The International Education Representatives' Initiative of Nepal (IERIN) successfully organized a National Discussion & Interaction Program on "Higher Education Opportunities and Challenges in Nepal and Abroad" on Thursday, 11 Junc 2026, at Aarambha Banquet, Bluestar Mall, Thapathali, Kathmandu.
The program brought_together distinguished academicians, higher_ education professionals, policymakers,education representatives, students, and stakeholders to discuss the evolving, landscape of higher education in Nepal and internationally, The event aimed to create awareness, encourage informed decision-making among students, and promote constructive dialogue on the opportunities and challenges facing the education sector,
The discussion featured an esteemed panel of speakers, including:
* Dr. Bhanu Kaushik, Director - UH UAE-India at University of Hertfordshire, International Education Leader C
• Mr. Anup Shrestha, Senior Manager - Marketing, Recruitment and Operations (South Asia) at The University of Adelaide,
Higher Education Recruitment Professional Mr. Ujjwal Satyal, Tourism,
Hospitality and Education Expert Dr. Khagendra Acharya, Associate Professor and Associate Dcan, Kathmandu University School of Management)
The session was moderated by Ms. Sneha Ghimire, Senior Program and Research Assistant at the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (I1DS). The discussion explored key topics including the meaning of quality higher education, study opportunities in Nepal and abroad, student aspirations, affordability employability, student preparedness, industry-academnia partnerships, and the development of skills required in today's global workforce.
Throughout the program, panelists emphasized the importance of informed educational choices, ethical counseling, skill development, financial preparedness, and stronger collaboration between educational institutions, industry, and policymakers. The discussion highlighted that higher education should be aligned with students' academic interests, financial capacity, and long-term career aspirations rather than being driven solely by destination preferences.
The program was organized with the objective of fostering meaningful dialogue on higher education pathways while helping students, parents, and stakeholders better understand both local and international education opportunities. It also reinforced the need to strengthen Nepal's higher education ecosystem through innovation, quality enhancement, and stronger global partnerships.
The program organized with the support and collaboration of several esteemed institutions. was University of Hertfordshire and York St John University joined as the Associate Partners of the event. The program was further supported by Softwarica College, College of IT & E-Commerce, National Education Consultancy (NEC), LBEF Campus, Edu-Bridge, Study Square, Route 2 Uni, University of Worcester, and University of East London as Education Partners. The event also received valuable support from British Council IELTS as IELTS partners, Aarambha Banquct & Events as the Hospitality Partner, and Nabil Bank as the Banking Partner.
IERIN extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, participants, partner institutions, and supporting organizations for their valuable contribution in making the event a success.
As a leading association.representing Nepal's international education sector, IERIN remains committed to promoting ethical practices, quality education, and constructive engagement among all stakeholders for the advancement of Nepalese students and the education industry.