Number of students pursuing higher education in Nepal rises by 10.9 percent

KATHMANDU: The number of students pursuing higher education within Nepal has increased by 10.9 percent, according to the Economic Survey 2025/26.

In fiscal year 2023/24, the number of higher education students stood at 672,489, which rose to 745,770 in fiscal year 2024/25.

According to the survey, management faculty accounts for the highest share of students at 50.5 percent, while agriculture has the lowest enrollment at just 0.15 percent. Nearly 80 percent of students are concentrated in management, education, and humanities and social sciences streams.

The report also shows that of the total students enrolled in central, provincial, health science institutions, and foreign-affiliated colleges in Nepal, 75.3 percent are studying under Tribhuvan University. This includes 47.9 percent in constituent campuses and 27.4 percent in affiliated colleges.

Other universities and academic programs account for 24.1 percent of total enrollment.

In terms of government investment, 67.5 percent is allocated to Tribhuvan University, while 32.5 percent goes to other universities and programs.

The survey further states that as of March, Nepal has 21 universities—15 central and 6 provincial—along with 8 health science academies, including 6 under federal and 2 under provincial governments.