Beyond Branch Campuses
Nepal’s Franchise Model of Transnational Higher Education
Abstract
Nepal’s foreign-affiliated colleges, formally recognized under a 2002 government directive, are often
mistaken for branch campuses but operate through franchise-style arrangements. This article
analyzes why such institutions have proliferated in Nepal and assesses their academic quality and
governance. It argues that while the system has widened access to international degrees, weak
regulatory oversight, limited institutional engagement, and challenges in degree recognition create
significant risks for students and raise broader concerns about the sustainability of transnational
education.
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