“The Global Learning Partnership is one of the most inspirational experiences I have been involved in. The students were exceptional ambassadors for their universities. This demonstrated to me the strength of the U21 HSG as an inter-professional health science group engaging in discussions and debates regarding health related curricula and research with the aim of enhancing both local and global health outcomes.”

— Gillian Webb, Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne

The 2026 Global Learning Partnership is back!

Scroll down for detail. Dates are April 12 – May 05, 2026 in Nepal. The tuition cost is US$1,800 (price excludes flights). Three scholarships of US$1,000 are now available for students to apply to.

Find out more about this 3.5 week clinical placement opportunity working in partnership with the University of Kathmandu, Nepal that gives students the unique opportunity to learn and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background

The Global Learning Partnership (GLP) program is a student placement experience that has been running since 2016. It is organised by the UN Sustainable Development Goal group, one of the project groups of U21 Health Sciences (HSG).

The UN SDG group's vision is to facilitate the training of health sciences students to develop tools to be used by academics that aim to increase awareness of the SDGs.

After the successful pilot in 2016 we have partnering with the Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS) in Nepal to run the program with a group of students from U21 HSG member universities.

The Model

The key purpose of the GLP is to encourage close collaboration and sharing of information between students and staff across all universities, and across all cultures. It also focuses closely on the inclusion of host-country students and academics and is designed to encourage and build global citizenship amongst all participants.

The program provides students from a variety of health professions across U21 HSG member universities an opportunity to work with health science students from a university in a country where the SDG’s are relevant.

The Program

This is 3.5 week program that is divided into different stages and locations. For GLP 2026, the base will be Dhulikhel (Dhulikhel Hospital) for the first week and then Bahunepati (Community Outreach Center), located in the Sindhupalchowk district for the next two weeks.

The Community

Bahunepati is a beautiful village located in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community warmth. With a total population of approximately 24,109—comprising 12,020 males (49.9%) and 12,089 females (50.1%)—the village spans an area of 96.73 square kilometers and reflects a vibrant and balanced rural community. Situated about 34 kilometers from Dhulikhel and roughly 60 kilometers east of the capital city, Kathmandu, Bahunepati is easily accessible within an hour’s drive from Dhulikhel and about two hours from Kathmandu.

The village is characterized by scenic landscapes, terraced hills, and traditional Nepali homes, and the village provides an authentic rural experience. Bahunepati stands out as a welcoming and culturally rich community, making it an ideal site for the GLP that aims to foster collaboration, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

The Benefits

The following principles underpin the design of the GLP:

Global health experiences result in attitudinal change and increased cultural understanding
Interprofessional education results in effective healthcare clinicians
International partnerships result in capacity building, mutually beneficial educational gain and resource sharing

Eligibility

Undergraduate and Masters students in training for a health profession can apply
Students must have completed at least one year of study in their program; however, the GLP will more likely suit those in final year of studies or have had some placement experience
Students must be still enrolled as a student

2026 Global Learning Partnership

Program Application

Please apply by filling the application form on this website before the due date stated on the form.

During more than half of the program, we will be located on Bahunepati, a rural village in Nepal. So, it’s important to keep in mind that some resources might be limited while in community.

When you’re applying, please consider the following:

There will be limited options for people who have special dietary requirements
The sleeping arrangements/accommodation are generally basic: sleeping bags and mats on the floor
Expect long walks on hilly landscape while in community

Application Form

Application Deadline: 7 November 2025 at 12pm Hong Kong time. Application for a scholarship is included in the same application form.