Challenges of higher education institutions students in the United Kingdom and Nepal during COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative comparative exploration

The present study is a comparative qualitative exploration of challenges faced by higher education institutions (HEIs) in developed (United Kingdom) and developing (Nepal) nations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative research strategy was used, and interviews were conducted via zoom to collect data from undergraduate and graduate students of both countries. The study's findings indicated that students in Nepal and the United Kingdom faced nearly similar challenges. Moreover, the pandemic significantly impacted students’ academic performance and well-being. The students face disparities in accessing the quality of education, and the gap has been widening among privileged and unprivileged students. The crucial issues focusing on academic, psychological, and socioeconomic challenges during online learning are technical problems, limited access to resources, mental health concerns and social isolation. The results clearly show that U.K. students have better technology access than Nepal students, who face multiple infrastructure and economic constraints. These disparities affect students’ ability to engage in online classes and access academic resources. Hence, based on the study's findings, strategies are proposed as a way forward. The study's findings are able to help policymakers, HEIs and the government focus more on flexible assessment policies, mental health support and innovative teaching methodologies for any unforeseen circumstances such as COVID-19.