Universities

Universities in Nepal

The history of higher education started in Nepal by the establishment of the first college i.e. Tri-Chandra College in 1918. Tribhuvan University came into function in 1959 and it was the only university in Nepal until 1985. In the early 80s, the Government adopted the concept of a multi-university system and as a result Mahendra Sanskrit University was established in 1986, followed by Kathmandu University in 1990, and Purbanchal and Pokhara Universities in 1995 and 1996 respectively. All these universities were established through the Acts approved by the Parliament and they function as the public institutions.

Federal Universities

1. Tribhuvan University (TU)

Tribhuvan University was established in 2016 BS (1959 AD). The central office of TU is situated near Kirtipur, an ancient town in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley.TU is the first and largest university of Nepal.The objectives of TU are to produce skilled human resources essential to the country"s overall development and to preserve and develop the nation"s historical and cultural heritage.

It comprises five institutes, four faculties, and four research centers. The institutes are technical in nature and offer several specialized technical courses on: science and technology, engineering, forestry, agriculture, animal sciences, and medicine, whereas the faculties offer courses generally in: management, humanities and social sciences, education, law, bachelor, master, M. Phil., and Ph.D. levels. Though there are twelve federal universities, five provincial universities, and eight medical academies in the country,TU accounts for more than 77 percent of total higher education enrollment and offers more than 173 academic programs at various levels.

The technical institutes, faculties and research centers under TU are:

Technical Institutes

1. 1. Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences (IAAS)
   2. Institute of Medicine (IoM)
   3. Institute of Engineering (IoE)
   4. Institute of Forestry (IoF)
   5. Institute of Science and Technology (IoST)

Faculties

1. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
2. Faculty of Management
3. Faculty of Law
4. Faculty of Education

Research Centers

1. Center for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA)
2. Research Center for Educational Innovation and Development (CERID)
3. Center for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS)
4. Research Center for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST)

2. Nepal Sanskrit University (NSU)

Nepal Sanskrit University was established in 2043 BS (1986 AD). It is situated in Beljhundi of Dang district. The goal of NSU is to modernize Sanskrit education in the country and preserve its age-old values. NSU offers courses on Uttarmadhyama (Sanskrit), Shastree (Sanskrit), Kabiraj (intermediate in Ayurved), PCL in science, Bachelor"s in Ayurved, Acharya (Sanskrit), Ph.D. (Sanskrit), language training, and yoga training related to Sanskrit.

3. Kathmandu University (KU)

Kathmandu University was established in 2048 BS (1991 AD), and is located in Dhulikhel, Kavre district. KU offers 98 academic programs in science, engineering, management, fine arts, education, medicine etc. at various levels

4. Purbanchal University (PU)

Purbanchal University was established in 2051 BS (1995 AD), in Biratnagar, Morang District, Nepal"s second-largest city. PU offers 72 academic programs in science, law, engineering, medicine, management, fine arts, education etc. at various levels

5. Pokhara University (PoK.U)

Pokhara University was established in 2054 BS (1997 AD) in Pokhara, Kaski district, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Pokhara University offers more than 40 academic programs in humanities, management, science and technology, engineering, medicine etc. at various levels.

6. Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU)

Lumbini Buddhist University was established in 2061 BS (2005 AD), in Lumbini, Rupandehi district, the birth place of Gautam Buddha in to promote education and research on Buddhism.

7. Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU)

Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) is the first State-owned university of Nepal, established in accordance with the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) Bill enacted by the Parliament in 2010. Accordingly, the constituent campuses of Tribhuvan University - the Agriculture Campus at Rampur (Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences - IAAS) and the Forestry Campus (Institute of Forestry - IOF) at Hetauda, together with the Dean"s Office of IAAS Rampur, were merged, and Agriculture and Forestry University was established in Rampur, Chitwan.

8. Far Western University (FWU)

Far-western University was established in 2010 A.D. (2067 B.S.) by the Government of Nepal under the Act of the Constituent Assembly. Administratively, Far-western University commenced operations following the appointment of its officials in 2011 AD.

Far-Western University launched its undergraduate programs in 2013 A.D. (2069 B.S.) and graduate programs in 2014 A.D. (2070 B.S.) under the faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, Management, Education, Science and Technology, Engineering and Agriculture Science follows a semester system except for the undergraduate program as Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) program which will still follow the yearly system.

