Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN) today said the number of students going abroad for studies was increasing due to inappropriate education system in Nepal.

Speaking at an interaction organised by ECAN and Education Journalists Network (EJON), Rajendra Baral, president, ECAN, said due to lack of good education policies and education system, students were going abroad for studies to gain relevant education that meets global needs. 

He said, “Continuous padlocking of educational institutions, non-completion of courses in time and delayed result publication were some of the reasons behind the frustration students feel in Nepal.” He stated that students were going abroad even by taking loans since the quality of education in the country was not world class.

Professor Tirtha Khaniya, an educationist, said, “Nepalese guardians think their kids’ future is assured if they get study visa for foreign countries.” He added, “Almost 50 per cent Nepalese students going abroad don’t complete studies and such people don’t return to Nepal due to shame.” He also stated that students who go abroad for studies are more focused on working and earning than studying and gaining degrees. 

According to Ministry of Education, Nepalese students go to more than 60 countries for studies. The most popular destinations for students are Australia, USA, UK, Canada, Japan, China and India, among others. Nepal ranks fifth among countries that students to Australia and 10th among countries sending students to the US. It takes around Rs 1 million to 1.2 million to study in Japan and Canada, Rs 1.6 million to study in China and Australia, Rs 1.2 million to Rs 1.4 million in the USA and Rs 600,000 to Rs 800,000 to study in India. The cost of study differs as per the faculty and country. 

Dilli Ram Rimal, joint secretary, Ministry of Education, said students were going aboard mostly because the subjects of their choice were not available in Nepal. He stated that the ministry would be regulating educational consultancies.

Published on: 25 June 2014 | The Himalayan Times