Education is often a driving force for internal migration across Nepal. Migrants typically have a higher rate of education than non-migrants. This is more true for men than it is for women however. For instance, the percentage of male migrants with no education dropped from 25.4% in 1981 to 12.2% in 2021, while among women migrants increased from 24% to 34% (National Statistics Office, 2025). This indicates that improvements in inclusive access to education for women is needed in Nepal and suggests that much of the migration in rural areas is due to the migration of women for the purposes of marriage or to accompany a family member.

National Statistics Office (2025). Internal Migration in Nepal. Kathmandu: National Statistics Office. (National Population and Housing Census 2021). Available at: https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/files/result-folder/Internal%20Migration%20in%20Nepal%20Report.pdf (accessed 07/11/25).