UHI 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 Highlands and Islands (UHI) degree through a new partnership with AITM (Asian Institute of Technology and Management). This transnational education (TNE) franchise partnership will offer students access to UHI's qualifications without leaving their home country.

'UHI AITM' marks UHI’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 UHI degrees at AITM, with Nepalese academics leading the teaching, supported by UHI colleagues to ensure the delivery of a high-quality Scottish qualification.

'UHI AITM' is UHI'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 UHI degree programmes, both undergraduate and postgraduate, at AITM and have Nepalese academics lead on the teaching with UHI colleagues providing guidance, training and support to deliver a quality Scottish qualification.  

A delegation from AITM visited UHI 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 UHI’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 UHI Perth, said:

“This UHI 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, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, added:

"This partnership not only broadens UHI’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 UHI AITM partnership will continue to grow and flourish, offering global education experiences to students both at UHI 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.