IERIN Hosts National Discussion on Higher Education Opportunities and Challenges

EDUCAST, The International Education Representatives’ Initiative of Nepal (IERIN) successfully organized a National Discussion & Interaction Program focusing on “Higher Education Opportunities and Challenges in Nepal and Abroad.” The high-profile event took place on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the Aarambha Banquet, Bluestar Mall, Thapathali, Kathmandu. The program brought together a distinguished gathering of academicians, higher education professionals, policymakers, education representatives, students, and key industry stakeholders to analyze the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education both within Nepal and internationally, foster greater awareness, encourage informed decision-making among students and parents, and promote constructive dialogue across the sector.

The highlight of the event was an esteemed panel discussion featuring prominent figures from diverse sectors of academia and international student recruitment. The panel included Dr. Bhanu Kaushik, Director of UH UAE-India at the University of Hertfordshire; Mr. Anup Shrestha, Senior Manager of Marketing, Recruitment and Operations (South Asia) at The University of Adelaide; Mr. Ujjwal Satyal, a veteran Tourism, Hospitality, and Education Expert; and Dr. Khagendra Acharya, Associate Professor and Associate Dean at the Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM). The dynamic session was moderated by Ms. Sneha Ghimire, Senior Program and Research Assistant at the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS).

Throughout the discussion, the panelists explored critical issues shaping modern education, including the core definition of quality higher education, emerging study pathways, student aspirations, and the dual realities of affordability and employability. The speakers specifically emphasized the importance of student preparedness, industry-academia partnerships, and the cultivation of practical skills required to compete in today’s global workforce. A central theme emerged from the panel: higher education choices must be carefully aligned with a student’s genuine academic interests, financial capacity, and long-term career aspirations, rather than being driven solely by destination preferences. The speakers collectively called for ethical counseling practices, thorough financial planning, and stronger collaboration between educational institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers to enhance Nepal’s higher education ecosystem through innovation and quality enhancement.

The program’s success was amplified by the collaboration and support of several esteemed international and local institutions. The University of Hertfordshire and York St John University joined the initiative as Associate Partners. A robust cohort of Education Partners supported the event, including Softwarica College (College of IT & E-Commerce), National Education Consultancy (NEC), LBEF Campus, Edu-Bridge, Study Square, Route2Uni, University of Worcester, and the University of East London. Additionally, the event benefited from specialized partnerships, with the British Council IELTS serving as the IELTS Partner, Aarambha Banquet & Events managing the session as the Hospitality Partner, and Nabil Bank contributing as the Banking Partner. At the conclusion of the panel, a formal ‘Token of Love’ distribution ceremony was held to honor the guest speakers and corporate sponsors for their vital contributions.

The interaction program commenced with an opening speech by Mr. Hemanta Bhattarai, Immediate Past President (IPP) of IERIN, and concluded with an official vote of thanks delivered by the newly elected IERIN President, Mr. Yogesh Chettri. This event marked one of the first major public engagements organized under the leadership of the newly elected IERIN Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 tenure. The new leadership team consists of President Mr. Yogesh Chettri, Vice President Ms. Manju Thapa Dhamala, General Secretary Mr. Dev Raj Thapa, Secretary Mr. Laxman Yonjan, Treasurer Mr. Krishna Raj Pokhrel, and Executive Members Mr. Om Prakash Upadhayaya, Ms. Sujata Sherpa, Mr. Rakesh Shrestha, and Mr. Shashank Poudyal, alongside Immediate Past President Mr. Hemanta Bhattarai.

Established on 24 February 2014, the International Education Representatives’ Initiative of Nepal (IERIN) is a non-profit association representing leading education consultancies and international education professionals in Nepal. Under the guidance of the new Executive Committee, IERIN remains dedicated to enhancing professional standards, advocating for ethical student recruitment practices, and fostering international partnerships to strengthen Nepal’s global education landscape. For further information regarding IERIN’s upcoming initiatives, interested stakeholders can visit their official website at www.ierin.org or contact the secretariat at [email protected].