TU Cancels Foreign MPhil and PhD Degrees Without Attendance
An increasing trend has emerged in Nepal, where individuals enroll in foreign universities while staying at home and obtain MPhil or PhD degrees without actually attending classes.
In response, Tribhuvan University (TU) has cancelled the academic recognition of several such individuals.
Some have been warned and asked to submit proof of physical presence and actual study at the foreign institution to be considered for degree equivalency.
Authority and Recent Cancellation Action
The Curriculum Development Centre of TU is responsible for granting equivalency for foreign academic degrees.
Recently, the center revoked an MPhil degree obtained from an Indian university after confirming that the candidate never physically attended classes there.
According to Executive Director Dr. Parashnath Yadav, the individual had applied for degree equivalency after completing the MPhil; however, further investigation revealed that the degree was issued solely based on enrollment, without requiring class attendance.
Case Involving a Government Employee
It was also verified that the individual in question was a government employee in Nepal. Although the name has been kept confidential due to their official status, it was discovered that the person was preparing to pursue a PhD after obtaining the MPhil. The center has maintained confidentiality regarding their identity.
Ongoing Investigation on Similar Cases
Investigations are ongoing into several other individuals who submitted equivalency applications without completing the required physical attendance period at the respective campuses.
Dr. Yadav stated that numerous complaints have been filed at both TU and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) regarding unverified MPhil and PhD degrees.
“There are many instances where people submitted false or incomplete documents to seek equivalency. Complaints have also been lodged at the CIAA, and we are now in communication with them. We are conducting further review of a few more individuals,” Yadav shared.
Mandatory Evidence for Equivalency Recognition
To ensure credibility, applicants must now submit verified documents proving:
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Valid admission
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Student visa and passport with a foreign immigration stamp
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Proof of residence abroad during the study period
“We even came across a person who stayed abroad for only eight days but claimed a PhD degree and applied for equivalency. That’s extreme,” added Yadav.
Compulsory Coursework for PhD Equivalency
To curb misuse, TU has made coursework mandatory for PhD equivalency. Applicants must now prove that they:
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Remained physically present at the university for a minimum of nine months
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Completed coursework and other academic requirements
Alongside this, applicants must attach:
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Official study leave approval from their employer
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Leave certificate for the study duration
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A letter from the university confirming physical attendance
This policy aligns with global practices, including universities in India and other countries, and is now enforced in Nepal as well.
Tribhuvan University