate solutions to potential problems they may face during their studies.

As Cyprus is one of the destinations for Nepali students pursuing higher education abroad, the meeting also covered possible assistance and facilitation from the Cypriot government for Nepali students studying in the country.

Both sides also exchanged views on continuing existing cooperation in higher education and exploring opportunities to expand academic collaboration in the coming years.

Minister Highlights NOC and Foreign Degree Equivalence Reforms

During the meeting, Minister Pokharel informed the ambassador that the ministry was working to simplify the process of issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Nepali students seeking higher education abroad and determining the equivalence of academic qualifications obtained from foreign institutions.

Minister Pokharel stated that the responsibility for determining the equivalence of foreign academic qualifications, previously handled by Tribhuvan University, was now being carried out through the University Grants Commission (UGC).

He also noted that the ministry was undertaking necessary policy reforms to improve the degree equivalence process.

During the meeting, Ambassador Vryonides expressed confidence that Nepal and Cyprus would further strengthen their bilateral relations and mutual interests while expanding cooperation in higher education.