Nepal is ranked in the top 50% in the world on several important indices for students and residents. Some highlights include:
There are two main kinds of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Nepal.
1. National Universities: These are funded directly by the Central Government of Nepal, and include the highest ranked HEI in Nepal (Kathmandu University) and the largest HEI in the country (Tribhuvan University). They typically have several college campuses within one or multiple cities, and offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, while conducting advanced research in multiple disciplines. Though the parent HEI is Public, private colleges can also apply for inclusion within the main University. The best Universities in Nepal are national.
2. Provincial Universities: There are six Provincial Universities in Nepal; they are located in the smaller regional cities of the country, unlike National Universities, which have their campuses in the largest cities of Nepal. For example, Manmohan Technical University focuses on vocational education, and and is located in Koshi Province.
Public Universities in Nepal offer a wide range of Certificate and Diploma Programs. Most of them are either short term (3 months to 2 years) or taught in the virtual mode. For example, Kathmandu University offers Diplomas in Higher Education to aid in Teacher Training. Other Diplomas and Certificates are related to language learning and skills needed by working professionals to upgrade their skills alongside their jobs.
Universities in Nepal offer four year Bachelor’s degree programs. These are offered in a wide range of subjects, from Media Studies to Chemical Engineering and Sociology. Degrees in Medical and Dental Science are integrated, and may last up to six years. Undergraduate degrees are less intensive than Master’s programs, and involve a basic understanding of different key subjects within the overall major chosen.
There are two Postgraduate program types in Nepal: Master’s and M.Phil. Master’s degree programs. Master’s degrees require two years of full time study, and candidates must complete 5-6 intensive courses per semester, with both internal assessments and regular assignments to be completed. The degree is awarded after a research report or project called the Master’s Thesis. The M.Phil degree is intended as a one or two year bridge to the Doctoral degree.
The most advanced degree awarded by Nepalese Universities is the PhD. It lasts for three years in Nepal, and students are expected to conduct high level research relatively independently, under the guidance of a senior faculty member. Applicants must have a Master’s or M.Phil degree in a relevant discipline, and a successful defense of the Doctoral thesis is required before the student can be awarded the PhD degree.
The country has various universities that offer approximately all the disciplines of study. Some of the popular disciplines available in Nepal are-
Civil Engineering | Information Technology | Craft & Design |
Fine Arts | Urban Studies | Media Studies |
Asian Studies | Buddhist Studies | Disability Research |
Indigenous Education & Development | Leadership and Management | Philosophy |
STEM Education | Structural Engineering | Health Informatics |
Here are some popular cities that have the most universities in Nepal.
The name of the city | No. of Universities |
Kathmandu | 2 |
Pokhara | 2 |
Lalitpur | 1 |
Birgunj | 1 |
Biratnagar | 1 |
Tuition fees for international students in Nepal are different for SAARC nationals and candidates from outside the SAARC region. For example, in Kathmandu University, Nepali nationals pay 850,000 NPR per year for Electrical and Electronics Engineering. SAARC nationals (including Indian students) pay 1.28 million NPR, and students from outside the SAARC region must pay 1.7 million NPR per year.
The average cost of living in the capital of Nepal (Kathmandu) is very affordable for international students. Even though students must budget for accommodation, food, travel, and technical infrastructure, it is still likely to be lower than in most countries in Asia.
Applicants for a long term Visa to study in Nepal must complete the steps listed below, and submit the following documents: