Devendra Rawal is a higher education administrator and policy expert with over a decade of experience in university governance, policy formulation, and institutional coordination. He currently serves as Deputy Director and Head of the University Coordination, Regulation, and Governance Section at the University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal, where he plays a pivotal role in facilitating inter-university collaboration, overseeing governance frameworks, and driving higher education reforms.
With a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and access in higher education, Mr. Rawal has led initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional accountability, policy development, and leadership training in Nepal’s university sector. His extensive portfolio includes coordinating international partnerships, managing regulatory compliance, and overseeing research and scholarship programs. Previously, he served as Information, Education, and Communication Officer at UGC, where he played a key role in media relations, policy dissemination, and academic publishing.
A seasoned editor and researcher, Mr. Rawal has contributed to scholarly publications, including the Journal of University Grants Commission and the UGC Newsletter. His research interests focus on higher education policy, governance, and regional disparities in access to education. He has authored and co-authored multiple research articles examining education equity, leadership, and institutional development.
As an Erasmus+ National Focal Person (ENFP) for Nepal, Mr. Rawal serves as a key liaison for facilitating Nepalese institutions’ engagement with European education programs. He has represented Nepal in various international forums, conferences, and study visits across Thailand, China, Vietnam, Belgium, and the Philippines, contributing to global policy discussions on education management and institutional capacity building.
Academically, Mr. Rawal holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication and Journalism from Purbanchal University and a Bachelor of Education in English from Tribhuvan University. His expertise in policy communication, governance structures, and academic administration has earned him national recognition, including the Best Employee Award from UGC Nepal in 2021.
A dedicated advocate for higher education reform, Mr. Rawal continues to contribute to the advancement of higher education policies, university leadership, and governance strategies in Nepal and beyond.