International degree is a qualification that is recognized and acknowledged throughout the world. It is usually achieved at a university or other higher education institution outside the student’s home country or colleges affiliated with those universities inside their home country.
International degrees provide a comprehensive framework emphasizing innovation, embedded critical thinking, regular updates, consistent start and completion times, transparency, and digital learning methods that represent effective teaching and learning systems.
In Nepal, international graduates are prioritized over national graduates in terms of income and positional hierarchy in the companies. For example, an international graduate, even with a low percentage, is given preference over a national graduate with a higher percentage.
Nepali students are increasingly choosing to pursue higher education abroad due to a perceived lack of quality education within the country. However, this option is not affordable for everyone. Recognizing the increasing demand for international degrees, numerous domestic colleges have been providing such programs in collaboration with foreign universities.
Foreign university-affiliated colleges aim to provide quality education that is similar to their affiliate universities abroad, giving Nepali students more access to international education without the necessity of leaving their home country.
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Nepal’s Education System
The education system in Nepal is currently in a mixed state, with both positive developments and persistent challenges. On one hand, there has been significant progress in improving educational accessibility and quality within the country in recent years.
On the other hand, the current education system of Nepal faces numerous challenges, particularly the absence of opportunities for training and practical experience. This lack of opportunities limits the student’s ability for innovation and exploration within their academic fields.
Nowadays, the majority of students have a prevailing attitude that studying is a waste of time. This is mainly because obtaining an undergraduate or postgraduate degree does not guarantee employment which has led many people to leave their countries in search of better employment opportunities and lifestyles.
Furthermore, Nepal has an irrational distribution of resources and an outdated and irrelevant educational structure. The educational curriculum in schools and colleges frequently falls short of meeting the demands of the modern world, leaving graduates ill-equipped for the job market. The emphasis on rote learning rather than critical thinking and practical knowledge restricts the development of necessary skills.
Similarly, political instability and frequent changes in government have had a severe impact on Nepal’s educational system. This has resulted in a lack of policy consistency, limiting the government’s capacity to effectively implement reforms and programs aimed at strengthening the education system.
Many students struggle in higher education because their foundation in basic education is inadequate. The entire education system must be reformed for the development of the country.
Source: Stagnation in Nepal's education system is hindering progress and development
Benefits of an International Degree in Nepal
International education has evolved to provide more flexibility, enhancing learning experiences through enriched curricula, improved communication skills, and increased cross-cultural awareness, providing students with practical knowledge.
The curriculum is the best thing about an international degree. Nepali students usually travel to Australia, the US, and the UK to pursue their higher education. In comparison to Nepal, higher education in these countries, or international degrees are more industry-relevant, subject-oriented, and research-based which prepares students to be problem solvers. This is one of the reasons why international degrees are preferred over degrees from local universities.
As the degree of Nepal is not globally recognized, the postgraduate holder of Nepal is not Accredited by universities of foreign countries. However, an international degree whether from an affiliated program in Nepal or directly from abroad, is valuable in the national as well as international job market. It also allows students to widen their cultural experiences and develop a global perspective.
Another benefit of getting an international degree in Nepal is that it can be more cost-effective than studying abroad, as the cost of living in Nepal is often cheaper, considerably saving on tuition, living expenses, and travel. In addition, various foreign university-affiliated colleges in Nepal provide scholarships and financial aid to students to help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses.
International degrees can provide students with access to a wide range of job opportunities and career prospects. These degrees are often regarded as being more prestigious and valuable by employers, giving students an advantage when it comes to finding employment after graduation.
For more information, please visit this site: Reasons of International Degrees' Popularity in Nepal
Foreign University Affiliated Colleges in Nepal
Foreign university-affiliated colleges can be found throughout the country, not just in Kathmandu. These colleges also offer a wide range of courses, from Culinary Arts to Information Technology, Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, and Fashion Technology, providing quality education.
According to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, the number of foreign university-affiliated colleges in Nepal has increased to 59 by 2080. Some of them are listed below:
- The British College
- King’s College
- Islington College
- IIMS College
- Kathmandu College of Management
- Presidential Business School
- Ace International Business School
- Lincoln International College of Management and IT network
- KFA Business School
- Herald International College
For more information, please visit this site: List of Foreign University Affiliated Colleges-2080
Top Foreign Universities Collaborating with Nepal’s Colleges
Several renowned foreign universities have established affiliations with the local institutions of Nepal. Some of them are given below:
- Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, Malaysia
- Lincoln University College, Malaysia
- University of Wolverhampton, UK
- Queen Margaret University, UK
- Westcliff University, California, USA
- Leeds Beckett University, UK
- University of West England, UK
- Indira Gandhi National Open University, India
Conclusion
International degrees are highly valued in Nepal for their global recognition and comprehensive frameworks that promote creativity, critical thinking, and digital learning methods. Graduates of international programs are often prioritized in the job market over those with degrees from local universities. While Nepali students wish to study abroad for quality education, it is not always feasible due to high cost. Hence, the rise of foreign university-affiliated colleges in Nepal provides students access to international education within their home country. These colleges aim to deliver quality education similar to their affiliate universities abroad, in response to the increasing demand for foreign degrees among Nepali students. It is helping to produce a trained workforce and improve professional opportunities for Nepali graduates.