9. Mid-West University (MU)

Mid-West University (MU) is an autonomous, public institution of higher learning with the mission to serve the people of Nepal and enrich the global learning community by extending the benefits of higher education. Established by the Government of Nepal with a Parliament Act on June 17, 2010 A.D. under the concept of a multi-university system, Mid-West University is a state-supported institution, founded on land donated by the Government of Nepal.

10. Nepal Open University (NOU)

Nepal Open University was established by an act of parliament in 2073 B.S. (2016) by the government of Nepal with Act No 3, 2073 approved on 2073/ 03/30 B.S. This is the premier Open University in Nepal with equal legal status to other universities in the country. The academic and administrative head is the Vice-Chancellor. The Registrar is the chief of the personnel and financial administration of the university.

11. Rajarshi Janak University (RJU)

Rajarshi Janak University (RJU) was founded in October 2017 by the Legislature-Parliament pursuant to Sub-article (1) of Article 296 of the Constitution of Nepal. The University has been established as a multi-disciplinary university in Madhesh Province, with its Central Office in Janakpurdham.

12. Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology

Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST) was established through the promulgation of the Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology Act, 2079 (2022 AD) on August 3, 2022. This Act grants extensive autonomy to the University creating an enabling environment for developing MBUST into a world-class research-oriented university. MBUST holds the promise of making a direct contribution to the country"s economic development by creating new knowledge and technology, thereby enhancing its economic competitiveness.

Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology represents a recent initiative by the Government of Nepal. Situated in Chitlang, Makwanpur district, the university was established during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nepal in 2019.This strategic foundation sets the stage for MBUST to emerge as a key player in shaping the region"s academic and technological landscape.

Provincial Universities

13. Manmohan Technical University

Manmohan Technical University is the first technical university in Nepal, founded by the government of Nepal, Koshi Province. Manmohan Memorial Polytechnic with well facilitated labs, workshops, classrooms and all infrastructure were overtaken by Koshi Province Government of Nepal and transformed into a Technical University. Unlike other universities in Nepal, it focuses on producing technical manpower in Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Forestry, Nursing, etc. from the lowest to the highest levels Under the Koshi Province government, the Board of Governors will manage the University. This university aims to open and run constituent colleges throughout the Koshi Province of Nepal. This university is situated in Budhiganga Rural Municipality, Morang district, Koshi Province, Nepal.

14. Gandaki University

Located in the lap of the Fishtail and Annapurna Mountains and situated in the valley of the lakes, Gandaki University (GU) is located in the beautiful city of Pokhara, a metropolitan area quickly becoming the education hub of South-East Asia. Gandaki University was established in 2019 to provide World-class education in line with the latest international trends in higher education. Programs will include training in Soft Skills, Digital Skills, Critical Thinking, Leadership, and Communication Skills. Programs will have an Industry Partner to expose our students in practical and real-life experiences even before they graduate.

15. Madhesh Agricultural University

The Madhesh Agricultural University (MAU) was established on 13th December, 2021 (27 Mangsir 2078 BS) at Rajbiraj, Saptari, Madhesh Province, Nepal. This is the first autonomous agricultural university in Madhesh province, established by Madhesh Province Parliament as Madhesh Agricultural University Act 2079 (Province Agricultural University Ordinance 2078)

This university conducts basic science research to generate knowledge and develop skilled human resources through education in the agriculture sector. The Madhesh Agricultural University is a premier institute for higher education, research and extension in agriculture.

16. Madhesh University

Madhesh University, established on Bhadra 23, 2079 B.S., stands as a beacon of higher education in Madhesh Province, dedicated to nurturing skilled manpower and fostering the comprehensive development of the nation. The university is rooted in the belief that quality education is the cornerstone of progress and aims to offer a diverse range of programs in arts, sciences, medicine, tourism, Ayurveda, law, management, education, oriental philosophy, technical fields, and various other disciplines.

17. Lumbini Technological University

Lumbini Technological University was established on July 2, 2022 (Ashar 18, 2079 BS) by the Act of the Province Legislature with the goal of advancing higher education in the field of information technology, engineering, agricultural and forestry, and tourism, among others, with a particular focus on the application and development of technology and innovation. Technology continues to play an increasingly significant role in shaping our world, with traditional jobs being replaced by tech-oriented ones, which demand competent professionals. LTU's mission is to promote and offer comprehensive programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that produce graduates with both disciplinary expertise and the ability to address real-world problems by combining theoretical knowledge with practical application along with exposure visits to reputed technological institutions. LTU recognizes that academic programs are not the only way to foster a rich learning experience. To this end, it

also places a strong emphasis on research and continuous education programs by supporting and encouraging students and faculty to engage in rigorous research activities, thus fostering a culture of innovation and creativity that benefits both students and faculty alike.

