Key Takeaways:
- UGC began equivalence process on Aug 10, three days after Prof Dr Khadga Bahadur KC assumed office
- Responsibility shifted from TU Curriculum Development Centre after legal amendment
- First 30 cases processed; online applications opened July 17
- New procedure pending, with TU staff deputed due to expert shortage
The University Grants Commission has begun determining the equivalence of foreign academic degrees, processing its first 30 cases after taking over the responsibility from Tribhuvan University.
UGC Chairman Prof Dr Khadga Bahadur KC said the commission began the equivalence process on August 10, three days after he assumed office. The commission had opened online applications for foreign degree equivalence on July 17.
The responsibility was previously handled by the Curriculum Development Centre under the Office of the Rector of Tribhuvan University.
The UGC has yet to finalise its new working procedure for degree equivalence. In the meantime, it has brought in staff from TU on deputation because of a shortage of experts within the commission, KC said.
The proposed procedure provides for an Equivalence Determination Committee led by the UGC secretary. KC said the procedure would be finalised after appointments to vacant UGC member positions are completed.
The UGC received the authority to determine the equivalence of academic degrees awarded by foreign universities and similar educational institutions following an amendment to the University Grants Commission Act, 2050, through the Act to Amend Some Nepal Acts, 2082.
The transfer marks a change in the institutional system for recognising overseas qualifications, with the UGC now responsible for the process that was previously carried out by TU.