LONDON:-  A conference has been organized for the first time in the UK on the problems and opportunities of Nepali students. A one-day conference on the topic of ‘Concerns of Nepali Students Studying in the UK’ was organized for the first time on January 29 at the Nepali Embassy in London in collaboration with the Nepali Embassy in London and the Britain Nepal Society (BNS).

The conference was organized as the number of Nepali students pursuing higher education at British universities is increasing. At the event, Acting Ambassador Bipin Duwadi expressed happiness over the academic success and experience gained by Nepali students studying in the UK. Informing about the efforts made by the embassy to resolve the complaints of students who have come to the embassy, ​​Duwadi said that meaningful coordination and collaboration is necessary between educational consultants, universities, and both the Nepali and British governments.

BNS President Nick Hinton said the conference has made the journey of students studying in the UK easier, adding that BNS stands ready to work with the community and the embassy to provide necessary information and support if needed. He clarified that the ministry is ready to review laws and regulations related to higher education, monitor educational consultants, and strengthen support mechanisms for students in trouble.

Speaking virtually at the event, Diego Moroso, Director of the British Embassy in Kathmandu, expressed the view that supporting international students is everyone’s responsibility. Rustom Modi, Director of the British Council Kathmandu, informed about the council’s efforts to support Nepali students and expressed his commitment to work together with all stakeholders in the coming days.

The conference agreed to increase understanding among stakeholders, identify problems and solutions, create an online expert forum, establish a multi-stakeholder council, form a task force to prepare policy suggestions, and increase cooperation.

Despite its small population, 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 a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and in 2025 alone, about 20,000 students have received an NOC. Therefore, the conference concluded that it is necessary to bring all stakeholders together for discussion.

The conference was attended by more than 60 representatives from UK universities and colleges, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Education, the UK-Nepal Chamber of Commerce, NRNA UK, alumni, professors, education consultants, and media personnel. Officials from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the British Embassy in Kathmandu were also connected virtually.

During the conference, information was also provided about the assistance work carried out by the embassy so far. The embassy had informed that it had rescued many Nepali students in trouble in the UK and had contacted and provided assistance to students undergoing treatment for mental stress. The embassy stated that it has facilitated the visit of parents from Nepal to meet students with serious health problems, provided counseling services, and assisted some students in returning to Nepal with the support of the community.

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