India (Commonwealth)_A groundbreaking collaboration between Kathmandu University (KU) and Australia’s Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) is set to transform the higher education landscape in Nepal. The two institutions have signed a historic agreement to jointly deliver dual degree programs, where students will be awarded degrees from both Nepal and Australia. The partnership aims to provide world-class tuition and internationally recognized qualifications, while also promoting academic exchange and research opportunities between the two countries. This new beginning not only benefits KU but also strengthens Nepal’s position as an attractive destination for affordable, high-quality education for international students.
The signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone for both countries and lays the foundation for fostering educational exchange. Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk, highlighted the importance of such partnerships in strengthening the Australia-Nepal relationship. Educational exchange serves as the bedrock of this bilateral relationship, and the collaboration is a positive step towards addressing the imbalance in student exchanges between the two nations.
Starting from the 2023-24 academic year, the dual degree program will see students spending the first two years of their education in Nepal, followed by two years at CIHE in Australia. This unique opportunity allows students to experience diverse academic environments and gain exposure to different cultures, enhancing their overall educational experience. The dual degrees granted will not only signify academic excellence but also open up wider prospects for career opportunities in both countries and beyond.
Deepak Khadka, the Director of CIHE, emphasized that this collaboration would facilitate the flow of Australian students to Nepal as well. By showcasing Nepal as a destination of choice for affordable and high-quality education, the partnership contributes to positioning Nepal as a hub for international students. This is a significant step in mitigating the challenges posed by mass migration of Nepal’s youth to overseas locations.
KU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bhola Thapa, expressed his excitement over this new venture, considering it as a significant step towards the realization of a university in the truest sense. The collaboration aligns with KU’s vision to partner with leading global educational institutes, aiming to provide high-quality education to its students. This joint endeavor will contribute to the development of Nepal’s higher education sector, raising its profile on the international stage.
Apart from the dual degree program, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between KU and CIHE encompasses several academic activities. These include joint research projects, exchange programs for faculty, students, and staff, as well as the exchange of materials, publications, and information. This comprehensive collaboration ensures a seamless exchange of knowledge and fosters an environment of learning and growth for both institutions.
KU Registrar, Professor Achyut Wagle, expressed optimism about the prospects of this partnership and encouraged both institutions to continue exploring new avenues for collaboration. The ultimate goal is to create a separate and unique brand of education that will offer excellence in education to the next generation of students. By combining the expertise and resources of both institutions, this collaboration sets a benchmark for academic excellence and innovation.
The historic agreement between Kathmandu University and Australia’s Crown Institute of Higher Education heralds a new era of academic cooperation, paving the way for a robust higher education system in Nepal. This collaborative effort not only enriches the learning experiences of students but also strengthens Nepal’s global standing as an educational hub. As the dual degree program and academic collaboration begin in the upcoming academic year, both countries can look forward to a bright future of mutual growth and prosperity in the field of education.
