Nepal tightens rules for foreign-linked colleges, consultancies

Nepal's government has implemented a sweeping regulatory overhaul for educational consultancies and colleges affiliated with foreign universities, establishing comprehensive rules for the first time. The new regulations, approved by the Cabinet, aim to enhance quality and oversight in the sector.

Key requirements include substantial cash deposits for operation: Rs2.5 million for consultancies and Rs2.5 million for postgraduate or Rs3.5 million for undergraduate programs at foreign-affiliated colleges. Existing consultancies must make this deposit upon license renewal, a change from the previous system where no security deposit was mandated.

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Colleges must deposit Rs2.5 million for postgraduate programmes and Rs3.5 million for undergraduate courses. To add a new programme at the same level, an additional amount equal to 50 percent of the fixed deposit must be paid.

Foreign-affiliated colleges face stricter partnership criteria, needing to align only with universities ranked among the world's top 1,000. These parent universities must have a consistent record in major global rankings like Times Higher Education or QS World University Rankings. Currently operating foreign-affiliated colleges have a three-year window to meet this standard, with licenses revoked if they fail to provide proof of global ranking.

Furthermore, institutions must secure Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA) certification from both their parent university's home country authority and Nepal's University Grants Commission. While existing institutions have three years to obtain this, new colleges must do so within five years. The regulations also standardize admissions, limiting student intake to twice a year, aligning with academic calendars and ending previous flexible practices.

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If any educational institution fails to present proof of global ranking within the stipulated three years, its operating licence will be revoked.