Oxford International Education Group Successfully Launched Universal Higher Education in Nepal

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EDUCAST, Oxford International Education Group recently concluded a successful launch event for Universal Higher Education (UHE) in Nepal on August 15. The event, held to introduce UHE to Nepali educational agents, highlighted the various services and opportunities offered by the Australian institution.

Universal Higher Education, based in Melbourne, Australia, offers industry-linked undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with a strong focus on International Technology and Engineering Management. The institution is part of the Universal Learning Group and is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). UHE aims to provide a globally-focused education experience that equips graduates for successful international careers.

The event emphasized the strategic partnerships between Oxford International Education Group and several renowned universities and colleges. These partner institutions include Bangor University, Ravensbourne University London, University of Roehampton London, University of Bradford, De Montfort University, University of Dundee, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Greenwich, University of Kent, San Francisco State University, Mercy University, The University of Notre Dame Australia, and Universal Higher Education.

During the event, agents were informed about the unique aspects of UHE’s programs and the support services available to students. The launch marked a significant step in expanding the presence of Universal Higher Education in the Nepali market, offering new opportunities for students seeking a globally recognized education in Australia.

In this event, host of Destination UK Television, had an in-depth conversation with Andy Caldwell, Chief Commercial Officer at Oxford International Education Group. The event focused on Universal Higher Education, a new acquisition by Oxford International, and its significance for Nepalese students and educational agents.

Host: It’s great to have you here, Andy. Could you start by introducing yourself and sharing some insights about today’s event?

Andy Caldwell: Thank you, It’s a pleasure to be here. I’m Andy Caldwell, the Chief Commercial Officer at Oxford International Education Group. Today, we’re excited to launch Universal Higher Education here in Kathmandu, Nepal. We’re also here to provide an update on Oxford International’s market presence in Nepal. Over the years, we’ve seen a significant number of Nepalese students joining our UK partnerships, and we’re keen to discuss how Universal Higher Education, which we recently acquired in Melbourne, Australia, can benefit students and agents in Nepal.

Host: What makes the Universal Higher Education product unique compared to other higher education solutions available in Nepal?

Andy Caldwell: At Oxford International, we pride ourselves on service. Service, in our view, encompasses the entire student journey—from the initial application process, where we strive to respond as quickly and accurately as possible, to providing high-quality support through visa processing and arrival. With Universal Higher Education, which we now own, we’ve extended this focus on service throughout the student’s educational experience. We emphasize employability, ensuring our courses are aligned with skill shortages in Australia. We also offer career guidance and support, including workshops on CV preparation and interview skills, giving students a competitive edge. Located centrally in Melbourne, Universal Higher Education is accessible for students, making it easier to find part-time work while studying.

Host: Australia is a highly sought-after destination for international students. How do you envision Universal Higher Education impacting the education landscape in Nepal?

Andy Caldwell: Historically, many Nepalese students have attended public institutions. However, we believe that private institutions, like Universal Higher Education, can offer better value for money. We focus on the return on investment for students and parents. Our fees are competitive, and we offer scholarships ranging from AUD 1,000 to AUD 4,000 based on merit. By emphasizing employability and providing excellent customer service, we aim to significantly impact the education landscape in Nepal. We’re committed to helping students achieve successful outcomes, as evidenced by our 100% employability rate from our colleges in Canada.

Host: Universal Higher Education connects classroom learning to the industry. What key features of this product do you believe will resonate most with Nepalese students and educational institutions?

Andy Caldwell: That’s a great question. Let’s take our Master’s in Computer Science program, for example. It focuses on two specializations—cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). These are critical areas with growing global demand. Cybersecurity is crucial as governments and private organizations seek to protect against fraud and cyber threats. AI, with tools like ChatGPT already impacting our daily lives, is becoming increasingly essential. Our program also offers a generic computer science stream for those who prefer a broader specialization. We’re preparing students not just for today’s careers, but for the future, with strong industry connections and relevant skills.

Host: Oxford International has established a strong presence in the Nepalese market. How do you plan to collaborate with local educational agents to ensure the successful implementation of Universal Higher Education?

Andy Caldwell: Over the past few years, we’ve seen significant growth in the number of Nepalese students enrolling in our programs. Initially, we had fewer than 50 students from Nepal at our university partners. To support this growth, we’ve invested in local teams here in Nepal, growing from one to six staff members, with our latest team member focused solely on Australia. Our local team is critical in supporting agents by providing up-to-date information on visa changes and market trends, ensuring students and agents can succeed in their applications.

Host: Introducing a new product in the Nepalese market can be challenging, especially with the current visa approval rates for Australia. How do you plan to address these challenges?

Andy Caldwell: It’s true that Australia’s visa approval rate for Nepalese students was low recently, with refusal rates as high as 40%. However, this has improved significantly. In June, the approval rate was over 90%, indicating that the situation is stabilizing. The key is ensuring students have all their documents in order and meet the institution’s criteria. We’ve seen that with proper documentation and a strong statement of purpose, students have a much better chance of obtaining a visa. Institutions in Australia are also being more robust in their assessments, which helps maintain this higher approval rate.

Host: Finally, what message would you like to share with prospective Nepalese students and parents who are considering Australia for higher education?

Andy Caldwell: My key message is to consider the return on investment. At Universal Higher Education, we offer competitive tuition fees, scholarships, and a strong focus on employability. Our commitment to customer service ensures that students receive support throughout their journey—from the application process to their time in Australia. We’re focused on preparing students for careers in high-demand industries like cybersecurity and AI, which are essential not only in Australia but globally. We believe in providing students with the tools and support they need to succeed in their education and future careers.

Host: Thank you, Andy, for sharing these valuable insights with us. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of Universal Higher Education on Nepalese students.

Andy Caldwell: Thank you,. It’s been a pleasure being here.