- UK Minister Seema Malhotra reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nepal in education, skills development, and research during her Kathmandu visit.
- Currently, 19 UK universities collaborate with 27 Nepali campuses, providing UK-recognised qualifications to over 17,000 students within their home country.
- The partnership focuses on improving education quality and employability through vocational training, policy reforms, and increased private-sector collaboration.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific and Equalities, Seema Malhotra, on Saturday reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nepal in education and skills development during an interaction with Nepali entrepreneurs and education stakeholders in Kathmandu.
The programme, organised by the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI) under the theme “UK as a Full Spectrum Education Partner for Nepal,” brought together representatives from educational institutions, vocational and skills organisations, education consultancies, business leaders, and government officials from both countries, reflecting the broad scope of the Nepal–UK collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Minister Malhotra highlighted the long-standing ties between Nepal and the UK, particularly in the education sector. She noted that the partnership has evolved over the years—shifting from traditional public-sector cooperation and institutional linkages to a more comprehensive engagement that now prioritises quality education, employability, skills development, and research collaboration.
“The UK will remain a valuable and reliable education partner for Nepal, bringing benefits to people in both our nations,” she said, underlining the UK’s continued support.
Emphasising the growing importance of transnational education, Malhotra revealed that 19 UK universities are currently collaborating with 27 campuses across Nepal, benefiting more than 17,000 students. She explained that such arrangements enable Nepali students to obtain UK-recognised qualifications without leaving their country, thereby reducing financial burdens while expanding access to international education.
Echoing her remarks, UK Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn said the UK—through the British Embassy and the British Council—has been actively supporting Nepal in improving education outcomes and advancing policy reforms. He further stressed that stronger collaboration with the private sector is essential for creating employment opportunities and sustaining economic growth.
NBCCI President Dr Roshan Rathi, meanwhile, emphasised the need for continued dialogue and coordinated efforts between stakeholders in both countries to further strengthen educational ties and maximise mutual benefits.
The discussion also explored future avenues of cooperation, including vocational training, governance systems, higher education reform, quality assurance, and institutional partnerships, as Nepal moves ahead with ongoing reforms in its education sector.
