IEPAN Demands Fact-Based Debate on Foreign University Programs in Nepal

Key points

• The International Education Providers Association of Nepal (IEPAN) called for public discussions on foreign university affiliations to be grounded in facts, legal provisions, and formal evidence.
• IEPAN President Laxman KC stated that operating institutions follow the Foreign Educational Program Regulations, 2083, issued under Section 19 of the Education Act, 2028.
• Currently, 58 permission-holding institutions in Nepal host 37,208 students enrolled in programs tied to 35 foreign universities across seven countries.
• The association requested the Ministry of Education to publish an updated directory of approved colleges, clear evaluation criteria, and a formal grievance handling mechanism.

Details

During a recent press conference, IEPAN addressed growing public queries regarding the legitimacy and academic quality of foreign-affiliated colleges in Nepal. IEPAN President Laxman KC clarified that claims suggesting government-approved programs face arbitrary closure are inaccurate. He pointed out that these institutions function within an established legal framework created under Section 19 of the Education Act, 2028, and governed by the Foreign Educational Program (Operation and Regulation) Regulations, 2083.

According to figures shared by the association, 58 educational institutions currently possess ministry approval to run foreign academic courses. These centers accommodate 37,208 students studying under partnerships with 35 international universities spread across seven nations. IEPAN highlighted that these colleges have introduced specialized courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Multimedia, providing modern academic pathways within Nepal and reducing the financial burden of studying abroad.

Addressing concerns about quality control, IEPAN stated that the Ministry of Education conducts field monitoring through expert teams, while partnering foreign universities maintain their own academic oversight and curriculum standards. To ensure transparency, the association requested the ministry to release an official updated list of verified institutions, define clear quality assessment standards, and establish an effective system to handle student complaints.

What this means for students

Students considering international degree programs inside Nepal should always verify whether a college holds valid ministry approval before enrolling. When deciding between local university degrees and international options, comparing curriculum structures and career goals using resources like our guide on CSIT vs BIT, which to choose can clarify your options. If you are unsure about the accreditation status of a specific program, feel free to ask a question on our platform for guidance.