Nd-doped and Nd-Al-codoped high silica glasses were obtained by sintering porous glass impregnated with Nd3+ and Al3+ ions. The absorption, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetime of Nd-doped and Nd-Al-codoped high silica glasses were measured. The intensity parameters Ωt (t=2, 4, 6), fluorescence lifetime, radiative quantum efficiency and stimulated emission cross section were calculated by Judd-Ofelt theory. The effect of aluminum codoping on the fluorescence and structural properties of Nd-doped silica glass has been discussed. By comparing the spectroscopic properties with other Nd-doped oxide glasses and commercial silicate glasses, this Nd-doped high silica glass is likely to be a promising laser material for use in high power and high repetition rate lasers.