NORHED II: Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development
Faculty of Social Sciences and Education (FoSSED)
Nepal Open University
Manbhawan, Lalitpur, Nepal
Introduction
The NORHED II (Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development) project at Nepal Open University (NOU) is a collaborative initiative supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) under the NORHED II programme. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of higher education institutions through academic cooperation, research collaboration, institutional development, and human resource enhancement. It contributes to improving the quality, accessibility, and relevance of higher education and research in Nepal while addressing local and global development challenges.
At Nepal Open University, the project is implemented through the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education in partnership with national and international universities. The project focuses on enhancing research capacity, promoting innovation in teaching and learning, supporting faculty and student development, and fostering inclusive and equitable educational practices. Particular emphasis is placed on addressing issues related to social inclusion, multilingual education, gender equality, digital learning, and sustainable development.
Through a range of activities, including research projects, academic exchanges, training workshops, curriculum development, scholarships, conferences and international networking, the NORHED II project seeks to strengthen institutional capacity and contribute to the production of high-quality research and knowledge. The project also promotes collaborative learning and the exchange of expertise among partner institutions, thereby creating opportunities for long-term academic and professional development.
As Nepal’s leading open and distance learning university, Nepal Open University is uniquely positioned to expand educational opportunities for diverse and underserved populations. The NORHED II project supports the university’s mission by enhancing its ability to deliver quality higher education, conduct impactful research, and contribute to evidence-based policy and practice. Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen the role of higher education as a driver of social transformation, inclusive development, and sustainable progress in Nepal and beyond.
PhD Programs Highlights
At present, there are four PhD researchers pursuing their studies. Enrolled in 2024, they are going to complete their projects by 2027. Below are four PhDs
PhD Scholars (At present)
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| KHEM RAJ JOSHI |
GOBINDA PURI |
SARAL LUITEL |
KIRAN THAPA |
Research Fellowship
NORHED II has been offering fellowship programmes to potential candidates for carrying out research related to the allocated themes. The duration of the fellowship is six months. In the first Cohort 2024, four fellows were selected. In 2025, three more fellows were selected. Here are the fellows.
Research Fellows
Cohort I (2024)
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| YAM NATH GIRI |
DEEPAK BOHARA |
LAXMAN KC |
SUJATA BHATTA |
Cohort II (2025)
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| KOMAL PHYUAL |
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ANILA JHA |
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KRISHNA KUMARI KHADKA |
Cohort III (2026)
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| KOMAL PHYUAL |
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PADAM NARAYAN JOSHI |
Miteri/Model Schools
NORHED II has attempted to reach all provinces of Nepal through the concept of Miteri Schools. These schools are selected through open calls and on the basis of the selection criteria developed by the project. In 2024, two Miteri Schools, one from Bagmati Province and another from Lumbini Province, were selected. In addition, three Miteri Schools from Koshi, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces have been selected.
One-Year Bachelor in Pedagogical Sciences (BEdPS)
This is a professional programme that intends to develop teachers' professional activities. It is a two-semester programme. Admissions are open every year according to the university calendar.
Four-Year Bachelor in Educational Sciences (BES)
This is a more research-focused programme. As an eight-semester programme, admissions are open every year, like the one-year BEdPS programme. Two cohorts are currently in progress
Trainings, Workshops, and Conferences
With the support of NORHED II, national and international conferences have been organized every year (in November) since the beginning of the project. Here are some highlights. Furthermore, different training activities at Miteri Schools and other places are being organized, along with workshops to enhance teachers' professional activities.
Publications
PhD researchers and research fellows have been engaged in publishing their projects. Some links are provided here.
