Entanglement of Higher Education and Strength of Open and Distance Learning in Nepal

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the major entanglement of Higher education in Nepal and to find out the strength of Open and distance learning in Nepalese context. This study was based on empirical literature review including previous research, national and international reports regarding higher education of Nepal, whichhad been studied to investigate the major hurdles and then, analyzed the strength of Open and distance learning to overcome those hurdles. This paper found six major hurdles as 1) Lack of enough educational institutions (universities and campuses) around the country, 2) Limited capacity of admissions at public institutions, 3) Geographical barrier, 4) Highly expensive fees at private institutions, 5) Lack of national educational budgets, and 6) Strikes. Based on the characteristic and application of Open and distance learning, this paper suggests that, those six hurdles could be removed with the appropriate application of ODL programs to increase the strength of higher education in Nepal.