Nepal

What We'll Explore:

Market Overview

Educational Aspirations & Diversity

Economic Momentum

Tech-savvy and Global Perspectives

Outward Mobility & Global Engagement

Key Recruitment Drivers and Barriers

Market Overview:

Traditionally, numerous prestigious universities have not regarded student recruitment in Nepal seriously. However, heightened student awareness has carved out a niche for universities, from City University in the UK to Melbourne University in Australia. The substantial potential of this market is evident, with the number of Nepalese students studying overseas doubling since 2017, rising from 44,255 to close to 100,000 in 2023. Notably significant in the postgraduate sector, Nepal's undergraduate interest also has witnessed consistent expansion, presenting novel opportunities for global education providers.

Educational Aspirations and Diversity:
The nation of Nepal is committed to educational excellence is evident in the array of fields students aspire to master, spanning traditional sciences, engineering, humanities, and business domains. Beyond academia, Nepal's distinctive cultural and linguistic diversity enriches the educational landscape, providing universities with an opportunity to foster inclusive and globally-minded academic communities.

Economic Momentum:
As one of South Asia's growing economies, Nepal's expanding middle class views education as a pathway to upward mobility. This economic dynamism propels a growing demand for international education, positioning Nepal as a ripe market for institutions connecting with the upcoming generation of leaders, innovators, and forward-thinkers. The evolving economic scenario provides universities with a strategic window to form lasting partnerships and contribute to Nepal's intellectual and economic progress.

Tech-Savvy and Global Perspectives:
Nepal's youth represents a generation inherently tech-savvy and globally connected. Beyond consuming knowledge, students actively contribute to the global discourse, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Acknowledging this inclination, universities can harness enthusiasm for technology and innovation to create collaborative learning environments transcending geographical boundaries, preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century and fostering a culture of innovation.

Agent Influencers:
Nepal's market has long been dominated by nearly a thousand agencies concentrated on a couple of streets in Kathmandu. University staff overseeing the Nepal market often fail to engage with the core group of students and enlighten them about the offerings of their institution. Consequently, in most instances, agents determine which university is deemed suitable for students, a scenario that ideally should and could be the opposite.

Key Recruitment Drivers and Barriers:

Recruitment Drivers:

Quality Education: The pursuit of high-quality education propels Nepali students, with a keen focus on institutions distinguished for academic excellence. Nepal has several reputed institutions but seats are limited and competition is very high, causing many to look elsewhere for their tertiary education.

Specialist Education: Undertaking studies abroad enables Nepalese students to pursue specialised programmes that are not readily available in Nepal. For instance, numerous foreign universities offer courses in fields like environmental science, renewable energy, and public health. This enables students to gain a competitive edge in their field of study and broaden their knowledge and skills.

Career Prospects: Prospective students prioritise institutions with a proven track record of producing graduates with high employability rates, aligning with Nepal's emphasis on practical skills and industry relevance.

Political unrest: Nepal has encountered periods of political instability, contributing to economic uncertainty. Numerous Nepalese students perceive studying abroad as an opportunity to thrive in a more stable environment, free from concerns about political and economic turbulence.

Recruitment Barriers:

Financial Considerations: Affordability remains a significant consideration. and institutions addressing this concern through scholarships, financial aid, or flexible payment options gain a competitive advantage. One recent study, for instance, found that Nepal was the second-lowest country when it came to searching for courses at the typically more expensive Russell Group universities in the UK (Studyportals, 2023).

Visa and Immigration Navigation: The intricacies of visa processes can pose challenges; hence, institutions offering comprehensive support and guidance in navigating these procedures stand out. This has become increasingly a concern for Nepalese students, and in study destinations such as Australia visa issuance rates from Nepal dropped from 99% to just 54% over a 3-month period.

Governmental Restrictions: To study abroad, Nepalese students must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MOEST). The legislation mandates this certificate, stating, "No citizen of Nepal shall go abroad for higher studies without receiving a no objection letter issued by the Ministry of Education." The NOC serves as a government control mechanism over outbound student mobility, and the Nepalese government has actively exercised this control in the past decade, posing a potential threat to future student recruitment efforts.

Overall, Nepal stands out as an increasingly promising market for student recruitment. Recognising the distinctive qualities of Nepal's student population and tailoring recruitment strategies accordingly provides universities with the opportunity to attract top-tier talent and foster a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Institutions highlighting improved career prospects for graduates are likely to garner significant benefits.