Universities of Nepal propose ‘credit transfer’ for KIIT returnee students

KATHMANDU: Nepal universities have proposed a “credit transfer” system for students returning from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India.

This initiative aims to help students continue their education at the same academic level in Nepal.

However, the lack of a concrete government decision has created uncertainty regarding the implementation of the credit transfer process.

Following the death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal and reports of mistreatment, hundreds of students have returned from KIIT, according to government estimates.

Many of these students have expressed their unwillingness to return due to security concerns.

However, the exact number of students who were at KIIT or have returned remains unclear as Nepal’s education and foreign ministries lack verified data.

In response, Nepalese universities have started arranging for these students to continue their studies domestically.

Purbanchal University has officially decided to facilitate credit transfer for students unable to complete their studies abroad.

On Friday, its registrar’s office issued a notice stating that students who could not continue their education abroad can transfer their credits under government coordination.

The credit transfer will be conducted in accordance with academic council standards in affiliated and constituent campuses.

Similarly, Kathmandu University (KU) has scheduled discussions on credit transfer for affected students.

The university’s academic council has called for a review of students’ situations and has urged them to submit online forms ahead of the upcoming meeting on Friday.

Despite these efforts, the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Nepal currently lacks a national policy on credit transfer.

UGC Chair Devraj Adhikari acknowledged that there are no established criteria for transferring credits at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

He stated that the commission is working on a draft policy, while universities are proceeding with their initiatives based on their own guidelines.

The KIIT incident has drawn attention from top political leaders, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and both ruling and opposition lawmakers.

The issue has also been raised in parliament, highlighting the need for a resolution. However, the government has been criticized for failing to collect accurate data on the students still at KIIT and those who have returned.

Raju Shrestha, Undersecretary at the Education Ministry’s Help Desk, admitted that the ministry lacks official records on how many Nepali students were studying at KIIT and how many have returned.

Following the incident, the ministry requested data from the Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN) regarding Nepali students in India.

However, many students studying in India do not obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Nepal government, making regulation difficult.

Education Ministry spokesperson Shiva Kumar Sapkota stated that although no official data exists, reports indicate that some students are returning to KIIT.

“The Indian government and university officials have pledged to create a safer environment,” he said. “Students appear to be in a mindset to return, and some have already gone back.” He added that the ministry is working to facilitate students in continuing their education at KIIT, but if that is not possible, credit transfer will be considered.

Balchandra Luintel, a member secretary of Kathmandu University’s academic council, stated that discussions on credit transfer are being held in response to concerns from students and parents. “Many students studying abroad face difficulties from time to time,” he said. “Credit transfer has been practiced before, and we are looking to continue this system.” He further noted that students who provide official academic records from their foreign institutions will be eligible for credit transfer in Nepal.

UGC Chair Adhikari emphasized that coordination between the students’ current and future universities is essential for a successful transfer. “The academic records, completed and remaining credits, and curriculum must be officially verified before allowing transfers,” he said.

Each year, over 100,000 Nepali students obtain an NOC to study abroad, with around 5,000 heading to India for higher education.

However, officials estimate that a larger number of students go to India without official permission.