After completing 12th, more and more young Nepalese are choosing to study abroad. Sisir Simkhada, Founder and CEO of CAMBRIDGE Education, explains that the main reason students want to study and build careers abroad is the better opportunities available there. According to him, most students aiming for higher education prefer Australia and the UK. Why do students go abroad for higher studies? And why mainly to Australia and the UK? Here’s a summary of his conversation, based on 15+ years of experience in educational counseling:
1) What is the current situation of students going abroad for higher studies?
In recent years, the number of students going abroad has been increasing. Developed countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand are especially popular. According to the Ministry of Education, over 112,000 students obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) last year alone. Their first choice often includes countries with top universities like Australia, the UK, and Canada, along with Japan.
2) Why are Nepalese students going abroad continuously?
With globalization, students are attracted to studying abroad because of access to advanced education, practical knowledge, better life management skills, and earning opportunities while studying. Nepal’s education system is still largely traditional and theoretical, whereas education abroad is practical, career-oriented, and life-applicable. Students go abroad to gain international degrees, skills, experience, and exposure to a more comfortable lifestyle with greater job opportunities.
3) How do students adapt to a new culture, laws, and geography when they have no prior life experience?
Many parents ask this. However, in today’s globalized world, going abroad for higher studies and opportunities is normal. Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram give students exposure to foreign cultures. Moreover, millions of Nepalese have already studied in countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, and Japan, so culture, law, or geography rarely become obstacles, especially in highly developed countries like Australia and the UK.
4) Why are countries like Australia and the UK the top choices for students?
First, their education is globally recognized, with world-class universities and courses in all fields. Second, students with good English proficiency (IELTS or PTE) and medium to high economic capacity can access any university there. Third, these countries provide a student-friendly environment. Governments consider international students important to their economies, offering policies that make life easier. Opportunities to work while studying and scholarships also increase their appeal.
5) But aren’t there international-standard institutions in Nepal too?
Yes, quality education is available in Nepal, which prepares students to study abroad. However, studying abroad provides experiences and opportunities that Nepal cannot offer, such as advanced labs, libraries, technology, and courses in emerging fields like AI, machine learning, and renewable energy. Exposure to multicultural environments broadens perspectives, and foreign universities provide a stable educational system free from political interference.
6) What about cases where Nepalese students face problems abroad?
Not every student will succeed, just as children born to the same mother have different temperaments. Students who are responsible, hardworking, and committed to their studies and families generally succeed. Therefore, we cannot blame all students based on a few problem cases.
7) Why do some students struggle abroad?
Three main reasons:
Lack of academic preparation or financial capacity.
Wrong educational guidance or consultancy.
Pressure from parents.
Problems arise when students pursue subjects unrelated to their field, choose the wrong college due to poor advice, or face high parental financial expectations. Legal limits on work hours abroad also mean students must focus on gaining experience rather than immediately earning money for home.
8) What should students focus on before going abroad?
Students must understand the country’s educational, social, legal, and cultural background. They should have clear goals—studying or settling permanently. They must decide the field of study, prepare for language exams (IELTS, PTE), manage finances, choose a trustworthy consultancy, avoid false promises, pay tuition directly to the college, book their own tickets, and pay visa fees themselves.
9) Why do many students fail to complete their education abroad?
Common reasons include lack of focus, prioritizing earning over studying, changing colleges frequently, and bad peer influence. Students must focus on completing education first, as career opportunities open only after graduation.
10) Many students don’t return to Nepal. What’s your view?
If students go abroad with the purpose of studying, they are welcome. But those aiming only for permanent residency or money are discouraged. Skills and experience gained abroad should be used in Nepal. The country needs youth knowledge in education, tourism, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare.
11) What challenges do students face abroad?
Life abroad is not like a movie. Students face loneliness, mental pressure, language barriers, and lack of legal knowledge. But with strong determination, proper mindset, and preparation, these challenges can be turned into opportunities.
12) People accuse you of encouraging youth migration. How do you respond?
We never promote migration. We provide a bridge to learn skills and knowledge. Many youth return and work in Nepal. We are ready to support policies that attract international students to Nepal.
