Restoration of multi-party democracy in 1990 has created positive environment for promoting higher education in Nepal. The liberal political system had opened the windows for expansion of new private and government universities had a crucial impact on the development of education in general and social sciences in particular in Nepal.  As the results Kathmandu University started Bachelors of Arts in Social Work in 1996 which was run in St Xavier College, Tribhuvan University started Bachalar of Arts in Social Work and Rural Development (BASWRD) with two major social work subjects in 1997 run in Padmakanya Campus. Bachelors in social work (BSW) course developed by Purvanchal University in 2005 run in Kadambari Memorial College of Science and Management and Masters in social work (MSW) in St Xavier College affiliated with Purbanchal University in 2005. Midwestern University has started BSW and MSW programme in 1970. MSW programme has been started in Tribhuban University in 2071.

To fulfill the increasing needs of professional social workers, united efforts has been realized, the Social Workers Association Nepal (SWAN) has been established as a non-profit member based social organizations in 2071 under the Institution registration Act 2034, committed to providing reliable technical services to its members to enhance knowledge, skills and practice.