Open and distance learning refers to a learning environment where students have a degree of control over the time, location, instructional strategies, and other aspects of their learning experience. Distance learning is also known as distance learning, e-learning, online learning, web-based learning, home study courses, and correspondence.

Open and distance learning is considered to be modern way of learning sand gives more emphasis on self-study. This approach is significantly different from correspondence education because students learn while using communication technologies while at home. Despite the limitations of location and time, the students are still able to communicate, discuss, assess, and provide feedback.

Distance learning in Nepal is one of the most popular options for students who cannot attend the regular classes. It is usually availed by people who are either working or want to enhance their education level and skill while they are working.

In Nepal, one-on-one tutoring has long dominated the education sector. The country's educational tradition dates back to the early Gurukul teachings and the current formal education system. Online learning has been marketed as a sort of distance education in recent years' uses of technology in education.

Open and distance learning programs for certificates and diplomas are widely available in Nepal and Kathmandu. Students can enroll in UG-level courses including BA, B.Com, BCA, and bachelor's degrees in tourism studies. MBA, MCA, Masters in Tourism & Travel Management (MTTM), MA in English, and other courses are taught at the PG level. Usually, there are national and international distance learning courses available in Nepal. Here we have compiled the list of Top Distance and Open Learning Colleges in Nepal that you can check and seek admission from.

1. Tribhuvan University, Open and Distance Education Centre (ODEC)
Open and Distance Education Centre (ODEC, TU), a constituent independent academic institution of Tribhuvan University, was founded in 2015. The mission of ODEC is to make quality higher education accessible to the general public in Nepal through open and distance learning. It offers the chance to pursue higher education through open and online learning in all subjects provided by Tribhuvan University. The target audience for this program is adults who are interested in and required to enhance their academic credentials without leaving their jobs or professions but who are unable to enroll in a traditional higher education program for a number of reasons. It may also serve as a program of outreach to potential students in order to meet their educational needs.

ODEC uses a multifaceted strategy to assess students' learning. A variety of methods are employed to continuously assess the performance of the students using the Moodle platform for internal assessment. Students will also take the sit-in exam and the in-person exam in preparation for the end-of-semester exam. The courses the ODEC offers are MEd in English Education and MEd in Mathematics Education.

Address: Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone no.: 01-4331076
Website: https://tucded.edu.np/moodle/
Email: info@tu.edu.np

2. Nepal Open University
Nepal Open University (NOU) was founded to improve access for everyone who finds it challenging to continue education in the traditional form for a variety of reasons. It aims to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, competencies, abilities, and overall development they need to engage in academic or knowledge-generating activities, improve their employability, or fulfill their personal or social needs in line with national and market requirements. It also goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the global market for aspirants from Nepal and other countries.

By means of the "Act of Nepal Open University 2073," NOU was created in 2016 as a completely government-funded university, fulfilling the objectives of open and online modes of education. NOU offers diverse academic programmes through three faculties: Faculty of Social Sciences and Education, Faculty of Science, Health and Technology, and Faculty of Management and Law. NOU currently offers 24 courses ranging from BBA to MPhil as Diploma in Library and Information Management, One year Bachelor of Education, One Year B.Ed in Pedagogical Sciences, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Business Studies, Master of Business Administration, Master in Geoinformatics, Master Degree in Natural Resources Development, Master in Educational Science (MES) Education Governance and Leadership Instructional Design and Technology, Master in e-Governance, MS in Development Management and Governance, MSc in Environmental and Occupational Health, MPhil in Sociology, MPhil in Nepali Education, MPhil in English Education, MPhil in Political Science, MPhil in Health Education, MPhil in Information and Communication Technology, MPhil in Educational Studies, MPhil in Mathematics Education, MPhil in Economics, MPhil in Social Sciences Education and MPhil in Social Science (Political Science and Economics).

Address: Manbhawan, Lalitpur, Nepal
Phone no.: 01-5008047
Website: https://nou.edu.np/
Email: info@nou.edu.np

Some foreign universities, including the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Amity University Online, and Sikkim Manipal University-Distance Education, grant degrees in Nepal, in which IGNOU is the most popular among others.

1. Nepal Information Technology (NIT)
Nepal Information Technology (NIT) is an institution that imparts an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode of education. ODL has been shown to be the perfect way of instruction for achieving the educational goals of the majority, particularly for those who have been denied the opportunity to learn because of various social, geographic, and temporal restrictions.

It has offered a variety of courses and programs through the world's largest Open University, the Indira Gandhi National Open University, ever since its founding in the year 2008. (IGNOU). NIT is a recognized institution by the government of Nepal and is governed by its laws. It has a well facilitated modern academic environment with computer laboratory and library, qualified well-experienced Lecturers and Professors along with "student Support Section" for information, guidance and counseling. The courses on offer here at NIT are academic as well as professional ones varying in disciplines.

Programs:
The courses offered are Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), BA, BCOM, and MBA.
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Address: DAV complex, Jawalakhel , Lalitpur, Nepal
Phone no.: 01-5453761

2. International Center for Academic College (ICA)
Since its founding in 1997, ICA - the Award-winning Center has been offering educational services to the country. It was named the "Best Overseas Partner Institution" in 2011, 2013, and 2014 by Indira Gandhi National Open University for the Best Services and the "Best Distance Education B-School of Nepal" in 2013. In 2002, it became the first Partner Institution currently known as Overseas Study Center (OSC) of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in Nepal.

ICA is approved by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Government of Nepal and Tribhuvan University. All Nepalese universities, government and non-government organizations, and business establishments accept IGNOU degrees obtained through ICA. Internationally, IGNOU degrees are also highly recognized.

ICA presently offers various Academic, Value Added and Awareness programs through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode in Management, Humanities & Social Science, Tourism, Computer Science, etc. The courses are offered are Bachelor of Commerce with Major in Accountancy and Finance B.Com (A&F), Bachelor Of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelors Degree in Arts (BA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor’s Degree In Tourism Studies (BTS), Master Of Computer Application (MCA), Master of Arts In English (MEG), Masters of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM) and Master Of Business Administration (MBA).

Address: Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone no.: 01-4445540 / 4434492 / 4413104