First Conference Held in London to Address Challenges and Opportunities for Nepali Students in the UK

London. For the first time, a conference has been organized in the UK regarding the problems and opportunities for Nepali students. The one-day conference titled 'Concerns of Nepali Students Studying in the UK' was held at the Nepali Embassy in London on January 29, in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in London and the Britain Nepal Society (BNS).

The conference was organized due to the increasing number of Nepali students pursuing higher education in UK universities. At the event, Acting Ambassador Bipin Duwadi expressed happiness over the academic success and experiences gained by Nepali students studying in the UK. Informing about the complaints received by the embassy, the problems they faced, and the efforts made by the embassy to resolve them, Duwadi stated that meaningful coordination and cooperation are necessary between parents, educational consultants, universities, community leaders, and both the Nepal-UK governments.

BNS Chairman Nick Hinton stated that the conference has made the journey for students studying in the UK smoother, adding that BNS is ready to provide necessary information, policy updates, and assistance in collaboration with the community and the embassy. He mentioned that the consensus reached through discussions would make it easier for students to focus on their studies.

Shiv Kumar Sapkotta, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Nepal, addressed the conference virtually and answered participants' queries. He clarified that the ministry is prepared to review laws and regulations related to higher education, monitor educational consultants, and strengthen the support mechanism for students in trouble.

During the program, Diego Moroso, Director of the British Embassy in Kathmandu, addressed virtually, expressing the view that supporting international students is everyone's responsibility. He opined that student problems cannot be solved without coordination and cooperation among stakeholders. Rustom Modi, Director of the British Council Kathmandu, provided information about the Council's efforts to support Nepali students and committed to working with all stakeholders in the coming days.

Various presentations and discussions were held at the conference. The conclusion of the discussions included agreements to enhance understanding among stakeholders, identify problems and solutions, create an online expert forum, establish a council involving many stakeholders, form a working group to prepare policy recommendations, and increase support.

Although the population is small, Nepal has become the fifth-largest country sending international students to the UK. In the last five years, more than 60,000 students have received 'No Objection Certificates' (NOC) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and around 20,000 students received NOC in 2025 alone. Therefore, the conference concluded that it is necessary to bring all stakeholders together for discussion.

More than 60 representatives participated in the conference, including representatives from UK universities and colleges, the Home Office, the Department of Education, the Britain-Nepal Chamber of Commerce, NRNA UK, alumni, professors, education consultants, and journalists. Officials from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Kathmandu and the British Embassy also joined virtually.

Information about the support work carried out by the embassy so far was also provided during the conference. The embassy informed that it had rescued many Nepali students in trouble in the UK and contacted and assisted students undergoing treatment due to mental stress. The embassy stated that it facilitated parents coming from Nepal to visit students with serious health problems, provided counseling services, and helped repatriate some students with the support of the community.

In addition, the embassy is discussing with relevant universities to resolve the problems of Nepali students. Efforts are being made to find solutions, especially regarding fee payment deadlines, administrative issues, and continuity of studies.

However, the embassy stated it is serious about universities that do not support troubled students and show a lack of sensitivity. A warning was issued at the conference that the government would be requested to review sending Nepali students to such universities if necessary.

The conference concluded with a commitment to continue cooperation for the welfare and success of Nepali students studying in the UK.