Nepal

Demographic Profile

Out of a total population of 2,31,51,423 (2002 Census), spread over five Development Regions of Nepal, a majority (34.69%) live in the Central Development Region followed by Eastern Development Region (23.08%), Western Development Region (19.74%), Mid-Western Development Region (13.01%) and Far-Western Development Region (9.47%). The southern Terai plains region of Nepal, bordering India has a much higher density of population as compared to the predominantly hilly regions. Out of the total literate population of 1,03,48,428 in Nepal, only 0.73% achieve post-graduate level education, 2.68% graduate level, 5.14% inter-mediate (+2) level and 9% SLC (class X) level.

Economic Profile

Nepal is categorized as a “least developed country” with high population growth rate, low standard of living, low literacy rate, low life expectancy berth, low investment and savings and increasing government expenditure and budget deficit. Nepal has amongst the highest incidence of poverty in the world, and in the fiscal year 1997-98, the population below the poverty line was estimated to be 42%. A majority of the population is dependent on agriculture and raring livestock. Industrial development is very basic. The tourism industry, which contributes a major share of foreign exchange earned by Nepal (as also to the state exchequer), has been hampered in recent years due to worsening law and order situation in the country. Nepal is heavily dependent on foreign aid for major infrastructure and other developmental projects.

Higher Education System, including enrolments

Higher education in Nepal is administered by universities and institutions of higher learning. Nepal has six universities, five of which (two public [state], two public [community] and one private) offer general academic programmes and technical education. The remaining one is a public university dedicated to the studies of Sanskrit and related subjects. In recent years, the Government has granted permission to a number of private colleges to affiliate themselves with the existing universities in order to meet the increasing demand for various courses.

Number of Students going abroad for higher education

Between 2000-2500 Nepalese students go abroad to countries other than India for higher education every year.

Popular countries of destination

India is the most popular country for Nepalese students seeking admission to her education institutes. Other popular countries are USA, UK, Australia, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Germany, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Cyprus.

Popular programmes of study

MBBS, BE/B.Tech, Business Management, Hotel Management and Languages.

What is it that could attract students to Indian Higher Education Institutions?

1. Creating awareness about various courses being offered by Indian institutions.

2. Easier, prepferably online process of obtaining admissions which does away with the need for students to physically approach the institution for admission related processes. This is specially applicable to the initial processes like obtaining and submitting forms, etc.

3. Subsidized fee structure at par with that being charged from Indian students.

4. Reservation of seats for Nepalese students in sought after institutions like Delhi University, Jadavpur University, University of Madras, etc.

5. Provision of scholarships to poor and meritorious Nepalese students.

What is it that could restrain them from coming to India for Higher education?

1. Cumbersome admission process and lack of awareness of different courses offered and the related admission processes.

2. High fees applicable for “foreign students category” being charged from Nepalese students by many institutions.

What promotional strategy could be adopted?

Wide publicity should be given to courses offered by Indian institutions. In addition to advertisements, seminars and interaction programmes could be organized within Nepal.

General Comments

Hundreds of Nepalese students obtained admission directly in Indian institutioins for geneal courses like BA, B.Sc., B.Com, etc. Nepalese candidates are permitted to approach Indian institutions directly for general courses. For professional and technical courses, a No Objection Certificate from the Govt. of India (processed through this Embassy) is required. The Govt. of India also provides scholarships /seats to Nepalese nationals for undertaking courses , including MBBS, BE, B.VSc, B.Sc. (Ag), B.Pharma, BBA, BCA, M.Sc (Ag), MBA, MCA, ME / M.Tech and diploma in engineering every year. Despite this, there is tremendous scope for significantly increasing the number of Nepalese students obtaining admission in India for higher education.

Name, destination and address (email) of the officer of Embassy nominated for coordinating activities for promoting Indian Higher Education

Sanjiv Singh
Second Secretary (Education),
Telephone No. 00977-1-4411027
Email : ssedu@mos.com.np