Colleges of international affiliation

Are they retaining students?

The significant outflow of Nepali students for higher education has emerged as a critical policy challenge in recent times. Both the public and private sectors have implemented various initiatives to address this issue.

Some advocate for extreme measures, such as restricting students from pursuing higher education abroad immediately after completing their 10+2 level unless they have secured fully-funded scholarships. However, in a democratic nation, the government cannot impose such draconian restrictions that curtail individual ‘freedom of choice’.

Nobel Laureate in Economics, Amartya Sen, has argued that the primary objective of development lies in expanding individual choices. Restricting these choices could potentially lead to social unrest as an expression of public dissatisfaction. The most viable alternative lies in effectively retaining students within the country by providing access to internationally recognised education within Nepal and creating ample opportunities for professional growth.

Lobbyists have emphasised the pivotal role that establishing colleges affiliated with internationally acclaimed universities could play in achieving this objective. Furthermore, Umesh Shrestha, a former minister and the founder of the LA Group, contends that if international universities express a willingness to establish campuses in Nepal, such initiatives should be actively encouraged.

Furthermore, the government is also concerned about the significant outflow of foreign exchange resulting from students pursuing higher education abroad. This strong inclination to study abroad has inadvertently limited students’ ability to explore academic institutions within Nepal that offer programmes aligned with their specific interests.

Shrestha emphasises that Nepal should not only focus on retaining domestic students but also actively attract international students for higher education. He asserts, “Considering its favourable climate and natural beauty, Nepal possesses the potential to become a prominent hub for academics and health tourism in South Asia.”

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) data reveals that, on average, each student pursuing higher education abroad annually transfers an amount equivalent to Rs 1.2 million in foreign currency.

What role can colleges affiliated with international universities play?

While numerous colleges affiliated with international universities operate within the country, their impact on student retention remains relatively limited. The outflow of young talent and foreign exchange continues to escalate. Students pursuing higher education abroad rarely return due to a lack of compelling opportunities within Nepal, significantly diminishing the country’s chances of experiencing ‘brain gain’ until suitable opportunities are created to attract them back.

Sarala Karki, Director of Research, Learning and Development at Texas International College, emphasises that these affiliated colleges meticulously adhere to the curriculum, teaching and learning methodologies, and assignment, assessment, and evaluation systems of their respective foreign universities.

“Students engage in their studies utilising the Learning Management System (LMS) provided by the university,” Karki remarked. “They interact directly with university professors virtually.” This immersive experience allows students to feel as though they are pursuing their studies alongside their counterparts on the main university campus, despite being located in a different environment.

Karki further highlights the importance of fostering student confidence and empowering them to explore opportunities, including fellowships for further studies and potential job prospects. She asserts that these affiliated colleges effectively provide the necessary environment to cultivate these essential skills.

“In fact, this has been instrumental in retaining talents within the country,” stated Laxman KC, Founder and Executive Chairman of Presidential Graduate School. “Students observe a significant increase in their employment prospects after completing their higher education in this competitive environment.”

Most of these colleges actively engage in career counselling, providing valuable guidance and direction to students in their pursuit of opportunities. Many organise job placement fairs, connecting students with both domestic and international companies.

Norottam Aryal, President at King’s College, emphasises that these higher education programmes directly align with the career aspirations of the students. “Students enthusiastically enroll in our programmes, drawn by the contemporary courses offered by our foreign university partners,” he explained. “Earning an academic qualification equivalent to a foreign degree without leaving the country empowers them to seize a wealth of global opportunities.”

Furthermore, Aryal highlights that these graduates are well-positioned to pursue further studies at top universities worldwide. “While our primary objective is to prepare talented individuals and motivate them to contribute to Nepal’s development, we also incorporate entrepreneurship development courses into our curriculum,” he added.

Based on insights from students enrolled in international university-affiliated colleges, three primary categories emerge: those who applied to foreign universities but were unsuccessful; those who prefer to remain in Nepal while pursuing a foreign university degree; and those seeking contemporary and more relevant courses, often dissatisfied with the traditional curricula offered by local universities.

Furthermore, numerous universities have embraced virtual learning, particularly for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students in Nepal. A significant number of students are actively participating in these online programmes offered by international institutions.

Creating opportunities for talents
Ideally, numerous international university-affiliated colleges cultivate world-class talent. However, limited opportunities within the country compel many graduates to seek employment abroad. Student emigration is driven not solely by academic pursuits, but also by the strong desire for career advancement.

“Considering the scarcity of employment and business opportunities in Nepal, students are strongly inclined to emigrate for both educational and career prospects,” asserts Keshav Acharya, a senior economist. He further emphasises that many countries allow international students to work part-time, enabling them to cover their living expenses and educational costs.

An analysis of the trend of student emigration based on No Objection Certificates issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) strongly suggests that job prospects are a primary motivator for many students. Last year, the MoEST issued No Objection Certificates for travel to 66 countries, including Poland, Greece, Cyprus, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Slovenia, Romania and Croatia, among others.

False narratives
International university-affiliated colleges sometimes face criticism from those involved in sending students abroad, who are often referred to as ‘sharks’ in the industry. These critics accuse these colleges of siphoning off excessive foreign exchange to cover affiliation fees and graduation ceremonies. However, directors and founders of these colleges maintain that their operations are transparent and subject to government regulations.

Sources close to these agents reveal that they receive substantial commissions from foreign universities and colleges, creating a strong incentive to steer students towards overseas education. This has led to a situation where many students, driven by a desire for higher education abroad, may unknowingly fall prey to misleading narratives and become discouraged from pursuing higher education within Nepal.

While it is true that opportunities within Nepal are limited, it is crucial to acknowledge that viable options do exist. Experts strongly advise students to seek professional guidance and counselling regarding their higher education plans to avoid falling victim to false narratives and to make informed decisions about their academic future.

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