Medical Academies

18. B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS)

BPKIHS was established in 1993 AD, in Dharan of Sunsari district to provide education in medical sciences and it has been offering various academic programs in medical sciences including M.D. M.S., M.Sc., M.P.H., M.L.T., M.B.B.S., B.Sc. and B.D.S., in nursing, etc. at various levels

19. National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS)

NAMS was established in 2059 BS (2002 AD) in Bir Hospital of Kathmandu to provide education in the medical sciences and offers various programs in medical sciences including M.D. in anesthesiology, M.D. in dermatology, general practice, fellowship in neurosurgery and general surgery at various levels.

20. Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS)

PAHS was established in 2065 BS (2009 AD) in Jawalakhel of Lalitpur district. PAHS is based at Patan Hospital, the academy"s major teaching hospital. The PAHS is dedicated to improving the health status of the country"s people by producing medical graduates. The academy initially comprised of a medical school, which began to teach MBBS students in 2009.

21. Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS)

It was established on October 20, 2011 (2068/07/03), by an Act of Parliament of Nepal by upgrading the existing Karnali Zonal Hospital at Jumla. The goal of KAHS is to enable access to quality healthcare services and education for the people of backward areas at affordable cost by establishing a health institute in Jumla.

22. Rapti Academy of Health Science (RAHS)

Rapti Academy of Health Sciences (RAHS) is and autonomous institution committed to excellence in medical, education and research. The legislature parliament unanimously endorsed the “Rapti Health Science Academy Bill 2074” on 10th October 2017. Following the government"s decision to open one state-owned medical college in each province. RAHS is envisioned and committed to providing technologically enhanced medical services with a dedicated and skilled workforce, excellent infrastructure, and a sophisticated hospital setup. This is a landmark step towards expanding access to medical and diagnostic services to the people of this region. It is a major tertiary referral center for many specialized health services and excellent academic and research innovations.

23. Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences

Western Regional Hospital was established in 2012 BS, named the “Soldiers Board Hospital” with strong initiative by Major Bir Singh Gurung and his friends. In 2019 BS, this Hospital was handed over to the HMG of Nepal and developed into a 15-bedded Pokhara Hospital. It became the District Hospital of Kaski. In 2032 BS, this Hospital and INF shining Hospital merge with the name of Gandaki Zonal Hospital with capacity of 50 beds. In 2043 BS,

100 beds were added to upgrade the zonal Hospital to a Regional Hospital, bringing its bed capacity to 150. In 2046 BS, 50 more beds were added bringing the total to 200. Till 2061 BS, 100 more beds were added to the separate expansion of the post-operative and orthopedic ward. Maternity/Gynae and NCU wards are also separated during this period.

24. Madan Bhandari Academy of Health Sciences

Madan Bhandari Academy of Health Sciences (MBAHS) was established in 2018 AD as a health academic institution in Hetauda, Makawanpur, Bagmati Province, Nepal.

MBAHS was established by the Provincial Act, 2018 guided by Madan Bhandari"s vision of social equity, particularly in health. Recognizing the mammoth growth in demand for higher education, our representatives approved a bill that made it compulsory for a state to establish one Government Medical College as a deemed University.

The establishment of MBAHS is a stunning advance on the revolutionary changes introduced by Bagmati province, which were deemed to be university functions under the direct supervision of the chief minister. This is the first provincial deemed university (academy) in Nepal and holds great importance in light of the ongoing changes in Nepal.

25. Madhesh Institute of Health Science (MIHS)

Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS) is a province government-owned, autonomous health science institution located in Janakpurdham, Nepal. It was established in 2021 (2077 B.S) under the Madhesh Institute of Health Science Act 2077 with the aim of strengthening healthcare education, research and service delivery in Madhesh Province. MIHS is one of the emerging medical institutions in Nepal, created to address regional disparities in healthcare and to develop skilled health professionals. It functions as both an academic institution and a teaching hospital, contributing to education as direct patient care.