Background and Objectives

Strategic shift of Tribhuvan University (TU) – from teaching to research-oriented university in-line with the global standard – is being spearheaded by the Centre for International Relations (CIR), established in 1998 under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. CIR serves as the primary institutional mechanism for promoting international engagement, facilitating academic cooperation, and fostering mutual understanding between TU and higher education institutions across the globe.

TU’s commitment to academic internationalization is manifested through a wide array of initiatives, including joint research undertakings, student and faculty exchange programs, dual and joint degree pathways, international seminars and conferences, and faculty development programs. These efforts are designed to enhance the quality of teaching, learning, and research, and to provide students and faculty with broader academic exposure.

TU continues to expand its global footprint through forging partnerships with leading institutions abroad. It has a global network of partnerships with over 200 universities and academic institutions across Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, and North America. CIR plays a central role in coordinating with the partner institutions, expanding partnerships further, and mobilizing strategic collaborations that support academic mobility, research synergy, and institutional development.

Strategic Goal

To strengthen and broaden TU’s global engagement by establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with universities and academic institutions worldwide, with the aim of enhancing academic standards and fostering research in priority areas.

Core Activities

International Partnership Development: Facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and cultivate academic talent by building and sustaining robust linkages with foreign academic institutions and international organizations.

Academic Mobility Programs: Promote and support student and faculty exchange programs, both in-bound and out-bound, that contribute to intercultural learning and collaborative scholarship.

Research Collaboration: Encourage international researchers to engage with Tribhuvan University’s academic community by streamlining research visa procedures and offering supervisory support for joint research initiatives.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement systematic assessment mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness and impact of collaborative academic programs.

Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination: Organize international conferences, seminars, and scholarly exchanges to promote dissemination of academic achievements and enhance global academic visibility.

Institutional Goodwill Promotion: Foster and sustain mutually beneficial relationships between Tribhuvan University and global academic communities.

Support for Faculty and Researchers: Provide administrative and logistical support to faculty members and departments hosting international scholars and affiliated faculty. TU regularly hosts a growing number of international researchers who engage in a wide range of academic activities, including the following two types of students:

i) Course-based learning: Participation in regular academic courses as part of professional and academic development.
ii) Degree and non-degree research programs: Engagement in structured or independent research initiatives leading to degree or non-degree certifications.

Facilitation for International Students: TU hosts various types of international students and CIR facilitates them with various logistical and social aspects. There are three types of international students:

i) Self-enrolled students: Students who independently apply and are admitted to TU academic programs.
ii) Institutionally sponsored students: Students whose study at TU is supported by scholarships or sponsorship from their home institutions or governments.
iii) Exchange program students: Students participating in academic exchange programs under bilateral or multilateral agreements between Tribhuvan University and partner institutions.

Based on experience so far, international students’ interest is growing in the following programs of TU:

University-Wide Collaboration

Through initiatives coordinated through CIR, TU promotes broad-based institutional collaboration across its departments, faculties, constituent campuses, and affiliated colleges. These initiatives include student and faculty exchanges, joint research endeavours, academic conferences, seminars, and co-authored publications in partnership with international institutions.

TU Global Initiative

In 2023, the CIR launched the “TU Global Initiative”, a strategic program designed to foster academic engagement between TU and members of the global academic diaspora. This initiative aims to build meaningful connections with faculty, researchers, and scholars of Nepali origin residing abroad who are committed to contributing to the advancement of TU. Through this platform, CIR seeks to harness the expertise, networks, and goodwill of the diaspora to support the University’s academic and research objectives.

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