The University Grants Commission (UGC) will officially take over the responsibility of determining the equivalence of higher education degrees from Shrawan 1, 2083 B.S., replacing the Tribhuvan University Curriculum Development Centre (CDC). The transition follows amendments made to the University Grants Commission Act, 2050, through the Some Nepal Acts Amendment Act, 2082, making the Commission the country’s sole authority for higher education degree equivalence.
Key Details
- Effective from: Shrawan 1, 2083 B.S (July 17, 2026)
- Degree equivalence authority transferred from Tribhuvan University to the University Grants Commission.
- Tribhuvan University has stopped accepting new applications for degree equivalence.
- The amended law also grants UGC legal authority over credit transfer and Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA).
More Information
The legal change is based on amendments introduced through the Some Nepal Acts Amendment Act, 2082, which revised the University Grants Commission Act, 2050. The amendment expands the Commission’s mandate by formally recognizing its authority to determine the equivalence of academic degrees awarded by foreign universities and other recognized higher education institutions.
Previously, students graduating from foreign universities as well as graduates from other universities within Nepal, seeking official recognition of their qualifications had to obtain equivalence certificates through Tribhuvan University’s Curriculum Development Centre. The transfer of this responsibility also implements a recommendation made by the Higher Education Commission (2075 B.S.), which had proposed shifting the function to the University Grants Commission. Although the Commission has completed preparations for the transition, it is currently operating without a Chairperson and Member Secretary, with both positions remaining vacant for the past three months.
