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 Scholars (At present)
Research Fellows
Cohort I (2024)
| YAM NATH GIRI |
DEEPAK BOHARA |
 |
 |
| |
|
| SUJATA BHATTA |
LAXMAN KC |
 |
 |
Cohort II (2025)
| KOMAL PHYUAL |
|
ANILA JHA |
|
KRISHNA KUMARI
KHADKA |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Cohort III (2026) (To be selected soon)