ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Launches First Transnational Education Partnership with AITM in Nepal
Hospitality Management degree to be offered to prospective Nepalese students through local partnership.
For the first time, students in Nepal will be able to pursue a University of the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý and Islands (ÐÔÊӽ紫ý) degree through a new partnership with AITM (Asian Institute of Technology and Management). This transnational education (TNE) franchise partnership will offer students access to ÐÔÊӽ紫ý's qualifications without leaving their home country.
'ÐÔÊӽ紫ý AITM' marks ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s first venture into establishing a franchise partnership, with the BA (Hons) Hospitality Management programme chosen as the flagship course. With the hospitality industry booming in Nepal, this programme will provide students with the skills and qualifications needed to excel in this dynamic sector. The partnership aims to offer both undergraduate and postgraduate ÐÔÊӽ紫ý degrees at AITM, with Nepalese academics leading the teaching, supported by ÐÔÊӽ紫ý colleagues to ensure the delivery of a high-quality Scottish qualification.
'ÐÔÊӽ紫ý AITM' is ÐÔÊӽ紫ý's very first venture into establishing a franchise partnership, with the BA (Hons) Hospitality Management degree chosen as the flagship programme. The aim of the franchise is to offer ÐÔÊӽ紫ý degree programmes, both undergraduate and postgraduate, at AITM and have Nepalese academics lead on the teaching with ÐÔÊӽ紫ý colleagues providing guidance, training and support to deliver a quality Scottish qualification.
A delegation from AITM visited ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth in September, where they participated in key approval events to finalise preparations for the first intake of approximately 80 students in January 2025. The delegation observed ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s innovative teaching practices, engaged with both Scottish and Nepalese students, and explored opportunities for further collaboration.
Speaking about the partnership, Craig Lennox, Director of International Partnerships at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth, said:
“This ÐÔÊӽ紫ý AITM franchise partnership will allow Nepalese students to study hospitality management at degree level and gain a UK qualification in their home country, gaining skills in a sector that is in high demand in Nepal.”
Vicki Nairn, ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Principal and Vice-Chancellor, added:
"This partnership not only broadens ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s global presence but also provides Nepalese students with affordable access to a world-class Scottish qualification right at home. We are excited to meet the growing demand for a global qualification in Nepal while keeping fees competitive to ensure affordability remains a key factor."
"This is just the beginning. We hope the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý AITM partnership will continue to grow and flourish, offering global education experiences to students both at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý and AITM in Nepal."
Key partners in this collaboration include LCCI Global Qualifications, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), and Skills to Earn (S2E), providing support for applications and visas, ensuring a seamless experience for students.
The long-term vision for this partnership is to not only provide exceptional educational opportunities but also to build strong ties between the UK and Nepal, paving the way for further international collaborations in the future.