Dinesh Kumar Pariyar
December 25, 2024
The year 2024 marked a pivotal shift in international education, with Nepalese students emerging as a significant force in diversifying global campuses. Amid changing policies and fluctuating interest in traditional study destinations, students from Nepal have made an indelible mark on the international education landscape.
Rising Presence of Nepalese Students
Nepal has solidified its position as a vital source of international students, with over 112,000 students applying to study abroad in the 2023/24 fiscal year.
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In the United Kingdom, Nepal became the sixth-largest source of international students in the year ending June 2024, with visa approvals increasing by 63% over the previous year, despite an overall decline in visas issued to international students.
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Similarly, the United States issued a record number of F-1 student visas to Nepalese students in the first nine months of fiscal year 2024, with over 9,200 visas granted, marking a 61% increase over the full year 2023.
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Policy Impacts on Nepalese Student Mobility
Evolving international student policies in major Anglophone countries have influenced Nepalese students’ decisions.
Canada’s introduction of study permit caps and Australia’s proposed soft caps led some Nepalese students to explore other options.
Conversely, policy changes in the UK, such as the ban on bringing dependents, have not deterred Nepalese students, who have a historically low ratio of dependents to main applicants.
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Economic and Cultural Impacts
Nepal’s growing representation in international education brings substa cultural benefits to host countries.
Their preference for STEM fields addresses skill gaps in critical industries, with over 70% of Nepalese students in the US pursuing STEM programs.
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Additionally, their presence enriches cultural diversity on campuses, prompting educational institutions to tailor recruitment strategies to attract Nepalese students.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 approaches, Nepalese students are expected to play an even larger role in shaping the future of international education.
Institutions worldwide must prepare for this shift by addressing the unique needs of Nepalese students, such as financial support, streamlined visa processes, and targeted program offerings.
The rise of Nepalese students in the global education arena underscores the ongoing diversification of international student populations and sets the stage for a more inclusive and interconnected academic community.